Green Guru Network

Nobody knows their fresh, local ingredients like farmers do. And we’re guessing they know just how to cook them, too. That’s why the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York is inviting all farmers, vendors, market managers, and market sponsors from farmers markets all across new York State to submit their best original recipes featuring their favorite fresh, local ingredients to determine New York’s favorite farmers market recipes.

The Farmers’ Market Federation of New York believes this recipe contest will help promote the use of local, fresh ingredients while encouraging conversations between customers and farmers. “Farmers are very proud of the products they raise and love to talk about them. They’ll tell you how their products were raised, how best to preserve them and give you ideas on how to prepare them,” said Diane Eggert, Executive Director. When customers build a relationship with their farmers they build a comfort level with the food they’re eating and tap into a wealth of knowledge on their nutritious, fresh ingredients.

Entries will be judged by a panel of New York chefs and food enthusiasts based on how well they showcase New York ingredients, their ease of preparation, and most importantly taste. One winner will be chosen in each of the five categories: appetizers, entrees, desserts, snacks, and a fifth “other” category for those recipes that are delicious but they don’t fit neatly into a category.

Winners will be featured at the Farmers Market at the NYS Fair in Syracuse, NY, throughout the twelve day run of the Fair.Their recipes will be promoted and distributed to fairgoers, encouraging them to try the recipes with local foods from their own community farmers markets. Winners will also be publicized via press releases and their recipes will be featured on the Farmers Market Federation of NY’s facebook page, on www.snaptomarket.com and in various newsletters published by the Farmers Market Federation of NY. In addition, winners will receive professionally printed display signs to showcase their victory and promote their booth at the farmers market. They will also receive recipe cards of their award-winning recipe to distribute to their market customers.

Participants can download the recipe submission form and http://nyfarmersmarket.com/membership/benefits-description.htmland submit up to five recipes, one in each of the five categories by emailing them to deggert@nyfarmersmarket.com or by faxing them to 315-637-4691. Deadline for entries is April 30, 2012.