This Week at the Farmers Market by Charlene LeJeune

Hello friends! I know you’re counting down the minutes to fresh vegetables, lively music, international flavors and tastes to delight your tummy. Our Wednesday vendors are busy as I write preparing delicious mouthwatering meals for tomorrow.

As we head into Saturday, thoughts will naturally turn to Mother – after all her special day is almost here. So, Mom, perhaps you should take things in hand, grab your coffee, fresh juice, or kombucha and take a stroll around the Market. You can drop subtle hints as you go….or you may just have to come right out and tell them… or (my personal favorite) just buy it for yourself. No matter, it will be a lovely day with Roy Blaum taking you on a magical musical tour from the gazebo. Later you can enjoy a delicious taste from the menu of Annadele’s Restaurant and Bed and Breakfast. That’s right! Chef Ronald Bonnette will treat us to something wonderful (as those of you who have visited the restaurant already know).

Take a stroll over to the street side of the oak tree where Trudy’s selection of house plants will give you some great gift ideas that will surely add to your home or garden. Then you can wind your way around to Alton and Sandra who have an amazing selection of herb baskets. Turn around and you will notice that Lolly Marie has a few more tasty morsels (chocolate covered Oreo-oh-oh-ohs!) on the table – you really won’t be able to resist.

You’ll certainly want to check out the bougainvillea that Ms. Betty has – colorful shades of pinks and yellows. Her ponytail palm and burro’s tail plants make unique gifts as well. Perhaps mom is a fruit lover and would really enjoy her own blueberry bushes. Can you imagine being able to walk out your back door for fresh blueberries? Dennis can tell you how. If it’s cut flowers you’d prefer, then Nancy is your go-to girl. Her brilliant, colorful bouquets of snapdragons or sunflowers will brighten up even the gloomiest days.

Of course, you’re not locked into giving mom a plant. Imagine the lovely fragrance of flowers….and you’re in the tub! Aunt Bee’s soaps are really wonderful, velvety smooth and delicately perfumed. Or try Michele’s creamy liquid castile soap or bath salts that’ll wrap you in fragrance and take away the stresses of the day.

But you know me; my mind is not so much tiptoeing through the tulips as tripping down Cookie Lane. Luscious rounds of oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, biscotti, wedding cookies, lemon squares, ginger cookies, pecan squares, anise cookies and those lovely raw almond butter cookies….oh, dear! (Mother’s Day does have its perks, doesn’t it?) I’ll probably need help getting back to my table. Just push me past Rose’s pies, Lolly Marie’s truffles, Amanda’s popsicles…. What am I saying!!?? Never mind. I’m going to have a really delicious Mother’s Day!

Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org