Thursday, December 22, 2011

F.A.B.: Farmers, Artisans, and Bakers

In the next series of this blog, I review local products I've discovered and recommend after consideration not only of taste - but also of ingredients and sourcing of those raw materials, practices, and packaging.

In a way, our government, about which this Gettysburg address was about, has failed us - they've sold out to lobbys of special interests - whomever has money - BIG money - speaks the loudest in Washington, D.C.

One of the easiest ways to fix this, is to redistribute wealth in a real way - focusing our dollars on the small - yes, I mean small -  business owners to revitalize an economy 
"...of the  people, by the peoplefor the people shall not perish from the earth"- from the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863

As a people, I believe we can take back our government by putting money back in the  hands of the people.  Can you re-direct your spending money to small businesses?  I'll bet you can.  Let's begin with Farmers, Artisans, and Bakers!  This plan really has an immediate impact on your quality of life because you will be able to see the difference in the art and woodwork, the food, and celebrations in your life.  More details to follow...We can do it!

One of our founding principles - equal opportunity for all - the pursuit of the American dream - that is what made this country great.  The reasons large box stores and multi BIG corporations are not healthy are numerous - but here are a few - profit rules over integrity and shortcuts are taken to harm animals, humans, and the earth - box stores box out the small business because these areas/malls that they carve out in our neighborhoods discourage small businesses by the high lease/ rents for storefronts nearby that follow, they employ people but at what price - low wages, and even lower wages for many jobs outsourced to other countries.

As I discover more F.A.B. businesses - I will recommend them to you - and provide the best way to purchase directly from them through our F.A.B MEMBERSHIP.

F.A.B.: Sweet Riot

One of the recommended Companies is  Sweet Riot
Why we review it...
-their CEO is really cool and well spoken as is their Mission!
-good antioxidants
-helps cocoa farmers
-simple packaging

The price:  $4.00/bar

The website:
http://sweetriot.com/

contact info
sweetriot, inc. 
670 Broadway, Suite 302 
new york, ny 10012 
212.431.RIOT (7468)
info@sweetriot/com

Tradition: Italian Struffoli

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

F.A.B.: UpState Harvest Granola




One of the recommended Companies is  UpState Harvest
Why we review it...
-their granola is simple, wholesome ingredients - for real!
-good crunch, freshness
-you can tell alot about a product by its fans
-simple packaging
...slim healthy people ask me for this product.

The price:  $5.79/lb.

The website:
http://www.upstateharvest.com/

contact info
 granola@upstateharvest.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

F.A.B.: Siggi's

One of the recommended Companies is Siggi's
Why we review it...
-nice taste
-smooth, all natural
-small processing facility in comparison to the other large ones
-simple packaging
one of a kind in the US
 Finnish seems lighter than Greek but with the same satisfying custard-y feel  

The price:  $2.29/container

The website:
http://skyr.com/

contact info
Skyr Corporation
135 West 26th Street, 11th floor
New York, NY, 10001
E-mail: info@skyr.com
Distribution: 212-966-6950

F.A.B.: Simply Greek


One of the recommended Companies is Simply Greek
Why we review it...
-mid sized farm wth sheeps grazing outdoors!
-good clean smoothness with no thickeners
please note that some of the larger producers are using guar gum
-simple packaging

The price:  $2.00/small container.

The website:
http://simplygreekyogurt.com

contact info
contact@simplygreekyogurt.com
Simply Greek Yogurt. c/o Maple Hill Creamery. 2800 State Route 169. Little Falls, NY 13365

Monday, December 19, 2011

F.A.B.: Evans Farmhouse Dairy


One of the recommended Companies is Evans Farmhouse
Why we review it...
-their dairy products have cream that rises to the top, ooh!
-good people
-cows that graze outdoors

The price:  $2.29/half and half pictured here

The website:
see articles

contact info

5037 State Hwy Rt 23NorwichNY 13815
  • Phone:(607) 334-5339

Sunday, December 18, 2011

F.A.B.: Farm Fresh Eggs


Why we review it...
we enjoy eggs farm fresh eggs from our farm, the Haar Family Farm, and Fiddle Tree Farm - all free range, humane, and natural
we encourage everyone to seek out the closest "chick" farmer near you 
 - look for chickens that enjoy fresh air and free range
- ask what they are fed - a good diet should transfer to great tasting and healthy eggs
- eggs are great for a variety of meal options and baking!

The price:  $2.50/dozen

The website:
here is a way to find fresh eggs near you
http://www.localharvest.org/organic-farms/
in new york
http://www.prideofny.com/
in new jersey
http://www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov/searches/pyo.htm
in connecticut
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/nutmeg/farmers-markets/farmers-markets.htm

contact info:
see above listings