I love the Morgantown Farmers Market and would argue it's one of the best farmers' markets in the state. I previously served on their board and know how important it is to them to support local farmers and local food.  I try to visit as often as I can - which is usually a quick, sneaky in-and-out. 



Most recently, I wanted to check out some of the farmers who I haven't yet shopped.









This & That Bakery
Rebecca Williams bakes delights such as cupcakes, cookies, breads, and more at her bakery in Mannington: Pepperoni Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Bread - Focaccia, French Macarons, Cobblers, Brownies, Biscotti, Scones and more! I went with a banana pepper pepperoni roll, which was tasty.





Vandalia Florals
Marsha Watkins sells her beautiful flowers grown on her farm near Terra Alta in Preston County. Locally grown, hand-tied bouquets that were absolutely stunning.



R&A Honey and Bees
R&A Honey and Bees - Rick & April Knotts sell honey from their farm near Parsons: Sourwood, basswood, poplar, and locust honey and creamed honey as well. 





Olive Branch Farm
Michael Oliverio sells microgreens from his operation near Masontown.



Pike Mountain Farm
Pike Mountain Farm provides pasture raised eggs, chicken and pork products to the local community. Using rotational grazing, this young family farm is producing nutrient dense protein and healing the land. 

Picklesburgh is a free Pittsburgh festival that celebrates all things pickles.



"It’s a celebration that goes beyond the dill pickle to include international dishes, prepared foods, and artisan cocktails that feature pickled ingredients; an embrace of the farm-to-table movement and the rising popularity of canning; a selection of handcrafted foods and artisan cocktails from local restaurants; merchandise such as pickled goods, books, and DIY products."



It has been rated as the top specialty food festival, which makes it pretty neat. 



The festival was held on the Rachel Carson bridge, which hit capacity every few minutes, and it would have to be shut down to new entrants. It was so, so packed. Like shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Like, we would be at a standstill for minutes at a time as we were just trying to walk along the bridge. It was hard to tell where lines to vendors were because it was just so crammed. 



There was a pickle-juice drinking contest, which the winner conquered in like 4.5 seconds. Unreal. 



We did manage to get some pickle goodies. First up was The Brinery @ Two Acre Farm.



"The Brinery @TwoAcreFarm makes hand-crafted pickles in small batches. The pickles are 100% natural, contain no artificial preservatives, no chemical crispers, no color additives or refined sugars. The brine for The Brinery’s hand-crafted pickles is a vinegar and salt base and loaded with hand chopped locally grown ingredients and Two Acre Farm’s hand-crafted seasonings. Full of flavor and delightfully crunchy you can find buckets full of different varieties at the local farmer’s markets The Brinery attends."



At Picklesburgh, they had "hand-crafted fresh pickles and pickle shots in crazy exciting flavors, like Peach Maple Bourbon, Pineapple Sriracha, Garlic Herb & Wine and even a Monster Energy Pickle Shot for a quick boost. Plus, relishes, hot sauces, BBQ sauces and dill pickle sea salt."



I picked up a cup of the garlic, herb & wine pickles, while Kayla tried the peach maple bourbon. Mine were good - I wouldn't have hated even more garlic flavor (but I really love garlic). Kayla's had a bit of a kick, but she enjoyed. They even serve them with a straw so you can drink the brine, which they also had on tap. 



Next up: fudge. 



Copper Coast Confections: "Creative sweets from Pittsburgh’s premiere artisan fudge company including chocolate covered dill pickle popsicles, peanut butter pickle swirl Fudge, and even pickleback fudge with smoked whiskey, caramel and dill pickle peanuts!"



I bought a salted caramel fudge, because that's just my favorite. 



But I also went with a "dill payday," which had a dill-flavored fudge with peanuts and caramel. 



It wasn't a prominent dill flavor, but just some subtle saltiness and vinegary note. But it worked out. 



I would've liked to try the pickle beer, pickle ice cream, dill cheese and so many more. That just might have to wait til next year. 

While in Thomas, West Virginia, I was shopping and stumbled upon a coffee I don't have in my collection: Valkyrie Farms.

I had to grab a bag, and I can't wait to try it. Have you discovered it yet?

"Founders, Brandon and Natasha, are native West Virginian’s who love their state and the mountains in which they reside. They share a passion for coffee as well as a desire to fill a void in their local area where they discovered the products they were so passionate about were lacking. With strong entrepreneurial drive, they set out to create a business that would not only serve their community and local economy, but also deliver the unique and delicious flavors of Appalachia to everyone!

And so, Valkyrie Farms, LLC was born!

Valkyrie Farms, LLC provides locally roasted premium organic artisan coffees in a perfect medium or dark roast, as either whole bean or pre-ground bags. Our proprietary coffee bean roasting and cold smoking technique infuses the flavors of Appalachia in every sip. Each of these products are designed to bring the comfort of the city to quickly expanding rural communities.

Colombia Organic Sierra Nevada is produced by just 78 family growers, located within the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta coastal mountain range in Northern Colombia’s Magdalena Department. Their co-op, The CooAgroNevada, also known as The Cooperative of Sierra Nevada and Santa Marta Coffee Growers and Farmers, unites these coffee growing families from 19 different villages with the combined goals to improve social welfare, economic growth, quality of coffee and eco-tourism while preserving the region’s picturesque peaks, rivers and valleys. The Colombia Organic Sierra Nevada is also designated as EP or “European Prep” — in the cup it achieves a very nice balance between acidity and body while delivering an overall smooth and pleasant profile with a slightly nutty finish.

Our Organic Nicaragua Finca La Isabelia is produced by a family of multi-generation farmers located in the heart of the Jinotega Department, approximately 9 miles northeast of the department’s capital in the picturesque Cordillera Isabella mountains. The Cordillera range cuts through the center of Jinotega, claiming several peaks, a majority of the country’s hiking trails and a large number of small coffee plantations. The farm takes immense pride in each phase of their production, taking their variety of caturra trees from cherry to final export. Their soil consists of clay and volcanic ash, and at an elevation of 4,200 ft a natural shade canopy provides cover from excessive sun."

The Pink Pig opened in Huntington - after its initial stint in Fayetteville - about a year ago, and I was excited to check it out since I was a fan of the first location.  



I was there not long after opening, so I can forgive the interior decoration, which was corrugated metal walls, plastic tablecloths and sparse tables. 



To be honest, if the food is good, I don't really care either way.



At the other location, I had a pulled pork sandwich topped with macaroni & cheese. So I couldn't do that, but I went with the brisket burrito with mac & cheese. 



I'm not sure if maybe I didn't have super high expectations, but, man, I still think about this burrito.



First of all, I think the flour tortilla is key. It was warmed and stretched around this huge hunk of meat and cheese, so you didn't get that dry burrito bite that I hate. It truly was just a vessel for the goods.



The brisket is moist with the cheese of the mac & cheese. No chewy or fatty bits. And the creaminess of the mac & cheese just made for a nice contrast in texture. There were a variety of BBQ sauces, and I always go for the sweet and tangy tomato-based one.



I also ordered a side of potato salad, which I always enjoy. Cold, creamy and just feels very summer picnic to me. Have you been?



Grade: A

This month's J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile Subscription Box had a nice mix of goodies:

Epic Pickles - Spicy Okra: More well-known in southern cooking, these are a hidden veggie gem for us. Throw one in a Bloody Mary and enjoy!

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works - Appalachian Za'atar: Our Salt-Works Spice Blends are the ideal kitchen helper and dish perfecter, created from our deep love of cooking. Available in 5 flavors Ramped Up Ranch, Appalachian Za'atar, Allegheny Herb & Citrus, Smoky Mountain Rub, Blue Ridge Bagel.

Olde Virdens - Red Hot Sprinkle: Olde Virden's Red Hot Sprinkle and Spicy Verde is a must have for your spice cabinet. From the farm to the bottle, Olde Virden's is dedicated to producing the cleanest pepper blend on the market. Completely free of additives or preservatives, this is an unforgettable seasoning crafted with just one natural ingredient: chili peppers. From your eggs in the morning to pizza at night, you will discover a million different uses.

Yep! Sauce - Muddy Creek Sauce: Our twist on Teriyaki! This soy-based sauce is a little spicy, a little sweet, and absolutely addicting. Great on chicken, pork, steak, and more!

The Appalachian Goat - Goat Milk & Lemongrass Lotion: Essential Journeys lotions are vitamin rich moisturizers that nourish your skin. Enriched with Goat's Milk, Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil and Grapeseed Oil, these natural botanicals help skin ward off the drying effects of the elements and retail moisture long after use. This zesty scent is uplifting and refreshing every time you use it and it is also Phthalate Free, Paraben Free, Not Tested on Animals, and Made in North Carolina.

Redwood Company - Great Outdoors Candle: Made with pure essential oils including Citronella and Cedarwood, two of the best insect repellent oils available, this is the perfect product to keep the pesky bugs at bay!