2014 Maryland Buy Local Challenge

Have you taken the pledge to buy local? This week, July 19-27, 2014, is Maryland’s Buy Local Challenge Week!

 The goal of the Buy Local Challenge is to raise awareness about the benefits of local farms and food. This helps Marylanders become more familiar and more frequent consumers of fresh, local products.

The challenge began in 2007 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission to support local farms and to encourage Marylanders to eat more nutritious foods.

Governor O’Malley will celebrate the challenge by hosting the seventh annual Buy Local Cookout at the Government House on July 25. Creameries on Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail, including South Mountain Creamery, will be there with black raspberry and lemon meringue ice cream!

“’Buy Local Challenge Week’ is a great opportunity to remind Marylanders of all the healthy, delicious foods we have right here in Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Katie and I challenge our neighbors show their support for Maryland’s family farms – we’re encouraging Marylanders to purchase at least one locally-grown product for their favorite dishes during Buy Local Challenge Week and to continue that practice every day of the year.”

Benefits of Buying Local:

• Local Food is better for the environment
• Locally grown food tastes better
• Local produce is better for you
• Local food supports local economies
• Local food strengthens local farm families
• Local food is safer
• Local food builds community
• Local food preserves the open character and rural space

Learn more about the Buy Local Challenge here:

http://www.buy-local-challenge.com/

 http://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2014/07/10/take-the-buy-local-challenge-eat-well-support-maryland-farmers-eat-at-least-one-farm-fresh-product-every-day-during-buy-local-challenge-week-july-19-27/

http://mda.maryland.gov/Documents/buylocalbenefits.pdf

What is Sour Cream?

What is Sour Cream?

Sour Cream is the dairy product resulting from the addition of lactic acid-producing bacteria to pasteurized cream. Sour cream is required to contain at least 18 percent milk fat. It is also called "cultured sour cream."

Just like other dairy products, sour cream is a good source of vitamins and minerals. A half-cup of SMC sour cream contains 4 grams of protein. Protein generates energy to keep you moving throughout the day, and it also boosts your immune function.

Sour cream is a good source of calcium, a mineral your body needs to boost bone health. In addition to its benefits to your bones, calcium is vital for the function of your nerves, muscles and heart.

Uses

• Try it as a substitute for mayonnaise or as a base for creamy salad dressings.
• Use in baking cookies and cakes to add a tangy, distinctive flavor.
• Use with salads, soups, as a bread spread, in cooking vegetables, making candies and desserts.
• Blend sour cream with bottled salad dressing to make a richer, creamier topping.
• Mix sour cream with a packet of ranch dressing to make a great-tasting dip for chips and vegetables.
• Substitute sour cream instead of mayonnaise, yogurt, buttermilk, or cream cheese in casseroles.
• Make a sour cream sauce using Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream for grilled chicken or pork.

View our sour cream recipes on our Sour Cream! Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/southmtcreamery/sour-cream/