Deborah Madison at Local Roots

Last night we welcomed a special guest to Local Roots: Deborah Madison, chef and cookbook author known for such titles as The Savory Way and Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and, of course, Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets.

Madison spoke first at The College of Wooster's Wellness Series, talking about how food and culture intertwine. Reviewing the history of "American" food from the immigrants to today's local foods movement, she explored how the process of growing your own food or buying from local producers you know and trust brings more pleasure to the act of cooking meals at home -- and of enjoying them.


After the reception on campus, Dan Dean -- coordinator for the Wellness Series -- brought Madison to Local Roots for a members-only reception at the market. Volunteers provided savory mushroom pate, crackers from local grains, spiced nuts, and decadent desserts using local ingredients.


Members of the steering committee gave Madison a tour of the market building and answered her enthusiastic questions. She repeatedly expressed her delight with what Local Roots members have organized, and she even purchased a few things from our producer members! She shared her support for our work and hoped to be able to spread the word further, promoting Local Roots as an example of what the local foods movement can do to change the food system.

We're thrilled that Deborah Madison was able to come and visit -- thanks to everyone who made the evening such a success!

Let Them Eat Cake!

The Wilderness Center held a "Savor the Flavor" fundraiser Friday night at Quailcrest Farm, and they invited Local Roots to participate and show off some of those delicious local foods from local farmers and producers.

How could we resist?


If you were there, you met our treasurer, Marlene Barkheimer (pictured here) and her daughter Jessica (our intrepid photographer) dishing up slices of a luscious carrot cake made by steering committee member Betsy Anderson.


Jessica reports that the cake was so popular, it disappeared by 7:15 PM, and even then, people wanted to lick up the remaining frosting!


A sign at the table listed all the local food producers who contributed to the ingredients of the cake -- and special thanks go to Monica Bongue of Muddy Fork Farm (another steering committee member) for the lovely carrots on top of the cake as well as inside!

The turnout for the event was impressive, which just goes to show you that eating locally really resonates with us here in the heartland -- not just with the gourmet foodies on the East and West Coasts. (We've always known that truly good food is grown by local folks!) And if you missed it, the Daily Record covered the event on the front page this morning.

If you missed the event, or if you missed out on that fantastic cake, or if you're just curious, Betsy has agreed to contribute her carrot cake recipe to the September newsletter, so keep your eyes open for it.

Thanks to all who stopped by!