James Wilkes owns Faith Mountain Farm in Creston, NC.

He can be reached at:

• 489 Big Laurel Road
• Creston, NC, 28615
• 336-385-3510

Carol Miller is popular with snackers at Watauga County farmers' Market. Shoppers can choose from chocolate cookie wedges, vegan muffins, wholesome handmade bagels and cake slices with assorted fruit icings. Carol grinds her own grains for the treats and the breads she sells. She regularly grinds wheat, rye oat and corn for her whole grain flour. Rest assured that the items are fresh, Carol bakes her entire inventory less than one day before the market.

Carol also makes jams and jellies to compliment her bread, using organic fruit when possible.

Carol also has a large supply of herb vinegars made with organic ingredients and available in decorative bottles. These make excellent gifts and serve as a reminder of summer's experience. Herbs stored in vinegar will retain their flavors for about three years after the bottles are opened.

Orange, Mint and Clove Vinegar one of our favorites for all-around use. Adds great flavor to grilled chicken, tuna or chicken salad (in place of mayonnaise), fruit salads, or pork dishes.

Italian Vinegar wonderful for all pasta sauces and dishes. Makes a wonderful salad dressing mixed with a little olive oil and fresh ground pepper. Also great for spicier tuna salad and all types of subs.

Sunny Citrus Vinegar very versatile; use for light fruit vinaigrettes, grilled or baked chicken or seafood or as a pick-up for bland potato salad and cole slaw.

Three-Pepper Southwestern Vinegar a blend of sweet red, yellow and green peppers and onions. Adds great flavor to all of your grilled foods, as well as all types of salads, baked beans, cole slaw, and vegetarian casseroles.

Spicy Apple Pie Vinegar a sweet, spicy vinegar that is terrific with all pork dishes, makes a great ham glaze, and also works well with sweet potato, pumpkin, and butternut squash dishes.

Lemon, Pepper and Fennel Vinegar try this vinegar when broiling or grilling fish or other seafood; also mixes nicely with oil for a light dressing.

Sweet Honey Mustard Vinegar one of our favorites; great with chicken, pork; or meat loaf; adds real zip to baked beans or cole slaw.

Savory, Hot Pepper, and Garlic Vinegar use this vinegar when preparing fajitas or other Mexican dishes; also terrific with an oriental stir fry or grilled steaks.

Summer Vegetable Vinegar a delicious blend of peppers, cucumber, onion, carrots, and garlic that will make your mouth water; use with practically everything, salads, sandwiches, grilled meats, and anything else you can imagine.

Dill, Garlic, and Peppercorn Vinegar another one of our favorites; the best in potato salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, or cole slaw.

Chive and Garlic Vinegar one of the best all-around vinegars; you can use this vinegar for grilling , as a dressing, or in any marinade for both beef and chicken.

Basil and Garlic Vinegar wonderful light taste; perfect for salads or with any pasta or seafood dish.

Spiced Blueberry Vinegar a really beautiful vinegar, great with pork or chicken or as an unusual dressing mixed with light oil and crushed walnuts.

Raspberry Vinegar the classic vinegar seen in gourmet restaurants everywhere; mix with olive oil and crushed nuts for the best vinaigrette you've ever tasted!

Visit Providence Farms.

Sissy Moore has been with Watauga County Farmers' Market since it opened in 1974. Still in high school at the time, she sold mostly house plants and cactus. She used her earnings to buy a 22x24 greenhouse, which enabled her to grow and sell enough plants to buy her first car. She now grows mainly hardy perennials, and specializes in unusual varieties. This often means plants too new to be readily available, but check for once popular heirlooms that have now become uncommon.

Sissy now has her own property and three smaller greenhouses. Her daughter Brandy uses the greenhouse at her grandmother's to start the hanging baskets that she brings to the Farmer's Market.

After the rush of the planting season calms, Sissy turns her attention to canning. She produces a large selection of jams and jellies. Raspberry, peach, strawberry and blackberry are most popular, but Sissy chooses pumpkin butter as her personal favorite.

email Sissy

Selections at Cheryl Piracci's Bella Rooster range from gourmet foods to handmade decorations to live plants. Cheryl specializes in Italian cuisine, so be sure to look for her sun-dried tomatoes, biscotti and chocolate-zucchini cake.

Cheryl makes many jams and jellies, along with pectin-free preserves.This traditional method of cooking down the preserves allows for less sugar in the recipe.

For low-calorie flavor combined with a visual treat, try herb vinegar in hand-painted vinegar bottles. Cheryl will take orders for hand painted bottles and any other items, especially for the holidays, and will also ship your order.

Also at Cheryl's booth are many handmade crafts, such as bark baskets from Tulip Poplar trees and mosaic flower pots made from crockery. She also brings garden plants and herbs, and will install custom landscaping.