Whether you are planning a big Easter celebration for family and friends or just dying a few Easter eggs don’t forget to include Idaho grown ingredients. Fresh local ham, the first of the asparagus, grass-fed lamb, fresh baked breads, Idaho wines-and local eggs of course!

If you are looking for local eggs to dye head over to the Boise Co-Op where you can find a large assortment of local chicken or duck eggs. They also have one of the largest selections of local food in one place including meats, breads, produce, and wines.

If you are hoping to serve a local ham at your spring dinner you have several options. Vogel Farms in Kuna has fresh cured, no additives hams available. Hardball Farms in Nampa also has locally grown and processed hams for sale. Other options include Falls Brands Salmon Creek Farms Natural pork products and Homestead Naturals pork.

Another great option is local lamb. Try local grass fed lamb from Lava Lake Lamb, Blue Sage Farms, or Meadow Lark Farms. For a new recipe try Lamb Skewers with Mint Mayo or Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks for these recipes visit www.idahopreferred.com/recipes.

Keep your eye out for the first of the local asparagus. You may also be able to find the first of local greens to include in a salad. Another option is to serve a local potato salad using local eggs, potatoes, onions, and mustard from Wagner Idaho Foods now available at Paul’s Markets.

If you are wanting something sweet to fill up those Easter Baskets then look for Weiser Classic chocolate Easter bunnies or homemade toffee from The Toffee Cottage. Want to bake something yourself then revisit  Put a Little Local in Your Holiday Baking to see all the “staples” grown right here in Idaho.

If you are visiting a friend’s house for Easter, a hostess gift is in order. Nestle a locally grown flowering plant or a bottle of Idaho wine in a colorful basket for a fun local gift.

Idaho Preferred  products will add flavor and meaning to your holiday dinner. To find more local products and producers visit www.idahopreferred.com

The Super Bowl is this Sunday! Even if you are not a big football fan it doesn’t mean that you can’t put together a fun football party. Everyone knows that no Super Bowl is complete without the food and commercials.  When planning the menu for this big get together don’t forget about your eating local resolution.

Make the perfect layered bean dip and serve with Casa Valdez tortilla chips made right in Caldwell. Include Idaho beans, sour cream from Meadowgold or Darigold, cheese from Ballards, Idaho onions, and delicious salsa from Treasure Valley Salsa. If you want to stick with the Mexican food theme, Quesadillas made with Idaho cheese are a crowd pleaser and easy to make. Look for corn, flour and even whole wheat tortillas from Casa Valdez or Fresca. Serve on the side with Idaho sour cream and Treasure Valley salsa.

Another great choice is hot dogs or chorizos.  Look for Falls Brand and Gem Pack franks that can be found at most local grocery stores. Another great option is Hard Ball Farms. They have a variety of different pork products including Basque style chorizos and you can easily order them online. Hog Heaven in Moscow makes a variety of different sausages as does Big Lost River Meats in Mackay.  Serve them on rolls made by Zeppole, Alpicella, Harvest Classic or Great Harvest Bakeries, all baked fresh daily in the Treasure Valley.

For something new and different try this Loaded Baked Potato Dip! It can be made in 10 minutes.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip (Recipe adapted from MyRecipes.com)

Yield: About 4 cups

16 ounces Idaho sour cream
16 slices (12-ounce package) bacon, cooked and crumbled Look for brands like Falls Brand or Hard Ball Farms
8 ounces sharp Idaho cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup thinly sliced Idaho onions

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Serve with homemade potato chips using Idaho potatoes. Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

You can’t forget the beverages…local beer, wine, and spirits are great for the adults and regular or chocolate milk for the kids from Cloverleaf Creamery, Darigold, or Meadowgold. Don’t forget the local bottled water for your guests. Rocks Water from Boise is available in several stores including Paul’s and Albertson’s.

For dessert, serve Cloverleaf Creamery ice cream made fresh in Buhl. It is available in several flavors so everyone can have their favorites!

 

Are you still searching for the perfect New Year’s resolution and it is already the second week of January…well look no further! What if you resolved to do something that is not only good for you, but also Idaho’s economy?Now you’re thinking “What could be beneficial to me and good for others at the same time?” Eating of course! There is one catch, it is not just eating ANYTHING, but eating locally grown or produced items.

 

 

Eating local does not have to be overwhelming. Start small… maybe with one locally grown or produced item every week! With so many great items to pick from it is easier than you think. For a start, visit www.idahopreferred.com to see what is in season, find local producers and search for great recipe ideas. Or read Idaho Preferred’s blog to get ideas on what to include in your cart to keep you on track throughout 2012.

Here are a few good places to start….

First, there are still Idaho onions, apples, potatoes, and squashes available in many grocery stores. Potatoes and onions are always great to have on hand. Plus, how can you beat fresh LOCAL fruit in January!  Look for Fortress, Symms, and Garrett Ranches apples at your local Paul’s market.

Now for some items that you may not recognize as Idaho products when preparing your grocery list:

Idaho is the third largest dairy state in the nation, so the selection of Idaho dairy products is great. Idaho milk, cheese, and butter are widely available at local retailers. Look for Darigold, Meadowgold, and Cloverleaf dairy products. If you are looking for organic milk, Organic Valley milk is in several stores. Also, Idaho Natural Farm Fresh has ISDA certified Grade A raw milk. Want local milk but don’t want to leave the store? Not a problem, Boise Milk Co. will deliver right to your door.

Don’t forget the cheese! Ballard’s cheese is available in so many varieties, from blocks to curds, that there is something for everyone. If you are feeling like trying something different Blue Sage Farms offers a variety of sheep’s milk cheeses!

What goes better with cheese than bread! No pantry is complete without bread and lucky for you it fits in with your resolution. Idaho breads range from artesian loaves to sliced sandwich breads. There is no excuse to NOT buy locally made breads, buns, and rolls.Breads from Zeppole’s, Great Harvest Bread Co., Franz Bakery, and Alpicella Bakery are all made with Pendleton flour right out of Blackfoot, Idaho. These breads are not only made in Idaho but also use Idaho ingredients.

Now you have a good idea about where to start - don’t forget to check back next week to find out about the large variety of Idaho meats available.

Idaho has long been known for its local beef, lamb, pork, trout and elk…but now you can buy locally grown and processed turkey for your holiday feasts!  But if you want to buy a local turkey – you better plan ahead as supplies are limited and go fast.

Several Idaho Preferred® members are making turkey available for area Locavores.  A+ Turkey Ranch produces organic free range turkeys on the southern slopes of the Picabo hills near Richfield, Idaho.  The ranch has been in the family for more than thirty years and consists of 120 acres of certified organic land dedicated to turkey production. You can find A+ Turkeys in Boise at the Co-Op orby contacting Morning Owl Farms.  In the Wood River Valley check Atkinson’s Market and Idaho’s Bounty. 

Vogel Farms also raises turkeys for the holidays.  Vogel Farms Country Market allows you to choose fresh from the farm, local all natural grass and grain fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey. With over 70 years of experience, Vogel Farms produces some of the tastiest meat in the valley.  Vogel Farms turkey production is limited and pre-orders are almost always necessary.  To check out availability, visit the farm at 9501 Robinson Rd in Kuna, call them at (208) 466-6928 or log onto their website at http://www.vogelfarmscountrymarket.com

M&M Heath Farms in Buhl Idaho is a family-run farm which has been cultivating Idaho soil for over 25 years. Headed up by Mike Heath, the farm was one of the first to receive Idaho organic certification. Mike now farms close to 500 acres in the Buhl-Castleford area growing several types of potatoes, winter squash and dry beans as well as organic beef, pork, chickens and other poultry. M&M Heath Farm turkeys are available while they last through Idaho’s Bounty.

One more idea – HomeGrown Poultry in New Plymouth processes turkeys for several small local growers.  Some growers have extra birds that might be available for purchase.  To find out, call HomeGrown Poultry at 208-278-0127.

If all fails, and you can’t find a local turkey for Thanksgiving – start a new dinner tradition with an Idaho goose (Morning Owl Farms) or ranch-raised pheasant (CA Bull Elk Ranch).  Or enjoy Idaho beef, pork, lamb or elk.  And…make sure you order or reserve a turkey nowfor Christmas dinner!

It’s September – time for back-to-school, football games, corn mazes and pumpkin patches…but wait…there’s more. It’s Idaho Preferred Month and on Labor Day we will celebrate the Day of Idaho Food. How can you possibly fit all of this in just 30 days?

Here’s an idea…plan an Idaho Preferred tailgate party for Saturday’s Boise State v Georgia Game – or your local Friday night high school match-up. Then stock up on fresh local fruits and vegetables to enjoy at family barbeques on Monday and add to school lunch bags throughout the week.

September has been proclaimed Idaho Preferred month by Governor Otter because it is the peak of harvest season for many fruits and vegetables. This month you will find locally grown sweet corn, green beans, zucchini squash, tomatoes and cucumbers at local grocery stores including Paul’s Markets, Albertsons and Walmart. In addition, the fruit season is in full swing. Sweet juicy peaches and nectarines, plums, pluots and pears are now in stores and at Farmers Markets. Mid-month look for the first of the Idaho apples to appear in stores and be sure to try the Idaho table grapes. Larger and sweeter than imported varieties, these grapes are grown in small vineyards across the Treasure Valley and will find their way onto many school cafeteria trays in September.
 
Here’s is an easy Idaho Preferred Tailgate party menu: Start with tortilla chips from Casa Valdez in Caldwell with Treasure Valley Salsa while enjoying your favorite Idaho wine or beer. Then, get the grill out and throw on some baby back ribs from Hardball Farms, Falls Brand Hot dogs, Gem Pack Chorizo, burgers from Homestead Natural Beef or ribs from Weiser River Signature Beef (available at the Boise Co-op). Next to the meat, grill some Idaho sweet corn or fresh zucchini. Add an Idaho potato salad, barley salad or a fresh green salad with lettuce from Wissel Farms, cucumbers from the Berry Ranch and tomatoes from H&H Farms (or from you garden). Freshly baked Idaho breads and rolls from Alpicella Bakery, Great Harvest Bread or Zeppole Bakery are a great addition to your tailgate party. Now, add another Idaho wine and enjoy the game. At halftime, celebrate the BSU lead with an Idaho dessert of fresh sliced peaches and whipped cream or a blackberry or huckleberry cobbler. Then, enjoy the second half of the game and when it’s over, toast victory with Ste Chapelle’s sparkling Riesling - Idaho’s version of French Champagne – only better!

When you Google blackberry it is not a great cobbler or jam recipe that comes up – it’s not even anything close to being edible. We are here to change that… Blackberries are ripe and ready to pick in Idaho. The berry, found throughout the state is a summertime favorite and a healthy addition to family meals. High in antioxidants, fiber and Vitamins A and C – blackberries can improve the nutritional quality of almost any dish you add them to...and they taste delicious!

So – where do you find blackberries in Idaho? Your best bet is your local farmers market. Blackberries are not grown commercially in Idaho, but many small farmers and backyard gardeners grow blackberries and sell directly to consumers at markets, farm stands and through U-Pick. In the Treasure Valley check out The Berry Ranch in Nampa for blackberries and while you are there, pick up some melons and sweet corn!

Blackberries are best when picked at peak of ripeness as they will not continue to ripen after picking. So, pick or buy only the darkest purple, nearly black colored berries and eat or freeze within 2 days as berries soften and spoil quickly. Berries are easy to freeze (if there are any left) – simply wash, drain and put into freezer bags and freeze immediately.

Great just plain, mixed into vanilla yogurt, or sprinkled on top of homemade or store-bought ice cream, blackberries are very versatile. Try adding blackberries to a salad with baby spinach, Ballard Dairy Feta cheese, grape or cherry tomatoes from your garden or farmers market and some green onions. For a quick easy dessert or breakfast treat, make a blackberry cobbler by pouring a basic cobbler batter over fresh berries and baking to golden brown.

Regardless of how you enjoy your blackberries, do it now. These summertime favorites are a real treat – probably because they are only available fresh for a short time each year.

When you think of apricots – what comes to mind?  Small, soft, mealy yellow fruit with a semi-fuzzy skin?  If so, you might want to think again.  Idaho apricots are a large, firm, orange fruit with a smooth skin - yet still juicy and delicious. The “Gold Rich” variety is popular with Idaho growers because of the large sweet fruit it produces in orchards on the slopes of the Snake River Valley. 

Apricots are a true sign that the hottest days of summer are upon us.  Ripened in the sun, and picked by hand, apricots are available for only a few weeks in late July and August.  Despite unusual weather patterns this year the apricot crop is abundant and the fruit can be found locally at roadside stands, farmers markets and grocery stores. 

 

Not only are apricots sweet and delicious, but they are packed with nutrition.  A great source of beta carotene, fiber and potassium, apricots also provide almost 100% of daily recommended amount of vitamin A.

 

For a light summertime dessert, breakfast or anytime snack, try this easy recipe idea.  Wash and cut in half a large ripe apricot and remove the pit.  Fill each half with 2 tablespoons plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt.  Drizzle with a little Idaho honey and top with a few chopped roasted pistachios.

 

...And much simpler ways to enjoy local Bings.

One of the best things about summer is the bounty of fresh fruits–and cherries are the first of the season to appear at farmers markets, farm stands and retailers. And whether you like them flambéed, baked in a pie, or fresh off the stem, Idaho’s dark sweet cherries are some of the best in America.

You may know Idaho for its potatoes, but did you know Idaho ranks 5^th in the nation in sweet cherry production, and last year we produced over 12 million pounds?  Cherries can actually be grown in most areas of Idaho but most commercial production occurs in orchards located in the Sunnyslope area of Caldwell, in the Emmett Valley and in Washington and Payette Counties.  But the cherry season is short – kicking off around the 4^th of July and lasting only about 4-6 weeks.  So get your cherries now.  Many local grocers are featuring Idaho cherries – check for the Idaho Preferred label to be sure.  Or for a fun family outing, take a trip to an orchard to pick your own.  For U-pick locations you can visit the Idaho State Department of Agriculture website or go the Gem County Chamber of Commerce site and download their U-pick guide to Gem County Orchards.

Idaho cherries are not only sweet and delicious, but are also packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C and potassium. So indulge yourself in this healthy, sweet treat – while supplies last!  And if you pick a few more than you can eat, cherries freeze well.  Simply wash, dry and freeze – with or without the pits.  But, if you are in the mood for something a little more decadent, try this recipe for Bing Cherry Ice Cream a delicious combination of cherries and ice cream - a lot easier than its flaming cousin the “Jubilee” - and no fire extinguisher required.

For a list of Idaho cherry growers and their locations visit our Find a Local Producerpage.

Serve all Idaho foods on this All-American holiday.

The 4th of July means celebration of freedom and independence, of family and friends, and of community. And like any celebration, food is an integral part. Fourth of July food means hot dogs on the grill, homemade potato salad, fresh summer fruit and icy-cold beverages. This Independence Day, celebrate with local foods. Its so easy to do in Idaho!

Start with the dogs (beef, pork, chorizo) made by local companies like Falls Brand and Gem Pack and found at most local grocery stores. Serve them on crusty rolls made by Zeppole, Alpicella, Harvest Classic or Great Harvest Bakeries, all baked fresh daily in the Treasure Valley. Idaho’s famous tubers should star in your favorite family potato salad recipe along with Idaho onions, local eggs and fresh herbs. And although it’s too early for Idaho watermelons, enjoy our sweet dark cherries. Idaho cherries, grown in the warm Sunnyslope area of Caldwell and in the Emmett Valley are now available at the orchards, farmers markets, and local grocery stores. And if seed-spitting is on your holiday activity list, cherry pits work just as well as watermelon seeds! Before the fireworks start, enjoy homemade ice cream made with Idaho milk, cream, and sugar. Or enjoy Cloverleaf Creamery ice cream, made fresh daily in Buhl, and top it off with fresh local strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or Rocky Mountain blueberries!

Need to find these local foods for your July 4th celebration or want some new recipe ideas? Just visit our Find Local Products page and start a new “local” tradition for your picnic or BBQ.

June 18-24 Has Been Declared Idaho Organic Week.

There has been a big push within the last several years to purchase organically grown food. When asked, most people would probably agree that buying organic fruits and vegetables is a good thing. But how much does the general population really know about what that means? Turns out, Idaho, we know a lot.

Idaho has over 250 organic operations that provide a diverse selection of food and beverages. In fact, Idaho ranks in the top 10 in the nation for the production of several organic crops. We’re not just talking fruits and vegetables here, either. Idaho generates over $70 million annually in sales of organic-grown foods including beef, poultry, milk, eggs and wine, as well as fruits and vegetables.

In order to celebrate Idaho’s organic-grown prowess and the many organic farmers across the state, Governor Otter proclaimed June 18th through the 24th to be Idaho Organic Week. Idahoans are invited to learn more about organic products and to purchase organic products. By buying local and organic, you are not just getting food that is fresh and healthy, you’re also supporting soil and water conservation, as well as our local economy.

Celebrate with us this important movement in food production and get your organic-grown food and beverages at Farmers Markets, through local producers, or participating retailers.


The delivery of the proclamation by Celia Gould, Director of Idaho State Department of Agriculture; Leah Clark of Idaho Preferred; Lee Rice of Rice Family Farms.