Anyone else ready for spring?
This winter has been a doozy, best captured in the saying "Be careful what you wish for." All our drought-inspired rain prayers have been fulfilled and then some, and by this point we're probably not alone as we pine for some sun and flowers.
Fortunately spring is almost here. Springtime means fresh eggs, clean flavors, bright greens, warming soil, pink blossoms and the new issue of Word of Mouth. If you're looking for some chicks to start (or jump start) your own egg production, check out the Peeps! feature below. Also included is a quick and easy recipe for Homemade Mayo for that creamy goodness without the mystery additives of store-bought versions.
Also in this Small Bites edition: tomorrow's Farmers Convergence organized by the amazing North Coast Opportunities, as well as a quick run-down of the fabulous B-Corp's in Mendocino County and the wonderful work they are doing to value people and the planet. And of course keep your eyes out for the spring issue of Word of Mouth, available March 1st.
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Peeps!
Peeps, not the marshmallow kind but the real deal. Have you ever thought about hosting your own chicken flock? If so, now is the time to get those chicks.
Some people buy their chicks in the mail, but we like to pick them out at one of the many local shops where you can choose your own. They can set you up with books, feed and equipment, and often have some valuable free advice to share as well.
Meadow at Long Valley Feed in Laytonville always gets a good selection in stock for good laying and temperament. Locally available breeds have cool names like Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Golden Wyandotte, Black Sex Link and White Leghorns. Raising any animal is a big responsibility so do some research before you take on a chicken operation of your own. That being said, once you get the hang of it chickens are pretty easy, and even a small backyard flock can reward your family with eggs and entertainment. Easter is just around the corner.
Long Valley Feed
400 Branscomb Rd – Laytonville
707-984-6711
M&M Feed
74540 Hill Rd. – Covelo
707-983-6273
JD Redhouse
212 S. Main St. – Willits
707-459-1214
Rainbow Ag
235 E. Perkins – Ukiah
707-462-2404
Anderson Valley Farm Supply
7050 Hwy 128 – Philo
707-895-3884
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Two Minute Mayo
Never buy store bought mayonnaise again! Whip this up in a pint mason jar and it will last in your refrigerator for two weeks or more. No added mystery-preservatives and it tastes as good as the name brands (I used to be a real Best Foods snob and I was completely won over).
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp cold water
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (from ½ a lemon)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup mild tasting oil (safflower, sunflower, avocado)
- pinch of salt
Put egg yolk, water, lemon juice and mustard in the bottom of a wide-mouth pint mason jar. Add the oil and let it settle for thirty seconds or so. Using an immersion blender place the wand to the bottom of the mason jar. Turn it on and pull slowly upward as the mayonnaise emulsifies, rotating the wand until all the oil is fully incorporated. Season with salt and you’re all done.
Use on everything from deviled eggs (stir in some Piment d’ville) to salmon cakes (add a touch of dill) or for dipping pomme frites (stir in a spoonful of Mango Chutney). Delish!
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Farmers Convergence is tomorrow, February 28th at the historic Ridgewood Ranch
Once a year farmers from all over Northern California gather to share stories, skills and camaraderie at the historic Ridgewood Ranch just south of Willits. Food producers, supporters, restaurant buyers and local food enthusiasts will share a lively day of educational talks, networking, and a hearty ranch-made hyper local lunch. Much of the ingredients come from Ridgewood Ranch, the Ecology Action Garden and the Grange School of Adaptive Agriculture, which call the ranch home. A modest ticket price ($15) welcomes you to experience Northern California’s local food first hand.
Many farmers will be attending, like Hunter Flynn and Isa Quiroz of Tequio Farm (video below), to share their knowledge with you. Find out more at North Coast Farmers Convergence.
For the first time a special Farmer / Buyer mixer will be held at the historic Howard House limited to 50 people. Relax with a glass of wine or beer and make connections with the folks that make our local food happen.
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Illustration by Noe Designs
The Buzz on B Corps
The Spring issue of Word of Mouth has a bee focus: the pollinator kind and the business kind. B Corporations mean that the business has completed a rigorous third party certification showing they value people and planet as well as profit. Be sure to check out the in-depth profile of local B-Corp Thanksgiving Coffee (p. 9).
Fort Bragg is home to at least two other B Corp certified companies: Harvest Market and North Coast Brewing Company. These pioneers are leading the way in business sustainability. Harvest Market uses waste heat from their refrigeration to offset heating inside the market. They also contribute extensively to the community in charitable giving. North Coast Brewing Company partnered with local farmer Gowan Batiste (spring issue, p. 5) to recycle their spent grains and excess beer (yes, that exists) to grow vegetables and make super-compost.
Inland Mendocino County is the home of B Corp Fetzer Vineyards. Since their humble beginnings in 1968, they have continually raised the bar with their sustainability. They are the largest certified organic grape grower in the United States, the winery operates on 100% renewable energy, and they have been certified as 'zero waste’. It is worth stopping by the Fetzer facility just outside of Hopland to see these initiatives first hand.
These local B Corporations are affecting real change with their businesses. Pick up the spring issue of Word of Mouth to learn more.
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Our newest issue of Word of Mouth hits the shelves March 1st. You can pick up WOM at your favorite coffee shop (Black Oak, Steep, Headlands, Brickhouse and more), markets (Ukiah Co-op, Harvest Market, Elk Store, Mariposa Market and others), tasting rooms (Barra, Handley, Toulouse, Pennyroyal and more), favorite gathering spots (Mendocino Botanical Gardens, Ukiah Conference Center, Farmers Markets and others), and restaurants (Ocotime, Chop Chop, Flow, Mosswood, Boonville Hotel, Café del Mar and many more). You get the idea, if you want a copy, they are available. A full list is on our website WordofMouthMendo.com under FIND. Or you can have Word of Mouth delivered straight to your mailbox by mailing $25 to Word of Mouth Magazine P.O. Box 277, Willits, CA 95490 or online at WordofMouthMendo.com.
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Don't want to brag, but we think the spring issue is bee-utiful!
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