Let's Celebrate Life's New Destiny!

 It's Lunchtime!

 . . .  Or was or will be. How delicious! Cubed cantaloupe, nectarine, blueberries and blackberries with a heaping tablespoonful of balsamic vinaigrette dressing . . . And it's tasty too! 

For all of the well informed folks reading this, I am certain that you are aware of the tremendous health benefits of consuming good wholesome fresh produce. But for those of you who are not, you should know that there are huge benefits from eating fruit. Fruit is listed as one of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) five food groups to ensure a well balanced and healthy diet. 

According to the USDA, "half of your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables."

Fruit – "Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed." (See ChooseMyPlate.gov)
As you can see on my lunch plate, I prefer that my fruit is fresh . . . Especially when produce is in season.

As early as last week, there has been heightened awareness of poor quality foods found on the shelves in the local grocery. If you care about your well being, I would give thought to how far your food travels prior to being served on your plate. I know at some point in your life's journey,  you have uttered the words, "there must be something in the food."  Well you know, there is something in the food . . . And whatever it may be it is not very healthy.

Do you know where your food comes from?

The recent alerts regarding the parasites found in packaged produce to the abundance of rainfall in the south, our food supply and the costs to farmers and consumers is, needless to say, are challenges to be contemplated. Considering I live less than 10 minutes away from a local grower/farm and the same farmer is one of the farmer's at the American Market and the fact that I have taken the time to tour the farm land, picked fruits and vegetables, watched the baked goodies evolve from the ovens, and more, I am assured that I am consuming wholesome produce and other foods which add to the nutritional value and better health in my diet. My recommendation: Take a break . . . Find a farm or market, enjoy the land and harvested foods! 

Of course, if you keep up with my blogs, you should realize that I am always leading up to something exciting so . . . Let's Celebrate!  

(Unless you recall the melody, you may have to pop in a CD to remind yourself of the following Earth, Wind and Fire song.)

Celebrate!

Seasons change, they rearrange
So why can't you and I - say why
Thoughts we find, are so unkind
We often have to cry - but why

[Chorus:]
Celebrate, change your thoughts to love
Celebrate, what you're thinking of
Time ain't long, soon we'll be moving on,
Moving on...

Nature's way for her to say in perfect harmony
Find your place, your past erased
For life's new destiny.

Has it ever occurred to you that our society celebrates something all year long? So, why do folks wait until November and state, "the Holidays are upon us?"  We celebrate everyday! And that's a great way to live! With the trials and craziness confronting citizens each day, we need to commemorate every small and big occasion which ushers us into living wholesome lives. (If you'd like to see a list of observances and celebrations, scroll back through the previous blogs and there you will discover a list of great occasions.)

So, you are probably wondering . . . What are 'we' celebrating now? You've guessed it . . .

                                  National Farmer's Market Week!

As suggested above, take a break, find a local farm/market and spend the next week -- and beyond, supporting your local market. The observance begins on August 4 until August 10, 2013. When you find the local market, express your gratitude to the farmer, food vendors, artisans, and please give the Market Master a big HUG!

And speaking of local produce . . . During the "Buy Local Week," Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland and his wife, Katie hosted the 6th Annual Buy Local Cookout in Annapolis on Thursday, July 25.  I have had the privilege of attending this exciting event three years in a row and have come to enjoy meeting lots of new people and enjoying delicious dishes created by local chefs using the foods grown on local Maryland Farms.

I also learn a lot from the experts such as the folks at the brewery.  Hops! Albeit, I am not a beer drinker, but I had a tiny sip of a local beer brewed right here in Maryland . . . For all of you beer drinkers, I tip my hat to you. The taste was a bit bitter for my liking. As the wet stuff hit my tongue, the folks observing my face immediately gave me the honorary title, "bitter face."

While standing there trying to resume my composure, I became mesmerized as I gazed at the hops dangling above my head . . . Beautiful! I would even incorporate them into an event and use them as a decorative element.

As I mentioned, the creative dishes (30 in all), were prepared by MD chefs using local produce, seafood, and meats. Some included  . . . English Pea Toast with Pickled Ramps, Grilled Chicken Caprese Crostinis, Maryland Corn Fritters with Tomato Salsa, Rockfish Sausages with Heirloom Tomatoes and Roasted Corn Relish, Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Maple Thyme Vinaigrette, Chesapeake Crab Cakes and Eastern Shore Melon Salad, Gertrude's Charolettetown Farm Ricotta Doughnuts with Peach Caramel Sauce and a new favorite of mine . . . 

Richardson's Watermelon Sorbet Wine Float with Lime Pepper Foam (left) . . . Ummmmmmm, delicious and it was so fun to watch how it was made! If you try your hand at making this beverage, you'll need liquid nitrogen and a hammer. And no, it's not your eyes, the image is actually a bit fuzzy . . . With all of the food I consumed, my eyes became a wee bit blurry! Maybe it was the sip of beer?

Ahhh . . . Lots of savory flavors, new and familiar faces, music and laughter and a beautiful, pleasant evening. As I strolled back to my vehicle, I looked  above to observe the sky turning to dusk . . . The United States and Maryland flags waving gently in the wind; passersby pausing to observe the same view . . .

Thinking, visualizing . . . Soon I will realize my goal; to secure sufficient funds through Hannah's Grace, Inc. a 501(c)3 organization and open a modest space where folks in the community may have a place to purchase local farm produce, learn the art of selecting wholesome foods on any budget, acquire the art of food preparation; a place where the community will meet and where I may serve and feed God's people . . . Visit us at: www.hannahsgrace.org

It's time to share new and exciting happenings at the . . . American Market!

Have you ever wondered how long the artisans have been offering and sharing their products at the American Market? Six years and counting! There are actually three (3) small businesses who have been steady supporters of the market from the very beginning . . . ET Textiles, Havana Banana Breads, Big Mama's Blessing Candles . . .

Havana Banana Breads Inc., Owner Michael 'Mike' Lawrence, a.k.a. "Top Banana" touts a very impressive statistic . . . 

"Bananas smashed since 2009: 88,667"

Acknowledged as a Veteran Owned Business in 2012, Havana Banana Breads "a local specialty baked goods company that makes only ONE product -- yep, you guessed it, BANANA BREADS." "The breads come in five to six amazing varieties, are preservative-free and weigh in at a hefty two pounds each.  Not to worry if you don't eat them all at once because you can freeze and thaw the banana breads as often as you want."  www.Havanabananabreads.com

Big Mama’s Blessing Candle Company "is a home based business specializing in highly fragrant 100% all natural soy candles and other fragrant products for your home, office or car. Our candles are lovingly made using high quality all natural soy wax, fragrance oils and all natural cotton core wicks. Each candle is triple scented, hand poured and contains a special blessing embedded in each container candle ranging from one special penny up to a $10.00 bill. In these hard economic times, the special blessing is our way of blessing you for supporting our products. With over 50 fragrances, you are sure to find that perfect fragrance," states Owner, Carolyn Mackey Bryant.

Joining us for the first time, one of our newest vendors is  . . . Puddin'.  According to Yelp! Puddin has received a 4.5 (rating). "Comfort food conjures up different meanings for every person but there’s one constant; the warm tingly feeling you get when you eat your favorite dish!"

"At Puddin’ we strive to recreate that feeling for you in every bite!" "We source our ingredients from local vendors to bring you wholesome Southern comfort foods; because, there is no limit to the efforts we take to create a warm meal for you," says owner Toyin Ali. The company, a family run business, serve a decadent bourbon brown sugar bread pudding, a delicious fried shrimp Po'Boy with homemade slaw, gumbo, and of course, shrimp and grits! www.puddin.com



Other than at the American Market @ National Harbor, you may find Havana Banana Breads, Big Mama's Candles and Puddin at a variety of farmer's markets around the region. Come on out and have a taste!

In addition to our regular vendors, in recent weeks we have added; Ollie Trolley 4 Guys and Dollies (hair jewelry), Flutterface (unique artwork - framed kaleidoscope images), Samantha Sittle (artist), G.A.B.E. - Jabril Muhammad (caricaturists/artist), CraveIt (funnel cakes), Ms. P's Concessions (waffles and funnel cakes), Garner's Garden (natural hair and skin oils), Sugalump (ribbons and bows!), Naya's Closet (colorful tutus!) Raining Catz and Dogz (gluten free pet treats), and of course all of the artisans who have been with us since May. And the best news is, we continue to add new food and craft artisans into the market community!

American Market @ National Harbor

Until October 26, 2013

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
In the heart of National Harbor on American Way

National Harbor, Maryland

Farmers and Specialty Food Vendors

Tyson's Farms

Miller Farms

Big Poppa's Kettle Corn

Boordy Vineyards *

CraveIt (funnel cakes and lemonade)

Gone Greens (collard green condiments)

Gourmet Spices by Joni (dips/sauces)

Havana Banana Breads

Ms. P’s Concessions * (patties, cakes, waffles)

Puddin’

(Bourbon and brown sugar bread pudding, Shrimp Po Boys)

TAMO Smoothies (fruity!)

Toticakes * (Sweet confections)

Wilhoit's Roasted Nuts

Lots of delicious goodies!

Artisans

Beads by Persia (jewelry for men, women, children)

Big Mama's Blessing Candles

Canvas and Matted Photography and crocheted puppy hats

Elements One (jewelry, travel candles)

ET Textiles (handbags)

FlutterFace (artwork)

G.A.B.E. (caricaturist)

Garner's Garden (natural hair and skin oils)

Habeebah's Herbals (skin and hair products)

Holly Blue Jewelry (silver) *

K. Lynn Creations (ornaments, pillows)

Mad Mud Studio * (handmade pottery)

Millie's Scented Rocks (aromatherapy)

NativeGrind (long boards, wristbands)

Naya’s Closet (Tutus for baby and you!)

 Niani Designs (silver and precious stone jewelry)

Ollie Trolley 4 Guys and Dollies (hair jewelry)

Reinvented Elegance 

(jewelry created with recycled items, 

greeting cards, mosaics, ornaments)

Samantha Stittle (visual artist – mixed media)

Sugalump Boutique

(children’s hair accessories)

4theHefainYou

(recycled handmade leather accessories)

Timepieces (Women’s jewelry)

Treats by Raining Cats & Dogs (gluten free pet treats)

 (*) Varied dates 

That's a wrap! We will see you soon!  And don't forget -- 

National Farmer's Market Week!

Phyllicia

Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.

Market Master 

www.nationalharbor.com (Things to Do)

www.phenomenalproductions.com

www.hannahsgrace.org

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"Be a trendsetter in healthiness!" -- Go Chantel!