Hi, friends! Wednesday is just a whisper away; a slight hair’s breath lies between you and the greatest veggies and yard eggs from Mr. Houston and A Slice of Heaven (Marietta). Why not spend a little time with us letting the beautiful breezes just sweep away your cares? It really will be a lovely day!
Your favorites will be there…Rebecca is serving up authentic Honduran dishes. Roma will tantalize your taste buds with curried chicken wraps (don’t forget to pick up frozen curried chicken or pepperpot). Nanette is rolling up her veggie style wraps, and preparing those wonderful almond cookies. Kandi is crisping up the eggrolls and putting together noodle salads. The aroma of smoky pulled pork is filling the air and our super musicians are polishing up their guitars, banjos, and violins to add ambience to the breezes. I’m feeling relaxed already.
Let that relaxed feeling carry you through the week so when Saturday finally rolls around, 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, taste the richly decadent lemon square you’ll have with it….mmmm… I’ll bet you’re popping now, right?!
By the time you’ve strolled the Market a bit, Brian Bonura and Philip Bartles will be set up and strumming, and Steve Ahrons, owner of Seiler Bar & Bistro in Covington, will appear with some tasty treats from their menu.
Market Day was looking a little bleak last Saturday but soon the clouds and drops rolled away, leaving only puddles and sunshine in their wake. It was nice to see so many people on what started out to be a dreary day. The kids had a ball finding and collecting night crawlers (long, fat worms) that appeared in the puddles. I think Tabasco must have had a feast Saturday evening…I sure hope he shared some with his ladies.
Beautiful red round potatoes showed up on produce tables around the market. How wonderful to see them finally – like long lost friends! Try quartering them and tossing in a little Garlic Olive Oil (Nuccio’s) and sprinkling with a bit of Rub Me Tender salt-free seasoning (yours truly). I always like a little salt on mine as well; I just like to be in control of the amount. Bake at 350°F until fork tender and enjoy with baked chicken and side salad. Choose from a wide variety of lettuces and salad greens for your side salad (or main salad), drizzle with blended olive oils (Nuccios’) and vinegar or any of Bechac’s dressings! Gina has a new one I know you’ll enjoy – Creole honey mustard. Make your own dressing with one of Melissa’s dressing mixes or top your salad with a little olive oil and Golden Kraut (yours truly), a few sliced mushrooms, a sprinkling of sprouts (Betty Rue) and a little goat cheese (Farmhouse Dairy) and give your body and spirits a lift.
Mix your leftover baked chicken with a package of spinach artichoke dip (Hot Tamale Mama). It will make a scrumptious chicken salad or stuffing for zucchini or squash. Bright yellow squashes and zucchini are making their way to the tables and would be perfect sliced in half, seeds scooped out with a generous helping of “chicken salad” on top. Bake and mmmmm! Nick had the cutest little Yugoslavian squashes that are cooked just like any other squash. Think of it… sliced squash, sautéed with sliced onions (Bardwells) or the red onion bulbs from John, in a little Cajun Olive Oil (Nuccio’s) – I can hear your taste buds squealing now!
Isn’t it amazing to be at the Market, buying vegetables that were in the ground only yesterday, selecting dressing and seasoning and condiments to complement your meal, enjoying the music and company of friends? Isn’t it a joy to watch children running around, splashing through puddles, digging for worms, having a great time and none of them are glued to a TV or video game thingy? Are you really considering sleeping in? Naw! I didn’t think so!
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
