I’ve been on a bit of a locavore kick these days, educating myself about where my food comes from and trying to get close to the source. I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture: You can read about that adventure here) and have been looking for other venues to acquire my food directly from its origin. Recently, with my family in tow, I ventured to Wyebrook Farm in Honey Brook for their monthly Farmer’s Breakfast.
After driving down some windy country back roads, we pulled onto the Wyebrook Farm property and drove up the long driveway. The beautiful 18th century stone barn which houses the market and cafe is breathtaking as it sits in the middle of beautiful open space that is studded with other historic buildings. While we waited for our breakfast adventure to start, we explored the property a bit, and came across a very tall birdhouse with birds flitting in and out and the kids found a tire swing in which to pass some time.
Finally, it was time to start our experience. What was unique about this breakfast is that we first had to gather some eggs from the chicken coop. Our guide walked us up to the brand-new hen house and we each got a chance to go inside and get our own eggs. Everyone was able to spend some time inside, watch the chickens, gather some eggs and ask questions. After we had collected enough, we went back down to the open-air cafe to await our feast.
Because it was a sweltering hot day, there was fresh-squeezed orange juice waiting for us to quench our thirst. For those who didn’t care about a little heat, there was coffee served with fresh cream, too. The breakfast was set out buffet style, allowing everyone to choose what and how much they wanted to eat. I started off with fresh artisan bread topped with a creamy herb butter, followed by a hefty scoop of fluffy scrambled eggs. It was explained that the eggs in our breakfast had actually been from earlier in the morning because the ones we had collected still had to be washed and their quality ensured. The eggs we were served, though, were delicious and knowing that they came from the chickens I had just met made me enjoy them all the more.
The star of the breakfast for me were the pork products. I am used to seeing bacon in the form of a perfectly cut, crisp thin strip. This bacon was cut thick and had a good amount of fat marbleized throughout creating a perfect bite of salty and smoky with a bit of chew to it. But then I tasted the sausage and I fell in love. I immediately asked if they sold this sausage in the market because I just had to take some home with me. I was told that they use the sweet Italian sausage links sold in the store, but remove the meat from the casings and form it into patties mixed with maple syrup. They were fried crisp, but fork tender. The maple syrup added a perfect punch of sweetness to the savory bite. Unfortunately, they had used all of their available sausage to make the breakfast so there was none left to purchase.
Although I was disappointed that I couldn’t take some home with me, it brought home the whole point of buying fresh and local. It is comforting to know that only the amount of food needed is produced, thus ensuring the quality and integrity of the products. And it certainly gives me a reason, besides the picturesque view, to head back out to the farm.
Wyebrook Farm has the Farmer’s Breakfast on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 9:30 a.m. The next one is scheduled for August 3rd. Price for the breakfast is $15 per adult and $8 for children. If you don’t want to wait until then to explore Wyebrook farm, visit their market and cafe on Fridays from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Find Wyebrook Farm at 150 Wyebrook Road in Honey Brook. They’re reachable by phone at (610) 942-7481. More information is available at wyebrookfarm.com.
Photographs credited to Ronna Dewey.
