Rural Roots’ labels keep track of food

If you want to know where your food grew up, look for the new “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” labels from Rural Roots.

The nonprofit food and farming association is launching the “buy local” campaign in the Moscow, Idaho, area, where Rural Roots has its headquarters. The Moscow Food Co-op is already displaying the label, and it can also be found at the Growers’ Market on Tuesdays at the Co-op. Booths at the Moscow Farmers’ Market on Saturdays also have it on display.

Look for the colorful label, and you’ll know the food was produced close to home.

“It is so consumers can go into a store and see a local product and know that it was produced sustainably,” said Jennifer Farley, Rural Roots communications director.

This fall, Rural Roots will hold meetings in the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint areas to talk about expanding the program next year. Watch The Fresh Sheet for details as they’re announced.

Until the labels make their way to other areas, Rural Roots can help you find the freshest local produce. It offers a “Farm Fresh Buying Guide” and an online directory of farmers’ markets. Go to www.ruralroots.org and click on “Find Farm Fresh Food.”

Rural Roots can be reached at (208) 883-3462.

Rosauers Sunday brunch

If you haven’t been to the Rosauers on 29th Avenue lately, you missed the big reveal of the restaurant and deli’s extreme makeover.

The once-dark restaurant area now has windows and a fireplace, along with seating for 93 people. The deli serves a kind of Boston Market-style lunch and dinner with a carving station for pork loin, roast beef and turkey along with a variety of side dishes. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m.

But what they’re really proud of is the new Sunday brunch buffet, said Ken Froewiss, deli manager.

For $7.99 you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s quite a spread,” said Froewiss. “We went for a more formal, upscale buffet at a deli price.”

Cooking in small spaces

Hitting the road or the lake during summer’s dog days is fun, but trying to put out a decent meal from the tiny kitchen in your camper or boat can be tricky

Julianne Crane is researching an article on cooking in small spaces. If you have any tips, storage techniques or organizing secrets for preparing meals in your RV, camper or boat you’d like to share, please let her know.

She can be reached at (509) 459-5435 or by e-mail at juliannec@spokesman.com.