Blueberries

Blueberry season is upon us and we’re in the mood to bake with some delicious berries. Not only are blueberries good for you, but they taste great and add a punch of flavor to any recipe. Plus, did you know July is National Blueberry month? That makes it the perfect time to celebrate this superfruit!

What’s a better way to start the day than with some Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls? This amazingly tasty recipe by Crazy for Crust gives you the perfect chance to change up how you bake with blueberries.

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH:

  • 2/3 cup warm non-fat milk, about 45 seconds in the microwave
  • 1 package active dry yeast, about 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 1/3 cup + 1/2 teaspoon sugar divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 medium lemon
  • 3 – 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • Paddle attachment & dough hook for your mixer

FOR THE FILLING:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest from 1-2 medium lemons
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen (if frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained), see note

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 ounces cream cheese very soft
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 3-4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions 

MAKE THE DOUGH:

  1. Place milk in a microwave safe measuring cup. Heat for 45 seconds in the microwave, until it’s about 120°F, think of a hot bath. (The time you heat it will need to be adjusted depending on your microwave. You can use a candy or a meat thermometer to test the temperature.) Add yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar and stir. Let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
  2. Place sugar, butter, salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until the butter is distributed throughout the liquids, although it may be chunky. Pour in the milk/yeast mixture and stir for a few seconds.
  3. Add 3 cups flour and stir with the paddle attachment just until the mixture starts to stick to the paddle. Then replace the paddle with the dough hook. Continue mixing on low speed until the dough forms a ball in the center of the bowl. The dough will be slightly sticky and elastic. There will be minimal transfer to your finger if you poke it. If it’s still very wet, add up to 1/4 cup more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  4. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough in it. Spray the top of the dough ball with cooking spray (lightly) and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let sit for 2-4 hours until it doubles in size. Note on rising: if your house is warm, it should rise no problem. If it’s cold in your house, it may take longer for the dough to rise.

PREPARE YOUR ROLLS:

  1. Stir together butter, sugar, lemon zest, salt and flour until it forms a paste.
  2. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 10” by 14”. Spread the filling as evenly as possible over the rectangle, making sure to reach to the sides so the outer rolls have enough filling. Sprinkle with blueberries. I used 1 cup of mini (or “wild”) blueberries that were defrosted and drained. If you’re using regular sized berries, you might want to use more of them.
  3. Roll the dough up tightly from the long end. Slice it into 12 equal rounds. Place the rolls into a 9×13” pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  4. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (Or, if you want to make them the same day, cover with plastic wrap and let them sit for 1 hour until they’ve puffed up a little, then continue as directed below.)
  5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them warm up to room temperature while the oven is preheating. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 23-28 minutes, or until they are golden brown. (Mine took 24, be careful not to over bake. The bottoms will turn golden before the tops do.) Note: the blueberries will drain to the bottom of the pan overnight. That’s not a problem.

MAKE THE FROSTING:

  1. Whisk the melted butter and softened cream cheese until mostly smooth. If your cream cheese is too stiff, you can use a hand mixer. Whisk/beat in powdered sugar and 3 teaspoons lemon juice, adding more as desired for thickness. Pour over warm rolls and serve.

Step outside for some much needed fresh air and reserve your time slot for a socially distanced pick-your-own experience! Now you can enjoy the experience of picking your own crops without the crowds. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Happiness grows here!

Farmer giving box of veg to customer on a sunny day

We are super excited to celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month! June is the perfect time to acknowledge these staple products because the growing season is in full swing. Fruits and vegetables are ripening up and in-season. This month we wanted to remind you how important fruits and vegetables are.

  • Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients like calcium, iron, fiber, Vitamin C, and more, which keep your body strong and healthy!
  • They’re low in calories, and because they contain fiber, they actually fill you up.
  • Fruits and vegetables are also delicious regardless of how they are prepared. Fresh, frozen, grilled, steamed, or juiced, there is a tasty way to get the nutrients you need no matter how much time you have.
  • They contain Phytochemicals that protect you from diseases like type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
  • Some studies suggest that eating fruits and vegetables benefits the environment as well!

Here at Orr’s, we have a variety of local vegetables and fresh fruits, and we can’t wait to see you! Step outside for some much needed fresh air and reserve your time slot for a socially distanced pick-your-own experience! Now you can enjoy the experience of picking your own crops without the crowds. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Happiness grows here— and so do fruits and vegetables!

There are tons of fun ways to celebrate Father’s Day, but the most important part of any plan is to show him how much he means to you. Whether your dad likes movies, hiking, cooking, or games, there’s a creative way to make sure he feels valued even during quarantine! Here are some ideas that we came up with to make sure this Father’s Day is special.

  • Surprise him with a hike, even if it’s just through the woods in your backyard. This is a great idea for people who haven’t been quarantining with their dad because you can keep an appropriate distance.
  • Have a family game night. Whether it’s cards or sports, most dads love to play games. Let your dad pick the game or spend some time outside passing a ball between the two of you. This can be fun for the two of you or the whole family.
  • Write him a nice card. Telling your dad that he’s appreciated might be worth more to him than any present you could pick out. Write him a note or draw him a picture and he will most likely cherish it forever.
  • Order his favorite meal. If your dad typically cooks, give him a break from the kitchen and order something you know he likes. This will show him you’ve been paying attention, and is also a great opportunity to support local businesses!
  • Throw him a party over Zoom. Zoom is a great way to connect with the people you weren’t able to quarantine with. Schedule a meeting when the whole family can get together. You can also get creative and play games over zoom, like trivia.
  • Prepare his favorite meal. Everyone loves a home-cooked meal. Show your dad how much he means to you by cooking his favorite meal. This can also be applied to families that aren’t quarantining together. If you want to do something for your dad, but need to social distance, cook for him and drop it off at his door with a loving note.

Father’s Day can still be special during the pandemic! We wouldn’t be where we are today without the men who raised us, so make sure to do something that’s as special as they are. If you need help coming up with a recipe, here’s one for Maple Bacon Double Cheese Burgers that we found from Food Network that sounds delicious!

If you’re short on ingredients for dinner this Father’s Day, check out our online ordering system and see what we have in stock. We’re open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.  Happy Father’s Day!

Seasonings and spices can turn an ordinary dish into an extraordinary dish. June 10th marks National Herb and Spice Day, so we wanted to share a seasoning with you that has been taking over the internet! Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning has been transforming millions of breakfasts, and other meals that might come as a surprise to you. This salty, savory seasoning adds character to the simplest foods, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! Check out this recipe we found from Two Peas & Their Pod and start adding this seasoning to your eggs, guacamole, vegetables, meats, and whatever else you’re ambitious enough to try it on.

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of dried minced garlic

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion

2 teaspoons of flaked sea salt or coarse salt

Directions:

  1. Combine poppy seeds, black and white sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt into a small bowl.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Store in a sealed jar or container.

If you need some inspiration, this blog lists 50 ways to incorporate Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning into your recipes! If you’re missing ingredients or don’t have time to prepare this seasoning, check out our selection in our online ordering system. We have a bunch of unique seasonings as well as fresh herbs and spices. We’re open 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Each year parents, students, and employees look forward to their favorite three-day weekend. It gives us a glimpse into warm weather, summer activities, and fresh meals off the grill. Memorial Day is usually celebrated with cook-outs, beach trips, parades, and 5k’s, but it’s also a time to wave your American flags with pride for our country and remembrance of the people who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom. We might not be able to host our typical Memorial Day events this year, but we can still take time to appreciate those who served.

 

Here is a simple, festive recipe we found from the blog “Dessert Now Dinner Later” to help you showcase your patriotic pride!

 

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ – 2lbs (24) fresh strawberries
  • ½ cup of blueberries
  • Cheesecake filling
  • *Optional* 2 graham crackers – crushed

For the filling:

  • 1 8oz package of Cream cheese
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Cut off the stems of the strawberries so they can sit nicely.
  2. Cut a deep “X” from the tip of the strawberry to the bottom. Make sure not to cut all the way through!
  3. Combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a bowl. Beat together until fluffy.
  4. Gently open the strawberry and pipe the filling in using a pastry bag.  If you don’t have piping utensils, cutting the edge of a plastic bag works just as well!
  5. Top each strawberry with a fresh blueberry.
  6. *Optional* Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top as a final touch.

 

These strawberries are best served after they have been refrigerated for at least one hour and can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container! If you need to purchase fresh fruit in order to make this red, white, and blue ensemble, check out our online ordering system. We grow strawberries on site!

 

Order online at https://orrsfarmmarket.com/store/ or stop by our drive thru. We’re open from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

There’s something special about our “pick-your-own” options. It’s similar to the warm feeling you get when you see that a product was handmade. Picking your own bouquet allows you to feel like you were a part of the creation of something beautiful.  Picking your own berries adds an extra dose of fresh to any recipe. Handmade products increase appreciation for the time and effort put into making them. Although social distancing has made it difficult to spend time bonding over finding the ripest raspberries, there’s still a way to feel proud of your purchases.

Buying locally builds a connection between you and your food, just like picking your own, and is more important now than ever before. Knowing where your food comes from and understanding how it’s processed helps to bridge the gap between farm and table. You can learn more about our farming practices by clicking this link!

Local foods are often sold faster, which ensures freshness and allows for longer ripening periods. Most importantly, buying locally keeps your money in your town, stimulating your local economy. We love having our neighbors as our customers and connecting with our community through delicious, fresh foods.

Here at Orr’s, we have a bunch of local options for you to choose from! From the non-GMO crops we grow to the West Virginia maple syrup we sell, there’s a local luxury for everyone at your dinner table. Stop by our drive thru window, or use our online ordering system to pick out fresh berries and your favorite local products. Once you’re happy with what’s in your cart, you can place an order for curbside pickup at https://orrsfarmmarket.com/store/. We’re open from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Happiness grows here!

There’s a reason why Netflix stocks are soaring— with everyone hunkered down at home, movies and TV shows are one of our main (and only) sources of entertainment. With so much free time delegated to our couches, people are actually starting to have trouble finding good content. Well, grab your favorite snack and get comfortable because here are some recommendations that won’t disappoint.

Forgotten Favorites

The ’90s and early 2000s might feel as though they were just yesterday, but surprisingly, almost all of these movies are 20+ years old! These are the movies you’ll want to tell your friends about. If you’ve seen them before, don’t fret! They might have premiered the earliest, but they never get old.

  • Catch Me If You Can (2002, PG-13, Netflix)
  • Pleasantville (1998, PG-13, Amazon Prime Video)
  • Good Will Hunting (1997, R, Hulu)
  • The Shawshank Redemption (1994, R, Netflix)
  • The Usual Suspects (1995, R, Amazon Prime Video)

 

Family Friendly

Are you looking for a movie to bring the whole family together? Well, we know where to find ‘em.  Here is a list of movies for all ages. If we’ve learned anything after watching these, it’s not to discredit a movie because of its intended audience.

  • Coco (2017, PG, Disney+)
  • Moana (2016, PG, Disney+)
  • Matilda (1996, PG, Amazon Prime Video)
  • The Parent Trap (1998, PG, Disney+)
  • Sweet Home Alabama (2002, PG-13, Amazon Prime Video)

 

Seriously Good Series

We all have a series that we finished by binge-watching it for an entire night… or maybe that’s just us.  Some of these shows are so good, you can’t bring yourself to turn them off!

  • All American (Netflix)
  • Stranger Things (TV-14, Netflix)
  • Criminal Minds (Netflix)
  • Big Little Lies (HBO)
  • The Sinner, Season 1 (Netflix)

 

We hope you enjoy this list! If you don’t have time to make a tasty treat, pick out some of your favorites online at https://orrsfarmmarket.com/store/. We’re open from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Raw organic apples on wooden background

Have you ever heard the saying “comparing apples to oranges?” It means that you’re comparing two things that don’t actually have anything in common. At Orr’s, we disagree, because apples and oranges have at least one thing in common—they’re both delicious! And they’re even tastier in these recipes.

Apple cake, apple pie and apple crisp all taste delightful, but what if you’re in the mood for something a little more unusual? That’s how we found this recipe for Baked Apple French Toast from Once Upon a Chef. Check it out!

For the French toast

  • One 1-lb challah or raisin challah
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups half & half
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional; replace with apple cider or half-&-half if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the apple topping

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For serving

  • Confectioners’ sugar and/or maple syrup
  1. Wash your hands to avoid the potential spread of germs.
  2. Butter a 9 x 13-inch or 3-QT baking dish. Slice the bread into 3/4-inch-thick slices.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and salt.
  4. Dip each slice of challah into the custard mixture for about 5 seconds. Then, arrange them in an overlapping pattern in the prepared baking dish. Be sure the entire bottom of the dish is covered with the bread. Pour any remaining custard over the bread. Set aside.
  5. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are softened and the sugar-syrup is thickened. Spoon the apples and sugar-syrup evenly over the bread, making sure not to leave any of the syrup behind. If not baking immediately, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Otherwise, proceed with the recipe.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until puffed and golden, about 20 more minutes. Remove from the oven and, using a fine sieve, dust with the confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

One of the best ways to enjoy oranges is in a refreshing glass of orange juice. This recipe for Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice from Earth, Food and Fire is a fresh alternative to store-bought juice.

  • 10 oranges
  1. Be sure to wash your hands and the oranges to remove any potential germs or pesticide residues.
  2. If the oranges are very firm, roll them on the countertop with your palm while applying downward pressure. This helps break up the individual segments and juice-filled vesicles releasing more juice.
  3. Cut the oranges in half with a sharp knife.
  4. Using a hand-held citrus reamer (or an electric juicer) twist the flesh of the oranges on the reamer to extract the juice and pulp.
  5. Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into a glass and enjoy!

Another thing apples and oranges have in common is that you can buy both at Orr’s Farm Market. Our locally-grown apples and Florida and California citruses are the perfect ingredients for whatever recipes you have in mind.  Order online Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and we’ll have your products ready for pickup at the curbside station.

OrrsTruck

As employees at Orr’s, we feel fortunate to be able to spend so much of our time outdoors.  We work many hours each day to keep our land in its best condition. We get to breathe fresh air, smell the sweet scents of nature, and feel the sun and wind against our skin. Every day spend working is a day we appreciate our planet— but it’s not every day that we get to celebrate it with others.

Earth Day is one of the easiest holidays to celebrate! Small actions, like taking shorter showers or turning off lights, can make a big difference. Here are a few of our favorite tips for living an environmentally responsible lifestyle that we found from a website dedicated to this special day, https://www.earthday.org/.

  1. Join a local park, beach, or river clean up group. Once the stay at home order is lifted and it’s safe to be around others, a clean up group would be a great way to get some fresh air and meet new people. This link explains how to find groups like this near you!
  2. Carpool, ride a bike, or use public transportation and reduce your carbon footprint by every mile you don’t spend behind the wheel. Currently, millions of people are working from home, which has reduced the amount of driving and improved air quality. Now is the perfect time to rethink your usual habits and find a carpool buddy for once work returns to normal.
  3. Donate old clothes and home goods. Consider buying used products instead of new products. You can also reuse your shipping boxes by donating to Give Back Box. Learn more here!
  4. Instead of getting paper bills in the mail each month, switch to online services.
  5. Buy local food to reduce the distance from farm to fork.

If you don’t have your own garden, we have tons of locally sourced food options that you can purchase by using the online ordering system on our website.  Just go to https://orrsfarmmarket.com/store/, place your order, and after a few hours we’ll have it ready for you to pick up curbside. Don’t forget to stop and smell the hydrangeas! We’re open 10am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Happiness grows here!

Whether its poured over pancakes, baked in a cake, or in ice cream, theres something special about maple syrup. Orrs Farm Market carries West Virginia-made maple syrup. So, of course weve been searching for recipes to it try out. This Pure Maple Candy recipe from AllRecipes is a delicious, nostalgic treat thats perfect for the cooler early April weather. Just be sure to wash your hands before getting started!

  • 2 cups pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  1. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat stirring occasionally. Boil until syrup reaches 235 degrees F (110 degrees C) on a candy thermometer.
  2. Remove from heat and cool to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C) without stirring, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir mixture rapidly with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes until the color turns lighter and mixture becomes thick and creamy. Stir in chopped nuts, if desired.
  4. Pour into molds. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, unmold candy. Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Maple syrup is also a key ingredient in savory recipes, like these Maple Waffle Chicken Nuggets from Host the Toast. While working from home, you might find yourself prisoner to your pajamas. This perfect spin on breakfast for dinner will make pjs at the dinner table even more comfortable.

For the waffle nuggets:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into small chunks
  • Vegetable oil, for frying, plus 1/2 cup for the batter
  • 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/3 cups milk
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the dip:

  • 1 part honey
  • 1 part maple syrup
  • 1 part honey mustard
  1. Divide the egg yolks and whites in separate bowls. Beat the yolks and set them aside. Whip the egg whites until they’re stiff and set them aside.
  2. In a large, high-walled skillet, heat about one inch high of oil over medium-high heat.
  3. As the oil is heating up, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/3 cups milk, the beaten egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/3 – 1/2 cup maple syrup, depending on how maple-y you want your nuggets to taste.
  4. Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
  5. Fold in the stiffened egg whites. Do not over-mix, you don’t want the egg whites to entirely deflate. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
  6. Test to see if the oil is hot enough by dipping the end of a wooden spoon into the pan. If the oil bubbles around it after a second or two, you’re ready to go!
  7. Dust the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of flour and then dip the chicken into the batter. Let excess drip off and quickly place in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once, after about 4 minutes. If you notice that the outside of your chicken is browning far too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
  8. Let the chicken nuggets drain off extra oil by setting them on a paper towel as you fry up the remaining batches.
  9. Once all of the chicken has been cooked, mix together honey mustard, honey, and maple syrup for dipping.

Orrs Farm Market is prepared to satisfy all of your sweet cravings. Our bakery is stocked with plenty of goodies, and, of course, you can always pick up some locally made maple syrup! Were open 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. Order online and we will have your products ready at the curbside pickup station. We cant wait to see you!