Best Vendors At Maple Grove Farmers Market
Maple Grove Farmer's Market
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-5955
www.ci.maple-grove.mn.us
Think local! It's that time of year for fresh goodies from our neighborhood farmers to start popping up in farmer's markets around the state. Big and small, cities and towns of all sizes are starting their own farmers markets. The farmer's market up in Maple Grove offers everything from homemade maple syrups, handmade soaps, jams, garden fruits and veggies and more. Head here any Thursday between through October 18; the market is open 3 to 7 p.m. June through September, and 3 to 6 p.m. in October. There's more than shopping throughout the season, too. Live music, cooking demos and even family storytime are all part of the festivities. Here are some local Maple Grove farmer's market vendors that are considered the "cream of the crop."
Three Rivers Farm
Elko, MN
www.threeriversfarm.com
Three Rivers Farms lies just north of the Twin Cities in Elk River. If you haven't heard of these guys, you'll be glad you did now. Three Rivers sells hand-harvested and bottled maple syrup in an array of different flavor profiles: Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, Ginger, Habanero and Bourbon. There truly is something for everyone - you have your sweet, spicy, mild and more. Maple syrup is great on pancakes and breakfast foods as we all know, but Steve Perry of Three Rivers Farm suggests an alternative way for using his flavors - as a glaze on anything from pork chops to chicken breasts and salmon to ribs. Stop by Three Rivers Farm's stand at the farmer's market and pick up a bottle (or two) of syrup. Three Rivers also sells homemade honey.
Did you know... Locally-made honey and syrup make great gifts for hostesses, bridal showers or that person that has everything.
Pam's Pepper Jam
Minneapolis, MN
www.pamspepperjam.com
Pam has been making her famous pepper jam for nearly 20 years for family and friends, and after persuasion from almost everyone that tried it, two years ago she started selling her homemade goods. You can now find her pepper jam at the Maple Grove Farmer's Market, but it's also available at some natural food co-ops and local grocery stores. Pam will also have stands at town festivals all summer long. Pam's Pepper Jam comes in mild, medium, hot and raspberry and is made with the freshest, all-natural ingredients she can find.
Did you know... A quick and easy appetizer to bring to a party that everyone will love is cream cheese spread on a cracker with a small dollop of Pam's Pepper Jam. Voila, watch the crowds flock to your platter. It's that easy - and delicious.
Trumpeter Swan Farm
Buffalo, MN
www.trumpeterswanfarm.com
Trumpeter Swan Farm brings truck loads of fresh in-season fruits, vegetables and eggs all summer and fall long at the Maple Grove Farmer's Market. Its 40-acre farm outside of Buffalo, just west of the Twin Cities is where the farmers grow cucumbers, corn, beans, peppers, summer squash, raspberries, strawberries, peas, asparagus and more. During the summer and fall, Trumpeter Swan offers its freshest in-season produce while also offering canned vegetables, salsas and jams. The farm is also home to 300 free-range chickens, so in addition to produce, you can find delicious eggs for cooking.
Did you know... Trumpeter Swan Farms offers a CSA program that delivers fresh bags of produce to your door. You can sign up for everything the farm offers or for its Egg Only program. More info is on the website.
Beyond the Bar Bakery
Osseo, MN
www.beyondthebarbakery.com
Jennifer is the mastermind behind Beyond the Bar Bakery and her lovely little cake treats she coined as One Bite Cakes. They are as pretty as they are delicious and come in many flavors. There is even a flavor of the month. No matter what you're craving, Beyond the Bar Bakery is sure to have the cure. Whether its chocolate mint, strawberry, lemon, carrot cake, red velvet or if you can't find it on the list, just simply ask Jennifer if she can make it for you. She is most happy to oblige. Her little cakes are bite size and add pizzazz to any event's food spread. At this farmer's market stand, you'll also find bars, cookies and other baked goods in addition to her cake bites.
Did you know... Beyond the Bar Bakery can take special orders for your upcoming events and coordinate its One Bite Cakes with your event's color scheme. How divine.
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Amber Ranzau lives on the edge of Uptown in Minneapolis and is a gal about town. She frequents the local restaurant scene, loves to support new and local businesses, follows the latest and greatest fashion and design trends, and she does all of this while working as an interior designer, spending time with her man, The Specialist, and taking care of her two goldfish Felix and Petunia and their tankmate Huey the Snail. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
