Author: Kenny & Brenna Aschbacher

I enjoy observing the marketing trends of big food corporations. At first glance, the concept of vegan-fed beef triggered my inner cynic, and I couldn’t help but envision, with a wry smile, cows grazing in a field of vegans.

Through a bit of research, it becomes evident that promoting and marketing vegetarian and vegan-fed beef is not about demonizing red meat; instead, it introduces a concept that encourages collaboration and positive engagement.

As most feedlots and CAFOs traditionally feed cattle grains, these animals have, in essence, been consuming a vegan diet long before the term was even coined.

Political vegans are upset that real beef can be labelled vegan, as if the term is trademarked, or somehow enjoys protection (another wry smile).

If we believe the metrics and opinion polls offered, there are more recovering post vegans than currently practicing vegans. 

Steaks are outselling ground beef this month, as is typical for December since we all celebrate life with steak. At my farmers market booth, conscientious vegans purchase the majority of my animal products for their omnivorous family members and mates. Is FishHugger vegan approved? The attention that campaign could generate is certainly tempting!

In terms of upcoming events, we invite you to catch us this weekend, December 2 & 3, at  Roadrunner Park and Ahwatukee Farmers Markets in Phoenix. These will be our last markets in Arizona until January 2024.

For our Albuquerque friends, we plan to attend the Los Ranchos Winter Growers Market on Saturday, December 9. Given that we’ll be bringing our big freezer trailer stocked with fish, beef, and pork, pre-ordering is not required. However, if you prefer, we’d be delighted to receive your order in advance.

See you soon,

Kenny & Brenna

Salmon fishing in Kodiak, Alaska relies on storms. Nice weather and calm seas are pleasant, but not typically as productive or profitable. The top salmon harvesters with the best equipment and a well trained crew will head straight for the eye of the storm and roll the grand dice. Salmon school in huge numbers during storms and run tight to shore, so if an outfit can keep the crew and the gear together, it’s an opportunity to scoop a substantial haul of fish. The most dangerous salmon seining situation is wind and waves blowing on shore. This gives small delays in gear retrieval or a minor breakdown of equipment the potential to quickly become catastrophic…..sometimes even requiring a Mayday call to the US Coast Guard. The safest situation is wind blowing offshore. Delays and mechanical breakdowns are not as time sensitive because the whole operation is headed for deep water swells and miles of ocean to fix or repair any issues. Either situation is a white knuckle adrenaline rush, constantly anticipating a change in wind direction.

During big low pressure storms, most of the fleet will be tied to the dock or anchored tight in a bay for a week riding out the storm. When the big boys make it back with a deck load of fish and the thousand yard stare, you know they earned it.

With that perspective, wind and rain does not stop us from going to the farmers market…..until the trees are bending. Here in the desert, we don’t have to be concerned with waves, at least. 

On a drizzly day, one of my favorite comfort foods is our green chile pork sausage gravy served over butter-fried toast or homemade biscuits, topped with a poached egg. A cup of fresh ground coffee with a generous amount of honey and heavy cream perfects the occasion.

Come see us at the Phoenix markets this weekend! A generous stock of wild salmon, green chile pork sausage, local honey and much more will be available.

Enjoy the rain!

Kenny & Brenna

The 2023 honey season has been a remarkable success, thanks to the generous spring rains that graced the Arizona desert. This year’s honey production has surpassed our expectations, exceeding the amount we harvested in 2022. We are thrilled to announce that your favorite wild desert honeys are back in stock. Join us at the markets this weekend to savor the freshness of our new harvest!

Explore Our Honey Selection:

Wildflower Honey: Our Wildflower Honey is the embodiment of a classic desert honey that evokes the warm memories of grandma’s table. It boasts a deep, rich flavor and is packed with essential minerals. Notably, it’s our top recommendation for those seeking relief from allergies, as it offers a diverse range of nectar from various native desert plants.

Mesquite Honey: A beloved favorite in the southwest, this year’s Mesquite Honey is a light amber hue with a delightful spicy, peppery finish. It pairs exquisitely with your morning coffee, making it a must-try for all coffee lovers.

Cactus Blossom Honey: The production of Cactus Blossom Honey isn’t an annual guarantee; it depends on the availability of nectar in the blossoms at just the right time for our diligent bees to harvest. It’s a delicately light and mild honey that’s perfect for enhancing your tea, homemade ice cream, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones.

Dive into Local, Raw Desert Honey: Each of our honeys boasts its own unique qualities, but at the end of the day, they all share the distinct charm of local, raw desert honey. We encourage you to experiment and discover new uses for these delightful flavors. If you have a particular favorite among our honey varieties, we’d love to hear from you!

Special Offers: Honey makes for an excellent gift, and to make it even more tempting, we’re offering special stock-up discounts for those who can’t get enough of our honey:

• 12 Quarts Local Honey: $240
• 12 Hex Local Honey: $84

While cash is preferred, we also accept payments through Venmo, Zelle, and debit/credit cards for your convenience. For our friends using EBT, you can use it at the Phoenix Farmer’s Markets.

See You This Weekend! We can’t wait to see you this weekend at the markets. It’s the perfect opportunity to relish our fresh, locally sourced honey and discover the extraordinary flavors of the Arizona desert. Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Kenny & Brenna

Autumn is here and so are we! Come see us this weekend at both Roadrunner Park and Ahwatukee Farmers Markets! We have a great variety of wild Alaska salmon and Pacific cod. We also have a HUGE supply of grassfed-grassfinished beef and pork. Although we are anticipating a big fall honey harvest within the next few weeks, for now, we only have a small selection of local Arizona honeys and bee pollen. We do have Medjool dates and we’re temporarily out of Bariani Olive Oil.

We intend to participate in both markets through the first weekend of December for our fall season. That’s only 8 weekends to stock your freezer and pantry before our winter vacation. You’re welcome to swing by the market to see what’s available. If you want something in particular, it’s best to reserve your order in advance. We accept orders for any weekend market through 6:00pm on Friday’s. If you can’t make the market, we gladly welcome you to shop by appointment at our home near Thomas Rd & 44th St.

Albuquerque: In case you missed us, we plan to be back for one winter market on December 9, 2023 in Los Ranchos. We recommend advance orders via email or phone.

Cheers,

Brenna & Kenny

Wow! Summer has passed by so quickly, and it’s almost time for us to return to Phoenix for our fall farmers market season. You can find us this Saturday, on September 30, 2023, at the Los Ranchos Growers Market. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on goodies for your freezer and pantry as winter approaches. This will be your last chance to catch us before we head back to New Mexico for the Winter Market in Los Ranchos on Saturday, December 9, 2023. If you’d like to place an order please review our current product list

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our customers, co-vendors, growers, farmers, gardeners, and market managers. We absolutely love what we do, and we couldn’t do it without each and every one of you. Your feedback, comments, and input are always welcome and deeply appreciated. It’s been an enjoyable summer, and we’ve made sure to stock up on plenty of green chile and other delicious produce and fruit for the winter season. This week, Kenny has been busy processing frozen grapes, cherries, and elderberries to start fermenting our family’s Christmas Mead!

For our Phoenix friends, we tentatively plan to kick off our fall farmers market season at both Roadrunner Park and Ahwatukee Farmers Markets during the weekend of October 14/15. Keep an eye on our market calendar for updates, and feel free to place advance orders anytime.

With warm Autumnal cheer,

Brenna & Kenny

If you’re in New Mexico, it’s a great time to consider stocking your pantry and freezer for the fall and winter. Did you know we offer local honey and medjool dates by the case? These are a great way to bring some sweetness to your life!

12 ounce hexagonal jars of honey are great gifts for any occasion! The size is convenient for your table or coffee & tea station. We offer a case of 12 jars for $84…that’s right, only $7 per jar! Eat all you like this winter or share with friends and family.

46 ounce quart jars of honey are great for families and those who prefer the conveinience of a larger jar. Also a great gift for the honey lovers and Pooh bears in your life. We offer  quart jars for only $20 each when you purchase 5 or more.

Calling all mead makers! Did you know we offer 5 gallon pails full of honey? It’s a total of 60 pounds of local raw honey. If you’re making mead, this is the way to go! Others who enjoy this volume are families who eat lots of honey and people who enjoy bottling their own honey. Wildflower honey is currently in stock for $300 per 5 gallon pail.

Do you like figs? How about a date?  Just within the last few years have we located an excellent source of Medjool dates. The grower is near Yuma, Arizona and the family produces a nice supply of dates, various citrus and other local fruit. From the time of harvest, these dates are stored in the freezer so they can maintain their plump, juicy texture. Dates are awesome for breaking fasts and contain a nice amount of fiber and a variety of minerals. As my last snack at night, about 2-3 hours before bed, I enjoy having one or two dates. I think it may help support blood sugar levels and boost the liver’s glycogen production making for a more restful night’s sleep. The comments we get from customers are commonly along the lines of, “I haven’t had a date this good since I was in Egypt!” The small and large bags are always popular, and we also offer a case of 11 pounds of loose Medjool dates for $45. Although dates are typically fine left out to dry and dehydrate, they can remain juicier much longer when stored in the freezer. 

Although advance orders are not required, they are recommended as to ensure your opportunity to take advantage of these sweet deals!

Here are a couple of easy ways to use honey and dates

Honey Citrus Soda

Ingredients:  Honey + Citrus Juice + a pinch of Sea Salt + Sparkling Water

Directions:  For a quart of soda use 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed citrus (mostly lemon with grapefruit is our favorite), 1/2 cup honey, a few grains of sea salt (Redmond real salt is our favorite). Mix those ingredients into a syrup and dilute to taste with cold sparkling water. Store in refrigerator and expect a slight fermentation if stored more than 2-3 days.

Serve:  Delicious anytime! An excellent HOME-ADE replacement for commercial electrolyte drinks. Commonly used during illness, recovery and fasts. Effective as a cough syrup and expectorant. Fresh citrus juice provides vitamin c, sea salt provides minerals, glucose in honey provides immediate energy to our cells.

Chocolate Covered Dates

Ingredients: Dates + Dark Chocolate + Almonds/Pecans/Your favorite nut

Directions: Typically I prepare 1-2 per person as an after dinner treat. Gently melt dark chocolate in a saucepan. While waiting for chocolate to melt, pit the dates and stuff each one with a whole almond, a pecan half, or your favorite nut. Once the chocolate is melted, roll each nut-stuffed date into the chocolate…careful, it may be hot! Chill on a plate or baking sheet in the fridge. These treats can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Bee Well,

Brenna & Kenny

How about a couple of easy Instant Pot fish recipes for a delightful late summer Friday? Most of the ingredients are currently in season at the Los Ranchos Growers Market here in New Mexico’s beautiful Rio Grande Valley. Each recipe can be prepared in 20 minutes or less… after all, FISH is the ultimate fast food!

Wild Alaska Cod

Ingredients:

• 1 cod filet (16-24 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (or mixed small tomatoes), chopped
• Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Pour the tomatoes in the Instant Pot.
2. Place fish on top.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Close and lock the lid. Select MANUAL and cook at HIGH pressure for 8 minutes.
5. When the timer beeps, use a quick release. Carefully unlock the lid.
6. Place butter on the cod filet. Close lid and let the dish sit for 1 minute.
7. Serve and enjoy

Spicy Sockeye Salmon

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sockeye salmon filet, cut into 4 portions
• 2 tbsp assorted dried chiles
• Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Season the salmon filets with chiles, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Pour the water into the Instant Pot and insert a steamer basket.
3. Place fish in the basket.
4. Close and lock the lid. Select MANUAL and cook at HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
5. When the timer goes off, use a quick release. Carefully open the lid.
6. Serve and enjoy

If you try one of these recipes and love it, please let us know. We really enjoy receiving and sharing your food photos!

See you at the market,

Brenna & Kenny

It’s been a blue moon, or perhaps even longer, since we last connected through email. We trust this message finds you well and thriving. As the celestial wonder of a rare blue moon graces our skies, we are reminded of the passage of time and the beauty of each unique moment. Our time in New Mexico is winding down for the season, we intend to be available at the Los Ranchos Growers Market every Saturday in September this year. Now is the time to consider stocking your freezer and pantry for the fall. We are happy to accept advance orders and you’re always welcome to drop by the market to see what’s available. The market is located at 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos NM 87107 and runs 8AM-11AM.

🐟 Wild-Caught Salmon: Indulge your taste buds in the rich, delicate taste of wild salmon, harvested from pristine Alaska waters. Sourced sustainably and handled with utmost care, our wild salmon promises a culinary experience that’s second to none.

🥩 Grass-Fed Beef: Elevate your dining experience with our premium grass-fed beef. Rich in flavor and lean in texture, our beef is a testament to our commitment to quality and ethical practices.

🐖 Local Pork: Discover the essence of local flavors with our thoughtfully sourced, tender local pork. Each cut is a celebration of our region’s culinary heritage and a testament to our dedication to supporting local farmers.

🍯 Raw Honey: Nature’s golden elixir awaits you! Our raw honey, sourced from local hives, is a true embodiment of the land’s sweetness. Delight in its pure, unfiltered goodness.

🍏 Fruitful Delights: The orchard’s bounty continues to amaze, offering a stunning array of fruits. From succulent apples to juicy blackberries, grapes, melons, nectarines, pears, peaches, and plums, our market is a paradise of sweetness.

🍅 Abundant Vegetables: Bid farewell to triple-digit temperatures as cooler weather brings an influx of tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash. The market stalls will be brimming with the best local produce, including beans, various greens, lettuce mixes, onions, radishes, salad turnips, sprouts, microgreens, okra, potatoes, carrots, garlic, elephant garlic, and shallots, sourced from your trusted local growers.

🌻 Floral Beauty: Elevate your space with vibrant plants, flowers, and bouquets, adding a touch of nature’s elegance to your surroundings.

As the blue moon casts its glow upon us, we invite you to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the Los Ranchos Growers Market. It’s not just a market; it’s a celebration of community, growth, and the simple joys that make life truly magical.

Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey. Your support, your presence, and your enthusiasm fuel our passion to provide the best for you.

Eat Well,

Brenna & Kenny

Happy July, FishHuggers! It’s been scorching here in the Rio Grande Valley, and we’ve heard that even the tomatoes are waiting for cooler weather. Let’s hope for a productive monsoon season in the southwest this year. We have a busy few weeks remaining in this month.

New Mexico: We plan to be at the Los Ranchos Growers Market every Saturday in July. The official market hours are 8-11 am, which is perfect for summer! We welcome advance orders, or you can simply stop by and see what’s available. Due to the extreme heat, we suggest bringing a pre-chilled cooler or cooler bag. In case you forget, our FishHugger insulated tote bags are always available for purchase or complimentary with a $150 order.

Phoenix: Just a reminder, we’ll be in town next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 18th and 19th, for those who place advance orders. Please make your order by phone or email before Friday, July 14th. If you’ve already placed an order and haven’t heard back from us, please confirm again. We don’t want to miss you. If you’re reading this message late and missed the deadline to order, please check in with us anyway. We’ll be bringing extras!

Need a seafood recipe? Try a few of these:

Honey Garlic Sockeye Salmon

Crispy Salmon Bacon

Spring Green Alaska Cod Potato Cakes

Alaska Seafood Tom Yum

Lemon Grass Poached Alaska Halibut

Alaska Halibut with Lemon Dressing

Eat Well,

Brenna & Kenny

We will be available in Phoenix on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 18th and 19th, for those who place advance orders. Whether you need multiple cases or just a few items, please submit your order via email or phone by Friday, July 14th. Our offerings include Sockeye and a limited quantity of Keta Salmon, as well as Pacific Cod and Halibut fillet. We also have an abundant supply of Grassfed-Grassfinished-GrassFAT Beef, New Mexico Pork, Arizona Local Raw Honey, Arizona Medjool Dates, Bariani Olive Oil, and Kenny’s Spice Rub.

We have found that custom orders tend to provide the most satisfaction to our customers, allowing them to enjoy what they want, when they want it. If you need assistance in determining your freezer requirements, please let us know, as we are here to help. Our website is regularly updated with the latest product list and pricing information. If you require a 7 or 14 cubic foot Kelvinator commercial freezer during this trip, kindly inform us as soon as possible.

Once again, please place your order by phone or email no later than Friday, July 14th. Orders can be picked up at our Phoenix location (near Thomas Rd & 44th St – address will be provided upon order) on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 18th and 19th. If you have previously placed a Phoenix order for July and have not received a response from us, please confirm again to ensure we don’t miss you.

We welcome any further inquiries, feedback, input, or suggestions at any time. Our website is comprehensive, providing answers to the most commonly asked questions. For any other questions or concerns, we recommend contacting us by phone. While we may not always be able to answer immediately, we do return voice messages. Alternatively, you can schedule a phone consultation via email.

We appreciate your support and eagerly anticipate filling your freezer and pantry soon!

In Health & Happiness,

Kenny & Brenna