Wednesday, March 10, 2010
  Search

by Karen Watterson

A former copywriter, interior decorator, shopgirl. A current mom, food lover and cook, book worm and volunteer. Raised in Massachusetts and schooled in Vermont but always a Mainer at heart. Karen can also be followed on http://mignardise.blogspot.com

 
  
 
 
 
 Creameries

 

 Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants

 

Ensemble Farm

 

Blue Dragon Mussels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  
 
Creameries
 
Swallowtail Farm is small dairy out of Cooper’s Mills. They make some of the most luscious cheese, yogurt and butter around. It’s charmingly packaged in old-fashioned glass bottles and papers. Try the queso blanco or mozzarella in a savory dish, or the smooth and rich creme fraiche on a dessert. Homemade granola rounds out their offerings.
Spring Day Creamery of Durham, has more limited offerings, but no less delicious. Our favorite? The fromage blanc marinated in olive oil and herbs makes a perfect pre-dinner snack with bread and wine.
 
These can all be found at the Brunswick Farmers Market
  
 
Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants
 
Your search for Grains of Paradise or the perfect Mulling Spice blend ends here. You’ll find every spice and herb from ajwain  seed to za’atar at this wonderful little stall, including some we never knew existed. There are over 100 botanical, custom blends and gourmet salts, mostly organic and all fair trade, stacked neatly in glass jars. The owners, from Dresden Maine, are extremely knowledgeable and can help you find just what you need from the amazing variety.
Prices are reasonable too, from $3.25 to $5.

Be sure to take a sniff of the Apple Pie Spice. It won first place in the Maine Slow Food Apple pie contest.
 
These can all be found at the Brunswick Farmers Market
  
 
Ensemble Farm
 
What a find! Fresh pasta, unusual pesto, hummus and dips are all made by Josey and Jennifer of Monroe, with locally grown ingredients. We tasted the Kale Chipotle pesto and immediately bought a container. Loved the fresh flavor and the hit of hot pepper at the end. Perfect over their fresh fettucine, or spread on a slice of baguette.
We also loved the crimini and caramelized onion ravioli. Don’t miss the homemade salad dressings too.
 
These can all be found at the Brunswick Farmers Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blue Dragon Mussels
 
Billed as “the best tasting mussels in Maine”. Blue Dragon sells local, hand-harvested mollusks that are indeed flavorful and as fresh as it gets. Phil Gray, who harvests his product from the New Meadows River will offer you a taste, along with recipes and cooking instructions. You know they’re going to be good. These are the same mussels you’ll find at some of Portland’s top restaurants, but priced for the home cook. $2.50/lb.
 
These can all be found at the Brunswick Farmers Market
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