This Week at the Covington Farmers Market by Charlene LeJeune

Charlene LeJeune, writer of the Covington Farmers Market Newsletter, at her booth Abundant Life Kitchen, which will be the food demo this week.
Charlene LeJeune, writer of the Covington Farmers Market Newsletter, at her booth Abundant Life Kitchen, which will be the food demo this week.

Hi, friends and Happy Wednesday! We’re enjoying another gorgeous day today! So come on out…enjoy a magnificent lunch…delight in the breezes …music and veggies await you. Delectable pulled pork, tasty Tandoori, crunchy veggie wraps, tacos and Mexican dirty rice, cool, yummy ice cream, crispy summer rolls – with dippin’ sauce — aaaah ! the fragrance of Wednesday…. The hens are happy and producing their little hearts out. Is there anything like fresh yard eggs? This is Market Day, Wednesday style.

Saturday will start with a bang! Sweet Jones will be in the gazebo, so grab your coffee and a velvety vanilla custard from Hot Tamale Mama to enjoy while you shop. And, guess what?!?! No really…guess… never mind, I can’t wait! I will be doing the demo this week! Yes, really. I’ve decided to serve O-Luve Artichoke and Simply Pasta Sauces. So stop by and say hello and grab a taste!

If you make to the market very early, you may get lucky enough to pick up some figs, but this will probably be the last week. Jeff has had a few pints of chanterelles for the early bird. As usual, there are some beautiful veggies to be had. Try roasting butternut squash and serving it with a sauce of Nur’s Tzatziki. Lots of great dressings for a tomato cucumber salad – tzatziki would be delicious as would one of Jennifer’s basil dressings such as, Thai Basil or Spicy Lime Vinaigrette. Bechac’s Bleu Cheese dressing always makes a great sauce for fried eggplant rounds or hamburgers (you can make them with goat meat now). Any kind of squash stuffed with Hot Tamale Mama’s Spinach Artichoke dip and baked makes the perfect side dish to any meal.

Here are more things to keep in mind as you stroll around the market. Nur’s eggplant, tomato and garlic dip is delicious as a snack on toasted bread rounds (7Grain or Windfield Farms) or try it over pasta – Chef Austin (Pastazz) and Lena (7Grain) both have wonderful pasta selections from which to choose. Our wine vendors – Jan and Ernie, have created a fabulous white wine called La Serendipity Blanc du Bois. It will be perfect for Sunday dinner or upcoming holiday celebrations. But you’d better get it soon; their supply is limited. The girls over at Windowsill Pies have come out with small, individual “hand” pies so that everyone can have something different – blueberry, cherry and even a savory summer vegetable pie. And Lena (7Grain) is making buckwheat oats and brown rice & millet gluten free breads

You can’t miss a week. There’s always something new and terrific – herbs, eggs, plants, veggies, dressing, sauces, coffee, honey, cheeses – all here waiting for you. And we’ll be here as well with…

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