This Week At The Farmers Market By Charlene LeJeune

This Week At The Farmers Market 3-22-14Happy Tuesday, friends! The sky was sooo blue this morning with the pine trees popping out of it like little cardboard cutouts. Spring is definitely in the air; the trees are budding, my front garden is coming back to life and all is right with the world. I hope you’re ready for great food, great weather, and absolutely great music tomorrow ‘cause we will surely have it.

Take a moment, close your eyes, and conjure up visions of the deliciousness that awaits you at the Trailhead. Chompers BBQ’s smoky meats, mac n cheese, and cole slaw; Nanette’s crunchy veggie wraps; Kandi’s luscious cream cheese and shrimp rolls, Cynthia’s comforting ravioli, meatballs, and cannoli… HOLD ON A MINUTE!!!! It’s not Wednesday yet! I’m sorry, but there’s more. I bought a bag of Frankie’s cashew brittle last week. I thought I could just break off a little piece (you know, just a little piece) to enjoy while I was out running my errands. Two errands later, the bag was gone. Don’t shed any tears, though. I still had one of Nanette’s incredibly delicious and guilt free almond date bars and six sinful white chocolate truffles filled with ginger cream from Lolly Marie’s. I had to add another half hour to my daily walk (yes, I’m exercising again) but it was worth it. The choices are just too too scrumptious; you’ll probably have to bring some home for supper (and for Thursday…and for Friday). Speaking of take home, check out Cynthia’s Bring Home Menu attached, you’ll find a good deal and a good meal there.

It’s just a wonderful feeling when Saturday finally rolls around and you pop out of bed and head to the Market. What!? No pop!? That’s probably because you haven’t had your coffee yet. Smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee; fantasize about Lola Deux’s Parmesan fries soon to be there ….mmmm… I’ll bet you’re popping now, right? The Abita Stumps will be crooning from the gazebo at 9:00 and a good time will be had by all. It may only be March, but we all know that April showers bring May mosquitoes (aaahhh, southeast Louisiana). Fortunately, Brian Massery of the LA Mosquito Control Office will be at the Market with information for backyard mosquito control.

I was out of town this past Saturday at the Annual Double Diamond Invitational Bowling Tournament and Shopping Spree and, as much fun as I had spending Mr. Wonderful’s money, I miss being at the market and discovering what’s new on the tables. So, I’m going out on a limb (or maybe just on a wish) that there will be more produce on the tables. I’m especially hoping for a few beets, more carrots, cabbages, possibly some potatoes. I’ll make the rounds this weekend for sure. I plan to get a few more tomato bushes, herbs, and some other veggies (hopefully, eggplant, peppers, squash) from Alton and Sandra. I’ve got the Egg Ladies’ Chick-A-Poo tea brewing so my garden should be in full swing soon.

There is something about a clear blue sky and sunshine that rejuvenates the spirit. Maybe it’s the anticipation of a bouquet of zinnias from Nancy, blossoming plants ready for the soil, fresh veggies, golden sweet honey, or the clean refreshing scent of Aunt Bee’s vetiver soap. Maybe it’s just that for a few hours, our little corner of the city is filled with music and laughter and people and all really is right with the world. No worries; we’ll save you a spot. Come enjoy spring at the Covington Farmers’ Market.

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.orgCucina Cinzia Take Home Menu