The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition November 2021 - January 2022

theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 16 The best meals start with the best ingredi- ents and for that, nothing beats fresh, locally grown meat and produce. Now, Hunterdon County has a new option for shoppers look- ing for just that: Vacchiano Farm Store, a 25,000-square-foot market located on Route 202 in Readington (between the Bridgewater and Flemington areas). Locals may already know the Vacchiano name. Three generations of the Vacchiano family have been running a 100-acre farm in Washington Township for decades and selling fresh fruits and vegetables, delec- table breads and baked goods, wines, and succulent pasture-raised meat at local farmer’s markets. But earlier this year, the Vacchianos acquired the former Profeta Farms store and land in Readington and have expanded their already impressive offerings. “The Vacchiano Farm Store is beautifully set up. The inside of the store is like a work of art with a gorgeous knotty pine interior. I dare say it’s the nicest farm stand in all of New Jersey. It’s just absolutely beautiful,” says Anthony Vacchiano, Jr., who manages the store with his son Anthony. His father, 84-year-old Tony Vacchiano, Sr., helps in the store as well. Nearly everything sold in the stand is grown or produced by Vacchiano Farm, be it fresh pasture-raised meat, free-range eggs, produce (including heirloom toma- toes, squash, fruit, etc.), homemade bread, cakes, ice cream, cheeses, ravioli, jarred sauces, local honey, and more. Meat of- ferings include chicken, pork, steaks, and more---all sold fresh, not frozen. Fresh tur- keys can be ordered for Thanksgiving Din- ner. Wines from the Vacchiano Vineyard and local milk from partners in Pittstown and Newton, NJ, are also offered. Offerings aim to be free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Vacchiano Farm also has a butcher shop and smokehouse on-site, where Anthony’s son smokes all of the store’s hugely popu- lar sausages, kielbasi, hot dogs, and other pork products onsite. House-smoked bacon is the store’s most popular item. “My son does a fantastic job,” says Anthony. There’s also a full working bakery on site that’s busy making cakes, Italian pastries, pies, donuts, bagels, and the store’s pop- ular breads. “Our baker makes fantastic Italian breads. Customers tell me that our rye bread is the best they’ve ever had,” An- thony states. Customers can also stop in for prepared takeout items like homemade pulled pork bbq, meatballs, macaroni & cheese, baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, and more. In addition to the farm store, the Vac- chianos are expanding their farming and meat operations in Readington. “We’re slowly taking over the farmland in Reading- ton, which is 370 acres,” Anthony explains. For instance, part of the beef operation is now located in Readington, giving the cows a huge pasture for grazing. The Vacchiano Farm Store (803 US-202 in Readington, NJ) is open Mondays through Saturdays, 9-7, and Sundays 9-6. For more information, visit www.vacchianofarm.com. Vacchiano Farm 803 US Highway 202S Neshanic Station, NJ 08853 908-237-1301 Vacchianofarm.com FRESH AND LOCAL: VACCHIANO FARM STORE OPENS IN HUNTERDON COUNTY C ommends C onnection Three generations of the Vacchiano family have been running a 100-acre farm in Washington Township for decades and selling fresh fruits and vegetables, delectable breads and baked goods, wines, and succulent pasture- raised meat at local farmer’s markets. Nearly everything sold in the stand is grown or produced by Vacchiano Farm, be it fresh pasture-raised meat, free-range eggs, produce (including heirloom tomatoes, squash, fruit, etc.), homemade bread, cakes, ice cream, cheeses, ravioli, jarred sauces, local honey, and more. Meat offerings include chicken, pork, steaks, and more---all sold fresh, not frozen. By Kaylynn Ebner Our FARM o ers: • No Antibiotics & No Hormones on our own Pasture Raised Beef, Chicken, Turkey & Pork • Over 65 years of experience with butchering • Farm Fresh Produce, Eggs & Dairy • Homemade Prepared Meals & Fresh Salads • Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Bakery 803 US Highway 202S, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853 908-237-1301 • vacchianofarm.com Vacchiano Farm Hours: Monday-Saturday 9- 7 pm & Sunday 9 - 6 pm DINING ROOM NOW OPEN! PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES TAKING ORDERS FOR THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS & NEWYEAR'S Tangled Hearts , written by Ruth Altamura-Roll, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. Not wanting to be the spinster aunt, Ana decided to take her destiny into her own hands as governess to the two grandsons of Lady Catherine Luttrell. Ana was willing to take the risk at Dunster Castle knowing that Lord Alexander Luttrell had a reputation as a scoundrel and libertine. Anything was better than marrying Charles, whose love for Ana had no bounds. Alexander Luttrell returned wounded from India to discover his wife had abandoned their children ruining his reputation and crushing his son's lives. He was furious at his mother for hiring a governess. Determined his sons would never experience heartbreak again, a governess was too close for comfort. Struggling with his own battle scars and tattered reputation, Riya, his young charge from India, only added to his misery. About the Author Tangled Hearts is Ruth Altamura-Roll’s first novel. Always having dreamed of writing historical romance, she is excited to be able to bring her first work to the public. Ms. Altamura-Roll is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a private practice in Flemington, NJ, and brings her psychological experience and background to Tangled Hearts. She also has a degree in History/Religion. She and her husband Steven, also a counselor, are Civil War re-enactors living in Branchburg NJ. For information go to www.ruthaltamurarollauthor.com or www.altarollcounselor.com. To buy the book visit us online: bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/tangled-hearts Also available on Amazon.com and Kindle. It’s a perfect gift for the holidays. New Jersey Author Publishes Historical Romance Novel “Tangled Hearts” A New Historical Fiction Novel