Manor Farmer Market an Institute in Texan Culture

Manor Farmer Market an Institute of Texan Culture May 8, 2012 By The Blackland Reporter Ray and his Wendish Noodles If you visit the Manor Farmers Market for the fresh food and crafts then you’re only getting part of the story. On your next visit to the Market, take a moment and get to know your local history and culture directly from the source. Raymond, the Noodle Man for one has lot to share. His journey across the country filled with rewards for his hard work and loyalty to his employers, Ask him about the garage doors or the hanger on LBJ’s ranch if you get a chance. Yet Ray’s Noodles are also full of Texas History too. Five Charter members of the Texas Wendish Culture Club.”(L. to r.” Frieda Wendland; Laura Zoch; Lillie Moerbe Caldwell; Emma Wuensche; and Gertrude Mitschke Raymond’s’ Mother along with her 5 cousins started the Wendish Culture Club in Serbin. Now it has grown into a large museum with visitors from all over the world. They also have a Wendish Fest in Sept. which is attended by several thousand people. When the club was started it was to let people know about our heritage. The noodles were a recipe that his Mother’s relatives brought over from Germany. At the Fest all the good foods are served including noodles, sausage, sauerkraut, beans. ect. That group of ladies did go to the ’68 Hemisfair in San Antonio when they first started the fair to introduce people to other cultures. The Wendish are still an important part of the permanent exhibit at the University Of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures to this day. Ptaci Kwas (Bird's Wedding) Ray also sells noodles to relatives, fellow Church members and whomever he can sell them to. Ray says, “We always tell people the best way to cook the noodles is first cook a hen and use that broth for the noodles. None of our big weddings are without noodles.” Who are the Wendish? Like so many emigrants, the Wendish came to America for religious freedom and to establish homes. When the Wends came from Germany on a ship called The Ben Nevis in 1854 they brought the original recipe with them for the Noodles that are still made by hand by the ladies at the Texas Wendish Heritage Society in Serbin TX. This art is dying out since the ladies are getting older but hey are trying to find younger women interested in making these noodles. Come see Ray and the others vendors: Munkebo Farm Munkebo Farm will have carrots, beets, various herbs, New Zealand spinach, lambsquarters (spinach like), spring onions, green garlic, turnips, eggplant, berry pie, artichoke dip, balsamic dressing and dried herbs. LAVERNE’S VEGETABLE PATCH - Will have this week Homemade Salsa, Country Fresh Eggs, Green Beans, Fresh Picked Brazos Valley Blackberries, Brazos Valley Blackberry Jelly, Crumb Top Blackberry Pies,Yellow Straightneck Squash, Rice Krispie Treats for the kid in all of us and Assorted Plants. Green Grass Meats All Beef. No Surprises. Organically raised, grass-fed beef cattle produce meat that is leaner and more flavorful than cattle raised in feed lots and fed corn and other fillers. Grass-fed beef is higher in Omega 3 fatty acids and CLA’s than grain-fed beef and since it is naturally leaner there are many health benefits to replacing traditional store bought beef with naturally raised grass-fed beef. David is running his 5# ground beef for $20 special. Call for special orders and he'll bring it to the market for you. Ray, The Noodle Man - You have simply have to try a little bit of Texas History, noodles made by hand McGeary Ranch is a sustainable, grass-based farm run by Mike and Judith McGeary in Cameron, just one hour from Manor. They raise their lambs from birth entirely on pasture and never feed grain. Grass-fed lamb is low in fat, yet high in Omega-3, CLA, Vitamin E, and other important nutrients. Their eggs come from chickens that roam their pastures, eating a diet of green grass, organic wheat and sunflower seeds, and GMO-free corn (no soy). Mata Tamales will be at the market this week with beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian varieties of homemade traditional tamales. Morning Glory Farm this week brings Green Beans, Cabbages, sweet peppers, tomatoes-plum and regular, fresh chicken eggs and delectable fresh baked coffee cakes. Gordon's Garden has not had the chance to check in yet. The Downtown Manor Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 4-7pm at Jennie Lane SmartPark between Lexington & Rector Streets. Shop for local sustainable agriculture & prepared foods, support regional artisans, enjoy sparkling conversation and stay for dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Manor, Texas. Eat Local. Buy Manor. http://www.manorfarmersmarket.org/ Denise LoSchiavo Country Vista Residential Care Home Manor Farmers' Market 278-1611 “If you want joy, give it”.