We’re excited to introduce our Food Connects family to one of our newest producers—Barrett’s Garden! Barrett’s Garden, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was born out of owner and “Commander In Cheese,” Liz Barrett’s passion for vegan cooking. Liz, a sign language interpreter, grew this business from the ground up and we are excited to help her business expand into our region of New England. So get to know Liz and her delicious products today!

How was Barrett’s Garden started? What was your inspiration?

As a long-time vegetarian, when I became vegan, about 10 years ago, I was frustrated because I couldn’t find really good, wholesome vegan cheeses.

What makes your products unique?

I don’t put anything extra in my food, just ingredients that you would use in your own kitchen!

What is one of your favorite products you make? Do you have a recipe you love to use them in?

I have to say that Farmesan is my favorite! It’s so versatile! I put it on just about everything for extra flavor-popcorn, sauteed veggies, soup, salad, pizza. I also use it to make alfredo and pesto. One cup of veggie broth to ¾ cup Farmesan! Blend in a blender until smooth, pour into saucepan, and cook slow and low stirring frequently. For the pesto, I just put a bunch of fresh, rinsed basil in a blender with ¾ to one cup Farmesan and 2 tbs lemon juice. Blend until smooth and voila! Pesto!

Why is buying and selling locally and the local food movement is important to you?

Oh my goodness! All of us local producers are bringing customers the most wholesome, handmade, or hand-grown food that a consumer can purchase. We love doing what we do and it’s that circle that makes it happen. I’m participating in one of the oldest, crucial movements and I’m super proud to be here!

How does working with Food Connects help your business/what are you excited about in this partnership?

I love this question! As a food producer in Rhode Island and only 4 years old, I am not in very many stores in New England stores. My customers have met me at VegFests and events and I ship to them. Community members know of me through the vegan social media sites and I am SO EXCITED that my product can now be in a market near them! This is a game-changer and I can’t thank Food Connects enough for inviting me to be a part of this experience!

Any events coming up or fun facts about your business/products?

When I was first starting my company I didn’t have names for my products and it was getting time for me to get my business license and start selling. I was almost in a panic about it. I knew my first 2 items by heart, their recipes, and flavor, etc. Finally one night I had a dream and they came to me. Farmesan and Fauxcotta! Just in the nick of time!

Anything else? Anything that you are doing to respond to the COVID-19 crisis?

I don’t really want to talk about COVID-19-I just want it to go away! But I would like customers to know that I am always available to talk, email or text. If it’s about the food, recipes, events, advice on cooking, or starting a food business, I am always available. I also donate to certain causes.