Buy Local and Fresh at the South of the James Market

One of the great things about farmers markets is the opportunity to buy local and buy fresh.  Local farmers markets like Richmond’s own South of the James allow you to purchase the best and freshest vegetables, meats and homemade treats.  Odds are that the person to whom you hand your money is the same person who sowed, harvested and packaged their goods just for you.

When you come out to the South of the James market, make sure you check out some of Grammy O’s favorites:

Ault’s Family Farm

Steve and Chris Ault provide their meat and eggs from pasture raised animals.  Ault’s Family Farm’s eggs, with their wonderful flavor and rich texture,  are now a staple in the Grammy O’s household.

Eli’s Greens

Not only does Eli’s Greens provide a fresh selection of vegetables and herbs, including broccoli, cabbage and greens, they love flowers, too.  Begonias, impatiens, torenia, petunias, pansies, violas, snaps, and dianthus. If you get the chance, make sure you check out their basil.

Tater Dave’s

I would like to think that I know a thing or two about good homemade bread.  That is why I can recommend Tater Dave’s delicious breads, cakes and other treats.  Make sure you check out his Cake Pops.

This summer, if you want to buy local and buy fresh, and get the chance to spend time with some great farmers and bakers, don’t miss the South of the James Farmers Market.

The South of the James Farmer’s Market opens this Saturday, May 7th.  The market is open from 8 AM and 12 Noon every Saturday from May to December.  SOJ is located at Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225).

The Story of Grammy O’s Sticky Buns

Like many great stories, this one began a long, long time ago.  However, this story does not take place in outer space or a magical land, but a kitchen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  This is where Margaret Landis Schmell Overholt, better known to her grandchildren as Grammy O, showed her family how much she loved them. By pouring herself into the food baked in that kitchen, she demonstrated her love and taught them the importance of enjoying delicious, homemade food with your family.  She taught them to savor life.

Fast forward a few years.  Margaret’s granddaughter Heather was beginning a new chapter of her story.  In exploring options for the future, Heather found herself pondering the past.  When thinking of Grammy O, Heather’s thoughts always returned to Grammy’s kitchen and her sticky buns.  Heather’s direction soon became clear.

While Grammy left a legacy of love, she did not leave behind her recipes.  After months of experimenting and taste-testing with obliging siblings, Heather found the right combination of cinnamon, brown sugar and hand-rolled dough.  Grammy O’s Sticky Buns were here again.

At Grammy O’s Sticky Buns, we believe that food is more than a means of nourishment.  Good food is essential for mental, social, intellectual and spiritual sustenance.  Take time to breath deep and live in the moment.  Take time to feel the texture of food on your tongue and the lingering aroma in your kitchen.

Take time to Savor Life.

Grammy O’s on “Virginia This Morning.”

I recently received the opportunity  to go on Richmond’s CBS 6’s “Virginia This Morning.”  The topic was one with which I was very familiar – sticky buns!

5 Great Treats at the Farmer’s Market @ St. Stephen’s

My husband and I each have an Opening Day that we revere.  For my husband, baseball’s Opening Day is like a religious event, except that it involves beer and leaves my living room perfumed with the scent of corn chips.  My equivalent is the beginning of farmer’s market season.  I love spending the day outside with all the great people and vendors.  Plus, my preferred opening day does not leave a lingering smell.

Last week, I wrote about some of my favorite treats from the South of the James market.  This week, I want to talk about some of my favorites from the Farmer’s Market at St. Stephen’s.

de Rochonnet delights – Uh, everything!

Yes, a Master of Business Administration is impressive.   But if you really want to impress me, earn the title of Master Chocolatier.  Jeanne-Louise Womble received this distinction in France in 2005 and displays her expertise with her unique chocolate confections.  Normally, I like to list a specific favorite, but it is tough to pick just one with such a great variety of chocolate treats.

To learn more about de Rochonnet delights, visit them at www.derochonnetdelights.com .

Zaydie’s Granola – Walnut Cranberry

Are you ever hungry for a snack, but don’t want to eat junk?  Janice and Shelley Freed have a remedy for you with their delicious, all-natural cranberry and walnut mix.  Not only is it refreshing, this scrumptious treat also reminds me of my favorite Brian Regan joke.

To learn more about Zaydie’s Granola, visit them at  www.zaydiesgranola.com and their Facebook and Twitter sites.

Rostov’s Coffee and Tea – Breakfast Blend

One of the blessings of the St. Stephen’s market is the fact that a hot cup of coffee is waiting for me.  A great way to start your morning is with Rostov’s Breakfast Blend, which coincidentally has the highest caffeine content of all their blends.

To learn more about Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, visit them at www.rostovs.com and their Facebook and Twitter sites.

Big Daddy’s BBQ Restaurant – Pulled Pork

I am constantly amazed by the ability of the pig to provide joy and happiness.  Big Daddy and Elaine keep the goodness coming with their delicious, hand-pulled pork. BONUS:  If you need a change of pace for your pig fix, don’t forget about their hot dogs!

To learn more about Big Daddy’s BBQ Restaurant, visit them at www.bigdaddysbbqn.com and their Facebook site.

Eli’s Greens – Basil

With all the great food I purchase at the market, I only want the best herbs to maximize flavor.  Eli ensures my satisfaction with his fresh basil.  Don’t expect a wilting, delicate flower; Eli’s basil’s robust size is matched only by its wonderful scent.

To learn more about Eli’s Greens, visit them at www.elisgreens.com and their Facebook site.

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The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s is open every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm
May 1, 2010 – October 30, 2010.

Grammy O’s at the Farmer’s Market

Beginning on Saturday, May 1^st, you can find Grammy O’s Sticky Buns at two great markets every Saturday this summer.

South of the James Market

Located at Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225), the South of the James Market combines a festival atmosphere with quality vendors providing baked goods, prepared foods and the freshest meat, dairy and poultry in town.

The South of the James Market is open every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm.
May 1, 2010 – December 4, 2010.

The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s

Seeking to fulfill their goal of building community while satisfying the growing demand for fresh, locally grown and prepared foods in Richmond, St. Stephen Episcopal Church (6000 Grove AVE, Richmond, VA 23226) has opened their very own Farmer’s Market. Per their website, the “best locally produced seasonal vegetables, fruit, herbs, eggs, poultry, beef, pork, flowers, bread, cheese, pasta and other foods are available.”

The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s is open every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm
May 1, 2010 – October 30, 2010.

5 Great Treats at the South of the James Market

April showers are known as the forerunner for many wonderful things – summer, green grass and, of course, May flowers.  For me, the end of April means the beginning of Farmer’s Market season in Richmond.

With the markets’ opening just a few days away, here are some of my favorite treats from local vendors at Richmond’s South of the James Market.

Simply Southern Pies – Cherry Pie

Though I can’t think of a bad time for pie, is there a better occasion for cherry pie and ice cream than a hot summer evening?  Nothing ends a great summer day than a piece of Tracey’s Cherry Pie.  If Cherry is not to your liking, don’t fret; the crew at Simply Southern Pies has over 10 pies including Chocolate Chess and Peach Blueberry.

To learn more about Simply Southern Pies, check them out at http://www.simplysouthernpies.com and at their Facebook page.

Wild Heaven Farm – Morningstar Soap

While I enjoy spending my Saturdays at the market, I don’t necessarily want to smell like I have been at the market all day.  That’s when Mary Kroll’s Morningstar soap is handy.  Combining real goat’s mile with grapefruit, cardamon, orange and rosemary, this soap allows me to wash away the cares of a busy day at the market.

To learn more about Wild Heaven Farm, check them out at http://www.wildheavenfarm.com/ and at their Facebook page.

Blanchard’s Coffee  – Ethiopian Yergacheffe

Even though I love going to the market, Grammy still needs her caffeine to get started in the AM.  To get my morning going, nothing helps more than a cup of Blanchard’s freshly roasted joe.  The hint of coconut in this blend doesn’t hurt, either.

To learn more about Blanchard’s Coffee, check them out at http://www.blanchardscoffee.com and at their Facebook page.

Bonnyclabber Cheese Company  – Chesapeake Blue Cheese

You can’t have a farmer’s market without farmers.  On Sullivans’ Pond Farm, the goats who contribute to Rona’s fermented delights spend the year grazing on pastures that are kept green without the benefit of herbicides, pesticides or commercial fertilizers.  While the goats graze in the field, I prefer to nibble on a piece of Chesapeake Blue Cheese.

To learn more about Bonnyclabber Cheese Company, check them out at http://www.sullivanspond.com/weblog/welcome and at their Facebook page.

Cavanna Pasta- Eggplant Pamesan

Yes, I have already discussed desert, but I can’t forget about dinner.  While the Cavanna family makes it difficult to make a bad choice with their large selection, my preference is the Eggplant Parmesan.  When combined with a glass of wine, this combination of sautéed eggplant, parmesan cheese and red sauce provides the perfect meal to compliment a busy day.

To learn more about Cavanna Pasta, check them out at http://www.cavannapasta.com/index.html .

The South of the James Market is located at Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225). The market is open between 8 AM and 12 Noon every Saturday from May to December.

The South of the James Market is open every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm
May 1, 2010 – December 4, 2010.

Welcome!

Welcome to Grammy O’s Sticky Blog!  I am excited about having a forum to share my thoughts on the way that great food helps us all enjoy and savor life.  In addition, please visit to receive updates on new products and promotions with Grammy O’s Sticky Buns.  I hope you enjoy it!