http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2010/11/24/recipe.qp-4945326.sto
State's Indiana Artisans project highlights locally crafted products including
food items: www.heraldtimesonline.com
By Lynn Schwartzberg
lschwartzberg@heraldt.com
In 2008, an amazing program began, launched by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the
Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. This program was named Indiana Artisan.
A few days ago, I spoke with Eric Freeman, the director of this unique program. We discussed the purpose of Indiana Artisan and how it has
succeeded. Freeman described the priorities that each of the agencies involved in the project brought to the table.
Overall, the goals of Indiana Artisan are to raise awareness of locally crafted products, establish Indiana-made goods, encourage travel in Indiana,
provide rural artisans with access to entrepreneurial support and support an artisan trail and retail development.
There are programs similar to Indiana Artisan around the nation, the most famous probably being Kentucky Crafted and Kentucky Proud. The program
has been in existence for 30 years and served as a model in many ways to the Indiana program.
So, why is this food column about Indiana Artisan?
It’s because almost 50 of the juried Indiana Artisans are food producers. Their products vary from wine and spirits to baked goods and candies.
In southern Indiana, products as varied as gourmet marshmallows, barbecue sauce, old-fashioned green relish and shagbark hickory syrup can be
found. Around the state you can find pies, maple syrup, pierogis, salsas and lots of confections.
Artisans join the program through a rigorous jury process in which their products are first judged on packaging, label and shelf appeal. Then, a second
panel evaluates the taste, texture and appearance of the actual foodstuffs.
The products are evaluated for retail potential as well as how they link to the Hoosier State. An item with a specific family recipe is also a benefit.
Since the Indiana Artisan program began, 153 artisans have been identified, representing 50 Indiana counties. All but four of these artisans still remain
in the program, a few having moved or changed career plans. Anyone can apply to be an Indiana Artisan at no cost. All that is required is a well
executed product.
One of the Indiana Artisans in southern Indiana is the Sisters of St Benedict’s Simply Divine Bakery. Located in Ferdinand, this monastery bakery
produces springerle cookies, similar to those the community has been producing for more than a century. I purchased some of these delightful cookies
last year at the Holiday Market on the Saturday after Thanksgiving right here in Bloomington.
The Simply Divine Bakery now sells three different types of cookies, each having been juried through the Indiana Artisan program. In addition to the
springerle, Almerle and Hildegard cookies have been added. The Almerle is similar to a springerle, but has almond flavoring. The Hildegard is a spice
cookie that, according to the sisters, was said to slow the aging process and “encourage a cheerful countenance.” That’s one powerful cookie!
If you are looking for a unique confection for holiday gifting, you may be interested in the marshmallows from 240Sweet, a business in Columbus
owned by Alexa Lemley and Samantha Aulick. These are not your ordinary marshmallows; these yummy confections raise marshmallows to a new
height.
Lemley began selling her treats about three years ago when demand for her creative candies became overwhelming. As an Indiana Artisan, she likes
to create flavors that are native to the Midwest or have a Hoosier flair. She also makes some innovative flavors, such as Thai Chili or this month’s
special, Turkey with Sage Dressing.
The Indiana Artisan program has helped advance the business for 240Sweet, opening doors around the state for Lemley and her creative confection
business. She was chosen as Artist in Residence at the Indiana State Museum and received media coverage that exposed her business to
prospective retailers who now sell her products.
Another product found in our vicinity is Shagbark Hickory Syrup from Hickoryworks in Trafalgar. The company was started decades ago by Gordon
Jones and his wife, Sherrie Yarling, and has grown into an internationally distributed brand.
Hickoryworks syrup, made from the bark of the shagbark hickory, is sold around the world, has been featured on television (Food Finds) and was even
given to Julia Child. The company has expanded its products to include Smoked Sea Salt, Poplar Syrup and Bestcestershire Sauce, a local twist on
Worcestershire Sauce.
Local wineries including Oliver, Butler and Huber, are also Indiana Artisan members. Judy Schad of Capriole, producer of fresh, ripened and aged
goat cheeses, is also a recognized Indiana Artisan.
There are Indiana Artisans all around the state of Indiana, and next spring, they all will come together in the first ever Indiana Artisan Marketplace.
Taking place at the Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on April 16 and 17, the event will showcase all Indiana Artisans, not just the food
producers, as well as an additional 75 artisans from Kentucky. This marketplace will be an opportunity for Hoosiers to discover the diversity of
products made locally.
This holiday season, when you are searching for the perfect gift, you may want to look close to home where you’ll be amazed at the variety of locally
made items available through the Indiana Artisan program.
More about Indiana Artisans
240Sweet Marshmallows, Hickoryworks Syrup, Capriole Goat cheese, Grace Island Cheese Crisps (naturally gluten-free) are available at
Bloomingfoods.
The Best Chocolates In Town, creator of a variety of truffles, can be found at Rebecca & Me.
Check out the website, www.in.gov/indianaartisan, for information about the program as well as a listing of all juried food producers.
