Wondering what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? How about showing your sincere desire that she stay healthy and happy by giving her something nutritious to eat?
The Maple Grove Farmers Market (MGFM) usually opens for the season in early June, but the team also offers a sneak peek of the goodness that is to come. And it’s held strategically on a very convenient day‒May 7‒just in time to grab a gift for the lovely ladies in your life (moms, grandmas, in-laws, sisters and friends), and perhaps some ingredients before the big day, on May 10, to surprise her with a special meal.
While the majority of the regular farmers market season is held outside in the beautiful summer weather, the spring preview is held indoors at the Maple Grove Community Center, where you’ll find 20 vendors with farmstead produce, meats and cheese as well artisan-quality edibles such as breads, sauces, salsas, sweets and more. “It’s a perfect opportunity to treat Mom to a unique local gift—and to introduce her to a market tradition that she will cherish throughout the warmer months,” says market manager Kirsten Bansen Weigle.
A Gift of Goodness
Here are some ideas for giving, in a variety of price ranges, straight from the market:
$5-$14:
Local raw honey from Sugar Bush Ridge Farm
Handmade goat’s milk soaps and lotions
Patio herb planter or strawberry pot
$15-$30:
BBQ sauce sampler
Selection of specialty herb plants, plus a bag of worm compost from Worm Farms of MN
Basket of gluten-free baking mixes
Local farmstead cheese sampler
$5 MGFM tokens:
Also available in denominations of $10, $15, and $20. These make a perfect addition to a gift bag for Mom—especially if you make a date to pick her up and visit the market together.
The Big Reveal
Here are two stress-free meals you can whip up completely with farmers market ingredients. Enjoy your time with Mom with a minimum of fuss or cleanup.
Jam-Glazed Chicken (serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
- 6-8 pieces of dark meat, bone-in chicken (thighs, legs, or both)
- Jam of your choice (plum, raspberry, jalapeno-berry work well)
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Warm ½ cup jam in microwave for approximately 30 seconds, until softened and fluid. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Brush top of each piece liberally with jam. Place in shallow, foil-lined baking pan and roast for 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into meat reads 165 degrees. Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
Pierogi with Microgreens (serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
- One dozen pierogi from Natasha’s Pierogi
- One package microgreens from Morning Sun Farm
- Neutral vegetable oil of your choice (Smude’s Sunflower Oil, if it’s available)
Directions:
Thaw pierogi. Fry lightly in hot oil, following package instructions, until crisp on outside. Arrange attractively on platter. Scatter microgreens thinly over the top. Garnish tray with cherry tomatoes. The farmers market also provides much of what you’ll need to whip up a few sides for the meal. Here are some suggestions for add-ons:
- Steamed asparagus
- Artisan bread basket
- Cookies or brownies
Maple Grove Farmers Market
Spring Preview:
May 7, 3–7 p.m.
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road
