Remember to join IWFM at the Polar Bear Pedal, Jan 2!

IWFM is a proud sponsor of the first Mayor's Polar Bear Pedal, which will happen on January 2, 2012. We need at least 10 people to help us start off the new year right with an invigorating ride from the Indy Bike Hub to the Major Taylor Velodrome and back. Enjoy coffee and snacks at 10a before we depart, and toast a pint at the Tomlinson Tap Room when we return. If you are interested in being on the IWFM team, email Molly at manager@indywinterfarmersmarket.org. Be sure your bike and winter gear are in working order beforehand by getting it checked out and prepped for the snow at BGI Downtown.

Please remember that the Indy Bike Hub and the YMCA in the East Wing of City Market have offered market-goers Free Bike Parking on Saturdays!

We hope that you will enter our Green Travel Raffle every week you bike, walk, or ride the bus to the market!

Happy Holidays - Ride your Bike!

It's hard to believe that our first 6 weeks of the market are behind us. We've had a great turn-out of customers and a wonderful group of vendors every week, and we couldn't be more thankful for both. We'd also like to extend our thanks to the market staff and maintenance crew that help us each week to prepare for the market. More than ever, we know that our market wouldn't be possible without the great community support that we receive in Indianapolis.

Please remember that we will be closed on Dec. 24th and Dec. 31st. Our next market will be on January 7, 2012. If you haven't yet checked out our new vendor calendar, you can preview the upcoming weeks here.

The New Year is always a time for resolutions, and we would like to encourage you to consider ways which you can Grow Well, Live Well, Eat Well, and Be Well in 2012. One of our favorite ways to Live Well is bicycling. Did you know that you can ride your bike throughout the winter? Check out this blog post on the INDYCOG website for some tips on how to be a winter rider.

Your next step is to join us on January 2, 2012 for Mayor Ballard's Polar Bear Pedal. Ride from the Indy Bike Hub out to the Major Taylor Velodrome and back with cold-hardy folks and Mayor Ballard! Registration begins at 10a at the Bike Hub, and we will depart around 11a for the velodrome. Upon returning to the Bike Hub, all are invited to celebrate the ride with a pint from Tomlinson Tap Room. IWFM is a sponsor of the ride, which means we need 10 people (at least!) to join us for the ride. Can you join the team? Register here or email info@indywinterfarmersmarket.org if you would like more information.

Support Local Heritage Poultry

Are you a chicken or an egg eater? Do you raise chickens or want to learn how? Check out this flyer to learn about heritage breeds you can find at the IWFM.

Some of our poultry meat vendors: KG Acres, Fruit Loop Acres, Homestead Heritage, Eden Pastures, Schacht Farm, Simpson's Farm

Some of our egg vendors: Circle L Bison, Farming For Life, Homestead Heritage, Mulberry Creek, Schacht Farm, Simpson's Farm Market, Eden Pastures

If you are interested in learning more about raising chickens in Indianapolis, check out Naptown Chickens Facebook page.

Winter Root Puree Recipe

Winter root vegetables are showing up again at the IWFM! Arriving in large quantities just last week, the carrots were beautiful and plentiful, beets are round and plump, and sweet potatoes are ready to roll! Wondering how to use them all? Get one more meal from your grill before winter sets in with a great recipe from Chef JJ's Back Yard in Broad Ripple.

Winter Root Puree
Serving size: 10

Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled & seeded
1 medium celery root, peeled
3 medium potatoes
3 large carrots, peeled
3 large parsnips, peeled
Olive oil as needed
kosher salt to taste
pepper to taste
chicken or vegetable stock as needed
2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter or Ghee
3 tablespoons whilling cream (optional)
ground nutmeg to taste

Directions:
1. Set up the electric/gas grill for indirect heat at 400 degrees F. Cut vegetables into 1-inch cubes. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper and place in a grill-safe dish. Pour enough stock into the dish so that it comes 2 inches up the sides. Roast until tender.
2. Puree half of the vegetables in a food processor with half of the stock. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and stock. If additional liquid is needed to process, add some cream. Once all the veggies are pureed, add the butter, nutmeg, and additional salt and pepper if needed. If you are looking for a thinner consistency or richer texture, add more cream as desired.

Parking Options at the IWFM

Wondering how to park on Saturday when you visit the market? You have a number of options!

Free Lots: There are 2 free lots available. These are usually paid, but on Saturdays the arms will be raised. The lots won't be marked "IWFM parking" but a sign will be placed at the entrance that reads, "Park at your own Risk." During the first weeks of the market, we will have a volunteer stand at the entrance to let you know which lots to park in. When you exit, the arm will be lowered, but if you approach slowly it will raise. These 2 lots will be open:

• The northeast corner of Alabama St. and Market St. (directly across from the Indy Bike Hub sign)



• The Arena Square bank lot on the northeast corner of New Jersey St and Washington St
  
  

Metered parking is also available on Market St, Delaware St, Wabash St, and Alabama St. Click here for a map of all parking.

Free bike parking is available near both the east and west wings of the City Market. You may also park your bicycle inside the new Indy Bike Hub for $1 an hour, or $5 a day.

Bus lines 2, 5, 8, 17, 19, and 21 make stops within walking distance of the City Market on Saturdays.

However you arrive, we can't wait to see you on Saturday!

This Week's Recipe from A Couple Cooks

Check out this week's recipe from A Couple Cooks:

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Herbs

Volunteer with the IWFM!

It takes the community to make the Indy Winter Farmers Market a success!

On Monday, Nov. 7 and Monday, Nov. 14, come learn about how volunteers and the community can help the IWFM this season. Familiarize yourself with our new space, get the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about volunteering, and learn about our Volunteer Challenge! (see below)

This is not a mandatory event for volunteers, but we would LOVE to see you! You can RSVP on Volunteer Spot or on our Facebook events: Nov. 7 or Nov. 14

Volunteers are needed in different shifts to help vendors unload product at the beginning of the market, reload product and tear down tables at the end of the market, and help welcome and assist shoppers at the market info table during the market. Sign up for volunteer shifts at our Volunteer Spot page!

What is our Volunteer Challenge? Glad you asked! This season, the IWFM is initiating a challenge among Indianapolis neighborhoods and local businesses/organizations. Each week, every volunteer will earn one point for either a neighborhood or organization which they support. Yes, you can bring your friends, families, and coworkers to earn points too, and you don't have to live in the neighborhood or work at the organization. There will be a tally sheet at the market so that everyone can track who's in the lead (we've already had one neighborhood guarantee that they'll win the prize!). At the end of the season, the neighborhood and the organization with the most points will each win $100 worth of vegetable seeds and starts! Ever wanted to start a community or workplace garden? This could be your chance!

The IWFM wouldn't be in existence if it weren't for great volunteers. We are so thankful for all the support we receive from our community. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you soon!