January is National Slow Cooking Month by Jodie Fitz
Did you know January is National Slow Cooking Month? Every month could be deemed slow cooking month as many of us use a slow-cooker on a regular basis.
Although I was unable to determine exactly who started this national recognition, I was able to uncover a few fun facts;
- The “Crock Pot” helped households to survive the energy crisis in the 70’s; which was an event that had an impact on many Americans. This gadget used the same amount of energy as an incandescent light bulb vs. running an oven. Still worth noting today with rising costs.
- Irving Naxon, originally Nachumsohn, received a U.S. patent for a slow bean cooker which was inspired by his grandmothers cooking in Lithuania, which is now known as the crock-pot. It was renamed the crock-pot after he sold the original company.
- One of the original ‘crock-pot’ colors was avocado green. I think they could bring it back with the popularity of the avocado (retro-wink).
Whatever your favorite recipe is in this handy-dandy gadget, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is stocked with fresh, local ingredients to help make your favorite winter time dishes. There’s something nostalgic about putting all of the ingredients into this ‘classic icon’ and enjoying it’s simmering scents throughout the day.
Become a Vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Visit managemymarket.com to apply. Markets available to register for include:
*Monday: Market at Clifton Park (June through October)
*Wednesday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)
*Saturday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)
This week’s recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.
Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
