Calendar

The January Lanterns

Jeff Moran

Relatively Balanced

Ken Baker

the Tunewells

Event Name: Cooking Demos

In 2019, we piloted our "What's Cooking?" cooking demonstrations at Columbia Farmers Market and started seeing amazing results! We had big plans to continue this in 2020, but like the rest of the world, everything was put on hold. We're super excited to announce that cooking demonstrations are coming back! 

At previous demonstrations, an average 400-500 samples were dispensed each Saturday. Those numbers increased once we moved to our new market pavilion. Our customer counts grew tremendously in 2021, and we are seeing even larger counts than in 2019. We recommend planning for 500-600 samples. 

We were awarded a Specialty Crops Block Grant, providing funds to increase the number of demonstrations, purchase new cooking and set up equipment, promotional funds, and funds for our chefs to purchase food from CFM vendors (we were previously relying on donations from vendors). We look forward to working with you this year, whether you're a new face or have helped with the demos in the past! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, or to Jon Weekley, CFM's Assistant Manager (info@columbiafarmersmarket.org (573) 489-7772), for scheduling questions!

-Corrina Smith

CFM Executive Director

WHO:

We are looking for chefs from the Columbia or mid-Missouri area who are interested in doing a live demo to teach CFM customers new ways to use market products at home. This is a great opportunity for new chefs to get their name or their restaurants' name out in the community using your talent to promote your business while supporting local agriculture and sustainability in our region. (If you aren't available to participate but have staff at your restaurant who may be interested, please pass this invite along to them!)

WHAT:

Demonstrate recipes for customers and provide samples for tasting, using local produce (funding for this is provided by a Specialty Crops Block Grant). Demos must highlight a specialty crop (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and/or honey). Meat, dairy, eggs, etc. can also be used.

WHY:    

To promote local, fresh, and seasonal food options in mid-Missouri. To show off your talents and promote your restaurant or business.

WHEN:

Saturdays, through October. Recommended demonstration times (2): 9:00 & 10:00 am (11:00 am optional) 

WHERE: Chef Demonstrations will take place during the Saturday market, under the MU Health Care Pavilion. CFM staff will set up the booth. If special supplies are needed, please let us know.

HOW:

Decide what you would like to cook based on seasonally available ingredients, a minimum of two weeks before the event. CFM will provide up to $300 in reimbursements for food items purchased from CFM vendors.

Provide recipe to CFM 10 days ahead of time to have recipe cards printed. Bring menus or restaurant/business brochures to hand out. Encourage CFM customers to connect with you on social media.

DEMO TIMELINE:

Plan to do two demonstrations, one at 9:00 am and the second at 10:00 am (a third at 11:00 am is optional). Many of the committed CFM customers and community foodies come early to get the best selection. Each demo should last roughly 15-20 minutes, which is followed by passing out samples and answering questions. You should be able to break down and be done with the event by 11:30. 

RECIPE: 

In the past, the most positive customer comments about chef demos have come when prepared recipes are something customers can make at home. Please submit your recipe 10 days in advance to have it listed on our website, and to have it printed on CFM recipe cards. 

SAMPLES: 

The quantity of samples is up to you. Most find 500-600 very small samples to be sufficient. We recommend prepping samples ahead of time and doing the demo for demonstration purposes only. We can provide sample spoons, one-ounce sample cups, and/or napkins. Please coordinate with us if you have a special request.

SUPPLIES: 

We have a three-sink system, an induction burner, an electric skillet, and a 3-burner propane stovetop for use. Let us know if there are any other specific items that you need. Access to electricity and water is available.

FOOD SUPPLIES:

Please either visit the market a few weeks in advance or contact us to see what is in peak season. We have $300 per demo available for reimbursements of items purchased from CFM vendors. Please make sure to either get receipts from vendors and/or let us know what was purchased from whom. Let us know what you are planning on making and we can see how we can help. Please give yourself at least two weeks before the demo to source the products.

PROMOTION:

Send your bio, bring signs, flyers, menus, business cards, or any other promotions for your business. Our market sees 4000-6000 people per week and has a strong following on social media. We will create a Facebook event for this event, and add your business as a co-host.

CROSS-PROMOTION:  

We strive to promote a sustainable local food system in our area. We hope that these demos will serve to promote the farmers market and locally owned businesses in our community. 

MARKET MISSION:

The mission of the Columbia Farmers Market is to provide both the local farmer and consumer a reliable, regulated marketplace for the direct exchange of high-quality and safe food. By facilitating such commerce the market strives to meet the needs of the local consumer while encouraging sustainable agriculture in mid-Missouri.

Location: Columbia Farmers Market

Restuarant: Cassava Mama

What kind of demo or product do you have in mind?: Roasted tomato and pepper salsa as the demo and the sample product will be small tacos with shredded beef from Altai Meadows.

Do you work out of an approved and inspected kitchen? *Per Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services guidelines all processed foods distributed at CFM must be prepared in an inspected kitchen.: Yes

Special Set Up Requirements:
* Propane (not electric) griddle
* Blender or food processor
* 6ft table

Need to make changes to this event?
Cancel: https://calendly.com/cancellations/e9b26ee1-6aaa-4e2f-90c8-29cdc87e4be2
Reschedule: https://calendly.com/reschedulings/e9b26ee1-6aaa-4e2f-90c8-29cdc87e4be2

Powered by Calendly.com

Ken Baker

The Lonesome Companions