One of the great things about farmers markets is the opportunity to buy local and buy fresh.  Local farmers markets like Richmond’s own South of the James allow you to purchase the best and freshest vegetables, meats and homemade treats.  Odds are that the person to whom you hand your money is the same person who sowed, harvested and packaged their goods just for you.

When you come out to the South of the James market, make sure you check out some of Grammy O’s favorites:

Ault’s Family Farm

Steve and Chris Ault provide their meat and eggs from pasture raised animals.  Ault’s Family Farm’s eggs, with their wonderful flavor and rich texture,  are now a staple in the Grammy O’s household.

Eli’s Greens

Not only does Eli’s Greens provide a fresh selection of vegetables and herbs, including broccoli, cabbage and greens, they love flowers, too.  Begonias, impatiens, torenia, petunias, pansies, violas, snaps, and dianthus. If you get the chance, make sure you check out their basil.

Tater Dave’s

I would like to think that I know a thing or two about good homemade bread.  That is why I can recommend Tater Dave’s delicious breads, cakes and other treats.  Make sure you check out his Cake Pops.

This summer, if you want to buy local and buy fresh, and get the chance to spend time with some great farmers and bakers, don’t miss the South of the James Farmers Market.

The South of the James Farmer’s Market opens this Saturday, May 7th.  The market is open from 8 AM and 12 Noon every Saturday from May to December.  SOJ is located at Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225).

Like many great stories, this one began a long, long time ago.  However, this story does not take place in outer space or a magical land, but a kitchen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  This is where Margaret Landis Schmell Overholt, better known to her grandchildren as Grammy O, showed her family how much she loved them. By pouring herself into the food baked in that kitchen, she demonstrated her love and taught them the importance of enjoying delicious, homemade food with your family.  She taught them to savor life.

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I recently received the opportunity  to go on Richmond’s CBS 6′s “Virginia This Morning.”  The topic was one with which I was very familiar – sticky buns!

The summer might be wrapping up soon, but Richmond’s great farmer’s markets are still still going strong.  Here are some of my favorite treats from the South of the James Farmer’s Market.

Simply Southern Pies – Cherry Pie

Though I can’t think of a bad time for pie, is there a better occasion for cherry pie and ice cream than a hot summer evening?  Nothing ends a great summer day than a piece of Tracey’s Cherry Pie.  If Cherry is not to your liking, don’t fret; the crew at Simply Southern Pies has over 10 pies including Chocolate Chess and Peach Blueberry.

To learn more about Simply Southern Pies, check them out at http://www.simplysouthernpies.com and at their Facebook page.

Wild Heaven Farm – Morningstar Soap

While I enjoy spending my Saturdays at the market, I don’t necessarily want to smell like I have been at the market all day.  That’s when Mary Kroll’s Morningstar soap is handy.  Combining real goat’s mile with grapefruit, cardamon, orange and rosemary, this soap allows me to wash away the cares of a busy day at the market.

To learn more about Wild Heaven Farm, check them out at http://www.wildheavenfarm.com/ and at their Facebook page.

Blanchard’s Coffee  – Ethiopian Yergacheffe

Even though I love going to the market, Grammy still needs her caffeine to get started in the AM.  To get my morning going, nothing helps more than a cup of Blanchard’s freshly roasted joe.  The hint of coconut in this blend doesn’t hurt, either.

To learn more about Blanchard’s Coffee, check them out at http://www.blanchardscoffee.com and at their Facebook page.

Bonnyclabber Cheese Company  – Chesapeake Blue Cheese

You can’t have a farmer’s market without farmers.  On Sullivans’ Pond Farm, the goats who contribute to Rona’s fermented delights spend the year grazing on pastures that are kept green without the benefit of herbicides, pesticides or commercial fertilizers.  While the goats graze in the field, I prefer to nibble on a piece of Chesapeake Blue Cheese.

To learn more about Bonnyclabber Cheese Company, check them out at http://www.sullivanspond.com/weblog/welcome and at their Facebook page.

Cavanna Pasta- Eggplant Pamesan

Yes, I have already discussed desert, but I can’t forget about dinner.  While the Cavanna family makes it difficult to make a bad choice with their large selection, my preference is the Eggplant Parmesan.  When combined with a glass of wine, this combination of sautéed eggplant, parmesan cheese and red sauce provides the perfect meal to compliment a busy day.

To learn more about Cavanna Pasta, check them out at http://www.cavannapasta.com/index.html .

The South of the James Market is located at Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225). The market is open between 8 AM and 12 Noon every Saturday from May to December.