What's on Daisy Mae's mind?

Orange You Glad You Read This?

2012-01-25T12:26:00.000-05:00

I've always told my family to drink lots of orange juice when they feel a cold coming on. I'm pretty sure I got that wisdom from my own mother who probably got it from her mother. As it turns out, it's not an "old wives' tale" or "old moms' tale" after all. Oranges are loaded with health benefits.
A single orange can fulfill about 100% of the daily requirement for Vitamin C, and research has shown that the flavonoids, or plant nutrients, found in an orange are potentially beneficial to the human body. The flavonoids trigger enzymes that fight disease so oranges really do offer immune support. In addition, studies have shown that the white part under the peel of an orange may be a good antioxidant. Additional research says that oranges may lower cholesterol, prevent ulcers, improve eyesight, and help with digestion. Since they come in their own little package that's easy to peel, oranges are a handy snack and can serve as a quick thirst quencher whether eaten whole or squeezed for the juice.
You'll find lots of creative recipes that use citrus fruit on the Sunkist website. You can get everything you need at Findlay Market to make many of those recipes. If you shop today through Friday (1/25/12-1/27/12) and spend at least $15 at Daisy Mae's Market, we'll even toss in some oranges for free. For starters, try this Winter Orange Salad recipe.

12 Weeks of Healthy Food: The Carrot

2012-01-18T10:21:00.000-05:00

What's up, Doc? Maybe nothing's up with the Doc if you've been eating your carrots. Yes, carrots are the featured item for Week 3 of our 12 Weeks of Healthy Food. Bugs Bunny loves 'em and so do we!
Carrots are high in Vitamin A and also a good source of Vitamins K and C, dietary fiber, and potassium. Just like Mom said, carrots really can help you see better. The beta-carotene gives them their color and also helps convert Vitamin A in the body to improve vision...especially at night. Carrots are also an antioxidant, and numerous studies show that carrots reduce the risk of certain cancers. In one study, one carrot per day cut the lung cancer rate in half. Now I'm not saying that carrots are a cure for cancer, but I certainly don't see anything harmful in eating a few carrots each day.
Raw carrots are great for snacking or in salads. But did you know by cooking carrots you increase the nutritional benefits? Cooking breaks down the cellular nature of the carrot so the body can absorb the nutrients better. So if you're looking to cook up a carrot dish tonight, here's a delicious recipe for Glazed Carrots that I recommend. Stop by Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market this week (1/17/12-1/20/12) and receive a free 1 lb. bag of carrots with your $15 purchase.
That's all, folks!

12 Weeks of Healthy Food: The Sweet Potato

2012-01-10T13:21:00.001-05:00

It's Week 2 of our 12 Weeks of Healthy Food. This week we climb to the top of the nutritional chart with sweet potatoes. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranks the sweet potato #1 in nutrition for vegetables. The sweet potato's ranking is based on its dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars, complex carbohydrates, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and calcium all packed into a low-calorie food. We also know that the orange coloring of the sweet potato is caused by betacarotene---a powerful antioxidant. In addition, a baked sweet potato supplies about 20% of an adult's daily potassium requirement, and research has shown that potassium can help regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and even decrease bone loss. Sweet potatoes have also been shown to improve blood sugar regulation even in persons with Type 2 diabetes. So if you thought sweet potatoes were only for Thanksgiving, you're wrong!
Sweet potatoes can be baked, roasted, fried, steamed, broiled, or grilled. They're relatively inexpensive, and they make a great addition to soups and stews, too. There's really no excuse not to add sweet potatoes to your weekly grocery list.
Stop by Daisy Mae's at Findlay Market Tuesday through Friday this week (1/10/12-1/13/12) and receive a free sweet potato with your $15 purchase. Now isn't that a sweet deal?

12 Weeks of Healthy Food

2012-01-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

I've come to think of the 12 Days of Christmas as the 12 Days of Overindulgence. If your schedule has at all resembled ours, we've been eating and drinking more in the last few weeks than we have in the previous few months combined. It's time to get back into a more regular routine for meals. It's time to resolve to eat healthy in 2012.

We, at Daisy Mae's Market, are doing our part to encourage you to develop some healthy eating habits. For the next 12 weeks, we will feature one especially nutritious fruit or vegetable each week. We'll write about it; we'll tweet about it; we'll share recipes using our healthy food of the week. And best of all, with a $15 purchase on any Tuesday-Friday at our Findlay Market location or delivered to you, we'll be giving you that week's featured fruit or vegetable absolutely FREE.

So make your resolution now...Resolve to plan your meals better. Shop at Daisy Mae's at Findlay Market or place an order for Daisy's Delivery of fresh produce. Prepare healthier foods for you and your family in 2012. Make it a Happy, Healthy New Year!

To be added to our email list for weekly updates that include our 12 Weeks of Healthy Food promotions, send your email address to daisymae@daisymaesmarket.com.

Findlay Market Gift Certificate Bonus Bucks

2011-12-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

Did you know Findlay Market offers gift certificates in $5 denominations that are redeemable at any Findlay Market merchant, indoors or outdoors? You can order online through the www.findlaymarket.org website or purchase at the Findlay Market information center. These gift certificates are great to give and to get any time of the year but are especially rewarding now because Daisy Mae's has enhanced the benefits!
Tuesday through Friday in January and February, each $5 Findlay Market gift certificate will be worth $6 in fresh produce at Daisy Mae's. Redeem as many as you like...You can even buy more to replenish your supply. We're offering this unique reward not only to thank our loyal customers, but also to encourage new visitors on weekdays in the winter months. We get a little lonely on cold days when folks forget that Findlay Market is a year-round destination. We're thinking (and hoping) that by offering an extra incentive to shop throughout the week, we'll help spread the word that Findlay Market is open every day except Monday.
Neither rain, nor snow, now sleet, nor gloomy days will keep Daisy Mae's from providing the Cincinnati community with fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit us on the Race Street end of the market house under our covered, heated tents.

'Tis the Season

2011-12-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

If you're anything like I am, you may be looking for new ideas for Christmas gifts. I always need a couple small things that serve as not only Christmas gifts, but also as gestures of thanks for the little things that people do for me. You know the ones I'm talking about...administrative assistants, delivery personnel, neighbors.
We've come up with two no-stress shopping gifts for your holiday giving. First, is our Gift Box that contains 20 pieces of fresh fruit for only $15. Delivery is free to most downtown Cincinnati locations.

Our second suggestion is our exclusive wooden gift box containing 4 of your favorite Yoder's Amish jams, jellies, or butters. This keepsake box looks great on the table and can be refilled with other jars when your supplies run low. Price of the wooden gift box, made by the Cooper elves, is only $20 including your choice of Yoder's products.

For further information, call Barb at 513-602-5602...Or better yet, stop by our Findlay Market stand to see samples and place an order.

Happy Shopping!

Findlay Market Myths Revisited

2011-12-01T14:33:00.000-05:00

In 2009, I wrote a post about Findlay Market myths. After taking a look back at that post, I think we've made some progress in the last two years. By looking at the graph below, prepared by Cheryl Eagleson, Marketing Director for The Corporation for Findlay Market, you can see that traffic has increased every year since 2006. We seem to be destroying some of the myths about location, parking, safety, and atmosphere as Findlay Market continues to attract more and more visitors each year.

We need to continue to work, however, on busting the myth about Findlay Market as a "weekend only" destination. You can see from the chart below (also prepared by Cheryl Eagleson) that the traffic count on Saturday is more than twice that on other days. We love the fact that Findlay Market is an "attraction" for out-of-town visitors, students, and suburban families as it also continues to grow as a shopping alternative to grocery stores and malls. But we only wish that more shoppers would realize they can stop by Tuesday through Friday as well as on the weekends.

When the days get shorter and colder, many people just plain forget about Findlay Market. At Daisy Mae's, we have made it a goal to remind customers that we are open every day except Monday. You, too, can help the merchants at Findlay Market by reminding your co-workers, neighbors, and family members that this historic market is convenient and available year-round. It's possible to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, bread, pastries, gelato, waffles, prepared meals, tea, coffee, wine, and gifts from 9:00 am-6:00 pm on Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am-4:00 pm on Sunday.

Do your part to promote this historic landmark. Be a market myth-buster and spread the word that Findlay Market is open every day except Monday, year-round.

The merchants will thank you.

Daisy Mae's Market Salutes Our Veterans

2011-11-09T12:35:00.001-05:00

As the nation pauses for Veterans' Day on November 11, we salute those who have served in the military, past and present. We owe thanks to these men and women who have sacrificed for us so that we can maintain our American way of life. In recognition of all Veterans, Daisy Mae's Market is donating 11% of our sales on 11/11/11 at our Findlay Market location to Hope for the Warriors®. Hope for the Warriors® is a national, nonprofit organization that supports wounded U.S. service members, their families, and families of the fallen. Check out the Hope for the Warriors® website for more information, and then visit us at Findlay Market on Friday to make a financial contribution to this highly-rated and most worthwhile organization.

We're Celebrating Two Years at Findlay Market!

2011-11-01T15:57:00.000-04:00

This week marks our two year anniversary at Findlay Market. So much has happened since November, 2009. We started with a few rolling carts, added some permanent racks with removable bins, decided to double the size of our stand, bought a building for storage, and installed a walk-in cooler. We've been able to make steady progress while building a fantastic loyal customer base, expanding our services to include personal and corporate deliveries, and hiring a terrific staff.
However, our progress has not been without challenges. We've learned to deal with every weather extreme...from 100 degree temperatures to freezing cold and snow. We've also fought winds that have twice destroyed our tarpaulin tents and forced us to reorder, regroup, and rebuild. Each time we've experience a setback, we learn a little bit and we become a little more determined to be successful.
This week we sit back and reflect. We have 1166 Followers on Twitter, 574 people who "like" us on Facebook, and I'd venture to guess, several thousand face-to-face friends that we've met during the last two years. All of you have reinforced our feeling that quality, consistency, and availability are all important when selling fresh produce. However, each day we're also reminded that developing a small business is all about the relationships you develop along the way.
This week we celebrate. We celebrate us, and we celebrate you...our loyal customers. To help us celebrate, we invite you to pick up a 6-pack this week! We're offering six Ohio-grown apples of your choice for only $2. Mix and match, or choose your favorite...Either way, this 6-pack's for you!

No on Issue 48

2011-10-24T19:49:00.000-04:00

We just returned from a few days in Washington, DC. I'm sure I've been to our nation's capital at least 10 times in my life. Each time I'm there, I marvel at how easy it is to get around using the city's Metro system. The system is color-coded, inexpensive, runs regularly, and features a friendly support staff more than willing to help the visitor figure out how to purchase a ticket or get from one place to another.
Each time we visit DC, we're amazed by the traffic. Cars are everywhere...from the interstates to the urban core. Locals think nothing of commutes lasting more than an hour. Gridlock seems to be at every corner. Stop-and-go is the only way to move on the interstate. And parking, if you're so lucky to find a spot, costs as much as a tank of gas!
As typical Washington, DC tourists, we never considered driving anywhere. Instead, we parked our car at the hotel in suburban Arlington and never touched it until it was time to go home. Why would we want the expense, uncertainty, and stress of driving around the city? It was so much easier to just walk to the Metro stop, purchase a ticket, get on the train, and get off at our destination. I'm sure when traffic and time were considered, no trip on the train took any longer than a similar trip would have taken by car.
As Cincinnatians consider Issue 48, I hope voters realize the true implications of this issue. Whether or not you're in favor of the Cincinnati streetcar that will run initially from Downtown Cincinnati to Findlay Market, a "Yes" vote would prohibit "spending any money on a system of passenger vehicles operated on rails constructed primarily in existing public rights of way"...until December 31, 2020. In other words, a "Yes" vote will prohibit any spending, public or private, on any sort of public rail transportation system that may be developed for the next 9 years! A "Yes" vote will handcuff Cincinnati so that no alternative means of transportation can be considered until 2020.
Imagine the traffic. Imagine the time wasted. Imagine what might be invented in the next ten years. Imagine what Cincinnati might miss. Imagine going backward instead of forward.
I urge you to vote "No" on Issue 48. Let's keep Cincinnati moving...

Taking the Mystery out of Kabocha Squash

2011-10-14T13:58:00.002-04:00

Today we added a new stop to our delivery route, and I met a wonderful woman who I'm hoping becomes a satisfied, long-term customer. We were casually discussing Daisy's Delivery, and I was explaining how the price list is updated and emailed each Monday. My new friend asked if the items on our weekly price list change often. I replied that the majority of items stay about the same, but as the seasons come and go, we also see some varieties of our fresh produce come and go. I told her how we had recently started carrying some of our fall squashes, like Kabocha Squash. At the mention of Kabocha Squash, she had a bit of a puzzled look on her face, but I assured her that she wasn't alone in being unfamiliar with Kabocha...and we preceded to talk about how it's fun to try new foods. We even joked a little that it might be fun to add a "mystery item" to our weekly price list in order to convince customers to "think outside the box." Wouldn't it be curious, for instance, to get a vegetable in with your delivery order that's a little out-of-the-ordinary and requires some creativity in the kitchen...

I confess that Kabocha Squash was new to me as well a year or so ago. However, we did some research and found a simple recipe for delicious Oven Roasted Kabocha Squash. The most difficult thing about this recipe is cutting the squash into wedges as the skin, though edible, is rather thick. After that, it's easy to just add a little salt, pepper, and oil, and roast until the squash is soft.

So as you head to Findlay Market this week, think about trying something new. And as I'm planning for next week's email update, I'll be thinking about a "mystery item." What do you think? If a "mystery item" on our produce list was $2, would you be daring enough to try it?

Steve Jobs=Inspiration

2011-10-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

:( Steve Jobs
I got the news from my daughter at college...a simple text message on my iPhone. Even though the news was expected, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was dead.
As I began to read the tweets, posts, and articles about Steve Jobs, I thought back to 1985...Barry and I were living the DINK lifestyle (dual income, no kids). He worked at Cincinnati Milacron and I taught public school. Our days were predictable; money was available...and then, everything changed.
Barry brought home our first computer...a Mac. He apologized for buying something so unfamiliar and so different from what he had used at work; however, he explained how user-friendly the Apple computer was and how I'd learn everything I needed to know in just a few days. With that, off we went into the world of entrepreneurship...first in the homebuilding business and most recently, adding a second business in fresh produce. We couldn't have done it without our Apple and Mac products...and maybe we couldn't have done it without the inspiration of Steve Jobs.
Steve Jobs is credited with all kinds of technological innovations. What's sometimes overlooked is his role as a model for everyone interested in business. He surrounded himself with good people, encouraged innovation, stayed true to his goals, and dared to dream. I have no idea how influential Steve Jobs was on a daily basis at Apple, but I do know the man could sell and was a master at marketing. Every time he took the stage to announce a new product, I wanted that product...whether I needed it or not. I admired his style, relaxed yet so sophisticated. I admired his communication skills and the simplicity of his products...and I even admired the packaging of the products.

And "one more thing"...
Prior to the Mac revolution, anyone in business was portrayed in the vein of Ward Cleaver...straight, boring, and representative of "the establishment." Thanks to Steve Jobs, it's now cool to be in business.

P.S. I'm a Mac.

Fun with Fennel, Revisited

2011-09-30T16:36:00.000-04:00

At Daisy Mae's Market, we contend that food is fun. We enjoy talking about food, learning about new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and experimenting with different recipes. A year or so ago, I wrote a post about fennel, and I got several comments from friends about the title of that post. Since then, my silly little "Fun with Fennel" phrase has been repeated more than a few times.
If you're unfamiliar with fennel, it is a hardy root vegetable that consists of a white or pale green bulb with stalks. Even though the stalk, leaves, and seeds are all edible, we tend to use the bulb most commonly. The bulb may be sauteed, stewed, braised, grilled, or even eaten raw.
Last week Mr. Daisy Mae stumbled on a new (fun) combination of ingredients that made a terrific side dish. He chopped the bulb of some fennel, a few carrots, and some fingerling potatoes and tossed them with olive oil. He then added a little salt and pepper and sprinkled with rosemary. After roasting for 25 minutes or so in a 350 oven, all the flavors had blended together beautifully. The fennel adds a very subtle, distinctive taste that takes the potatoes and carrots and makes them special. And the rosemary seems to tie it all together...and adds to the fun!

When MLB Gives You Lemons...

2011-09-14T18:24:00.001-04:00

You've probably heard that Major League Baseball released the 2012 schedule that includes Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, April 6. If you've spent any time in Cincinnati at all, you know that Opening Day here is special...It's different than any other Opening Day in any other major league city, and it includes a huge parade sponsored by the merchants of Findlay Market.
However, this year's Opening Day date of April 6 presents several conflicts. Not only is April 6, 2012, Good Friday in the Christian calendar, but Passover begins at sunset on that date in 2012 as well. For the merchants at Findlay Market, the Friday before Easter is traditionally one of the biggest sales days of the year. The thought of trying to organize the Opening Day Parade in the midst of this popular shopping day seems impossible. The conflicts are numerous and even though Major League Baseball has stated that the dates are "tentative," the potential for disrupting the long-standing tradition of the Findlay Market Opening Day parade exists.
Scott Sloan and Tracy Jones spent the better part of their 700WLW radio show today discussing the conflicts. They suggested a solution that would include a split-squad exhibition game a few days before the actual Opening Day with proceeds going to the Reds Community Fund. I'd love to see it happen...But I'd take it a bit further. Wouldn't it be great to have the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade include real Reds players? Not one or two...but the whole team just as it was done originally in the late 1890's. I'm sure thousands of Cincinnatians would turn out to support the team and to celebrate the official start of the baseball season. Fans would line the streets for the parade and then fill the stadium, and the children of the Tri-State would benefit through the Reds Community Fund. The national spotlight would definitely be on Cincinnati, and we could show the rest of the league that we love our Reds' traditions. What a boost such a gigantic pep rally could give the team! And maybe with a little luck, the enthusiasm could carry over throughout the season, and we could all celebrate a World Series Championship with another parade to Fountain Square in the fall.
Let's put our heads together and figure out how we can turn this conflict into a winning situation for all of Cincinnati...After all, when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade!

See You at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati!

2011-09-13T16:54:00.002-04:00

Oktoberfest season has arrived in Cincinnati. It seems each fall weekend a different German Society or parish is hosting a festival featuring German food, beer, and gemütlichkeit. This weekend is the granddaddy of them all: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. This annual event brings thousands of people to the streets around Fountain Square to share a beer, listen to a German band, or munch on sausage and sauerkraut.
In honor of Oktoberfest season, I'd like to introduce you to the Daikon radish. The Daikon is fast becoming a favorite on our Findlay Market stand. Yes, I know the Daikon radish is among the most popular vegetables in Japan...and yes, I realize that the name itself is taken from the Japanese "dai" meaning "large" and "kon" meaning "root." And, yes, many Asian recipes recommend using a Daikon radish. But did you know the Germans love the Daikon as well? Especially in Bavaria, this root vegetable has taken on a special role and goes by the name of "Radi."
To the Germans, radi is "a thinly-sliced white radish." Now here's the best part...The radi is lightly salted and eaten raw--as a snack while drinking German beer!
So here's to our German friends for finding a great way to enjoy a Japanese favorite...Prost!

A Sandwich By Any Other Name...

2011-09-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

Mr. Daisy Mae is famous, at least at our house, for his "Big Sandwich." Some people would call it a sub or submarine sandwich. Others might call it a hoagie, hero, grinder, poor boy, blimpie, or even a torpedo. But at our house, we've settled on the ultra-descriptive term--BIG SANDWICH.
I can't remember exactly when the Big Sandwich came into being, but when the kids were teenagers, the Big Sandwich made a regular appearance on our table. Maybe it was because once the kids could drive and had part-time jobs, they seemed to be making trips to the nearby Subway restaurant fairly often. As any smart parent figures out, the key to continuing your relationship with your growing children is to feed them well, feed them often and most importantly, feed them for free!
Well, those of you who know Mr. Daisy Mae know that he's quite a competitive guy. I suspect Mr. Daisy Mae got tired of hearing the kids say they'd stopped at Subway. He begin to tinker with making his own version, complete with homemade bread, to prove that he could make a sandwich better than any restaurant. Before long, he had all of us requesting the Big Sandwich. Accompanied by sweet potato fries or pasta salad, the Big Sandwich became more than a meal. It became a conversation piece...Who likes what on it? Should we toast it? How about if we grill the bread? Let's kick it up a notch. Let's try a different sauce...
With the help of the Big Sandwich, we got to spend a few more evenings at the table with our kids, and we found something we could enjoy together. Call it what you may but a sandwich by any other name is still as sweet...

Mr. Daisy Mae's Big Sandwich

Yield: 4-6 sandwiches Prep Time: 20 min. Total Time: 20 min. Peppes

Ingredients:

1 loaf Italian or French bread, unsliced

3⁄4 lb. roasted turkey, sliced

1⁄4 lb. hard salami, sliced

6 slices of crisp bacon

2 slices Provolone, American, or other cheese

Several pieces of Iceberg lettuce, shredded

1 cucumber, sliced

1 tomato, sliced

1 green pepper, sliced

1 red onion, sliced

2 Jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional)

Mustard and/or mayonnaise, to taste.

Olive oil and oregano, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise and place open on baking sheet.

3. Spread both halves of loaf with mustard and/or mayonnaise. Layer meat

topped with cheese on each half. Place open-faced in broiler just until

cheese melts.

4. Remove from broiler and add vegetables. Sprinkle with olive oil and

oregano, and close up the sandwich.

5. Cut big sandwich crosswise into individual portions and serve.

More Findlay Market Progress

2011-09-01T15:45:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's the fresh paint or maybe it's the shiny cooking utensils, but every time a new merchant opens at Findlay Market, it seems to give the rest of us a burst of energy. This week we're getting a double burst as two new businesses are opening their doors. Mama Lo Hizo will offer Mexican fare, and Queen City Cookies will bring cookies and schnecken to Findlay Market.
I'm thinking back to the excitement we felt when we launched Daisy Mae's Market almost 2 years ago. In the midst of doing the million or so things required when you start a new business, we were thrilled to be putting our roots down at Findlay Market. We felt extra pride in knowing that our little business would be a piece of the puzzle that preserves this historic Cincinnati landmark. After years of observing from the outside both the good times and the not-so-good times in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, we were excited to be investing in the area and doing our part to contribute to Findlay Market progress.
Each time a new business opens at Findlay Market, we feel the energy generated by fresh ideas, new foods, creative marketing, and shared goals. As we welcome Mama Lo Hizo and Queen City Cookies to the Findlay Market family, we hope these new merchants are feeling the same sense of excitement and pride we continue to feel.
Findlay Market is a special place, alive with new things and ever-changing, but also with deep historic roots and traditions. If you haven't visited in a while, it's time to come back. And even if you were just here last week, Mama Lo Hizo and Queen City Cookies are two new reasons to come back again.

Classic Gazpacho

2011-08-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about having a small business is the support you receive from friends. It's always fun when people ask how things are going or inquire about our progress at Findlay Market. Since we've always surrounded ourselves with people who enjoy cooking and eating, we've found our friends are a great resource for product suggestions, marketing ideas, and recipes.
Last week my friend Eleise Quinn suggested we feature a gazpacho recipe she received from a relative who had found it in Bon Appetit. Not being a fan of "cold soup," I had steered clear of gazpacho for years. However, Eleise assured me that this gazpacho was especially good...and I must report, it's terrific!
So as we feature Classic Gazpacho as our Recipe of the Week (Week of 8/15/11), I give a tip of Daisy Mae's hat to our friends who help us in so many ways.
Thanks for the recipe, Eleise!

Classic Gazpacho Bon Appétit | July 1991

Yield: Serves 6

2 large tomatoes (about 1 pound)
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded
1 medium onion
1 large roasted red bell pepper (available in jars)
3 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

Cut 1 tomato, 1/2 cucumber and 1/2 onion into 1-inch pieces and transfer to processor. Add bell pepper and puree. Transfer to bowl. Add tomato juice, cilantro, vinegar, oil and hot pepper sauce. Seed remaining tomato. Dice remaining tomato and cucumber and onion halves and add to soup. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead.) Serve well chilled.

What's So Fun About Findlay Market?

2011-08-03T18:27:00.000-04:00

I've finally figured it out...At least I've figured out one of the reasons that Findlay Market is so much fun. Everyone knows the food at Findlay Market is fun. But it's not just shopping for food that's fun. It's eating the food that's available at Findlay Market. And it's not just sitting down at a table to eat...It's WALKING AROUND WHILE YOU EAT!
Yes, that's a huge difference between a big-box grocery store and Findlay Market. When I go to Kroger, I go with a purpose. I'm in and out as quickly as I can go...And even if I wanted to carry a sandwich around while I shopped, I'm pretty sure they'd frown on that.
But at Findlay Market, things are different. Last weekend I began to pay attention to what shoppers were eating as they made their selections at Daisy Mae's Market. I started noticing why they were juggling with their purses or struggling to take a bag because their hands were full...They were EATING. They were EATING AND SHOPPING at the same time! Good or bad, it's the ultimate example of American drive-through, multi-tasking mentality.
Here are a few of my recent observations:
1. Early morning shoppers often have coffee...maybe from Dojo Gelato or Bean Haus.
2. Around mid-morning, you see pastries or bread from Skirtz & Johnston or waffles from Taste of Belgium.
3. Once lunchtime rolls around, shoppers may have gyros from Areti's, mac and cheese from Gramma Debbie's Kitchen, a Banh Mi from Pho Lang Thang, or a fresh burger from Eckerlin's grill.
4. During the afternoon, the eating continues with cheese from Gibbs, roasted nuts from Dean's Mediterranean Imports, soup from Frank's Fish & Seafood, or salad from Fresh Table.
5. And, of course, you'll see kids of all ages eating apples, candy, popcorn, cookies, and ice cream at all times of the day.
So I suggest the next time you're hungry, come to Findlay Market. And if you'd really rather not walk and eat, there are some great places to sit down and enjoy watching everyone else!

Remember When...

2011-07-20T17:38:00.000-04:00

My dad recently sent me this picture on the occasion of the last space shuttle launch. One thing led to another and we began talking about how aviation has developed since he was a boy over 80 years ago. He remembered walking with his father to the "Flying Field" several blocks from his Chicago home. There, he saw his first airplanes...biplanes with wing-walkers...that surely must have been part of the barnstorming shows so popular in the 1920's.
Along these same lines, I continue to meet people at Findlay Market who tell me they haven't been to the market for years. Then they proceed to tell me how they used to come to the market with mom or dad, how they'd buy this or that at one stand, what business used to be on that corner...There are folks who remember Over-the-Rhine during Prohibition and others who remember the bustle of Union Terminal train station in the 1930's.

What's exciting is that these visitors have come back to Findlay Market...We've weathered the racial turmoil of 2001 and taken giant steps in the last few years to bring both locals and tourists to downtown Cincinnati. These visitors are finding out that history and progress go hand-in-hand in Over-the-Rhine, and they're flocking to the neighborhood to experience the market, take walking tours, or sip Christian Moerlein in a biergarten.
It certainly makes me wonder what the small children visiting Findlay Market today will remember when they are grown...

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2011-07-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

In 1969, Sly and the Family Stone had a hit single called "Hot Fun in the Summertime." It's one of those feel-good, lazy-listening kind of songs that takes me back a lot of years and reminds me of carefree summers days of no school, sleeping late, and hanging out.
When you're in the fresh produce business and operate a full-time stand at Findlay Market, summer is anything but lazy and carefree. Summer shouts, "Come to the market!" and customers have certainly been heeding the call lately. The last two weeks have been record-breakers as far as Findlay Market traffic, and we're definitely enjoying the influx of new faces and the return of old friends.
Summer also means heat and humidity in Cincinnati. If you're like I am, sometimes it seems too hot to eat much, and often the only thing that sounds good is something cool and refreshing. Fresh fruit and crisp vegetables fit the bill, and this week I've found a summer salsa to share with you as our Recipe of the Week. This Avocado, Tomato and Mango Salsa from allrecipes.com is a perfect match for tortilla chips or can be served with seafood or chicken. Either way, it's delicious...so kick back, relax, play a few tunes, and try a new recipe.
By the way, if you ask for Daisy's Deal, you'll get all the fresh produce needed to make our Recipe of the Week...and always at a special price. Now that's some "Hot Fun in the Summertime!"

Only in America

2011-07-04T09:20:00.002-04:00

I grew up with Sunday School and scribbling on a church program while "listening" to the sermon in an un-air conditioned sanctuary. As an adult, while I'm a bit more spiritual, I often still find my mind wandering as the preacher winds his way to his eventual point. However, several years ago on America's Independence Day, our minister made a lasting impression on me. As he described the blessings God has bestowed on our nation, he spoke one simple sentence in everyday language that has stuck with me since that day. "Only in America," he said, "do we take 15 minutes to decide which of our 15 pairs of shoes we should wear that day." He went on to describe how most of the world is lucky to have shoes at all...and many of those who do certainly only have one pair and don't have the time to hesitate before putting them on to start the day.

Now I'm not a shoe connoisseur. I don't really care much about fashion. But that analogy has made me stop and think more than once since that Sunday morning sermon. Now I notice all the choices that we make day after day and minute after minute. Only in America, do I have to decide which of our 150 channels I should watch on tv. Only in America, do I pick one of 50 kinds of toothpaste at the store. Only in America, do I consider buying topsoil (aka dirt) to add to the garden. Only in America, do I turn the thermostat up or down because I'm a little uncomfortable. Only in America, do I decide what kind of business I want to operate or where I'd like to live or work.

Americans have got it way too good. We often take our freedoms, our opportunities, and our choices for granted. Independence Day is a perfect time to slow down and appreciate all that we have. The good Reverend was right...God has blessed America.

Go forth and celebrate...and be thankful.

Our Recipe of the Week--Vegetable Slaw

2011-06-27T09:06:00.000-04:00

At Daisy Mae's Market, we're featuring Vegetable Slaw from www.allrecipes.com this week. This would be a terrific side dish to serve at your 4th of July cookout. To get the fresh produce for this recipe, just ask for "Daisy's Deal." You'll receive 1 cabbage, 5 Roma tomatoes, 1 broccoli, 1 cauliflower, and 1 red onion for $8.50. We'll leaving the chopping and mixing to you!

Vegetable Slaw

Yield: 6 servings Prep: 30 minutes Ready in: 30 minutes
Peppes
Ingredients:
3 cups cabbage, shredded
5 Roma tomatoes, seeded, chopped
1 cup fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
1 cup cauliflowerets, cut into small pieces
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup fat-free sour cream
¼ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and onion. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper, and then pour it over the cabbage mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

The Easy Button

2011-06-21T17:08:00.000-04:00

I'm a big fan of Staples. Not only do they have all of the office supplies I need, but they also have a user-friendly website, a good system for commercial accounts, and the simplest way I've found yet to get rebates on products I buy. I also like their marketing...I love the commercial with the parents singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" as they buy back-to-school stuff for the kids. And I especially like their "Easy Button" that is a consistent reminder of how smoothly their systems work.
At Daisy Mae's Market, we've developed our own version of the "Easy Button" by introducing a Recipe of the Week and Daisy's Deal. We'll feature the recipe on our Facebook page or via a link on Twitter, and we'll announce the total price for the fresh produce included in the dish. If you want to try the recipe, just ask for "Daisy's Deal." You don't have to make a detailed list or remember anything...leave the planning to us and just order "Daisy's Deal." When we deliver, you'll have what you need as far as the fruits and/or vegetables to prepare our Recipe of the Week. We promise to select recipes that are easy to prepare and that don't require a lot of other hard-to-find ingredients. Our goal is to make your life a little easier.
This week we're featuring "Grilled Vegetable Medley." It's simple to prepare as you just put the ingredients in aluminum foil and throw them on the grill. The only things you'll need in addition to our vegetables are butter, salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, shredded cheese, and the foil. The best part is that this "Daisy's Deal" is only $10, and we can deliver to most locations in 45202, 45219, 45220, or 45206.
So what are you waiting for? Just email us at daisymae@daisymaesmarket.com to place your order. We've made this as easy as pie!

Hey, Kids! Eat Your Fruits and Veggies...For Dad!

2011-06-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

With Father's Day approaching, it's time to turn our attention to the Dads. It's common today for Moms and Dads to share equally in preparing the meals. However, when I grew up things were different. Mom was the one in the kitchen and when Dad came home from work, dinner was almost always on the table. The only time Dad got involved in the cooking was on the weekends when he fired up the Weber grill for a burger or a steak.

As I think back about times around our kitchen table, I do remember my parents coaxing me to try new foods. I'm sure my Dad at one time or another put the peas on the spoon and tried to fly them into the open "hangar." This age-old trick to get kids to eat their vegetables seems to pass from one generation to the next...I remember the same trick when our own kids were little, and I'm pretty sure they didn't fall for it!

This week in honor of the Dads who've been working to provide food, putting meals on the table, and persuading kids to try something healthy, we're having a photo contest. Get that camera ready or dig out those old photos. Post a picture on our Daisy Mae's Market Facebook wall of your kid (or any kid) eating fruits or vegetables. The photo that gets the most "likes" by midnight on Father's Day, June 19, is the winner. Winner gets five bags of our Windy Acres dried fruits and snacks (Dad's love 'em) on the next visit to Findlay Market...plus the winner also gets major bragging rights for "Daisy Mae's Favorite Kid."

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Daisy Mae's Market!

Marry Your Fruits and Vegetables

2011-06-09T08:03:00.000-04:00

Since I used to turn my nose up at vegetables, I don't remember having many green salads as a kid. I remember nothing but fruit cocktail and jello salads. As I got a little older, tossed salads began creeping into my diet. I remember the first green salads I ate were covered in thick 1000 Island or Ranch dressing and topped with shredded cheese and croutons. Somewhere underneath was a bed of iceberg lettuce with a few slices of carrots or celery.

Salads have come a long way in the last few years...both for me personally and in the culinary world in general. It's not uncommon for me to have a salad as my entree, and every restaurant in town seems to offer a dizzying array of choices. Now I prefer mixed greens with a light dressing that doesn't overwhelm the freshness of the vegetables...And much to my surprise, some of my favorite salads today include marrying the fresh veggies with a touch of fruit.

I've really developed a taste for the popular spinach salad with dried cranberries and feta, but last night we discovered a new fruit and veggie salad twist: Grilled Peach Salad. We topped fresh peaches and Romaine lettuce from Daisy Mae's Market with fresh crumbled Greek feta from Gibbs Cheese at Findlay Market and came out with an absolutely delicious summer salad.

If you're stuck in a mealtime rut, try introducing fruit to the vegetables in your salad bowl. Flavors that you may think have no business on the same plate may actually prove to be a marriage made in heaven.

Taste of Cincinnati-The Sequel

2011-06-05T06:51:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was one of Cincinnati's favorite festivals, Taste of Cincinnati. This eating extravaganza takes over downtown Cincinnati during Memorial Day weekend when sampling food and walking from vendor to vendor are the things to do.
Yesterday when Daisy Mae's was booming with visitors buying fresh produce, it occurred to me that Findlay Market is really an everyday Taste of Cincinnati. People stroll from one stand to the next, sampling food as they explore all the tastes of the market. They discuss different flavors, try foods they've never seen, share servings that are too generous for one, and reinforce the idea that food is fun. And (gasp) they even talk to people they don't know about foods they are eating! It becomes a party atmosphere that definitely resembles the Taste of Cincinnati.
So my question is: Why wait until next May to experience a Taste of Cincinnati again? Come to Findlay Market any Tuesday through Sunday year-round to enjoy the feeling of a festival. You can eat and drink your way from Race Street to Elm Street any time of the year. What better way to get a taste of Cincinnati...

Top Chef, Daisy Mae Style

2011-06-02T08:53:00.000-04:00

Around our house, Dad has always been the featured chef. When the kids weren't calling me the "Casserole Queen" or complaining about my meatloaf, they were asking Dad to make a pasta, bake homemade bread, or fire up the grill. Even though Dad receives most of the attention in the kitchen, it has never bothered me because I come out ahead when delicious meals appear effortlessly on our table.
Having our daughter home from college this summer has ramped up the cooking again. Not only is Dad back at it making her favorites, but the college kid has become Chef #2. She's taken a real interest in developing her culinary skills, and it's been a welcome relief to have Chef #2 in charge of an occasional meal. Now dinner conversation has turned to marinades, spices, and techniques, and rather than be totally left out, I decided it was time to pull out all my Google and Food Channel resources and join in the fun.
The other night I made a Vegetable and Beef Stir-Fry with Brown Rice that received 5 stars from the other Top Chefs in the family. I started with a flank steak that I marinated a few hours. Then I chopped up a bunch of fresh vegetables from Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. After a quick stir-fry, I served it over rice and the judges went wild.
I may not be the Top Chef in the family YET, but at least I'm back in the game!

Graduation? Try Findlay Market Stress-Free Party Plan

2011-05-26T10:06:00.000-04:00

I can't believe a year has past since we were on the whirlwind graduation circuit. Last May, our son graduated from the University of Virginia. Since then, he has completed a year of real-world employment and traveled to places I've only seen on television. A few days after his UVA graduation, our daughter graduated from high school. She has since completed a year at the University of South Carolina, expanded her horizons immensely, and continues to impress us with her ambitions and creativity. Where in the world has the year gone?
If a graduation is in your family's near future, you may be feeling not only the pressure of change at home, but you may also be feeling the stress of the celebration itself.
To relieve some anxiety, I recommend you follow the Findlay Market Stress-Free Party Plan. These easy step-by-step directions are sure to make your graduation party a hit!

1. Go to Findlay Market. Park in one of the 3 convenient adjoining free lots, or grab a meter on the street.
2. Decide on your main entree. We chose fajitas. We got Amish chicken breasts from Busch's Country Corner and flank steak from Mackie Meats. We marinated everything overnight. If you need help with a marinade, talk to the Colonel at Herbs & Spice. (If you prefer more of a traditional cookout with sausages, metts, or brats, check out Kroeger & Sons or Eckerlin Meats.) To make the fajitas complete, we grilled whole peppers and onions, too.

3. For side dishes, think fresh produce. We served veggies and dip, fruit salad, slices of watermelon, tossed salad, and sweet corn. You can feed A LOT of people with fruits and vegetables at a very reasonable price. You can even call ahead to Daisy Mae's Market at 513-602-5601 and we'll package your order and have it ready for quick pick up.

4. For dessert, choose gelato from Dojo Gelato, waffles or pastries from Taste of Belgium, or a special cake from Skirtz & Johnston.
5. Or if you're not quite the planner that I am, just wander around until you see or smell something you like at Findlay Market. Whatever you decide to serve, it's easy to find, reasonably priced, and convenient. You'll be glad you chose one-stop shopping at Findlay Market.

Are You Bored?

2011-05-22T06:37:00.001-04:00

My dad in Florida told me about a newspaper ad there that encouraged visitors to check out the local Flea Market. It was one of those ads that started on one page with "I was bored..." and then continued onto another page with "the other day"...followed by "so I went to"..."the Flea Market"...and "WOW!" Each part of the ad enticed the reader to go on and find the next part of the message...because you knew something good had to be at the end.
I was thinking such an ad would be perfect for Findlay Market here in Cincinnati. "I was bored...the other day...so I went to...Findlay Market...and WOW!" Food, handcrafted items, beer, wine, music, people-watching, and more are yours for the taking if you make up your mind to put a little "Wow!" in your life. Just like the ad suggested, as you wander the aisles at Findlay Market and turn each corner to see something different, you'll be amazed at the experience. Maybe your "Wow!" at the end of your visit will be a cup of DojoGelato, a taste from Market Wines, a waffle from Taste of Belgium, or a Christian Moerlein from the Biergarten. Or maybe your "Wow!" will be a minute talking spices with Colonel De...Or perhaps your "Wow!" will be picking up a new recipe from the friendly staff at Daisy Mae's Market...
So if you're looking for something new to do, come find your "Wow!" at Findlay Market. We're open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round, and we have everything here...except boredom!

Hide and Sneak!

2011-05-12T14:13:00.000-04:00

Last night's dinner included Mr. Daisy Mae's Spaghetti Squash, Mediterranean-style. If you've watched the video, you know this is a simple recipe that substitutes as pasta. Now if I told our daughter we were having squash, she'd turn her nose up quicker than you could blink an eye. However, by disguising the spaghetti squash as pasta, I found everyone wants seconds!
If you're trying to get more vegetables in your family's diet, there are lots of ways to "hide and sneak." Not only can you substitute spaghetti squash for regular noodles in spaghetti and casseroles, but you can also add vegetables to the sauce itself. Add finely chopped carrots, onions, or celery...or if your kids are really picky, puree' the vegetables into a smooth mixture before adding to the sauce. Vegetables can also be mixed in with scrambled eggs or omelets, or they can be hidden in favorite soups. It's also easy to add a few veggies to a pizza...With a favorite pizza sauce and cheese, the healthier toppings can go unnoticed by those who resist eating vegetables.
It's not just picky kids who don't get enough vegetables in their diets. Most of us have trouble fulfilling our daily requirement of fruits and vegetables. (If you're not sure how many servings you should eat, check out this handy calculator.) I've found the easiest way to add fresh produce to my diet is just to have it available. By cutting up raw vegetables and having them in the refrigerator ready to eat, I'm much more likely to snack on this healthy choice. By keeping lettuce and sliced tomatoes ready, or an avocado nearby, I can easily add these vegetables to a sandwich or burger.
When it comes to those of us who know better, it's exactly the opposite of picky eaters...Don't hide the veggies, but rather keep them in plain sight. You'll find you can increase your vegetable intake without much effort, and you'll be sneaking some healthy habits into your routine.

If I Had a Dollar for Everyone Who Said...

2011-05-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

Not a day goes by at Findlay Market without hearing someone say, "I haven't been here for years." Today was one of those days where excellent weather combined with special events to bring a lot of new faces to the market. While musicians played on Elder Street, the smell of fresh sausages on the grill and the thought of cold beer in the Biergarten invited people to not just shop, but to linger a while. And, yes, I heard it more than once..."Why haven't we been here sooner?"..."This is so different from when I was last here"..."We're going to come every week!"...
Old and young, native Cincinnatians and international visitors...professionals, students, families, neighborhood residents...On foot, by car, by bicycle, by bus--it seemed everyone came to Findlay Market today.
If you missed it, vow to come soon to see this special place. If you were at Findlay Market today, tell someone what you saw, smelled, heard, or tasted....and next time you visit, bring a friend.

Hey, Flying Pigs! It's Not About the Destination

2011-04-26T09:08:00.000-04:00

Eleven years ago I ran my first Flying Pig Marathon. If you've ever wanted to know if you're really qualified to include "goal-oriented" on your list of character traits, running 26.2 miles is the perfect way to fine out. Somehow I managed to find time for 6 months of training in the middle of being a wife, a mother, and a business partner. And, yes, I finished the marathon in a stellar 5 hours and 14 minutes.
For those of you getting set for the Flying Pig on Sunday, your training has all but come to an end. This is the week for worrying about "hitting the wall," eating and sleeping right, and figuring out the logistics of race day. Come Sunday, your weeks of training will culminate in a memorable experience.
As I look back, my journey to the finish line was filled with memories. I remember Sunday training runs that took me all over Winton Woods and took longer than it would take to play 18 holes of golf. I remember race day morning and the excitement in the bathroom lines prior to the start. I remember the relief of hearing a barbershop quartet at the Eden Park Overlook after climbing that first hill. I remember the elderly woman on the curb at one of the last mile markers in Covington who looked me straight in the eye, clapped her hands, and said, "You can do it!" And, yes, I remember the finish line, but not so much for the end itself, but for the sight of a former soccer teammate encouraging me the last few steps.
So as you Flying Pigs do your thing this weekend, take time to smell the flowers. Sure, your race time is important and the medal is cool, but as my friend Ross has said for years, "It's not about the destination...It's about the journey."
And now a word from our sponsors: Eat more fruits and vegetables. They make you run fast!
Good Luck, Racers!

Chips and Dip

2011-04-19T10:34:00.002-04:00

With another Easter on the horizon, my thoughts turn once again to family, friends, and holiday gatherings. I'm thinking a lot about my Aunt Maxine these days. She passed away on April 7 after living a full and active life most of her 85 years. She left her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and the rest of her extended family and circle of friends with wonderful memories of a caring person who excelled at balancing work and play.
As a child, I remember many special occasions at Aunt Maxine's. The Fourth of July was always my favorite holiday because we could sit on the back patio and watch the community fireworks over the trees in her backyard. We also spent many a Sunday dinner at Maxine's...and I'm sure we hunted for Easter eggs more than once at her house.
It's strange what stands out for me when I think about dinners at Aunt Maxine's. I remember that she always had chips and dip. Yes, potato chips and onion dip always seemed special to me.
As I think about that now, and as I think about all the worry that sometimes goes into a holiday meal, I find myself chuckling that the thing I remember the most is the chips and dip. Maybe there's a lesson there for all of us...something along the lines of "Don't Sweat the Big Stuff." As you gather your family together for your next special meal, don't stress too much over the ham, the turkey, the lamb, or the roast...It might be something as simple as the dip that makes them want to come back for more. After all, it's often the little things that make the memories.

So as a tribute to my Aunt Maxine, I'm sharing this recipe for a special dip from Perfect Entertaining. Who knows? There may just be a dip lover in your family that remembers this for a long time.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Dip

This dip is easy to make and is refreshing and cool. Try serving it with fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, breadsticks, or crackers as an easy appetizer. The dip can be made up to 48 hours in advance.

8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
2 medium peeled and chopped cucumbers
3 tablespoons sliced scallions
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoons freshly snipped dill weed
Dash cayenne pepper to taste
Salt
Pepper

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy. Cover tightly and chill until ready to serve. Garnish with additional dill sprigs and chopped red bell pepper if desired.

Makes about 3 cups dip.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Open Casting Call!

2011-04-12T16:09:00.000-04:00

From time to time, professional photographers ask us if they can shoot video or still photos at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. Of course, we're always flattered and usually eager to help out. I'm amazed how many amateur photographers also visit our stand and aim to snap a picture of our produce. Tourists, students, photojournalists, and those with smartphones have been click, click, clicking at Daisy Mae's since we opened. A little surprising, yes...But also easy to see that Findlay Market and our bounty of fruits and vegetables make the perfect backdrop for that special shot.
Today, by coincidence, we had 2 professional photographers "on location." I watched as they set up umbrellas for lighting, laptops for editing, and tripods for shooting. In one case, a model carried a colorful bag overflowing with grapes and asparagus as she posed for a shot while shopping. We did our best to coax the veggies into smiling, and I have to think that the photographers left with the desired results.
You don't have to be a professional, however, to take great pictures of our produce. In fact, we're putting out an open casting call right now to see which of our fresh fruits or veggies makes the best model. Bring your camera or smartphone on your next trip to Daisy Mae's Market. Take a picture and post on the wall of the Daisy Mae's Market Facebook page. Don't be intimidated; you don't have to be a pro. We'll even give bonus points for creativity! We'll pick the best of the photos, and the winner will receive a $15 Daisy Mae's Market gift certificate. Contest starts tomorrow (4/13/11) and photos must be posted by Sunday (4/17/11) at 6:00 pm. Winner will be notified via Facebook on Sunday night.
Go ahead...Take your best shot!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Try Lemongrass!

2011-04-06T17:41:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally arrived so you'll find both sides of

Daisy Mae's Market fully stocked again. When you exit the market house on the Race Street end at Findlay Market, you'll see many of our more exotic and international items on your right (the south side) and the more traditional offerings on your left (the north side). We stock over 100 items including not only fresh produce, but also jams and butters from Yoder's Farm as well as dried fruits and snacks from Windy Acres.

As you explore the expanded fare, you'll surely find a few items that may be new to you. I've recently discovered lemongrass. Lemongrass may look like something your weed-eater missed, but don't be fooled. This herb is popular in Thai and Vietnamese cooking and has been promoted for centuries as a key ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine. Lemongrass is also popular in herbal teas, and many proclaim that it improves digestion, is good for the skin, and may even prevent or cure colds! You may have run across the word "lemongrass" when shopping for lotions, perfumes, or shampoo...Yes, they've actually been able to bottle its powerful aroma.

When using lemongrass for cooking, remove the tough leaves to get at the main, yellow stalk inside. Some people cut the stalks into 2"-3" lengths and then "bruise" them by bending before adding them to soups or curries. By "bruising" the stalks (or slicing superficially), you release the lemon flavor into the dish. (Just be sure to remove the pieces before serving in a soup or sauce.) Others prefer to slice and then crush the lemongrass with a food processor or with mortar and pestle before mixing the ingredient into a special recipe. The extra lemon boost is a great addition to fish, poultry, and stir-fried dishes.

There's no reason to feel bored with your cooking and "tired of the same old thing." With so many options to choose from, vow to try something new every week. As we always say, "Food is Fun!"

Going the Extra Mile

2011-03-29T17:21:00.000-04:00

At Daisy Mae's Market, we emphasize to our staff how important it is to "Meet and Greet" our customers. We feel that people have lots of choices as to where to shop for fresh produce, and in order to differentiate our company from the big box grocery stores, it's extra important to show our customers that we care about them. Shopping at Findlay Market needs to be more than just hurrying in to buy groceries...It needs to be an experience.
If you saw my post from March 12, you know that I'm not only a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds, but I'm also a big fan of their customer service department. The thoughts I expressed in that piece were reinforced when I was contacted a few days later by Michael Anderson, Public Relations Manager for the Reds. According to Mr. Anderson, my blog post "was the buzz in the office." It seems that the Reds had been spending the month of March training their entire staff, over 2200 employees, in the "Reds Way." This training program emphasized, among other things, making a connection with fans. As it turned out, timing was everything, and my blog post must have been one of those "teachable moments" where the public relations department could show that the system was working.
One thing led to the next, and I received a phone call from Craig Warman, Director of Ticket Client Services. Mr. Warman expressed his appreciation for my story, and then offered me an opportunity to purchase two tickets that had come available. Of course, I was thrilled, completed the credit card purchase over the phone, and waited for the tickets to arrive in the mail.
If you're beginning to grasp the Reds' philosophy, you'll understand the tickets didn't come in the mail. No, for an organization emphasizing connecting with the fans, you don't just lick a stamp and put it on an envelope...You deliver the tickets in person.

Today, 2 days before Opening Day when I'm sure they had a dozen other things they could be doing, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Warman came to Findlay Market and hand-delivered my tickets. They went the extra mile...Not only did I get the tickets, but we also got another example to share with our staff about customer service...our own little "teachable moment."
Thanks, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Warman. Hope you realize your training goes way beyond those 2200 Cincinnati Reds employees.

When Work is Fun

2011-03-24T16:24:00.001-04:00

Mr. Daisy Mae loves to cook. I've learned a lot from watching him in the kitchen over the years. Sometimes I take my turn at the stove...But for the most part, I prefer to watch and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor.
I, on the other hand, love to play with my computer. I'm amazed by the power of this small machine. I can find the answer to any question within seconds, communicate with people around the world, create photo albums, and play music whenever the mood strikes. Needless to say, when I got an iPhone a year ago, I felt like I had another computer right in the palm of my hand...Double my pleasure!
Recently, while Mr. Daisy Mae was having fun cooking up some brussel sprouts, I was playing with the camera on my phone. Today I played a little more with the pictures, and now I have something to show for all my hard work. Isn't it great when work is fun?

Would You Care for Fries with Your March Madness?

2011-03-16T17:14:00.007-04:00

March Madness has arrived. Somehow this little old college basketball tournament has grown into a multimillion dollar event spread over four television channels. In fact, this year, it's actually possible to watch all 67 games live from start to finish. Every office, many families, and all kinds of friends have established betting pools in every form and fashion. People who don't watch a basketball game all year are suddenly interested in the outcome of each matchup.
If you're like we are, meals seem to take a backseat when the games are on. Just like in the sports bars, the menu often consists of pizza, wings, burgers, or sandwiches. We usually want a simple side dish as well, and I've found sweet potato fries to be a quick and easy addition to any meal. (And those of you who were paying attention to our 12 Days of Healthy Foods in January remember that sweet potatoes are good for you!)
You'll find many variations, but I prefer "Perfect Oven Sweet Potato Fries." Just peel a potato, slice it and spread the slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper, drizzle them with olive oil, and pop the baking sheet in a 450 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes. For a little extra kick, I like to spice mine up a bit with Lain's Bada Bing from Colonel De's at Findlay Market.
Whatever your preference, food-wise or team-wise, here's hoping you bring home a winner this March.

The Customer is #1

2011-03-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

Imagine you sell something that is in such demand that people will camp out in rain and freezing temperatures for 3 nights in order to be in line to buy it. And then imagine that those waiting to spend their hard-earned money on your product actually have fun while waiting for all those hours.
That's exactly the position the Cincinnati Reds are in. They have created just such a product, but it's not all about getting tickets for Opening Day. It's not just about the game.
The owners of the Reds, led by Bob Castellini, adhere to the philosophy that the customer is the number one priority. The management team and the marketing department never forget that the success of the team is directly related to the satisfaction of the fans. This morning on Fountain Square, I witnessed the Reds customer service program in action.
I arrived a little before 7:00 am. Those who had spent the night in tents and sleeping bags were starting to pack up, and a quiet line of fans snaked around the Square. I had hardly found my place at the end of the line, when the John Morrell Rally Pack team showed up with coffee and doughnuts for everyone in sight. Reds highlights began playing on the big screen tv overhead as fans began to really anticipate the start of the 9:00 am ticket sale. Soon, the mascots Mr. Red, Rosie Red, and Gapper began to mingle among the crowd. Rosie Red and Mr. Red each spent at least 10 minutes entertaining two young boys near me in line, throwing a ball and pretending to steal the boys doughnuts. The father grinned from ear to ear because he knew, even if he couldn't get the coveted tickets, his kids were making Reds memories that would last a long time. Next the Rally Pack Team passes out Reds towels to everyone and conducted a trivia contest with autographed prizes for the winners. At exactly 9:00 am, the line started to move in a very orderly fashion. The Reds were well-staffed to sell the tickets efficiently in a big tent out of the weather. Each successful purchaser who emerged from the tent with tickets in hand was high-fived and cheered by the mascots and the Rally Pack.
After about 25 minutes, I was within a few people of the ticket tent, but unfortunately, my part of the story doesn't have a good ending. The Reds spokesman took the microphone and announced with regret that the 1500 tickets were, in fact, sold out. Sure, I was among the disappointed, but I felt my 2 hours were well-spent as I got another good lesson in customer service. The Reds didn't have to distribute coffee, doughnuts, and towels. They didn't have to bring the spirit crew and a full contingent of ticket sellers. They would have easily sold the tickets without any of the extras. However, the extras are what made me feel as if my experience was worthwhile, and the extras are what made me think the Reds care about ME.
What a good lesson for any business...Show the customer that he's #1, and you'll be way ahead of the game.

What's a Nice Little QR Code Doing at a Fresh Produce Market?

2011-03-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the little square bar codes that seem to be popping up everywhere? I think I first saw one in a magazine, but then I started noticing them on boxes, labels, and billboards. They're called QR Codes, and they're packed with information.
The concept of QR Codes originated at Toyota as a way to track parts used in manufacturing. It didn't take long for people to figure out the codes had other applications in fields such as marketing, education, and communication. For you newbies, you scan the QR Code with a special reader, and you'll immediately be linked to a website, photo, video, or written text. The really cool thing is that the readers are available on most smartphones so anyone can unlock the QR Code. By holding the phone over the little square bar code, you'll be taken to an expanded level of information.
We've started experimenting with QR Codes at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. We have codes that link to our Facebook and Twitter pages, and we have codes that link to "How-to" videos such as how to grill vegetables. I was thrilled last week when I saw two young customers literally "flip out" when they tried the codes. One of the girls actually said, "I feel like a kid with a new toy!" In a matter of seconds, the girls had become fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter.
We'll see where the future takes us as QR Codes become more commonplace. For now, take out your phone the next time you're at Daisy Mae's and see what you can learn from our QR Codes.

Findlay Market and the Neighborhood Enhancement Program

2011-03-03T15:31:00.001-05:00

For the past few years, the City of Cincinnati has selected several areas to include as part of the award-winning Neighborhood Enhancement Program. The Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) brings together a collaboration of city departments, local residents, businesses, and community organizations that focus on "enhancing" a specific part of the city during a 90-day period. This year the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood surrounding Findlay Market was chosen as the first focal point for NEP. Today Cincinnati's City Manager Milton Dohoney stood at the doorstep of the market house to recognize the entities involved in this collective effort and to kick off the 90-day blitz.
The Neighborhood Enhancement Program focuses on crime, building code violations, litter, and blight. Even though crime in Over-the-Rhine has decreased 50% in the last 5 years, Police Chief Tom Streicher spoke about the need to get tougher. In fact, Cincinnati Police have been working undercover in the area since the fall and had targeted 13 individuals as "Most Wanted." By Monday of this week, Cincinnati's WLWT.com reported that 9 of the 13 had been apprehended.
Also this week, I noticed that volunteers were painting several vacant buildings around Findlay Market. At the same time, a nearby alley well-known as a drug hangout was boarded up. Most of the NEP activities are similar in that the program emphasizes quick, relatively inexpensive changes such as fixing broken windows, repairing street lights, cleaning up litter, and painting. Evidence shows that these simple improvements are often enough to change attitudes and overcome misperceptions.
Today at the NEP kickoff, I was excited to see all the different organizations that care about preserving and improving this historic neighborhood. The next 90 days should be even more exciting as we see what takes shape around Findlay Market.

Tomato Shortage 2011--Not at Daisy Mae's Market

2011-02-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

Every year we go through periods where certain items at our fresh produce stand at Findlay Market disappear. A few weeks ago, green beans were in short supply. Another week, we hardly had any celery. It's almost always weather-related, and within a few weeks, the items start to reappear.
If you've been anywhere other than under a rock the last week or so, you know about the current tomato shortage. A quick Google search showed me 195,000 search results for "Tomato Shortage 2011" so I know everyone is talking about it. For the first time in about 50 years, Florida and Mexico experienced damaging freezes at about the same time this winter. It's not that there aren't any tomatoes, it's just that they are in short supply as farmers wait for the next crop to mature. If you know what supply and demand does to prices, you'll understand why fast food restaurants like Wendy's and Subway decided to temporarily remove or limit tomatoes on their sandwiches. Grocery stores and markets, on the other hand, may have raised prices on the tomatoes they do offer.
However, at Daisy Mae's Market, we're in a unique position. Since Jeff spent years in the wholesale produce business, he has developed special relationships with most of our suppliers. One result of his experiences is that tomatoes have actually become one of our specialties. In fact, check our company logo and you'll see that it includes a tomato in the center of a daisy...Our avatar we use for Facebook and Twitter includes a tomato as well. The tomato is "our thing." Jeff knows tomatoes, and our suppliers know Jeff. This cooperative effort allows us to continue to bring fresh tomatoes to you at reasonable prices year-round.
So next time you see a sign at the drive-through window apologizing for a lack of tomatoes, think of us. In fact, just swing through the drive-through and keep on driving to Daisy Mae's where you can get delicious fresh tomatoes at good prices any time.

Can't Wait for Bockfest?

2011-02-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

Cincinnati has a tradition of celebrating its 1800's beer heritage with a special brew that is tapped around the time of Lent. This year, March 4-6 has been designated as Bockfest in downtown's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Early March seems like a perfect time to honor your German heritage or hoist a mug of Bockbier. At our house, we jump the gun a bit and have created our own holiday called Febfest. In 2011, we celebrate this weekend.
It all began 17 years ago when Mr. Daisy Mae decided we needed a reason to get together with our friends during the grey, cold days of winter. We love the fall Oktoberfests around Cincinnati so Mr. Daisy Mae suggested his own version of Febfest. Why not get together when we all have cabin fever and share traditional German food and drink with our good friends? This could be Gemütlichkeit at its best...and so it began.
We've found the best Febfest features food from local small businesses. We start with several cheeses from Gibb's at Findlay Market and follow that with a "radi" (fresh Daikon radish thinly sliced and salted) from our own Daisy Mae's. Alongside the cheese are pretzels from Servatii's. Next come the sauerkraut balls, and then we serve fresh sausages from Kroeger & Sons at Findlay Market. The main course features wiener schnitzel made from Avril's fresh veal and served on mini-buns from North College Hill Bakery. The sandwiches are accompanied by homemade German slaw and potato pancakes made with ingredients from our own Daisy Mae's Market. Dinner concludes with Mr. Daisy Mae's apfelstrüdel baked with Granny Smith apples. Of course, the entire meal tastes better when accompanied by a Christian Moerlein beer or a Bockbier from your favorite local brewery. This year we're going one better---home brew crafted by a special German friend.
So, you see, it's possible to have a German celebration with the help of local Cincinnati small businesses. Try it--shop locally, celebrate internationally, and have fun with good friends, good food, and good drink.

Who You Callin' Ugly?!?

2011-02-16T10:40:00.000-05:00

Fruits and vegetables...a photographer's dream. "Eat the rainbow," the nutritionists say as they promote both the beauty and the health advantages of eating fresh produce. But wait! Among all the reds, yellows, greens, and purples at Daisy Mae's Market sits the lowly Ugli Fruit. It's wrinkly. It's "sort of yellowish." It's just plain ugly. But just like Mom used to say..."Don't judge a book by its cover." It's what's inside that counts.
The Ugli Fruit is a type of tangelo grown in Jamaica and available from about November through April. The original cross between a grapefruit, a Seville orange, and a tangerine has been tweaked a bit to arrive at our present-day Ugli Fruit, sweet and tangy. The fruit is easy to peel and eat like a tangerine, or it can be halved and eaten like a grapefruit. Either way the orange flesh inside is low in calories and high in Vitamin C and fiber. And something else interesting...If you can't eat grapefruit because of certain medications you take, you may be able to eat Ugli Fruit. It contains no furanocoumarins so check with your doctor to see if you can add Ugli Fruit to your diet.
Next time you're at Findlay Market, enjoy the sights of all the beautiful produce. But don't neglect the not-so-attractive Ugli Fruit. This ugly stepsister of the citrus family is great for snacking and for making juice. In fact, she may turn out to be your main squeeze!

Fried Green Tomatoes

2011-02-10T18:35:00.003-05:00

I just returned from a short trip with 4 wonderful friends to Charleston, South Carolina. Before leaving for the trip, everyone told me we'd love it, and they were absolutely right. We loved it---even in February when we wore jackets, dodged downpours, and found a few places opening late or closing early because "the season" is still a few weeks away.
So what makes Charleston so special?
   1. The Charleston Visitor Center---This state-of-the-art facility right in the middle of town is an attraction in itself. You can view a short movie about the area, pick up literature of every kind, make reservations for hotels, tours, or dinner, or just browse the huge photos and maps along the walls. If you don't feel welcome after stopping here, you might as well go home.
   2. The History---It's everywhere. From the stately old mansions to the renovated row houses, you'll quickly realize that Charleston knows the importance of preservation. I recommend one of the theme-type tours and you'll learn things in a few hours that make the whole trip more meaningful. Note: Charleston is not a perfect little city by any means...They have suffered through fires, wars, and hurricanes that played a crucial role in what you'll see during your visit.
   3. The Culinary Experience---Charleston has hundreds of restaurants and pubs, and we found the food and service superb for each dining experience. Several signature dishes occurred, either in the classic form or creatively prepared, on most menus...She Crab Soup, Carolina barbecue, and fried green tomatoes.
   4. The Geography---Charleston has its harbor, and, of course, is known for its pleasant climate. However, it does get REALLY HOT in Charleston during the summer, but they don't seem to let it cramp their style. Instead, they've built piazzas to take advantage of ocean breezes, and they've built brick courtyards with overhanging trees for shade. They're taking the harbor to a whole new level, too, by luring cruise lines to include Charleston as a destination.
   5. The Trolley---The best way to experience Charleston is on foot, but when you're tired or it's pouring, you take the trolley. The trolley has several routes (all clearly color-coded on a simple map) that run regularly throughout the city. The purpose of the trolley system is to cut down on traffic and make access to shopping and dining easy. It works...and best of all, it's free!

While reflecting on my trip, I can't help but think that Cincinnati has many of the successful pieces of Charleston's development already in place. I realize Cincinnati doesn't have the good fortune of warm weather year-round. However, Cincinnati is filled with historic buildings, has a reputation for fine dining, has a city center already developed around Fountain Square, has spectacular views of the Ohio River as it meanders through the hills, and has plans in place for expansion of mass transit. Seems to me the only thing we're missing is the fried green tomatoes, a signature dish! Any suggestions?

Alice's Super Parties

2011-02-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

You might recall a previous post in which I explained the origin of the name "Daisy Mae's Market." Daisy Mae was the grandmother of partners Barry and Jeff Cooper. She lived in the hills of Kentucky and could cook up quite a meal with whatever she might have around the house. I never met Daisy Mae, but I imagine her as a typical Little-House-on-the-Prairie-kind of grandmother.

I, on the other hand, had Alice. She was my mother's mother, but preferred to be called "Alice" because she never felt old enough to be called "Grandmother." Alice was as different from a Little-House-on-the-Prairie-kind of grandmother as she could be. She managed the office of the family automobile business her whole life, served on the Church Council and practically ran the church, and owned season tickets for St. Louis Blues hockey even though her husband chose never to join her for a game. She enjoyed shopping, dining out, and attending the theater, but most of all, she enjoyed entertaining.

Alice, and her husband Sherman, had a modest yet state-of-the-art home. As one of their 6 grandchildren, I always felt privileged to go to Alice's for holidays and special events. Not only did she serve delicious meals, but there were usually "Kiddie Cocktails" and orange peanut candy...things we didn't get at home. But the most special thing about Alice's house was that she owned a color television! Very few homes had a color television in the 60's, but there we were watching Bonanza in living color.

I'm sure we watched the first Super Bowl in 1967--in color--at Alice's house. And I'm sure all of the grandchildren had their little fingers in the dips and cheeses. There was nothing like a party at Alice's. How she would have loved to see the way the Super Bowl has evolved! It's so much more than a game now...It's the 60" HDTV's, the commercials, the parties, the extravaganza...Alice would have loved it.

So this year, when I get ready to watch the Super Bowl, I may just have a "Kiddie Cocktail" and lift my glass to Alice who taught me every party can be super if you just relax and have fun.

Take One!

2011-01-28T12:35:00.001-05:00

This morning was a hoot! We were visited at Daisy Mae's Market by the Cooking with Caitlin gals and a Time Warner Cable video crew. They're putting together a series of videos to share Caitlin's cooking tips on Time Warner On Demand. They'll film in various Cincinnati and Dayton locales for the shows that will air beginning in March. Needless to say, we were honored that they chose to do the first episode at Findlay Market. Molly, Kelly, and Caitlin are such a pleasure to work with, and every time I'm with them, they reinforce our belief that food is fun. Check them out on their website and tune in to 55KRC on Sundays at 3:00 for their "What's Hot?" radio show, and I think you'll see what I mean.
Thanks, Cooking with Caitlin and Time Warner Cable, for including us in your production. Can't wait to see the final cut!

Why Cooking is Hot

2011-01-26T10:27:00.001-05:00

I'm always impressed by the number of young people who are regular shoppers at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. Not only do these young people buy bananas, apples, and other easy-to-eat fresh produce, but they also buy jicama, eggplant, fresh basil, and more. They're definitely interested in eating healthy, cooking, and making food fun.
However, the young people aren't alone. I've noticed a renewed interest in cooking across all ages in the last few years---and this includes my own renewed interest. Maybe it's the economy since it's definitely less expensive to eat at home than go to a restaurant. Maybe it's a general trend toward "cocooning" or increased awareness about relationships between diet and good health.
I know we're influenced at our house by all the inspiring cooking shows on television. Any time we want to watch, we can find Anthony Bourdain traveling all over the world and sharing his culinary experiences or Barefoot Contessa whipping up something that looks delicious. When we want a dose of competition with our cooking, we cheer for Man vs. Food or the Iron Chef. I'm sure all of these non-stop food shows have definitely encouraged more people to get into the kitchen.

For me personally, I credit much of my renewed interest in cooking to Google. Yes, we have plenty of cookbooks, old recipes, and handwritten notes that we often use as our cooking resources. However, I find the easiest and quickest way to come up with a dinner idea is by putting a few words in the Google search window. For example, I thought today I could stop by Kroeger & Sons and pick up some sausage. I've also had a craving for sweet potatoes. I entered "sausage" and "sweet potatoes" in the Google search window and came up with this: Oven-roasted Sausage and Sweet Potato. Looks easy, includes lots of vegetables, can be prepared ahead of time. Bingo! I'm a cook!
I'm interested in hearing what inspires you to spend more time cooking. Leave a comment and we'll all learn something new.

Free Kiwi Slooper!

2011-01-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, you run across something that you just can't wait to share. I recently learned all kinds of great things about kiwis from the California Kiwifruit Commission. I already knew the kiwi was among our most nutritious fruits--more Vitamin C than an orange, as much potassium as a banana, high in fiber, and rich in beta-carotene and flavonoids. I also knew that you should look for a semi-firm kiwi when selecting one to buy and that you should store your kiwis in the refrigerator if you're not planning to eat them right away. But I also learned a bunch of interesting stuff about the history of the kiwi, where and how it grows, and possible uses for the kiwi. Make sure when you visit the site, you watch the 4-minute YouTube video.
But the real reason I couldn't wait to write this post is that if you hurry, you can get a free slooper! You don't really need a slooper for slooping the kiwi, but if it's free, why not order yours today? And while you're waiting for it to arrive, get to Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market and stock up on this delicious and nutritious fruit.

Mr. Daisy Mae and his Sleigh

2011-01-19T09:23:00.002-05:00

We've all heard the unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service..."Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." At Daisy Mae's Market, we don't do the "gloom of night" thing, but we're pretty reliable when it comes to staying open at Findlay Market and fulfilling our delivery orders.
If you live in Cincinnati, you know that another big winter snowstorm is predicted for tomorrow. Of course, in traditional Cincinnati fashion, today then becomes the day when everyone panics and hurries to the store to buy bread and milk (and presumably, fresh produce). I thought today would be a good time to remind you that Findlay Market is open every day Tuesday through Sunday, year-round, EXCEPT if the City of Cincinnati declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Level 3 rarely happens as that is when all roads are closed to all non-emergency personnel.
We're also pretty proud to say that Mr. Daisy Mae has never missed a delivery because of weather. Occasionally he's run a little later than he prefers, but he's always arrived safely with his sleigh full of fresh produce.
With that in mind, I have three suggestions:
1. Shop at Findlay Market today to avoid the crazy crowds at the big-box grocery stores. Parking is free and easy, and the merchants are eager to serve.
2. If you can't make it to Findlay Market today, order your fresh produce by contacting us at daisymae@daisymaesmarket.com.
3. If it snows tomorrow like they predict, drive carefully, take the Metro, or walk to Findlay Market, and you'll be greeted with open arms and warm smiles. (And bring your camera because the Market is beautiful with the snow!)

Healthy Foods from A to Z

2011-01-16T06:47:00.001-05:00

We've reached Day 12 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods. We began with "A for Apple" so it's only fitting that we end with "Z for Zucchini." Zucchini used to be considered just a summer squash, but these days we're able to enjoy this versatile vegetable year-round.

Zucchini is rich in health benefits and is a good source of manganese, Vitamin C and A, and dietary fiber. Research has shown zucchini has possible anti-cancer effects, is good for heart health, and may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. Because zucchini is also an anti-inflammatory, it may be helpful for asthma and arthritis sufferers. The dietary fiber found in zucchini also helps regulate the digestive system.
Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a home garden. Without too much attention, a few plants will yield enough zucchini in the summer for your family and a bunch of your neighbors. For this reason, it seems there are hundreds of zucchini recipes to try...This Zucchini Tomato Casserole might be a good place to start. You can get some free zucchini today (1/16/11) at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market with your $15 purchase.
I hope you've enjoyed our 12 Days of Healthy Foods and that you remember a few of the nutritious tips we've learned. Since we've only touched the tip of the iceberg with 12, I hope you continue to explore other foods and keep healthy eating as one of your resolutions throughout all of 2011.

What's Up, Doc?

2011-01-15T07:17:00.000-05:00

Maybe nothing's up with the Doc if you've been eating your carrots. Yes, carrots are the featured item for Day 11 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods. Bugs Bunny loves 'em and so do we!
Carrots are high in Vitamin A and also a good source of Vitamins K and C, dietary fiber, and potassium. Just like Mom said, carrots really can help you see better. The beta-carotene gives them their color and also helps convert Vitamin A in the body to improve vision...especially at night. Carrots are also an antioxidant, and numerous studies show that carrots reduce the risk of certain cancers. In one study, one carrot per day cut the lung cancer rate in half. Now I'm not saying that carrots are a cure for cancer, but I certainly don't see anything harmful in eating a few carrots each day.
Raw carrots are great for snacking or in salads. But did you know by cooking carrots you increase the nutritional benefits? Cooking breaks down the cellular nature of the carrot so the body can absorb the nutrients better. So if you're looking to cook up a carrot dish tonight, here's a delicious recipe for Glazed Carrots that I recommend. Stop by Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market today (1/15/11) and receive a free bag of carrots with your $15 purchase.
That's all, folks!

Garlic Might Keep More than Just Vampires Away!

2011-01-14T06:54:00.001-05:00

It's Day 10 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods, and today we have chosen to feature garlic. Considered both a vegetable and an herb, garlic is related to onions, leeks, and shallots and is one of the handiest ingredients to keep around the kitchen. Its distinct flavor is often just what's needed to make a recipe complete.
You'll remember in the book and movie Dracula, garlic was used to keep the vampires away. Throughout the centuries, however, people have thought garlic would ward off more than just vampires. They thought it might keep away colds, flu, and even the plague! As it turns out, that may have been onto something. Researchers have only begun to tap into the health benefits of garlic, but studies have actually shown that the sulfur-containing compounds that give garlic its smell are also the source of several health-promoting effects. They have found that garlic stimulates T-cells that fight infection so there may be some truth to the antibacterial and antiviral qualities of garlic. Other studies have shown garlic might help manage cholesterol, improve iron metabolism, and even help control blood pressure. Most of these studies are preliminary, but we do know garlic contains manganese, Vitamins B6 and C, and selenium which are all needed for good health.
Garlic may be roasted whole or sliced, minced, crushed, or pressed before cooking. When crushed or minced, let the garlic sit for about 15 minutes before adding it to your dish. Studies have shown that during this brief waiting time, an enzyme reaction is triggered that helps to release the full health benefits.
Pick up some garlic FOR FREE today (1/14/11) with $15 purchase at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. We bet it will keep the vampires away (and taste good and be good for you at the same time).

So What's With the Straw in the Berries?

2011-01-13T06:44:00.000-05:00

We're featuring Strawberries for Day 9 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods. No one seems to know for sure where the word "strawberry" originated. Some think farmers used straw as mulch to prevent rot around the berries. Other people think that the berries were "strewn" on the ground and that term morphed into "straw." I just know that there's no straw in these berries, but nature has packed them instead with plenty of nutrients.
Strawberries are loaded with health benefits including Vitamin C. In fact, a serving of 8 strawberries contains more Vitamin C than an orange! The flavonoids found in the strawberries give them their red color and their antioxidant characteristics. Several research studies have shown that strawberries protect against inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. They also contribute to eye health, and the United States Food and Drug Administration states that strawberries may slow the decline of age-related loss of cognitive and motor skills. Best of all, strawberries are naturally sweet and low in calories.
Strawberries are delicious eaten whole, used in baking, blended into smoothies, and made into jams. But have you ever had strawberries as part of a green salad? It's a delicious way to break the regular salad routine.
If you visit Daisy Mae's Market today (1/13/11) at Findlay Market, you'll receive free strawberries with your $15 purchase. Pick up some spinach, too, and give this Spinach and Strawberry Salad a try.

Day 8 of 12 Days of Healthy Foods: The Avocado

2011-01-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

The NFL playoffs are under way which means the Super Bowl is on the horizon. Did you know avocado sales go through the roof as football fans get ready to watch the big game? Yes, guacamole made with fresh avocados is the favorite game-time snack at hundreds of Super Bowl parties. (Pssst...Don't tell the junk food junkies this is actually a healthy snack...)
Avocados contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are a good source of monounsaturated fat, the "good" kind of fat. Monounsaturated fats have been found to lower cholesterol and contribute to good heart health. Avocados also contain potassium, and the United States Food and Drug Administration states, "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." Avocados are high in oleic acid which, in some research, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. In addition, avocados contain more carotenoid lutein than any other common fruit, and lutein has been found to be an important element in preventing macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
At Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market, we generally stock the traditional avocado grown in California, Mexico, and Chile (among other places). We also often carry Florida avocados. The Florida avocados are much bigger and shinier than the traditional, and they have less fat and fewer calories. The traditional avocado may seem creamier; the Florida avocado may be easier to slice. We suggest you try both to determine your favorite for your particular need.
Besides guacamole, avocados are great in salads, on sandwiches, and as an ingredient in salad dressings. If you've steered away from avocados because you weren't quite sure how to peel or cut them, take a look at this easy method. In several quick steps, you'll be ready to serve up a super healthy fruit.
Stop by Daisy Mae's today (1/12/11) and pick up a free avocado with your $15 purchase.

Something for Your Sweet Tooth

2011-01-11T07:33:00.000-05:00

It's Day 7 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods. Today we climb to the top of the nutritional chart with sweet potatoes. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranks the sweet potato #1 in nutrition for vegetables. The sweet potato's ranking is based on its dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars, complex carbohydrates, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and calcium all packed into a low-calorie food. We also know that the orange coloring of the sweet potato is caused by betacarotene---a powerful antioxidant. In addition, a baked sweet potato supplies about 20% of an adult's daily potassium requirement, and research has shown that potassium can help regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and even decrease bone loss. Sweet potatoes have also been shown to improve blood sugar regulation even in persons with Type 2 diabetes. So if you thought sweet potatoes were only for Thanksgiving, you're wrong!
Sweet potatoes can be baked, roasted, fried, steamed, broiled, or grilled. They're relatively inexpensive, and they make a great addition to soups and stews, too. There's really no excuse not to add sweet potatoes to your weekly grocery list.
If you're reading this in Cincinnati, you know it's pretty wintry today. Wouldn't this be a perfect day for some sweet potato soup? Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market is open every day except Monday year-round. Findlay Market only closes when there's a Level 3 Snow Emergency in Cincinnati...and believe me, that doesn't happen very often. So come to Findlay Market today (1/11/11), and we'll toss in some free sweet potatoes with your $15 purchase at Daisy Mae's Market. Now isn't that a sweet deal?

Grapefruit for Day 6 of Our 12 Days of Healthy Foods

2011-01-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

On the 6th day of our Healthy Foods, your true love should bring you some grapefruit. Grapefruit is another of those favorite citrus fruits with loads of health benefits and particularly high in Vitamin C. Many studies show that Vitamin C supports the immune system, and it can help fight off those nasty winter colds. Grapefruit is also high in fiber and can help regulate the digestive system.
If you prefer the Ruby Red grapefruit, you're in luck. The red or pink color is caused by lycopene that can help fight oxygen-free radicals that damage cells. Several studies show that lycopene-rich foods can help reduce the risk of prostate, colon, and lung cancer. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice have also been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Other research shows evidence that grapefruit may help lower cholesterol. (A word of warning, however, if you take certain medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize cholesterol-lowering medications.)
It's easy to either squeeze the grapefruit for juice or to take a serrated knife and just section the grapefruit to eat. But how about adding a little something extra to your breakfast? Try broiling the grapefruit next time for a little added treat.
So today...be a true love, and bring someone special some grapefruit from Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. With your $15 purchase on 1/9/11, you'll receive 3 free grapefruit.

Kale to the Chief (and Everybody Else!)

2011-01-08T07:32:00.000-05:00

Day 5 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods brings us to kale. I think kale is one of those vegetables you either love or hate. If you love kale, you probably always prepare it the same way just because that's the way your family has always done it. Although kale can be eaten raw, roasted, or fried, the simplest method of steaming kale seems to produce the most health benefits. However you decide to prepare kale, it's worth it to your health to include kale in your diet.
Kale is packed with good nutrition. Its rich phytochemical content and 95 different flavonoids (plant nutrients) put kale at the top of the chart for antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods. Kale shows evidence of lowering the risk of bladder, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and kale also seems to promote eye health and protect against cataracts. It is high in calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, and is also a good source of dietary fiber.
But you say, "I have picky eaters in the family who won't eat green stuff!" Well, I have just the suggestion for you. Offer them Kale Chips! This Crispy Kale Recipe might be just the thing to get those stubborn eaters to try something different. In fact, if you shop at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market today (1/8/11), we'll give you some free kale with your $15 purchase so that trying something new and healthy will be good for your pocketbook, too.

Banana-fana-fo-fanna!

2011-01-07T08:25:00.000-05:00

It's Day 4 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods, and we're singing the praises of the banana! Bananas are a great source of energy due to the sugar and fiber content. But don't worry---a medium banana has only about 100 calories (about the same as an apple) so it's still a good choice for a snack.
Bananas are high in potassium which is needed for proper functioning of the heart and nerves. Because bananas are also low in sodium, they're a good choice to help control blood pressure. In addition, bananas aid digestion and help absorb calcium needed to maintain healthy bones.
Researchers have discovered that the tryptophan in bananas may reduce depression. Another research study has shown that when bananas are a regular part of the daily diet, the risk of stroke is reduced by 40%. Much work needs to be done before these studies are conclusive; however, bananas are undoubtedly one of the least expensive fruits that pack the most nutritional power.
Before the holidays, I made a Banana Banana Bread that I'd highly recommend. It's so easy to do and tastes delicious for breakfast or dessert. You'll find loads of additional banana information at www.chiquita.com. Make sure to check out the Chiquita Jingle...I'm sure it will bring back memories or inspire some budding artists.
And don't forget that today, January 7, 2011, is your lucky day at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. With your $15 purchase, you'll receive a free bunch of bananas. Now isn't that ap-PEEL-ing for all you banana lovers?

Mom Was Right About Oranges

2011-01-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

I've always told my family to drink lots of orange juice when they feel a cold coming on. I'm pretty sure I got that wisdom from my own mother who probably got it from her mother. As it turns out, it's not an "old wives' tale" or "old moms' tale" after all. Oranges are loaded with health benefits.
A single orange can fulfill about 100% of the daily requirement for Vitamin C, and research has shown that the flavonoids, or plant nutrients, found in an orange are potentially beneficial to the human body. The flavonoids trigger enzymes that fight disease so oranges really do offer immune support. In addition, studies have shown that the white part under the peel of an orange may be a good antioxidant. Additional research says that oranges may lower cholesterol, prevent ulcers, improve eyesight, and help with digestion. Since they come in their own little package that's easy to peel, oranges are a handy snack and can serve as a quick thirst quencher whether eaten whole or squeezed for the juice.
You'll find lots of creative recipes that use citrus fruit on the Sunkist website. You can get everything you need at Findlay Market to make many of those recipes. If you shop on Thursday, January 6 and spend at least $15 at Daisy Mae's Market, we'll even toss in some oranges for free. I'm tempted to try Blood Orange and Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad...If you try it before I do, let me know what you think.

Tomatoes for Good Health

2011-01-05T08:13:00.000-05:00

It's Day 2 of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. Today we're featuring the tomato. No matter whether you classify it as a fruit or a vegetable, the tomato is pretty darn good for you.
Tomatoes are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, but those are only two of the nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are also good sources of Vitamin K, potassium, and iron. However, the real health value in the tomato seems to be its lycopene. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps fight cancer cell formation, and tomatoes have the highest lycopene levels of all fruits and vegetables. Researchers have shown lycopene protects against colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers so tomatoes offer an inexpensive way to add this possible extra layer of protection. And here's even more good news---Cooking the tomatoes actually releases more lycopene, and cooking tomatoes in olive oil increases the absorption of lycopene into your body.
So what are you waiting for? Get to Findlay Market and get some free tomatoes with your $15 purchase today (1/5/10). While you're there, pick up a few of the other ingredients for some Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup. Not only will tomato soup taste great on a winter day, but it will also be another way to add a dose of good health to your diet.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2011-01-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Since we're ready to begin our 12 Days of Healthy Foods, I thought it was only appropriate that we start at the beginning..."A" is for apple...So away we go!
"A" for apple might very well represent "A" for amazing. There are over 7000 varieties of apples in the world, and it seems there is something for everyone. Different colors, different textures, different sizes, sweet or tart...there's an apple for every preference and every cooking need.
The health benefits of apples have been well-documented. High in Vitamin C and fiber, apples have also been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and aid in diabetes management. Researchers have also found that apples help build strong bones; other studies have shown apples reduce asthma attacks; other researchers have shown apples can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Apples have also been shown to aid in weight loss...In one study, researchers showed that those who ate an apple shortly before a meal, ate 15% less at the meal and, thus, were able to lose weight. And, of course, an apple also serves as nature's toothbrush...aiding in keeping teeth clean and gums healthy.
Apples are a ready-to-eat food...so handy to pack in a lunch or take in the car. But, apples are also great in homemade applesauce, in salads, or baked in a variety of recipes. Here's a recipe from Allrecipes.com for Simple Baked Apples that's sure to please everyone in the family.
As part of our 12 Days of Healthy Foods and as a special treat from Daisy Mae's Market...Spend $15 at our Findlay Market location on Tuesday, January 4, and we'll toss in some free apples---just for the health of it!

12 Days of Healthy Foods

2011-01-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

January 5 is, for many, considered the 12th day of Christmas. Tradition has it that December 25 is the first day of Christmas and celebrations continue up until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Even if you don't recognize the 12 Days of Christmas, you may feel that you've just experienced your own 12 Days of Overindulgence. If your schedule has at all resembled ours, we've been eating and drinking more in the last few weeks than we have in the previous few months combined. It's time to get back into a more regular routine for meals. It's time to resolve to eat healthy in 2011.

We, at Daisy Mae's Market, are doing our part to encourage you to develop some healthy eating habits. Starting Tuesday, January 4, and for the next 12 days, we will feature one especially nutritious fruit or vegetable each day. We'll write about it; we'll tweet about it; we'll share recipes using our healthy food of the day. And best of all, with a $15 purchase, we'll be giving you that fruit or vegetable FREE on its featured day.

So make your resolution now...Resolve to plan your meals better, shop at Daisy Mae's at Findlay Market, and prepare healthier foods for you and your family in 2011.
Check back here tomorrow to see what the 1st Day of Healthy Foods will bring!

10 Things I Learned in 2010

2010-12-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

Like everyone else, I thought I'd look back at 2010 before I look forward to 2011. Here's what I learned this year at Daisy Mae's Market:

1. Cactus leaves are edible.
2. People smile when fresh produce is delivered.
3. Findlay Market is an international tourist attraction.
4. There aren't enough hours in the day.
5. Twitter is the best way to spread a message quickly.
6. Sunshine is more important than temperature.
7. My iPhone is critical to our business.
8. If you organize it, they will come.
9. Quality is more important than price.
10. Everyone appreciates good service.

Most of all, I've learned there is much more to learn about Findlay Market, historic Over-the-Rhine, fresh produce, customer service, merchandising, and social media...We look forward to 2011 with the anticipation of expanding our knowledge and broadening our network of friends.
Best wishes to you for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! See you at Findlay Market...year-round!

Merry Christmas from All of Us at Daisy Mae's Market

2010-12-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

Santa's Helpers

2010-12-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine Santa Claus trying to do his job without his helpers? All those things that need to be done require a well-qualified team. Santa's helpers are hard-working, organized, conscientious, and work year-round for the benefit of others.

We have a team of well-qualified helpers at Findlay Market as well. Since they are easily identified by their jackets, we call them the "Orange Coats" They're hard-working, organized, conscientious, and work year-round for the benefit of others. Very early each morning, the Orange Coats prepare the Market for opening. They unlock doors, turn on lights, sweep sidewalks, and shovel snow on wintry days. Once shoppers start to arrive, the Orange Coats direct traffic and monitor the parking lots. They assist customers with directions and merchant information. They make endless trips with cardboard to the recycling bin, with garbage to the compost area, and with trash to the dumpsters in order to maintain the nice appearance of Findlay Market. In warmer months, the Orange Coats water and weed the beautiful flowers that surround the Market. They know many of the regular shoppers, and they have a sense of what's happening in the general neighborhood. They're often overlooked and frequently underappreciated. They do all those things that the merchants don't have time or energy to do...

So today, in recognition of all the help they give us behind the scenes at Findlay Market, we offer a tip of Daisy Mae's hat to the Orange Coats.

(Hey, Santa...give 'em something a little special this year.)

Thanks, guys.

When Your Name's on the Store...

2010-12-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

I remember a tv commercial from a few years back that featured Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff) of "Mash" fame. I can't remember the sponsor (not good for the ad agency), but I do remember the premise. Radar answered one phone line with the company name. When the caller asked for "Shipping and Receiving," he'd put the call on hold...He might pick up another phone line, put that on hold, return to the first call with a slightly different voice, and then reply, "This is Shipping and Receiving." Then he'd return to the second line with another voice and say, "This is Accounts Payable." Phones kept ringing and he'd keep answering in different roles at the same company. Radar was wearing all the hats of a small businessman.

When I think of that commercial, I realize that's exactly what we at Daisy Mae's Market do every day. We wear lots of hats. The same people that you see at the Findlay Market location are the people who manage our Purchasing Department, our Sales Department, our Marketing Department, our Accounts Payable Department, our Maintenance Department, our Payroll Department, our Accounts Receivable Department, our Human Resource Department, and our Administrative Department. When something needs to be done, WE do it...

I look around Findlay Market, and I see 37 other merchants doing the same thing. Some of them have been there for years; others are just starting out...Either way, they're wearing all the hats year-round for 6 or 7 days a week. Sure, some may use outside resources to help with some tasks...But the ultimate responsibility lies with each business owner to see that what needs to be done is done and, most importantly, to see that it's done right. I guess it's like another tv ad I remember: When your name's on the store, you care a lot more.

We Deliver Fresh Produce to You!

2010-12-06T12:37:00.019-05:00

'Tis the season to be running around like crazy...holiday shopping and socializing, kids' Christmas plays and concerts, church programs, work obligations...you know the routine. The last thing you want to do on your way home from work is stop at the grocery store. Now there's no need to sweat the small stuff...Daisy Mae's Market can eliminate that one extra stop. We can bring the fresh fruits and vegetables you want to your downtown Cincinnati office location. We call it Downtown Delivery!
We have been successfully delivering fresh produce for the last few months. It started as a spin-off from our Healthy Breaks fresh fruit that we supply to many downtown offices. Some people started asking if we could drop off a few things for their personal use at the same time...someone else heard about it...and away we went!
Regular delivery days for custom orders are Tuesdays and Thursdays in the 45202 zip code. Place your order by Monday at 4:00 pm, and we'll deliver on Tuesday. Place an order by Wednesday at 4:00, and we'll deliver on Thursday. (Just between you and me...if we're not too busy at our Findlay Market location, we're happy to deliver Tuesday through Friday...and sometimes with just an hour or so notice.)
So how does it work? I send out a weekly price list and gentle reminder on Monday to anyone interested in our program. If you want to place an order, you can send a simple email message with your grocery list, or you can scan, fill-in, and reply with the price list order form. Either way, I'll get back to you shortly after that with your total price. On day of delivery, you can leave payment in the form of cash or check with your office receptionist, or you can charge your order by phone using Mastercard or Visa. We'll leave your order at the receptionist's desk in a bag labeled with your name.
Of course, we guarantee everything is fresh...and if we make a mistake, we try to fix it or give you a credit toward a future purchase. We try to get to know our delivery customers so that we learn your personal preferences...
We've found almost everyone who orders once orders again...They may not order every week, but from time to time they decide to make life just a little easier and let us do the running around.
Trust us on this one...Try it, you'll like it!
To receive this week's price list, send your email address to daisymae@daisymaesmarket.com.
.

It's Pomegranate Season!

2010-12-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

"Do you have any pomegrams? Do you have any pomegrannies?" Whatever you call 'em, we've got 'em! Pomegranate season is here!
Pomegranates are one of the earliest cultivated fruits...They've been around so long that some people claim it was a pomegranate rather than an apple in the Garden of Eden. All I know is that pomegranates around the holidays are a tradition for many families. And, they're good for you, too!
Pomegranates are high in Vitamin C and potassium. They're also a good source of fiber and low in calories. Best of all, they're high in antioxidants. If you're not familiar with the fruit, the goodness is in the shiny red arils found inside. You remove the hard peel and the inner white membrane to expose the arils. Each aril is filled with delicious juice and a tiny edible seed. You can eat the arils as is, toss them in salads, or use as a garnish. You can also squeeze or blend the arils to make juice. (Be careful. The juice stains!) When you're picking a pomegranate, the heavier the fruit, the juicier it will be.
Visit www.pomegranates.org for some good tips and recipes as well as instructions on an easy 3-step process to enjoy your pomegranate.
Whatever you do, hurry to Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market to pick up some pomegranates today. They'll probably only be here until January!

Thankful for These Tweeps

2010-11-24T15:38:00.001-05:00

Twitter users understand that it's a bit of a ritual to send out a #FF each Friday. The # makes it an easy way to get picked up by the Twitter search engine, and the FF stands for "Follow Friday." It's a way to keep growing your Twitter network and get connected with new people that may share something in common with others who follow you. Each week, I like to select a handful of Tweeps who have interacted with me by mentioning @daisymaesmarket with a comment, question, or link that tells me they're reading my posts.

This week I wanted to #FF all the wonderful people who reacted to yesterday's misfortune at Findlay Market. These people either re-tweeted my blog link, expressed sensitivity and support, or offered other words of encouragement. As I started to make a list, I realized there were far too many to thank using the 140 character Twitter limit. So this week, I've created my own #FFsuperduperblogpost list. Thanks to all of you (and I apologize in advance to those I may have missed). You make it all worthwhile.

geekjames

TaketheCakeCafe

mojojacob

merubin

positivelycinci

cbesl

joshosbo

msred513

CincyNomerati

WillCook4Shoes

UneasyPink

feoshiawrites

foodstuffsnati

Twitricia

TasteofBelgium

TravisFessler

Megebee

classicgrrl

kendurbin

GoMariaGo

Sophiaz123

sdugas

TheRealFadi

Nikki

WestEnder

Thankful for These Tweeps

2010-11-24T15:35:00.000-05:00

geekjames

TaketheCakeCafe

mojojacob

merubin

positivelycinci

cbesl

joshosbo

msred513

CincyNomerati

WillCook4Shoes

UneasyPink

feoshiawrites

foodstuffsnati

Twitricia

TasteofBelgium

TravisFessler

Megebee

classicgrrl

kendurbin

GoMariaGo

Sophiaz123

sdugas

TheRealFadi

Nikki

WestEnder

One Bad Apple Won't Spoil the Whole Bunch

2010-11-23T20:23:00.000-05:00

An Open Letter to the Creep Who Stole Our Cash Box:

Thanks for ruining our day. It was unfortunate that our staff member was engaged with a customer and turned his back for an instant. We're not worried about the money. In fact, we hope you use the money for a nice Thanksgiving with your family and some Christmas gifts for the kids. We know we can earn the money back by working harder and longer.

What will take a little longer to earn back is our trust. Now we'll have to decide if we should walk to the other side of the stand to discuss a recipe with you or if we should guard the cash box. We'll give you a second look if you just hang around and don't buy anything. We'll hustle to pack up at night so we don't meet you on the way to the car.

What you won't change, however, is the faith we have in the Cincinnati community. Shortly after you helped yourself to our money, support poured in from customers and friends encouraging us to keep our chins up. We love the energy, the diversity, the pride, and the history of Findlay Market. We love being a part of the urban atmosphere and offering a much-needed service in Over-the-Rhine. We feel appreciated by the locals, the weekend suburbanites, the other merchants, and the tourists.

We'll assume you're going through some tough times. When things turn around for you, we hope you come back and spend your hard-earned money at Daisy Mae's Market. In the meantime, we'll be here...working hard to help YOUR community. We're digging in our heels. One bad apple isn't going to spoil the whole bunch.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Daisy Mae's Market

Be Thankful for Findlay Market

2010-11-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

If you like traffic, parking headaches, and long lines, don't read today's post. If, however, you like one-stop shopping, continue on...
We just ordered our fresh turkey for Thanksgiving from Busch's Country Corner at Findlay Market, and that got me thinking about how I really can get everything I need for the holiday right here at the market. Think about it...park your car once and shop 'til you drop (or at least until you have everything on your list.)
First you'll need to do a little decorating...maybe a centerpiece or candles or another holiday craft. All are available at Findlay Market. Next, you'll need a few appetizers...maybe some boiled shrimp or special cheese--lots of choices. Along with the turkey, you'll need fresh produce, and ALL of your favorite produce is available at Daisy Mae's Market. You'll also need bread or rolls...plenty of options in that department. Of course, you'll need to pick up a bottle of wine...easy. And what about dessert? You'll have a tough time choosing between pies, cakes, gelato, and other sweet treats when it comes to dessert from Findlay Market.
But what if cooking a huge meal isn't exactly your cup of tea? You can order fully prepared meals and leave the cooking to someone else...or just pick up a few prepared side dishes so that you can concentrate on the main course. Yes, you can do all of this at Findlay Market. Why would you go anywhere else?

Fighting Misperceptions

2010-11-12T16:17:00.001-05:00

So I pick up the Cincinnati Enquirer today, and I see "Man Killed Near Findlay Market." I check out www.cincinnati.com and there's the headline again. I turn on the radio, and the same thing is repeated on WLW news. I'm sure it was on other local media as well. I don't get it.

The shooting in Over-the-Rhine yesterday did not involve Findlay Market. It did not occur on the Findlay Market premises. Why didn't the headline say "Man Killed in Over-the-Rhine" or "Man Killed on Green Street?" Or better yet, "Another Drug Deal Turns Deadly."

This morning another robbery and shooting took place in Price Hill. Cincinnati.com posted an article detailing the crime but making no mention that it took place "near Kroger." I guess "Near Findlay Market" is more sensational than "Near Kroger."

It bothers me that Findlay Market is often perceived as a dangerous place. It bothers me even more that our hometown newspaper contributes to this misperception by publishing an irrelevant headline. Someone is missing the big picture...Findlay Market is a vibrant urban market that thousands of locals and tourists visit each year. They come for the history, the food, the atmosphere, the entertainment, and the fun. I really doubt if they would come if it was "dangerous." Findlay Market is no more dangerous than Kroger. Drug deals, however, that's another story...

There's an App for That!

2010-11-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a few days in Florida visiting my father and stepmother. The bulk of the time was spent conducting an "iPad Boot Camp" for my 86-year-old dad. I'm glad to report he was a terrific student and is now reconnected with the children, grandchildren, and the rest of the world via email and the internet.
While I was away from Daisy Mae's Market, I continued to conduct many of the tasks required by a small business...thanks to my handy-dandy iPhone. Sure, I talked and texted regularly with Mr. Daisy Mae at Findlay Market, but I also did a lot more with my phone. Not only did I continued my daily online interaction with our followers using "TweetDeck" and "Facebook," but I also took delivery orders by email and posted the orders for our staff using the "OurGroceries" application. I kept track of payments using the "Zenbe Lists" app, and for customers that wanted to pay with credit or debit, I used an app called "Credit Card Machine." I could even enter employee hours using Intuit's "Online Payroll" app while I was away from the office!
In addition, I've found several other apps invaluable for managing our fresh produce business. I regularly use "The Weather Channel," "Specialty Produce," "CincyMobile," and lots of the built-in iPhone apps like "Calendar," "Camera," "Photos," "Contacts," "Maps," "Calculator," and "Clock." I truly felt like I had a computer in my pocket while I was away from the office...And, when it was time to head back to Cincinnati, I checked in using "Fly Delta." After all, there's an app for that!

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

2010-11-04T14:46:00.000-04:00

Almost every day someone picks up one of the stalks of raw sugar cane that we sell at Findlay Market and exclaims, "I haven't seen this since I was a kid!" True, it's not something you see every day around Cincinnati.
Raw sugar cane is harvested in stalks grown in tropical areas. The raw sugar is then extracted in mills and refined to make the sugar most commonly used on our tables and in our cooking. Sometimes, however, the newly-harvested stalks are cut into 6" pieces and end up as a special treat for someone looking for nature's chewing gum!
"So how do you use it?" ask the customers who are unfamiliar with raw sugar cane. You simply wash it, dry it, and chew and suck on the sweet inner core to get at the natural juice. You'll want to pull or cut away the hard outer stalk and discard any pieces of the cane you come upon while chewing. You don't actually swallow any of the sugar cane since it's hard to digest just like Wrigley's chewing gum. Another use for raw sugar cane is as a natural swizzle stick for tropical drinks. It adds just a touch of sweetness to the drink while also making a great presentation.

Raw sugar cane is just one of the many specialty items you'll find at Daisy Mae's Market. Maybe you'll find something else at Findlay Market that you haven't seen since you were a kid. Isn't it time you take a walk down Memory Lane?

Fun at the Fall Food Festival

2010-11-01T10:44:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at the Fall Food Festival yesterday. Findlay Market was a beehive of activity with food presentations, musicians, dancers, and kids' Halloween activities all sponsored by the Findlay Market Business Association. Daisy Mae's was so tickled to host Anna and Milovan, a terrific father/daughter duo. While they entertained us, the trio from Cooking with Caitlin offered samples of two of Caitlin's favorite dishes. Meanwhile, the kids ran their parents ragged throughout the market searching for Halloween "things" during the I Spy Hunt. Thank goodness, Bridgett, from 365 Cincinnati was there to help me hold down the fort and pass out the prizes for that!
We really enjoyed talking with some folks who were new to Findlay Market, but it was also fun to see family and friends in a different kind of setting. The Findlay Market Business Association is hoping to make the Fall Food Festival an annual event. In addition, we hope to present more special activities throughout the year at Daisy Mae's so that as many folks as possible realize that Findlay Market is more than just a place to shop...It's also a wonderful place to eat, meet new friends, see great entertainment, and experience one of our country's most historic urban markets.
Thanks again to all who stopped by yesterday!

For those of you who were asking, here are the links to Caitlin's culinary creations from yesterday:

http://www.cookingwithcaitlin.com/dish/red_wine_poached_pears

http://www.cookingwithcaitlin.com/dish/whipped_cream_recipe

http://www.cookingwithcaitlin.com/dish/buttercup_mustard (a version of what she drizzled on the sweet potato fries)

Twitterific!

2010-10-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

I was looking back at some of my old posts and saw that a year ago I was writing about the wonders of Twitter. A post from October 2009 focused on how I had become acquainted with Findlay Market merchants Josh @worldfoodbar, Jean-Francois @tasteofbelgium, and Michael @dojogelato...all via Google and Twitter.
A year later, I continue to be impressed by the power of Twitter. Just yesterday, Mr. Daisy Mae ran into someone on an elevator while making a delivery. When he told them he was with Daisy Mae's, the woman immediately replied, "Oh, sure...I follow you on Twitter." You'd be surprised how often that happens or how often someone makes a reference to a specific tweet.
Reflecting on those first three Findlay Market merchants that I met, I wonder how much Twitter has helped them grow their businesses...Josh now operates a restaurant called Mayberry and will soon open a small grocery store in addition to his Findlay Market World Food Bar. Jean-Francois seems to be everywhere with his waffles, crepes, and more...including his most recent expansion at the Wexner Center in Columbus. And, Michael has nothing short of a legion of dojomaniacs who make pilgrimages to Findlay Market and follow his DojoGelato cart around like 8-year-olds follow an ice cream truck. I have to believe the growth of these businesses can be partly attributed to the use of social media. The connections made not only between company and customer, but also between businesses have surely contributed to rapid expansion.
I'm amazed www.twitter.com/daisymaesmarket has 700 followers and keeps growing. I hope our use of Twitter is valuable and somewhat entertaining for those followers. I also hope our use of Twitter allows Daisy Mae's to grow like the businesses of my first three Twitter acquaintances. Twitter is quick, targeted, and perfect for busy entrepreneurs like us. A tip of Daisy Mae's hat to Josh, Jean-Francois, and Michael for showing us how twitterific social media can be. Here's to continued success for all of us, and I'll tweet ya later...

Suppengrün!

2010-10-19T16:06:00.001-04:00

The French have Mirepoix---the culinary combination of onions, carrots, and celery that is used as the basis for so many delicious stews, soups, and sauces. Some people call it the "Holy Trinity" of cooking. Now, in celebration of German Heritage Week at Daisy Mae's Market, I'd like you to meet the German version...Suppengrün.
Suppengrün means "soup greens" and generally consists of leeks, carrots, and celery root. Like mirepoix, this German threesome is often used like herbs to impart strong, hearty flavors in soups and sauces. The Germans keep these cold climate roots on hand because of their long shelf life and because they adapt so easily to many traditional recipes. It's common to find the trio sold together in a small bunch...sometimes the bunch also includes parsley, onions, or even thyme. The suppengrün may be boiled to make a stock, or it may be chopped and browned or pureed for a sauce.
This week at Findlay Market we will have baskets of suppengrün ready for you. It seems like a good time to try a new recipe for soup or sauce...and what better way to start than with this touch of Germany.
Auf Wiedersehen bis morgen!

Around the World with Daisy Mae

2010-10-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

Last week we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Week at Daisy Mae's at Findlay Market. It was such a success, we've decided to take the ball and run with it...We will continue to highlight different countries and cultures. Next week, October 19-24, we will celebrate the German heritage.
In Cincinnati, the German influence is everywhere...Over-the-Rhine, goetta, Oktoberfest, German brewing traditions, and even a street named Essenstrasse at Findlay Market are just a few of the connections. I can understand why our community has such an active German-American Citizens League that coordinates the various German societies and organizations.

Next week we will feature some favorites for your special German recipes. We will have plenty of potatoes, apples, cabbage, onions, radi, and more...So make it a point to stop by and share a cooking tip or recipe with us. We're open Tuesday-Friday from 9-6, Saturday from 8-6, and Sunday from 10-4. Start planning your menu today...potato pancakes, apple strudel, cabbage rolls...sehr gut!

Squash...Not Just for Squanto Anymore!

2010-10-11T21:18:00.001-04:00

Even though we have temperatures like summer this week, the trees are changing colors and it's looking like fall. Fall means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and now I know why Squanto was so anxious to share his bountiful harvest...The squash was "good to go" and definitely a cause for celebration.

At Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market, we carry a variety of squash this time of year...Yellow squash, acorn squash, kabocha squash, butternut squash, and everyone's favorite...spaghetti squash!
Our newest DaisyMaeologist, Dan from Prospect Hill, shared a delicious spaghetti squash recipe that we recommend...It's really simple to prepare, but it will definitely bring a new look and taste to your table.

Thanks, Dan, for a great new suggestion that might really impress the relatives this time of year!

1 spaghetti squash

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, seeded and skinned, chopped

1/3 cup black olives, sliced

3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

fresh basil, chopped

parsley, chopped

salt, pepper, to taste

dash of hot sauce

fresh parmesan, optional

Halve and seed the squash. Bake 40 minutes at 350, cut side down, on a greased baking sheet. Remove from oven and let cool briefly.

Meanwhile, saute garlic and onion in olive oil until softened. Add tomatoes, cook about 5 minutes. Add olives and season to taste.

In a large bowl, use a fork to shred the squash pulp into strands resembling spaghetti. Toss everything but the parmesan in with the squash.

Serve, topped with parmesan.

Hispanic Heritage Week

2010-10-08T08:49:00.000-04:00

It's Hispanic Heritage Week at Daisy Mae's Market. We are featuring many of your favorites like tomatoes and avocados, but we also have some items that may be new to you. Tomatillos, chayote squash (cho chos), cactus leaves, and jicama are just a few specialty items waiting to meet you. It's been fun sharing samples and recipes. One woman warned us that she was from New Mexico and knew good fresh salsa when she tasted it...When she sampled ours, she gave it her "seal of approval!" Several other visitors turned their noses up at our chayote soup samples, but most who tried it picked up a couple cho chos and a recipe and went home to try something new.

Hispanic Heritage Week will continue through Sunday at Daisy Mae's. Look for the colorful flags and rainbow umbrellas decorating our stands at the Race Street end of Findlay Market. We're waiting to meet you to hear about your own ways of preparing and cooking Hispanic favorites. After all, food is fun...whether it's something traditional or something new...and it's more fun when you share it with friends and family!

I Spy at Findlay Market

2010-10-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

Mark your Halloween calendar now to join us at the Findlay Market Fall Food Festival on Sunday, October 31 from 10-4. The Findlay Market Business Association will be serving up food samples and celebrating Halloween, inside and out, throughout the market area. Not only will the event feature the wonderful food of Findlay Market, but there will also be beer and wine, music, cooking demonstrations, and various booths set up by local non-profit groups. Daisy Mae's Market is proud to announce that Cooking with Caitlin will join us at the Race Street end of the market house from 12-1 to grill up some of our famous fresh produce. In addition, Daisy Mae's will present Cincinnati's favorite father/daughter duo Anna and Milovan for your musical enjoyment from 12-3. And for the kids, we're organizing a fun, family "I Spy" Halloween Hunt. Bring the kids to Daisy Mae's to pick up your instructions. The whole family will have fun trying to find hidden Halloween objects all over Findlay Market. Complete the hunt any time between 10-4, and you'll win a prize.
This is an event you won't want to miss and is sure to please everyone in the family. The Veggie Gals will be there--and so should you!

Today, I Digress.

2010-09-29T14:30:00.005-04:00

I know you've arrived at my blog with plans of reading more about fresh produce from Daisy Mae's Market at historic Findlay Market, but today, I digress. You see, today I have a hangover...a happy, feel-good virtual hangover that keeps reminding me of how much fun I had last night. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds beat the Houston Astros last night on a walk-off home run by Jay Bruce. With the win, the Reds are back in the MLB playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The best part of it all: I was there.
I've been a lifelong baseball fan...tested the waters by collecting baseball cards in a shoebox, put my toes in with Lou Brock and Bob Gibson when the Cardinals won the World Series in 1964, and jumped in feet first when Roger Maris arrived in St. Louis a couple years later to help the Cardinals to two more pennants. After college, I found myself in Ohio, and continued to follow the Cardinals from afar, but I also developed an affection for the Reds. When the Reds went wire-to-wire in 1990, my conversion began. By the time I experienced the one-game playoff with the Mets for the 1999 Wild Card position, I was diving in...I was a full-fledged Reds fan.
But then began the lost decade. Players, managers, owners coming and going...fans jumping on and off the bandwagon...griping, complaining, second-guessing...but still the faithful followed. Last night was for the faithful.
As I watched the game unfold, I looked and listened to those around me. It was a cross-section of what baseball is all about. I sat with family...the same as I had done so often through the years. Next to me was a young couple, barely old enough to buy a beer but certainly doing more than their share of drinking, sitting with the young man's father. I overheard references to Barry Larkin, Jose Rijo, and others. They were there to remember and compare. In front of me sat a mother with her 10 or 11 year old son. They were dressed in full Reds regalia and knew every Reds player by name. The boy was too excited to sit down most of the night, and his mom cheered as loudly as anyone in our section. They had definitely planned to be there to witness Reds history. On their right sat a 70ish gentleman, alone, with a Cleveland Indians hat. He charted every pitch in a ringed scorebook, and we found out he was from Albuquerque, NM and on a pilgrimage of sorts to visit various ballparks. He was, by chance, at Great American Ball Park last night. On the other side of the mother and son, sat an African-American man, mid-thirties and alone. He arrived in about the third inning and carried his bicycle helmet. We found out later that he had recently moved to Cincinnati from Alabama, and he decided this game was the place to be. He told us how happy he was that he had chosen to move here THIS year. Across the aisle, two men in their forties drank Coke all night and yet were so intoxicated with the excitement of the night, they stood and danced and high-fived like it was New Year's Eve and they were teenagers. Behind us was a group of 7 or 8 professionals, but 3 or 4 of them were speaking French. It was obvious that the visitors had never seen a baseball game. Their hosts explained foul balls, bunts, and innings to the curious guests. Again, a chance occurrence that the first game seen by the Frenchmen would mean so much to the Americans.
This was baseball as it was meant to be. Young and old, seasoned and casual fans alike, some who had planned to be there and others who just happened to have a ticket...all lucky enough to be in the same place at the same time to share a special Cincinnati sports moment...together as a community. It couldn't have been scripted any better.

Taro Root: Not Just for Poi Anymore

2010-09-28T08:15:00.005-04:00

The most commonly asked question the last week or so at Daisy Mae's Market has been, "What do you do with it?" As you know, we've expanded our offerings and now feature not only our standard fare, but also some of the more unusual and exotic examples of fresh produce. It's been a great way to strike up conversations with our customers, and we're noticing a definite interest in trying new things.
One of the items we now carry is taro root. Taro root is the main ingredient in poi. However, we've also discovered it makes great chips! A big shoutout to DaisyMaeologist Dan from Prospect Hill who shared this simple recipe and the great photo.

Peel taro roots and slice...not too thin. In a food processor, a 2mm blade works well, or just slice by hand about 1/4" thick. The slices will be a little "slimy" to the touch.

Soak the taro slices in cool water for at least 1/2 hour. Some recipes recommend changing the water a couple of times.

Dry the slices in a single layer between two kitchen towels.

Deep fry the chips for approximately 7 minutes, until lightly browned.

Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

They're great plain, but we also tried them with a little malt vinegar for a "fish and chips" kind of taste. Dare to be different!

Not Your Grandmother's Beets

2010-09-20T15:14:00.004-04:00

The beets I remember from my childhood were bright red and slimy, and they came in a jar. They always seemed to be alongside something good on a plate at my grandmother's house. I remember hating them...mostly because the icky juice ran all over the plate and seemed to taint the good stuff like roast turkey or beef.
Now that I'm all grown up, I've discovered a whole new world of beets. This root vegetable is available year-round, is inexpensive, and is high in folate, manganese, and potassium. Beets are most tender from June through October so it's a perfect time to give beets a try. Many people enjoy pickled beets, but I prefer roasting. The easiest way to roast beets is to clean them, wrap them in foil, and place them in a 400 degree oven about 45 minutes or until tender. After roasting in foil, the peel will slip right off and then you can slice the beets for a salad, or mix them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little goat cheese. The natural color adds so much to your plate...Your imagination is your only limit as to how to prepare and serve.
You can find hundreds of recipes on the internet for how to prepare beets. Here's a simple one for roasting. The chopped walnuts add a great crunch to the earthy flavor of the beets.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and cube fresh beets (about 1 beet per serving). Place the beets and some chopped walnuts on a cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast about 45 minutes or until beets are fork tender. (After the first 12-15 minutes, remove the walnuts and set aside.) When beets are the consistency of baked carrots, they're ready. Toss with chopped walnuts and serve.

Trust me, these are not your grandmother's beets. In fact, you can't beat this root vegetable!

Are You a DaisyMaeologist?

2010-09-09T09:20:00.006-04:00

It's always fun when someone surprises me with a picture or a recipe of something they've whipped up with Daisy Mae's fresh produce. Our friend Tom recently did just that.
Tom is originally from Germany, but has lived in the U.S. for the last 6 years. I've become very good friends with him, both in real life and on Facebook. I tease Tom that he's quite the Renaissance man...but it's true. He can talk carpentry, software, politics, or home-brew with equal ease...and, in fluent English, no less!
A few days ago Tom posted the attached picture on his Facebook page. He had taken a study break for a "brain-food-veggie-snack." It looked like a lot more than a snack to me, but I loved the photo and the accompanying description of "green beans sauteed, carrots with french onions in butter, garlic, and lemon, topped with manchego and cherry tomatoes..." It's part of his "secret yummy nom nom place." So without really thinking, I called him "my favorite DaisyMaeologist."
Thus, I've coined a new term...DaisyMaeologist: One who makes creative things with our stuff. If you think food is fun, and you like to create dishes with Daisy Mae's fresh produce, you're a DaisyMaeologist. Maybe it's an old family recipe that just works well with our fresh veggies, or maybe it's a new combination you're trying for the first time...maybe it's even just cut up fruit in a bowl that looks pretty before everyone digs into it...However the culinary spirit moves you, if you're using Daisy Mae's fresh produce and enjoying the preparation and presentation, you're a DaisyMaeologist.
We're looking forward to meeting more of the DaisyMaeologists out there...We'd love to see a picture or hear about your creations. And from time to time, we'll even offer special deals just for you. So in honor of my new word, today (9/9/10), 10% off at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market if you say you're a DaisyMaeologist!

Calling All Cooks!

2010-08-26T19:13:00.007-04:00

In the last week, we've doubled the size of Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. We now occupy the space on both sides of the Race Street entrance to the market house. You'll recognize our display tables, rainbow umbrellas, our smiling faces, and fresh produce, but you'll also see that we're introducing some new items at Daisy Mae's. Whether you cook for fun or you take it as seriously as the Iron Chef, we'll have more specialty items to spice up your recipes. You'll see fresh produce from near and far. You'll find ingredients for cooking your favorite international dishes as well as things you need for that good, old-fashioned homemade soup. We'll experiment with different items in the next few weeks to see what's popular with you, our customers. If there's something you'd love for us to carry, just let us know.

Here's a list of some of the items you'll see this weekend at Daisy Mae's:
Diakon Radishes
Bok Choy
Snow Peas
Lemon Grass
Sugar Cane Batons
Cactus Leaves
Tomatillos
Dried Peppers
Chayote
Yucca Root
Purple Yams
Meyer Lemons
Endive
Arugula
Bunch Radishes, Beets, and Parsnips
Leeks
Fennel
Rutabaga
Coconut
Plantains
Jicama
Bean Sprouts
Thai Basil
Asian Pears
Ugli Fruit

What's in Your Lunchbox?

2010-08-20T10:07:00.005-04:00

I don't miss school lunches. Maybe it was just one too many bologna and cheese sandwiches back in my elementary days, or maybe it's because I never really did figure out what was in those things the lunch ladies called hamburgers. I didn't thrill in making lunches for my own kids either. I was not one of those moms who made smiley faces out of sandwiches or who surprised my kids with homemade treats. School lunch was school lunch--take the money or the brown bag...just make sure you don't forget your homework!
Looking back I realize I probably should have done better...It's so easy to include healthy foods in a school lunch. Nothing packs quicker or easier than an apple, banana, or orange that comes in its own "wrapper." Some may find oranges difficult for little fingers to peel, but you can "quarter" them and put them in a plastic sandwich bag, and the kids will find out right away that food is fun. (Admit it--you know you've put an orange peel in your mouth to make the monkey face!) And then there are grapes..so easy to eat and almost like candy if you freeze them ahead...and strawberries that have their own "handle"...And don't forget the veggies. With store-bought dipper cups of peanut butter or ranch dressing, celery sticks and baby carrots take on a whole new meaning.
So this year, make it your back-to-school resolution to include more healthy foods in your kids' lunches. We've got everything you need at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. It will be quick and easy for you...and oh-so-good for them.
Stay Healthy!

Transitions

2010-08-16T17:13:00.004-04:00

Wow! A lot has been happening since my last post. First, part-time job #3 ended for me (on good terms, mind you). The owners of the company are nearing retirement and so are passing the torch to the next generation. There will be a period of reorganization before a new company is formed so the time was right for me to move on.
Next, our #2 kid is off to college. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I have a sudden interest in the Gamecocks. For the near future, you'll find my sports allegiances shared among the Reds, Bengals, Bearcats, and Gamecocks. By the way, Mr. Daisy Mae has the only wife in town who prefers ESPN to HGTV.
Finally, opportunity has knocked for Daisy Mae's Market. The space adjoining our current location on the Race Street end of the markethouse at Findlay Market has come available. We've decided to "double our pleasure and double our fun." We'll maintain our current space on the right side as you exit the markethouse, and we'll also operate the fresh produce stand on your left as you come out the door. We installed additional tables today and will start to fill out the new space in the next few days. We hope to be fully stocked and staffed by the weekend. (And you'll see a lot more of me around the market!)
Things may be a little different during this time of transition; however, not everything will change. We'll still be the only full-time, year-round fresh produce merchant at Findlay Market, and we'll continue to be passionate about serving you, our loyal customers.

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. -Anonymous

Watermelon Time!

2010-08-06T08:13:00.004-04:00

We have been getting some great watermelon at Daisy Mae's Market this summer...both seedless and seeded. It's fun watching people thump them, smell them, lift them, and turn them to try to pick "a good one." Everyone has their own techniques, but the experts at the National Watermelon Promotion Board say a watermelon should be "heavy for its size" since it's about 92% water. They say to turn it over and see if there's a creamy, yellow spot where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Whatever your method of choosing a watermelon, you're sure to enjoy the refreshing taste and health benefits of this summertime treat.
Most people think of just cutting a watermelon into wedges or cubes, but here are some more recipes to try with watermelon. And how about the simple idea of just freezing pureed seedless watermelon into cubes to add to summertime drinks? Talk about your taste of summer...

Findlay Market Scavenger Hunt

2010-07-29T14:22:00.005-04:00

When I was 9 years old, I went to "the best birthday party ever." It was my first scavenger hunt. Maybe it was my collection of Nancy Drew books that made me enjoy following clues, or maybe it was the excitement of finding the prize at the end, but whatever it was about scavenger hunts, I was hooked.
This Sunday at Findlay Market, you and I have a chance to take part in a scavenger hunt hosted by Bridgett Raffenberg of 365Cincinnati. Bridgett writes a great blog about all the things you can do around Cincinnati...one for each day of the year. She has thousands of Twitter and Facebook followers who are inspired each day to get out and do something fun.
On Sunday morning, August 1, Bridgett will post the first clue on her Facebook page. That clue will get followers moving toward Findlay Market where participants get to be young at heart again. You can participate any time between 1:00-3:30. If you complete the tasks, your name will be entered in a drawing for a Cincinnati prize basket that includes gift certificates, merchandise, and, of course, fresh produce from Daisy Mae's. Don't worry, it's not a race, and any age can play. It's free, too, and the only requirement is that you want to share a good time with some of the other followers of 365Cincinnati.
When we're done, we'll gather in the Biergarten to see who will take home the prize.
Hope to see you there!

Summer Raspberries

2010-07-24T16:05:00.004-04:00

Summertime and my thoughts turn to childhood vacations in Door County, Wisconsin. Every July we piled into the station wagon and made the 10 hour trip north to share a week with family and friends in a lakeside cottage. My memories include not only learning to sail and swimming in ice cold Lake Michigan, but also playing hide-and-seek among the pine trees and shopping for souvenirs on rainy days. Ours was always a simple vacation with no tv, mostly homecooked meals, long "Happy Hours" for the adults, and late nights for the kids.
Of all the things I remember about driving to Wisconsin, I remember how I always anticipated one of our first stops after we got to Door County. Before we even checked into the cottage, we stopped at a roadside produce market for fresh fruits and vegetables and especially for one of my favorites...red raspberries! Sure, Door County is known for its cherries, but for me, the raspberries were always the reward at the end of the long drive. Maybe it was because they almost looked like candy or maybe it was because they seemed hard to get, but raspberries were my fruit of choice.
It seems today as if raspberries are a little easier to buy. We have the traditional summer season, but we also have the fall season of the everbearing variety. They're still a little tricky to grow as they need full sun and just the right amount of water as too much moisture leads to fungus and other problems. Raspberries are soft, bruise easily, spoil quickly, and don't ship well. As a result, they're considered relatively expensive compared to other fruits. Also, as a result, we don't always have them at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market. The raspberries must be fresh when we buy them, and we need to sell them in a day or two as they are extremely perishable.
So my advice to you is, "When you see raspberries, grab them." They are rich in iron, potassium, and Vitamins A and C, and they are a good source of fiber. Try to eat them right away, but definitely refrigerate them as soon as possible. They are just too good to let them spoil.
Fresh raspberries are like so many things in life...The things you want most are often the things most difficult to get.

Whad' Ya Know?

2010-07-18T20:17:00.008-04:00

Daisy Mae's Market was honored to be the Findlay Market representative on the Aronoff Center stage this weekend for Michael Feldman's "Whad'Ya Know?". The show is a 2-hour comedy-interview-quiz show that airs on various public radio stations including WVXU and WMUB. As a backdrop for the show, a Cincinnati vignette was assembled and the Corporation for Findlay Market asked us to supply the fresh produce piece for the display. We were "tickled pink" that they asked us and would like to thank the Corporation for giving us the opportunity to be "center stage."

Where's the Streetcar When I Need It?

2010-07-13T20:53:00.007-04:00

So today I headed to Fountain Square for the Strauss & Troy Market on the Square. I was planning to join the crew from Cooking with Caitlin to share some fun and promote our fresh produce from Findlay Market. Unfortunately, it was raining so it wasn't the best of days for the Square. Nevertheless, I thought I'd breeze downtown, pull into the Fountain Square garage, and be with Caitlin, Molly, and Kelly in just a few minutes. Little did I know that as I rounded 5th onto Vine, I'd see the FULL sign at the Fountain Square garage. It was 11:00 am on a lousy, rainy day. How could the garage be FULL?
I pulled in anyhow and went to the automatic gate, pushed the button for the ticket, and waited for the gate to rise. Surely someone had vacated a spot and I'd just pull in...But, nooooooo. The gate didn't open, and I had to back up. I left the garage and continued on down Vine only to find several other FULL signs greeting me. After circling a few blocks, I finally ended up in a surface lot that was unattended. I needed to get out in the rain with my umbrella, decipher the instructions on the cash box, fiddle for my money, take a receipt, return to my car and leave the receipt on the dash, and then walk the 3 blocks to the Square. Not exactly visitor-friendly...
For my $5, I got to spend exactly 1 hour at Fountain Square. Sure would have been nice to park at Findlay Market, pay a buck or two to ride the streetcar to Fountain Square, relax and enjoy the lunch hour, and return when I was good and ready. Hmmmm. Seems like the streetcar might be a good thing to go not only TO Findlay Market, but also FROM Findlay Market. Never thought of that.

Strawberries Take TLC

2010-07-06T12:02:00.005-04:00

Everyone knows that the best strawberries are the ones you pick yourself right from the fields. There's nothing like the "pick one, eat one" method, but the U-Pick season has now come and gone in this part of Ohio. We're fortunate, however, to live in an area where fresh strawberries can still reach us a few days after picking. In fact, many argue that the best strawberries come from Driscoll Farms in California, Florida, Central America, and the Baja.
The trick to good strawberries is in the timing. A shipper like Driscoll's hand-picks in the morning, inspects and refrigerates immediately, and has the berries on the truck as soon as possible. Once picked, the berries do not ripen any further so they must be picked at just the right time.
At Daisy Mae's, we inspect the strawberries before placing them on the shelf and remove any that show signs of spoilage. You should do the same before you purchase, looking for signs of moisture in the container. Because berries are among the most perishable of fruits, your berries may look fine on the stand, but if not refrigerated right away, problems can develop within a few hours. If you see a strawberry with signs of spoilage, remove it so that it doesn't contaminate the others in the container. If you don't plan to use your berries right away, store them in the original container in the refrigerator. Don't wash them until you're ready to use them, and then wash gently with the caps on under cool water. Remove the caps after cleaning.
We do our best to make sure the produce at Daisy Mae's is fresh, and we try to be honest about how long we think something will last. Especially in the hot, humid months of summer, we recommend you make Daisy Mae's your last shopping stop so that berries and other perishable products can quickly be put in the refrigerator. If, however, despite our precautions, your careful selection, and your proper handling, you still find strawberries not up to par, please let us know...but then salvage what you can and make smoothies!

Fountain Square is Back!

2010-06-30T11:42:00.009-04:00

Fountain Square has always been the focal point of downtown Cincinnati. For years, political gatherings, Reds celebrations, concerts, and festivals have all found a home on the Square. Everything seemed to function fine until a few years ago when someone decided we needed to move the historic fountain of Fountain Square. What? Why? How could someone decide to CHANGE something that was such a fixture?
Well, folks, if you haven't been to Fountain Square for a while, you need to get there to see how things work now. Yes, the fountain is in a different location, but everything works beautifully. The trees have grown up to shade tables and chairs, a huge video screen is available but unobtrusive, the walkways across the Square are practical, and parking is easy.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking it all in at the Tuesday Market on the Square. I was a guest of Cooking with Caitlin, and I got to experience the lunchtime environment on Fountain Square. People everywhere--eating lunch, socializing, exercising, watching the World Cup on the big screen...all in a relaxing, urban setting.
The Market on the Square continues throughout the summer on Tuesdays from 11-2. Burgers off the grill, lasagna, crepes, ribs, sandwiches, and smoothies are just a few of the lunch choices on a Tuesday. In addition, other local vendors offer fresh produce, craft items, and cookies. This is just one of many activities that take place daily on your Fountain Square. If you haven't visited lately, put it on your "summer bucket list."

A New Look

2010-06-25T07:55:00.003-04:00

We've been working on making the Findlay Market stand more customer-friendly. This week we installed new display tables. Barry designed the tables specifically for the space we have and the needs of our customers...a perfect example of "form follows function." Not only are the plastic bins removable for storage, but they can also be arranged at different heights, with or without lids. We're still fine-tuning, but the early reviews are great.
In the meantime, look for the original tables "on the road." The wheeled carts will be used exclusively for our mobile produce stands. "Have veggies, will travel."

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-16T18:30:00.008-04:00

I just spent 4 days in Florida helping my 85-year-old father deal with the outcome of a fender bender. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, but his car had to be towed. We spent most of our time together dealing with the insurance adjuster, the doctor, the body shop, and the rental car company.
As I helped my dad get back to his normal routine, I had time to reflect on our relationship through the years. My dad has always been fun AND funny. Whether playing catch in the backyard, reading poetry to me on the couch, playing a round of golf, or telling stories about his Army days, he's always been great to be around. Sure, I've learned tons from him about owning a business, dealing with customers, prioritizing, and making ends meet, but the most important thing he taught me is that a little humor goes a long way.
So as a Father's Day tribute, it's time to say "Thanks, Dad." Thanks for teaching me not to take myself too seriously. Thanks, too, for all your encouragement along the way...especially with our Daisy Mae's Market venture. We couldn't have done it without you...Even if you do hate broccoli.