Marie came into our lives at The Grain Place* in 1981 when she married Don Vetter. By profession she was a home economist, University Extension Educator, and judge for many a recipe contest. Grain Place employees were fortunate enough to be the daily beneficiaries of Marie’s baking talent. Coffee breaks here were legendary – not just to the staff, but also to friends and neighbors, customers and suppliers. They all quickly learned to time their visits to coincide with our coffee breaks. One time a client family, while moving from the east coast to California, managed to drop in at just the right time in the middle of their trip! When break time came, Marie would drive up and honk the horn – and we’d respond like Pavlov’s dog, our mouths watering over whatever scrumptious items her basket held that day. Would it be cinnamon twists, blueberry buckle, or a new surprise? Perhaps it was someone’s birthday, when she’d make whatever the honoree requested. In the summertime, she’d sometimes add a tray of fresh veggies from the garden, with dips.
Marie was a treasure above and beyond the delicacies she provided. She had an unforgettable cheerful disposition and generosity of spirit, and was an outstanding educator. She has been greatly missed since her death in 1996. Fortunately, Carolyn Solander, The Grain Place office manager from October, 1991-November, 2005, saved Marie’s “The Grain Place Collection,” so we can continue to share her recipes and tips. We have selected a few of her coffee break favorites for “Marie’s Kitchen.”
*The Vetter farm was certified organic in 1978, and became The Grain Place, Inc. in 1979. Grain Place Foods, Inc. was created in 1987 to add grain cleaning, processing and storage facilities to serve organic farmers and specialty organic food distributors and processors. It is located at The Grain Place, as is our retail store.
» Excerpts from Marie Vetter’s Grain Place Collection
Although Marie was a tough act to follow, we do have someone who is giving our products an excellent reputation with her culinary skills. We can count on Fayne Petersen and her Creative Cuisine Catering business based in Marquette, Nebraska to boost the attendance at all of our Grain Place tours and other events. Watch for her monthly tips and recipes here!
December, 2008
Are you a “foodie,” a “locavore?” The dictionary definition of a foodie is “someone who has an ardent or refined interest in food.” A locavore is someone who eats food grown or produced locally or within a certain radius such as 50, 100, or 150 miles. I am a bit of both. When travelling, I always look for restaurants that provide a meal that is native to the area. There is nothing better than crayfish etouffee when in Louisiana. The wonderful softshell blue crabs that come from the Chesapeake Bay, the crab soup in Charleston, South Carolina, tasty sourdough bread from San Francisco. The great Midwestern fish boils in Wisconsin, Iowa Maytag blue cheese, Rocky Ford cantaloupe and peaches from Colorado, and more close to home, our delicious sweet corn. I encourage you to visit your local farmers market - especially those who farm organically - and create a great meal using your locally grown foods. Your taste buds will be glad you did.
Tip for Holiday Snacking
‘Tis the season for goodies that challenge a healthy diet – and waistline! POPCORN that you pop at home (as opposed to the mystery fat-laden kind at the movie theater) is an excellent alternative to calorie-rich holiday fare. Popcorn from The Grain Place takes little butter and salt to bring out its exceptional flavor. Or be creative and season instead with one of the following: a sprinkle of parmesan cheese; a pinch of cinnamon sugar, a dash of taco seasoning or ranch dressing powder; or any of your favorite herbs and spices. Plain popcorn is naturally sodium and sugar free, and one serving (1/4 cup kernels, or around 8 cups popped) delivers a whopping six grams of fiber. So enjoy this delicious whole-grain treat without all those calories!
Bon Appetit,
Chez Fayne