Bucks County Taste » Holidays

Bucks Food Calendar: December 2, 2011

Lynne Goldman — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:36:11 +0000

This Santa guy really gets around. Even in the digital age. Impressive.

Lots of Christmas-related food activities, like my favorite – “cookie walks” (what a great name, and activity!). Several churches and senior centers are holding cookie sales this week and next, including a cookie bake sale today and tomorrow at Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury. The Cooking Cottage in Sellersville will hold several classes this week on baking holiday cookies, making a Christmas tea and holiday entertaining. The Kitchen Potager at Linden Hill Gardens in Ottsville is also holding a Gingerbread House Making class. Check the full calendar for details or click on the name of the organization above to go to their websites.

Many festivals too. Check out the Ottsville Holiday Festival also at Linden Hill Gardens. Many of your favorite food vendors and artisans from the Ottsville Farmers’ Market will be there and more. The festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, see their website.

This Thursday, December 8th two unique events are taking place. The Doylestown Food Co-op will be presenting a showing of the movie, FRESH. The evening is also an opportunity to learn more about the co-op which is being formed to bring local food to a brick-and-mortar location in Doylestown. The screening is happening at Aldie Mansion and is co-sponsored by the Heritage Conservancy and the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance. Tickets are only $10. Come out to see a great movie and support the Doylestown Food Co-op in this fundraising event. For more information about the event see the co-op’s website. Aldie Mansion is at 85 Old Dublin Pike in Doylestown. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the movie will be shown at 7 pm.

An evening with Joanne Caras, author of the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook, will take place at the Elkins Gallery of the Mercer Museum on Thursday, December 8th at 7:30 pm. Caras, who has appeared on CBS, Fox TV and national radio, will share the story of how the cookbook was created, and will relate several of the most moving and miraculous stories that appear in the book. The cookbook is a collection of recipes and stories of over 120 Holocaust survivors. Autographed cookbooks will be available for purchase at the event and a sampling of recipes from the cookbook will be served. Admission is $10. For more information call 215.340.1303 or see the website.

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a warm, bright weekend. Follow Bucks County Taste also on Facebook and Twitter.

Friday, December 2:

Christmas Cookie Bake Sale @ Trinity Episcopal Church, 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury, PA [ 10 am - 4 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, 19 Bridge St, Stockton, NJ [3-7 pm]
Beer Tasting, Phillips’ Fine Wines, 17 Bridge St, Stockton, NJ [4-6 pm]
Friday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Rd., Pennington, NJ [5-8 pm]
Barrel Tappings @ Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square, New Hope, PA [6 - 7 pm]
First Friday in Perkasie – Perkasie, PA [6 - 9 pm]
First Fridays in Doylestown – Doylestown, PA [6 - 9:30 pm]
Holiday Entertaining (cooking class) @ The Cooking Cottage, 1731 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville PA [6:30 - 8:30 pm]

Saturday, December 3:

Christmas Cookie Bake Sale @ Trinity Episcopal Church, 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury, PA [ 10 am - 4 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, 19 Bridge St, Stockton, NJ [9 am - 4 pm]
Holiday Cookies (class) @ Kitchen Garden Cooking School, 527 Center Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA [10 am - 1 pm]
Ottsville Holiday Festival @ Linden Hill Gardens, 8230 Easton Rd., Ottsville, PA [10 am - 4 pm]
Chili Luncheon @ Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 N. Chancellor St, Newtown, PA [11:30 am - 2:30 pm]
Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12 - 6 pm]
Beer Tasting @ New Hope Beverage, New Hope [3 - 7 pm]
Saturday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington [5-8 pm]

Sunday, December 4:

Breakfast with Gene Baur @ Sprig & Vine, 450 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA [10 am - 12:30 pm]
Ottsville Holiday Festival @ Linden Hill Gardens, 8230 Easton Rd., Ottsville, PA [10 am - 4 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, 19 Bridge St, Stockton, NJ [10 am - 4 pm]
Vinyasa Yoga & Wine @ Crossing Vineyards, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA [11:30 am - 1:30 pm]
Toast the Holidays in Riedel Crystal @ Crossing Vineyards, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA [2 - 3:30 pm]
HolidayTea @ Historical Craven Hall, Street & Newtown Roads, Warminster, PA [3 - 5 pm]

Monday, December 5:

Holiday Entertaining (class) @ The Cooking Cottage, 1731 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville PA [6:30 - 8:30 pm]

Tuesday, December 6:

Free Community Lunch @ Frenchtown UMC, 16 3rd St., Frenchtown, NJ [11:30 am - 1 pm]
Gluten Free / Healthy Living Support Group @ Medicine in Balance, 940 Town Center Drive, Suite F-90, Langhorne, PA [7 - 9 pm]

Wednesday, December 7:

Pierogy Wednesdays @ St Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Anne Activity Hall, 1545 Easton Road, Warrington, PA [9 am - 12 pm]
Schnitzel Night @ United German Hungarians Club, 4666 Bristol Rd, Bensalem, PA [5:30 - 7:30 pm]
Gingerbread House Making @ Kitchen Potager at Linden Hill Gardens, 8230 Easton Rd, Ottsville, PA [6 - 8 pm]
Wine Down Wednesdays @ Old Bethlehem Road Hotel, 243 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown, PA [6 - 9 pm]
Meet the Brewer: Victory Brewing Co. @ Spinnerstown Hotel, 2195 Spinnerstown Rd, Spinnerstown, PA [7 - 10 pm]

Thursday, December 8:

Christmas Tea (class) @ The Cooking Cottage, 1731 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville PA [10 am - 12 pm]
Clam Bake @ Logan Inn, 10 W. Ferry St, New Hope, PA [5 - 9 pm]
Sushi Night in the Wine Cellar @ The Inn at Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ [6 - 10 pm]
FRESH, the movie: Doylestown Food Co-op – Aldie Mansion, 5 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA 18901-2468 [6:30 – 9:30 pm]
Evening with Joanne Caras – Holocaust Survivor Cookbook @ Mercer Museum’s Elkins Gallery, 84 South Pine Street , Doylestown, PA [7:30 - 9 pm]

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Follow Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter.

2011 – Going out for Thanksgiving in Bucks

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:00:17 +0000

It’s okay if you want to go out for Thanksgiving. No need to feel guilty. Many people are doing it evidenced by the increase in restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals over the past couple of years. This post is by far the most popular of the year. Here’s a list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving, most doing special prix fixe deals. I’ve also listed places that are offering “turkeys to go,” full meals including a cooked turkey or turkey breast ready to be warmed up. Your guests need never know…

I did a little bit of research and found many Bucks County restaurants (and nearby) open with Thanksgiving special menus. There are probably more. Let me know of any others by all means, and I’ll add them to the post. These are in alphabetical order with any interesting details I could find. If you have a favorite restaurant, give them a call and find out if they are doing Thanksgiving this year.

Following the listing are a few of the places who are offering Thanksgiving meals for take-out.

And, please…let them know you heard about it on Bucks County Taste. Thanks!

The Black Bass Hotel is offering a five-course dinner and a Thanksgiving buffet, served from noon to 8:30 pm, at a prix fixe of $59.50 per person. The inn is at 3774 River Road in Lumberville. Phone: 215.297.9260

The Brick Hotel at 1 East Washington Ave. in Newtown is putting on a lovely Thanksgiving buffet for the holiday. Price for adults is $34.99 and for children, $19.99. 12:30 am to 8:o0 pm. See their website for more menu details and call 215.860.8313 for reservations. They are also offering Thanksgiving-To-Go. See below for more information.

The Brick Tavern Inn will offer a special Thanksgiving menu that includes many of their regular menu items. All is a la carte. Dinner is served from 12 – 6 pm. For more information and a full menu, see their website or call 215. 529.6488. The Brick Tavern is at 2460 Old Bethlehem Pike in Quakertown. The Brick is also offering a Turkey-To-Go option. See below for details.

The Buck Hotel is offering a “Family Style” Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 6 pm. Price for adults is $35.95 (plus tax and gratuity) and $15.95 for children. All reservations must be paid in advance by cash or check via mail, or with credit card in person. The Buck is at 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville. You can reach them at 215.396.2002 for reservations. See their website for menu details.

Bucks Bounty in Erwinna will have a special Thanksgiving menu featuring choice of soup, salad, roasted turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes (white & sweet), and other traditional sides. Dessert included. Call for reservations at 610.294.8106. Bucks Bounty is at 991 River Road in Erwinna.

The Cascade Lodge is cooking a whole turkey for parties of 4 or more, including all the traditional fixings. And you can even take home the leftover turkey! Cost is $27.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Their regular menu will also be available. The Lodge is at 5065 Lehnenberg Rd. in Kintnersville, and will be open from noon to 7 pm. Phone: 610.346.7484

The Centre Bridge Inn in Centre Bridge/New Hope will be serving Thanksgiving dinner in their lovely dining room overlooking the Delaware from 12:00-6:00pm. $39.95 for adults; $19.95 for children 12 and under. Please call 215.862.9139 for reservations.

The Freight House in Doylestown will be open 12 to 8 pm on Thanksgiving Day and offer special holiday choices in addition to their regular menu. For reservations, call 215.340.1003. The Freight House is right by the Doylestown Train Station on 100 S. Clinton St.

The Indian Rock Inn is offering an All American Thanksgiving Feast from noon to 8 pm, for $39.00 per person (children under 12 years: $15.00). This includes a three-course dinner – both traditional turkey with all your favorite trimmings, sides and several alternative choices – as well as a choice of soup or salad and dessert. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Phone: 610.982.9600. The Inn is at 2206 River Road (Route 32) in Upper Black Eddy.

The Logan Inn in New Hope is hosting Thanksgiving Day Dinner from noon to 8 pm. In addition to their regular dinner menu, they will offer traditional Thanksgiving specials, complete with soup, salad, dessert and coffee. The inn is at 10 W. Ferry St. Phone: 215.862.2300

Marsha Brown will be open from 1 to 7:30 pm with a Creole-inspired Thanksgiving menu that makes you want to move to Louisiana. Choices include a Lobster, Shrimp and Crawfish Bisque or Real Gumbo Ya Ya, Turkey with Corn Bread Andouille and Chestnut Stuffing, Duck and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, a 10 oz. Filet with Béarnaise Sauce*, and Eggplant Ophelia. Side dishes are served family style and dessert is also part of the $49.95 per person deal (*$59.95 for the filet; Children 12 and under Turkey Dinner for $15.95). Marsha Brown’s is at 15 South Main Street in New Hope. Reservations: 215.862.7044.

Martine’s in New Hope will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner special, along with other specials and their regular menu from 2 pm to 8 pm. Martine’s is on the river at 14 E. Ferry Street. Call them at 215.862.2966.

naBrasa, the Brazilian steakhouse in Horsham, will be serving traditional Brazilian Rodizio cuts plus skewered turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and all of the Thanksgiving trimmings. Dinner from 3 – 8 pm, $42.95 per person. Contact them for reservations at 215.956.0600.

At Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, the options are varied. Sweet Lorraine’s will offer a special Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet from noon to 7 pm: $27.95 (adults), $22.95 (seniors) and $11.95 (children). Earl’s Bucks County will do a three course prix fixe option for $29.95. A la carte from the same menu choices will also be available. Earl’s is also offering a Turkey-To-Go option. See below for details. Click on the links above for more information, including phone numbers for reservations.

The Stockton Inn in Stockton, NJ holds a special Thanksgiving meal every year which benefits the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, an excellent organization. Five dollars – plus the donation of your choice – gets you a full Thanksgiving meal including roasted turkey, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, home made rolls, and home made pumpkin pie. Price does not include gratuity, taxes or drinks. Seatings are for 60 minutes at 12:00, 1:15, 2:30, and 3:45. To reserve a spot, call the Inn at 609.397-1250.

The Temperance House is presenting a gourmet Thanksgiving Grand Feast from 12 – 6 pm, featuring a hand-carved turkey station and steamship of beef with all the fixings for $26.95 per person (adult) and $13.95 (child). The Temp is at 5 N. State St in Newtown. Call 215.860.9975 for reservations.

The Vintage Grille in Fountainville will offer a traditional prix fixe Thanksgiving Dinner beginning at 11 am with the last seating at 8 pm. Dinner is $26.95 (adult, $16.95 children) Prix Fixe, 3 courses – Appetizer, Entree, Dessert. Entree choices include traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, slow roasted prime rib, butternut squash lasagna, Veal Oscar, and more. They will also be serving breakfast on Thanksgiving morning 8 – 11 am including pumpkin pancakes, whole grain French Toast, and Turkey Benedict. Reservations required for Thanksgiving dinner. Call 215.348.4850.

The Washington House is seating for a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner including choice of soup or salad, entree, dessert and coffee for $29.95 – 34.95 (adult). See the menu online. A la carte menu also available. You can find them at 136 N. Main Street in Sellersville. Reservations “highly recommended:” 215.257.3000.

The Waterwheel Restaurant in Doylestown is presenting a Grand Thanksgiving Day Buffet from 1 to 6 pm. $40.00 per person, kids under 10 y.o. half-price. Call for reservations at 215.345.9544. The Waterwheel is at 4424 Old Easton Rd.

The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar will be serving dinner 1 – 7 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The menu for the holiday includes a variety of entrees, including turkey, salmon, filet, crabcakes, lamb, trout and pork chops. Reservations are strongly recommended as they usually fill up on Thanksgiving. You can find the Yardley Inn at the corner of Afton Ave. and River Rd. in Yardley. For reservations, call: 215.493.3800.

And nearby, on the Jersey side of the river:

Erini Restaurant at 1140 River Rd. in Ewing will be open on Thanksgiving from 1 to 6:30 pm, offering 4-course dinners, based on the price of the entree. You can reach them at 609.882.0303.

Hamilton’s Grill Room will be offering a five-course Thanksgiving Family Dinner Dinner, served from 1 to 5 pm, for $50 per person. Entree choices include Turkey, Salmon, Roast Beef and all the traditional sides, plus dessert. Call the restaurant for more information and reservations at 609.397.4343. Hamilton’s is at 8 Coryell St. in Lambertville. And don’t forget, they are also BYOB.

The Lambertville Station Restaurant is offering a traditional turkey dinner entree as well as a variety of other selections (ranging $18-$32) on Turkey Day. At the Inn at Lambertville Station, they will have a Thanksgiving Buffet with seatings from 12 to 8 pm. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving menu, they’ll also offer Prime Rib, Roasted Pork Loin and Salmon. Adults: $36.95, children 3 – 10 y.o., $17.95. The restaurant and Inn, at 11 Bridge St. in Lambertville, can be reached at 609.397.8300 for more information and reservations.

Interested in Turkey-to-Go? Here’s a few places that are offering a cooked turkey with all the fixings:

The cafe, bakery and caterer, Baker’s Treat, is offering a full Thanksgiving menu for take-out including Herb-Roasted Turkey, homemade stuffing, gravy, soups, side dishes and appetizers (see their menu online). Their wonderful cakes and pies are also available. Turkeys come in (approximately) two sizes (15#, 23#). They’ll work with you to determine the right amount of food for the number of guests you’ll be having. Available at their Lambertville, Flemington and Somerville locations. Call 908.782.3458 to order.

The Brick Tavern Inn in Quakertown will be offering a full meal including sliced roast turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, chef’s vegetables, cranberry sauce, house salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing and rolls for $13.50 per person. Add pumpkin pie for $8.50. Orders must be placed by Friday, November 18 and full payment must be made at time of order. Orders can be picked up on Wednesday, November 23 after 2:00 pm or Thursday, November 24 from 10:00-12:00 pm. Food will need to be reheated. Reheating instructions are included. Call 215.529.6488.

The Brick Hotel offers Thanksgiving To Go for $19.99 Adults, $14.99 Children (3yrs -12yrs) + tax including Roasted Turkey Breast with Chef’s Burgundy gravy, Traditional Herb Stuffing , Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Southern Style Green Bean Casserole. See their menu online. Pick up is between 12 – 7 pm. Call 215.860.8313.

Earl’s Bucks County in Peddler’s Village. The Thanksgiving Feast to Go includes a Bolton Farm Tom turkey (raised locally in Silverdale), giblet gravy, butter whipped mashed potatoes, apple sage dressing, green beans, candied yams, cranberry chutney, assorted rolls and a choice of apple, pumpkin or pecan pie. Pricing: for 4-7 guests $170 (one pie) and for 8-12 guests $240 (two pies). Add an additional 14 to 16 lb. turkey for $75. Easy and convenient curbside pick-up on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the rear of Earl’s. Orders must be received by November 23. Call: 215.794.4020.

Jamie Hollander’s Gourmet Foods in New Hope has a full Thanksgiving menu for take-out, including a whole roasted turkey, roasted turkey breast, stuffed turkey breast or ham. Turkeys are all natural from Koch’s Farm (Tamaqua, PA). The whole turkey is brined and stuffed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, trussed, then slow roasted. Turkeys are available brined (raw) or cooked. Exact weight will vary from turkey to turkey. Includes gravy. Over 1/2 dozen traditional side dishes and soup available too, as well as traditional condiments, pastries and party platters. See their website for the full menu. Orders need to be in by Friday, November 18th by 7 pm. You can reach them by phone at: 215.862.9809 or online.

Palate in Newtown has a Thanksgiving to go menu with choice of a whole roasted turkey (12-14 lb.), country style ham or salmon, with sides including mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, 3 kinds of stuffing, green bean casserole, mixed squash soup, root vegetable and apple gratin, and cranberry relish. Desserts also, like chocolate decadence cake, pumpkin cheesecake and apple, raisin and pecan strudel. For more information call 215.860.2898 or see their website. Palate is at 31 S. State Street.

The Vintage Grill in Fountainville will have a Thanksgiving turkey dinner available for takeout for $19.95 per person which includes a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings or butternut squash lasagna. Advance order required. A whole roasted turkey dinner to-go (serves 8-10) is $149.99 and includes one oven roasted turkey 10-12lbs., fresh garden salad, homemade stuffing, fresh whipped mashed potato, whole kernel sweet corn, cranberry, fresh made turkey gravy, dinner rolls and a choice of pie. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 20th. Contact them at 215.348.4850.

Wegmans in Warrington is offering a Premium Turkey Dinner for $84.99, serves 8-10 and includes 4 sides, gravy and cranberry orange relish. A hand-carved Roasted Turkey Dinner is available in two sizes: the medium serves 5-6 and costs $109; the large serves 10-12 and costs $195. Both include 4 sides, gravy and cranberry orange relish. You can also order the items a la carte. See more details online and call the Catering Department at 215.918.3908 to order.

Connect with Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter too, and keep up-to-date on local food happenings at our calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

Fresh turkeys in Bucks – 2011

Lynne Goldman — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:03:58 +0000

Here’s an update for 2011 on where you can get fresh, natural turkeys in Bucks County. Not all are raised here (some come from Lancaster County or New Jersey), but they are all fresh and can be picked up just before Thanksgiving. And don’t dilly-dally. Some of these producers/vendors may sell out!

This is an alphabetical list of markets, farms and producers where you can get the birds, along with key information. Many don’t know prices yet; as I find out I will update the post. I apologize if I have omitted a good source. Be sure to let me know, and I’ll add them to the list. Also, keep Christmas in mind too, since most of these suppliers also have turkeys (and ducks) for the December holidays.

Bolton’s Farm Market (Silverdale)
Route 113
Silverdale, PA
215.257.6047
Store hours: Mon – Fri 9:30-6, Sat 9:30-5
Thanksgiving Week: Mon 9-6, Tues 8-7 (try to stay away from 10 to 2), Weds 7-5 (ditto), closed T’giving Day

Turkeys are fresh, all natural, raised on Bolton’s farm, no hormones or antibiotics, fed no animal by-products, and raised in large pens. The smallest birds are 10-12 lbs, the largest are 38-40 lbs. Price: $2.59/lb. Call or stop by the store to order, at least 2 weeks before Thanksgiving – do not leave a message; wait to speak to someone. Pick-up is at the store the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Cash or personal checks only. Here are some tips from their website: Historically, our small parking lot can get so full between 10am and 2pm that it is sometimes almost impossible to get in. Well before or well after these times are best. Want to get in and out? Come between 8:00am – 9:30am or the last hour we are open, especially Tuesday. YOUR TURKEY MUST BE ORDERED AHEAD and will be waiting for you!

Ely’s Farm Products (Newtown/Upper Makefield)
401 Woodhill Rd., Newtown, PA 18940
215.860.0669
Store Hours: Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-2
Thanksgiving Week: Wednesday

Fresh, all natural Pennsylvania turkeys, weighing between 12-14 lbs. at the smallest, 30 lbs. at the largest. Can call or stop in at the store to order, for pick up on the day before Thanksgiving. Can order up until Thanksgiving week but could run out of the size you want, so order as early as possible. Also have available: sausage (for stuffing), cranberry sauce and artisanal cheeses (made on the farm!).

Fairview Farm (Pineville)
831 Pineville Road
Pineville, PA 18946
215.598.3257

Turkeys are fresh, from a family farm near Lancaster (they’ve gotten them there for about 20 years), raised in large barns, commercial feed, no antibiotics. The smaller birds are 10-12 lbs, the largest are 30 lbs. Price: $2.49/ lb. Call or stop in to the market to order by November 15th, earlier if you want a 25 lb. or larger bird. Pick up at the market on the Tuesday (9:30 – 6) or Wednesday (9:30 – 5) before the holiday.

Haring Brothers (Doylestown/Danboro)
5484 Haring Rd
Doylestown, PA 18902
215.766.8330

Turkeys are fresh, antibiotic/steroid-free, from a farm in Lancaster County. Birds are available from 12 lbs. up to 30 lbs. at $2.59 / lb. Call or stop by the store to order. They probably will have turkeys up until Thanksgiving, but if you want a particular size, order earlier. Pick up at the store the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving (also available the weekend before).

Hendricks Farm and Dairy (Telford)
202 Green Hill Road
Telford, Pa 18969
267-382-0556

Free-range, no antibiotics, no hormones, no animal by products, “all natural” Pennsylvania turkeys. Birds are available from 12 lbs. up to 30 lbs. at $4.25/lb (fresh – available 11/22-23, frozen – available 11/17-19). Contact by November 12th with your order.

Illg’s (Chalfont/Warrington)
365 Folly Rd.
Chalfont, PA 18914
215.343.0670 (v)
215.343.3742 (f)

[I didn't hear back from them at press time, but if I do, I'll update the post.]

Maximuck’s Farm Market (Doylestown)
5793 Long Lane Road
Doylestown 18902
215.297.9894
Store Hours: Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm. Sun 10 am – 4 pm.

Fresh turkeys from a Lancaster family farm located near Leola. Antibiotic-free. Turkeys are available from around 10 to 30 pounds. Taking orders until the weekend before Thanksgiving. Turkeys will be available for pickup the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

None Such Farm Market (Buckingham)
Rt. 263 (York Road), ¼ mile south of Rt. 413
4458 York Road, Buckingham, PA 18912
215.794.5201

Free range, “all natural,” hormone and antibiotic-free turkeys from DiPaola Farm in Mercer County, NJ. Available in 7 weight ranges from 11 lbs. to 32 lbs. Price: $3.99/lb. Bone-in turkey breast also available for 4-6 lbs. and 7-9 lbs. at $7.99/lb. Call the Meat Shop & Deli at the market at 215. 794-5201, ext. 1 . They will start taking orders on November 1 and no orders after Saturday November 19. Pick up at the store the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Purely Farm Organically Pastured Meats (Pipersville)
55 B Municipal Road
Pipersville, PA 18947
purelyfarm@verizon.net
215.317.0889

Joanna and Marc Michini raise pastured, all natural turkeys (in addition to pork and chicken), average between 14 and 25 pounds, at $4.24/lb. Due to their limited supply they recommend reserving a Thanksgiving bird as soon as possible. To reserve a turkey mail a non-refundable deposit of $25 payable to Joanna Michini, or drop the deposit off at the farm. There is a designated drop box beside their mail box. If a specific size is desired, please come early on pick-up day. Pick-up will be Tuesday, November 22nd from 1 to 8 pm.

Thanksgiving? Already??

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:41:17 +0000

Say it ain’t so! But it’s true. I’ve started to see interest in our post from last year, 2010 – Going out for Thanksgiving in Bucks, so some Type A’s out there are already looking ahead, way past Halloween. Folks are also starting to think about where to get fresh turkeys, which I have also written about for the past two years.

I will update both posts for 2011, but in the meantime, if you must, you can check out the posts from last year to get a head start. Many restaurants haven’t finalized their plans yet, but will as October progresses.

For going out to eat for Thanksgiving as well as who is doing take-out turkey dinners, see this post: 2010 - Going out for Thanksgiving in Bucks. These are the places who did it last year and information about the dinners.

For ordering a fresh turkey, click here: Fresh turkeys in Bucks – 2010.

Gobble, gobble.

Bucks Food Calendar: June 17, 2011 – Father’s Day

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:07:43 +0000

Thank goodness we’re back to seasonal weather and the weekend looks pretty decent (don’t want to jinx it). As I prepare the weekly calendar update, I’m always thinking, “What are we doing this weekend? Can we go to this? Or that?” It’s always a bit up in the air.

This weekend my Bucks County Food Tours‘ partner, Alan Brown, and I will be taking some friends on a Bucks (and nearby) tour. Some of the stops? Ely’s, Milk House Farm Market, Maresca’s, Lovin’ Oven, Stockton Market, Bobolink Dairy and who knows what else? I think we could hit a couple of Hunterdon County wineries on the way home. LOTS of wineries are doing specials this weekend for Dads – free tastings, chicken wings and such. The New Hope-Ivyland Railroad is doing a Beer Tasting Train ride on Sunday too (‘urp). There are also FOUR firehouse breakfasts this weekend, which is where we’ll be this Sunday with my Dad. For more details, see our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County.

Other news…Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream starts their
“94 cents Ice Cream Cone” promotion starting Thursday, June 16 and going every Thursday until September 22nd. You can pick up your 94 cents cone at Shady Brook Farm and other locations from 3 – 9 pm.

Gifts for Dad. If you still haven’t gotten a Father’s Day gift, see our post yesterday on foodie gifts for cool Dads. Lots of great ideas.

To market, to market. What might you expect to find produce-wise at area farm markets this week? Raspberries, strawberries (last of the season), bok choi, broccoli, broccoli raab, mizuna, red beets, Asian turnips, zucchini and summer squash, sugar snap peas, snow peas, lettuces, spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard, mustard and dandelion greens, radishes, garlic scapes (also last of the season), vegetable and herb seedlings, mushrooms. Many markets will have pastured meat, eggs, cheeses, plus raw local honey, breads, baked goods and prepared foods. In addition, I hear that Tabora Farms and Orchard in Chalfont has the first-of-the-season u-pick blueberries and black currants. Next week they say they’ll have gooseberries. Yum.

On the horizon…tickets for Riverside Symphonia’s Concert Under the Stars on July 2nd have gone on sale online and at various locations come June 18th. Don’t wait too long. Why would a food blog mention this? Well, as my dear friend Cindi once put it, this event could be called “competitive picnicking.” People go overboard, bringing great food, and even dishes, candelabras, and such. It’s a lot of fun. The music is great, and the fireworks at the end, as you lie in the field at Tinicum Park are delightful. See ya there.

One more thing…Bucks County Taste is running a contest on Facebook! The goal is two-fold. To top and go beyond 1000 fans, but more importantly, I’m asking all entrants to tell us what are “don’t miss” food experiences in Bucks County. Check into our Facebook page and let us know!

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a sweet weekend. Follow Bucks County Taste also on Facebook and Twitter.

Friday, June 17:

Father’s Day Weekend, Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [1-7 pm]
Ottsville Farmers’ Market, Linden Hill Gardens, Ottsville [4-8 pm]
Beer Tasting, Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [4-6 pm]
Friday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, NJ [5-8 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ The Market at DelVal, Doylestown [6 pm–9 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 pm–9 pm]
The Taste of Summer (class) @ The Cooking Cottage, Sellersville [6:30 - 8:30 pm]
Wine Tasting for Singles @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [7 - 9 pm]
Summer Fireworks in New Hope/Lambertville – New Hope, PA & Lambertville, NJ [9:30 – 10:30 pm]

Saturday, June 18:

Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am-12 pm]
Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, Plumsteadville [9 am - 12 pm]
Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, Wrightstown [9 am-1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am-4 pm]
Father’s Day Weekend @ Chaddsford Winery Tasting Room & Wine Shop, Lahaska [10 am - 9 pm]
Father’s Day Weekend @ Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12-6 pm]
Father’s Day Wine & Wings Weekend @ Old York Cellars, Ringoes, NJ [12 - 6 pm]
Wine Tasting for Dads @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [1 - 4 pm]
Salad Herbs & Greens @ Tinicum Herb Barn, Erwinna [2 - 3:30 pm]
Music in the Orchard @ Tabora Farm & Orchard, Chalfont [3 - 6 pm]
Beer Tasting @ New Hope Beverage, New Hope [3-7 pm]
Saturday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington [5-8 pm]

Sunday, June 19:

Breakfast @ Perkasie Fire Co., Perkasie [7:30 am - 12:30 pm]
Breakfast @ Riegelsville Fire Company, Riegelsville [8 am - 12:30 pm]
Breakfast @ Silverdale Fire Company, Silverdale [8 am -1 pm]
Father’s Day Breakfast Buffet @ Richland Twshp Fire & Rescue, Quakertown [8 am - 1 pm]
Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [9 am-1 pm]
Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market, Hellertown [9 am - 1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am-4 pm]
Father’s Day Weekend @ Chaddsford Winery Tasting Room & Wine Shop, Lahaska [10 am - 9 pm]
Grillin’ and Chillin’ Dinner @ Vintage Grille, Doylestown [11 am - 8 pm]
Father’s Day Lunch & Magic Show @ Graeme Park, Horsham [12 - 2:30 pm]
Beer Tasting Train @ New Hope/Ivyland Train, New Hope [12 - 4 pm]
Alba Vineyards’ Annual Father’s Day Festival, Milford, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
Father’s Day Weekend, Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
Father’s Day Wine & Wings Weekend @ Old York Cellars, Ringoes, NJ [12 - 6 pm]
Earth Center Coffee House @ Tyler State Park, Richboro [6 - 9 pm]
George Sinkler’s Father’s Day Sing-a-Long @ Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ [7 - 9 pm]

Monday, June 20:

Soupcon Salon by Kindle Cafe @ Manon, Lambertville, NJ [7 - 9:15 pm]

Tuesday, June 21:

Langhorne Farmers’ Market, Langhorne [3:30 - 6:30 pm]

Wednesday, June 22:

Pierogy Wednesdays @ St. Anne Ukrainian, Warrington [9 am - 12 pm]
The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm, Feasterville [4 - 7 pm]
Global Dinner @ The Cafe at Rosemont, Rosemont, NJ [5 - 8 pm]
Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5 - 9 pm]
Grillin’ & Chillin’ with the Chefs (class) @ The Solebury Club, Buckingham [6 - 8:30 pm]
Summertime Sicilian (class) @ Casa Casale, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska [6:30 - 9 pm]

Thursday, June 23:

New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [2:30-6:30 pm]
Uncle Dave’s 94 cents Ice Cream Cones @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [3 - 9 pm]
Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, Lower Makefield [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
Sushi Night in the Wine Cellar – The Inn at Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ [6 - 10 pm]

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County.

Follow Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter.

The new, cool foodie Dad

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:13:24 +0000

Yep. It’s this Sunday. You better get your act together. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19, 2011.

Do people still buy ties for Dads? Or barbecue equipment? Or is that all advertising gobbly gook? More like polo shirts and ugly shorts, no? What truly is reality?

Before I get too metaphysical, let’s get really real. I’ve got some great ideas for the foodie Dad, or any Dad for that matter, who enjoys eating.

Restaurants. How about a gift card to Dad’s favorite restaurant? (Mom will like that too). Click on this post and this one to get some ideas.

Specialty Food Stores. Ditto on the gift card, only why not get him one at his favorite specialty food store, like Altomonte’s, or his favorite bakery (Crossroads, Town Crier, Cramer’s, or at one of the farmers’ markets)? Or his favorite butcher (Haring Brothers, Illg’s, Ely’s, Maresca’s)? Wine or beer store (Phillips’, Wonderful World of Wine, Walker’s)? And let’s not forget ice cream places (oWowCow, Goodnoe’s, Uncle Dave’s, Chubby’s, Sweet Pea, Half Pint Kitchen, Yardley Ice House…here’s a list of even more).

Chocolate. It’s not just for Valentine’s Day anymore – or for the ladies. Pssst. I’ll tell you a secret. Men like chocolate too. Think the Painted Truffle (Stockton Market), Theo’s Chocolate or Laurie’s Chocolates (None Such Market), Raymer’s (Doylestown), and Didi’s Chocolates (Jamie Hollander Gourmet).

Bucks County Food Tour. If your Dad is into food, Bucks County Food Tours is the perfect gift. They can offer a variety of “behind-the-scenes” tour themes – meat, ice cream, cheese, or a mixed bag of fun, interesting local food and wine. They can customize a tour too. Five hours of eating, laughing and enjoying Bucks County bounty. For more information, see their website.

Cooking Classes. Who couldn’t use a little brushing up on their cooking skills? Even if your Dad is pretty swift in the kitchen, he might enjoy learning a new cuisine or honing his skills. We’re fortunate to have several places in Bucks that do interesting and innovative cooking classes. Look up The Cooking Cottage in Sellersville, the Kitchen Garden Cooking School in Durham, Casa Casale in Lahaska, or Carlow Cookery in Doylestown.

Whatever you decide, be sure to spend some quality time with your Dad, and thank him for all the food he’s given you over the years!

Happy Father’s Day.

The year in food: Bucks County 2010 – part 2

Bucks Food Calendar: May 27, 2011 – Memorial Day Weekend

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:54:21 +0000

Wow. I think we are about to get a really beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. Yee-ha.

What’s happening this week? I’ll begin with a non-food event, but one that you could easily combine with food and drink on a deck or patio in New Hope or Lambertville. I’m referring, of course, to the 2nd season of Summer Fireworks in New Hope & Lambertville. This hugely popular weekly event begins this Friday, May 27 at 9:30 pm promptly. The fireworks will continue every Friday through Labor Day. Make your dinner reservations, or crash in on some friends who live in the vicinity (make sure to bring some adult beverages; it’s only considerate).

Local vegan/vegetarian gourmet Chef Vincent Peterson is cooking up something, but he won’t tell me yet. It is good news, he says. Chef Vincent has been running a “pop-up” supper club called Kindle Café in Lambertville for almost two years and adding another wonderful option in the region for vegetarians, vegans and the rest of us who just plain love good food. The Kindle Café has been offering a prix fixe meal at Rojo’s Roastery on North Union St in Lambertville almost every Friday evening, and a similar arrangement called the Soupҫon Salon every other Monday evening at Manon, also on Union St. That will change for the summer, says Chef Vincent. The Soupҫon Salon, which includes local music as well as delicious organic plant-based cuisine, starts at 7 pm with dinner and entertainment beginning at 8:30 pm, every Monday night through August 29th at Manon Restaurant in Lambertville. For more information, click here for Kindle Café and here for Soupҫon Salon.

Grass-fed beef in Bucks County? You betcha. Tussock Sedge Farm, owned and operated by Henry and Charlotte Rosenberger, raises organic, grass-fed beef near the small village of Blooming Glen, on Route 113 (near Perkasie). The Rosenbergers have been raising their cattle – and the land they graze upon – in a completely organic and sustainable manner, while also producing some very good tasting meat. You can visit the farm and learn more about it at the first Summer Farm Tour hosted by the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, this Wednesday, June 1st. Each farm tour begins with a potluck (bring a dish, utensils, seating, beverages) at 6:30 pm, followed by a farm tour at 7:30 pm. To learn more about the Summer Farm Tour series, click here.

To market, to market. This week two more farmers’ markets open. In its second season, The Farmers’ Market at Playwicki Farm takes place every Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm at 2350 Bridgetown Pike in Feasterville. This year they will have at least one special event each month starting with a container garden planting on opening day, June 1. The container will then be raffled off during the market day.

Welcome also to the Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, opening for the season this Thursday, June 2nd. The market goes from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, and will continue weekly until October 20th at Veterans Square Park, Edgewood and Heacock Rds. in Lower Makefield.

The Stockton Farmers’ Market will be open on Monday, Memorial Day from 10 am to 3 pm with great meat for your cookouts, breads, produce, cheese, ice cream and so much more.

What can you expect to find at area farmers’ markets this week? Arugula, Asparagus, Baby Kale, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab; Head Lettuce: Butterhead, Red Leaf, Oak Leaf Mesclun Mix; Chinese Cabbage, Kale, Microgreens Salad Mixes, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Radishes, Rhubarb, Sorell, Spinach, Spring Garlic, Strawberries, Sweet White Tunips, Swiss Chard; Herbs (cut): Basil, Cilantro, Chives, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Sage,Thyme. As well as: potting plants; pastured meats (chicken, beef, lamb), eggs, cheeses, baked goods, honey and prepared foods.

Seasonal markets now open: The Farmers’ Market at Playwicki Farm (Wednesday), New Hope (Thursday), Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market (Thursday), Ottsville (Friday), Wrightstown and Doylestown (Saturday), Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance in Flemington (Sunday) and, of course, Stockton (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Don’t forget year-round farm markets like None Such, Maximuck’s and others.

If you want to know where the farm stands, markets and farms that sell locally grown food are, go to the Penn State Cooperative Extension-Bucks County’s website and download the all new 2011 Fresh from Bucks County Farms Guide. It’s also available as an app for all you iPhone/iPad and Smart Phone users. Check out the app here.

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a fun, safe weekend.

Friday, May 27:

Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [1-7 pm]
Ottsville Farmers’ Market, Linden Hill Gardens, Ottsville [4-8 pm]
Beer Tasting, Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [4-6 pm]
Memorial Day Weekend Clambake & Barbeque,Vintage Grille, Doylestown [4 - 10 pm]
Friday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, NJ [5-8 pm]
Wine and Music @ Old York Cellars, Ringoes, NJ [6 - 9 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ The Market at DelVal, Doylestown [6 pm–9 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 pm–9 pm]
Wine & Cheese Pairing @ Chaddsford Winery, Lahaska [7 pm–9 pm]
Summer Fireworks in New Hope/Lamberville – New Hope, PA & Lambertville, NJ [9:30 – 10:30 pm]

Saturday, May 28:

Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am-12 pm]
Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, Wrightstown [9 am-1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am-4 pm]
Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12-6 pm]
Beer Tasting @ New Hope Beverage, New Hope [3-7 pm]
Memorial Day Weekend Clambake & Barbeque, Vintage Grille, Doylestown [4 - 10 pm]
Saturday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington [5-8 pm]

Sunday, May 29:

Firehouse Breakfast @ Haycock Fire Company, Quakertown [8 am - 12 pm]
Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [9 am-1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am-4 pm]
Memorial Day Weekend Clambake & Barbeque, Vintage Grille, Doylestown [4 - 10 pm]

Monday, May 30:

Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast @ Doylestown Masonic Lodge, Doylestown [7 am - 12 pm]
Pancakes & Parade @ Salem United Church of Christ, Doylestown [7:30 am - 12 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market on Memorial Day, Stockton, NJ [10 am - 3 pm]
Memorial Day Weekend Clambake & Barbeque, Vintage Grille, Doylestown [4 - 10 pm]

Tuesday, May 31:

Cruise Night @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 - 9 pm]
Cooking the CSA way with Kathy D’Addario, Horsham [7 - 9 pm]

Wednesday, June 1:

Pierogy Wednesdays @ St. Anne Ukrainian, Warrington [9 am - 12 pm]
The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm, Feasterville [4 - 7 pm]
Global Dinner @ The Cafe at Rosemont, Rosemont, NJ [5 - 8 pm]
Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5 - 9 pm]
Schnitzel Night @ United German Hungarians Club, Bensalem [5:30 - 7:30 pm]
Ferrari-Carano Wine Tasting Dinner @ Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ [6:30 - 8:30 pm]
Summer Farm Tour: Tussock Sedge Farm, Blooming Glen [6:30 - 8:30 pm]
Meet the Brewer @ Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown [7 - 10 pm]

Thursday, June 2:

New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [2:30-6:30 pm]
Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, Lower Makefield [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
Asian Pear Wines & Dessert Sampling @ Wine & Spirits Store, Doylestown [5:30 - 7:30 pm]
Sushi Night in the Wine Cellar – The Inn at Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ [6 - 10 pm]

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County.

Follow Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter.

Chocolate for Mother’s Day

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:55:09 +0000

I don’t know about your mother, but I know what my mother likes. Chocolate, dark chocolate. Marzipan. Almonds. All encased in chocolate.

So if you are scratching your head wondering what to get your mother, wife or significant other for Mother’s Day, scratch no longer. Here’s a listing of some local places to buy exquisite sweets to impress mom. Many of these chocolatiers sell online too.

Didi’s Chocolates. I met Didi last Saturday at the Bucks County Chocolate Show, but it turns out we’ve met before – over 15 years ago. A superb pastry chef, Didi turned her talents to chocolate in the last couple of years. Lucky for us. Try her chocolate “bars” – dark Belgian chocolate covering an assortment of fillings, like triple caramel and peanut butter. You can learn more here, in the article I wrote at the show. You can buy Didi’s chocolates locally at Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods in New Hope.

Laurie’s Chocolates. Laurie Douglass creates her delicious chocolates from her home in Buckingham. I also met her at the chocolate show. Read all about her chocolates in the article posted from the show. You can buy her chocolates locally at None Such Farm Market, Maximuck’s Farm Market, The Chocolate Box and other locations.

The Painted Truffle. Tom Sciascia makes beautiful chocolates and confections, and sells at the Stockton Farm Market every Saturday and Sunday.

The Chocolate Box. Step inside and inhale. A couple of times. I found this little store only recently even though it’s been there for years. Stop by and inhale too when you’re in Lambertville. At 39 N. Union Street.

Raymer’s Homemade Candies. This is another great place to breathe. Full of all kinds of chocolates and more. They are in Doylestown at 21 East Oakland Avenue.

Here are a couple others that I haven’t visited – yet – but they certainly look worth trying:

Newtown Chocolatier at 156 N. State Street in Newtown.

Pierre’s Chocolates at 360 West Bridge Street in New Hope.

Where’s your favorite local place to buy great chocolate? Do let us know!

Pizza for Passover?

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:01:48 +0000

A friend sent me an email to tell me that Jules Thin Crust Pizza was offering a Passover Pizza this year. This I had to check out.

Just a little background for non-Jews. In observance of the eight day holiday, Jews not only eat lots of matzah, but we also avoid any leavened products. Most grains are out of the question, or things made from grains (like, uh, bourbon). Depending on how observant one is, it can go further. Much further. It’s actually not such a hardship. If one sticks to the basics – meats, vegetables, fruits, etc. – and doesn’t eat too much matzah, it can almost be a diet. But as the week goes on, one yearns for what one can’t have. I guess Catholics go through this too when they give up something for Lent.

So…Passover Pizza! It’s almost too good to be true. But if anyone was going to do it, Jules Thin Crust is the most likely, since they begin with flat pizza that you can then add multiple toppings.

I stopped by this past Monday to chat with Jay Stover, one of the managers of Jules’ Doylestown location. First question, what is this Passover pizza made of? Organic flour, eggs, olive oil, salt and honey (no yeast). Sounds good so far. How long is it baked? About two minutes, Jay said, which creates a thin crust. Then the customer can add toppings. With the toppings, it’s another 4-5 minutes in the oven. Also, if you want to order a whole pie to eat in or take out, you can only get it in the medium size ($8.50 and up).

While this may not be truly kosher Passover food, for those desperate and hungry for real pizza, it’s a fun option as the week goes on. Mark and I felt we had an obligation to our readership to try it (ahem).

Wednesday night we placed the order with the Newtown location of Jules, and went to pick it up together. The staff was knowledgeable about the new product, and two pies were available for slices as well. The crust was thin, with just enough hardness to hold toppings but not so much that it fell into pieces (like matzah does). In fact, the crust had a nice softness to it, reminiscent of Indian breads, like naan. Any of the normal toppings are available on the pies. The sauce and the cheese were great, as always. This was a winner!

You can order Jules’ Passover Pizza at any of their Pennsylvania locations in Doylestown, Newtown or Jenkintown. See their website for phone numbers and exact locations. Happy Holiday!

Baking matzah for the first time

Lynne Goldman — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:25:24 +0000

I am 49 years old, and I am baking matzah for the first time in my life.

Not that baking your own matzah is a normal thing for an average Jewish-American woman to do. In fact, my mother’s response was, “Why would you want to do that?” All my life I have known matzah – the unleavened cracker-like bread that Jews eat for the eight days of Passover – as something that comes out of a box you buy at the supermarket.

Put it in the category of cheese. Cheese is a food we assume comes wrapped in plastic at the store. Of course we know that somebody – or some corporation – makes it but most of us don’t have a clue how. I remember the first time I made mozzarella cheese at home. When the milk started to set into curds, I was in awe. “‘…eating her curds and whey.’ Curds and whey!” I exclaimed, suddenly understanding the age-old nursery rhyme. Here was something so commonplace even a hundred years ago that it was a children’s rhyme, and yet I had never seen it with my own eyes.

So when I read that Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, one of my favorite cheesemakers and bakers, was offering matzah baking workshops, I was thrilled. I had been raised knowing all about the ritual aspects of matzah, and its central symbolic place in the story of the Israelites’ flight from slavery in Egypt. I knew in order for it to be kosher, it had to be made – start to finish – in no more than eighteen minutes. This is because “according to the Talmud the leavening process begins after water and flour have been in contact for 18 minutes, thus the entire process of making matzah, from the moment the water is added to the flour until the matzah is taken out of the oven, must be completed in 18 minutes.” (see this article, Making Matzah the Old-Fashioned Way, for more background information).

But knowing something in my head is not enough for me. I need to know it with my hands.

Nina and Jonathan White moved their dairy to a new farm location just a year ago. They had been leasing their previous farm, up in Vernon, New Jersey, and wanted land of their own. With the help of the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and their generous partners, they were able to do a simultaneous preservation and purchase of the Stamets Farm, the largest unpreserved farm in Holland Township, north of Frenchtown, which has been farmed by just two families since the American Revolution. There the Whites raise their 35+ cows on 184 acres of clean, natural pasture. No pesticides, no herbicides, no GMO grains, no nuthin’. The cows spend most of their time in the pastures, eating and hanging out, so to speak. They are milked once a day, then go back out to pasture. They are allowed to suckle their calves, which results in less milk to make cheese, but is healthier and more conducive to a longer life for the cow. The Whites are quite happy with this arrangement. Their goal is to run a completely sustainable farm. So, for instance, the large amounts of whey that are a by-product of the cheesemaking process go to feeding their hogs. Chickens are kept on the farm not just to provide eggs, but to eat many of the flies and insects that are always hanging around a dairy barn.

Nina is the baker. She began baking as a child, and when the cheese business began to pick up, she baked artisanal, whole grain breads to “go with.” Except the breads started selling just as well as the cheese, and so their bread business began in earnest.

The brick oven sits at the front of the renovated barn, which also serves as their farm market. At the back of the barn is the cheese cave, a refrigerator that stays at a temperature of 55°F or cooler, and ages the cheeses for at least 60 days (by law, cheese made from raw milk must age for at least 60 days; most Bobolink cheeses age longer than that). On the far side of the barn is the milking shed, and just adjacent to that is the sterile cheesemaking room (sterile because you want only “good” bacteria in cheesemaking, that is, bacteria natural to the milk).

But let’s get back to matzah. Nina and I got to work in front of the 6×4 foot wood-fired brick oven, heated to over 600°F. We began by measuring out the water and flour. The flour came from Castle Valley Mill, a recently reopened flour mill grinding right here in Bucks County. Nina wanted to try out their whole wheat flour for the matzah.

The first step was to mix the flour and water – 120 grams of water and 150 grams of flour. Now the clock starts. If you want to make kosher matzah, you’ve got 18 minutes to go. Of course, it takes a bit of practice to be able to turn them out that quickly, but here’s how it’s done.

We quickly mixed the flour and water, and shaped it into a ball. Nina had read that you should let the dough sit for five minutes, which we did, rather nervously. The clock was ticking. Then we rolled the dough into a long cylinder shape, and cut it into four pieces. Each of these, rolled into a ball, would become a separate round of matzah. Using just the pressure of the rolling pin, each ball was rolled out into a piece of dough roughly 7-8 inches in diameter. If you’ve ever worked with ceramics, the dough has the consistency of porcelain, very delicate and fragile. Shifting it off the floured table and onto the baking board was the next challenge (if you don’t tear the dough on the table, you’re sure to do it during transport!). Lots of flour and patience are useful.

Now that the matzah rounds were safely on the board, we were almost home free. Nina did a little additional rolling to make the matzah thinner, and then we “forked” the dough, making tiny holes to keep the matzah from forming large air bubbles in the oven. Finally a sprinkling of salt for taste and to prevent browning. They were ready to go into the oven. [View the video: Making Matzah at Bobolink Farm]

From then on, piece of cake. Well, I guess that’s not the appropriate phrase to use. The matzot only take a couple of minutes to bake in a 600° oven, so we hung out by the warm oven and watched over them. Pulling the matzah out of the oven, we both bent over and peered closely, pleased with the results. Did we make the 18 minutes? Well, that will be our little secret.

Munching on the finished, still warm product, I inwardly felt warm too. I may not make all my own matzot this year, but I know how to do it now. I will however proudly serve my handmade matzah at our Passover seder this year, and share my experience with all at the table.

If you want to make your own matzah, you can go to Bobolink Dairy Farm on Sunday, April 10, Sunday, April 17 or Tuesday, April 19. They will running two workshops on each day. Click here to go to their website and sign up for the courses.