profile

Tessa DeMaster

Growing up on my family's farm in Pennsylvania, I never would have pictured the life I live at Willow Haven farm. As a kid I spent summers in our large family garden we called, “The Truck Patch”. I helped mom every summer, picking beans, weeding, and cutting fruit and vegetables for the hundreds of jars of canned and frozen produce we put up. Now I spends less time out in the field and more time in the kitchen doing the same preserving for my own farm family. Farmer Reuben values my many hours doing much of the behind the scenes marketing, writing emails to cultivate customers and capturing the farm story each week. I'm always learning along the way in my quest to improve the farm experience for each of her current and future farm members in our 500+ member, year-round customized farm box delivery program. Reading our stories will connect you with your food in a way you never experienced before. Someday soon you will want to fit local food into your life and we'll be here to help you.

farm to table menu for event at Willow Haven Farm General Store
Featured Post

👨‍🌾 5 Course Menu Revealed: Farm-to-Table Dinner on Jan 23

Hi Reader! We’re excited to invite you to a special event hosted by Roll With It Catering, Willow Haven Farm, and Chef Jenny Bertram: 🌿 Farm-to-Table Dinner📍 Willow Haven Farm General Store8150 Hamilton Blvd, Breinigsville, PA🗓 Thursday, January 23, 2025⏰ 6:00 PM Experience a mouthwatering 5-course meal crafted with the freshest farm ingredients, lovingly prepared by Chef Jenny Bertram of Roll With It Catering. This exclusive evening is a true celebration of local produce, community, and the...

Hi Reader, Do you wish you could have all the benefits of raising your own food even though it's not possible for you right now? If you find yourself worrying about what is fed to, shot up or added to the food you buy - I can help. Farmer Reuben is raising pigs in our pastures, orchard and vegetable fields. This is the pork we will fill our freezer with to feed our own family. Our half pigs are available to reserve today, an exclusive option for you as a part of our email list family. Reserve...

Reuben enjoying a taste of a homestead specialty pizza in the cozy farm store and barn beam bar

Hi Reader! Have you ever had a hobby that started small and grew into something worth sharing? Back in 2018, Eric and I decided to try our hand at winemaking directly from the fruit. Our first Merlot turned out so well that we just had to do it again. Fast forward to today, and our third collaboration—made from PA sour cherries—is something truly special. This wine is not too sweet like many cherry wines—but you’ll have to taste it to believe it. The best way to enjoy a special, unique wine...

Sourdough bread can be made at home with a little guidance from an experienced baker

Hi Reader, Lisa wasn’t part of the sourdough craze during the pandemic, but when she took a workshop at Willow Haven Farm, her journey with “Frank” (her sourdough starter) began—and it’s been anything but ordinary. From near-disasters (like baking “Frank” by accident) to delicious wins, Lisa’s experience proves that sourdough making is far more forgiving—and rewarding—than you might think. Her story is full of humor, resilience, and tips for turning starter into something special. Curious to...

Fresh, organic sourdough bread sliced with grass fed butter.

Hi Reader! Have you ever tasted something so good, it felt like your body was finally saying “thank you”? That’s how I felt the first time I had a slice of sourdough bread after years of cutting gluten out to heal my gut and skin. It wasn’t just the taste—it was the relief, the feeling of finally being able to savor something that worked with my body, not against it. I’m sure you can imagine how that felt. After struggling with digestive issues and skin flare-ups, I knew something had to...

Tessa of Willow Haven farm shares tips for digestive balance

Hi Reader! I woke up the day after Christmas with bloating and gas—ugh. I tried to be conscious of my digestion, even though there were plenty of rich foods and extra desserts. I didn’t overeat, but it seemed like all the indulgence caught up with me. By the next day, I found myself hiding in my room, hoping my gut would settle down. (I know you’ve probably been there, too, right?) As much as I love the holiday treats, I realized just how important it is to get back on track with digestion....

Willow Haven farm is the leader in local, organic seasonal eating in the Lehigh Valley

Hi Reader, "So, are you slowing down now?" It’s freezing cold today, and you’d think the farm work would ease up in weather like this. Everyone asks us this question. It never does. Winter chores always seem heavier—literally and figuratively. The pigs, chickens, and cows still need our care, and in these frigid temperatures, that means extra effort to keep them fed, watered, and warm. This week has been especially challenging because we said goodbye to our best farm worker. Our field...

Hi Reader, Setting up a thanksgiving meal in the barn may have been more work but there isn’t a more beautiful setting for our whole farm community to come together for amazing farm food. But you may be surprised that we roasted chickens and turkey, whipped the mashed potatoes and unstuffed the apple walnut stuffing 2 weeks ago when the weather was a bit warmer. (Remember the almost 60 degree days we had earlier this month?) Holidays with family get complicated, right? Each family has its own...

Hello Reader, Just a quick reminder that our DIY Essential Oil Rollers for Winter Wellness class is happening tomorrow at 1:00 PM at Willow Haven Farm! We’re excited to gather and create blends that support your immune system, keeping you and your family healthy as we head into the colder months. It’s going to be hands-on and fun, and you’ll leave with customized rollers that are perfect for winter wellness or even gift-giving! Event Details: Date: November 9th, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM Location:...

make your own sauerkraut for meals like this with pastured pork

Hi Reader, Do you love pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s? I certainly do! This dish is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The tender, savory pork paired with tangy, fermented sauerkraut creates a flavor combination that warms the heart and soul. But, WAIT?! Is it too early to talk about New Years? That's three holidays away still! Keep reading... We Are Open on the Farm @7686 Herber Rd! Saturday: 9 AM - 3:00 PM Organic Sourdough...