A Little Slice of Heaven

It was the first day that we could actually feel a bit of fall with cloudless skies overhead. We were sitting under an umbrella by a pond at the Smokey Ridge Ranch just outside of Placerville, California sharing a charcuterie platter of duck prosciutto, house-made pâté, smoked ham, pork rillettes serve with a fresh baguette and pickled onions. This was accompanied with a mixed green salad with fresh pears and for dessert a Crème Brule. This is a foodie dream come true!!

Smokey Ridge is a fourth generation family farm. In 2009 Kara and Zach Taylor joined their family to improve and develop the resources. Kara gave me a personal tour proudly pointing out the various orchards including apples, pears, figs and chestnuts. This was the first time I had really seen a chestnut tree which is very valuable as the largest cash crop on the farm. A church group had come earlier in the day and picked things cleaned. I never have been brave enough to give them a try. They also have a small vineyard that they are very excited about and plan to have their own wine in the future. The farm is certified Fish Friendly which means that their growing practices are safe for wetlands, streams and groundwater.

Their farm stand is well known in Apple Hill as they pick their tree-ripened fruit by hand before each weekend from September to November. With Chef Kara’s interest in the art of charcuterie, defined as “a delicatessen-style shop specializing in prepared meat products…” they began making handcrafted sausages, pâtés and specialty meats. The seasons and the produce and herbs grown on site inspire the ever-changing selection. Kara and her family team make all products in the commercial kitchen on the farm. 

They also make an array of condiments and preserves including Apple Catsup, mustards and Verjus. My new favorite is Tomato Basil Jam. They recently had their first Farm Table Dinner and plan for more in the future. They have a Gourmet Club with six packages a year of all the farm products and a club for Sausage lovers. The packages coincide with major holidays.

Three generations live on the 120-acre farm doing things the old fashion way and ensuring quality. Kara comes to the Carmichael Farmers Market every other Sunday. If you have a chance before November 4^th to visit Smokey Ridge Farm it is a wonderful way to enjoy the coming of fall and a little slice of heaven. Charcuterie web site is www.smokeyridgecharcuterie.com.