Hi, friends and Happy Wednesday! I think we all start to get more than a little nervous at this time of year. But I checked the weather channel and it appears there is nothing out there but sunshine – glorious sunshine – at least for the rest of the week. That means it’ll be a perfect day for lunch at the market.
Get yourself a plate of spicy Tandoori Chicken, fresh Vietnamese summer rolls, crunchy turkey veggie wrap, or a sinfully delicious pulled pork sandwich. You’ll want to follow that with one of Frankie’s lovely fried pies (lemon sounds good to me). Pull up a chair at a table under the pavilion where you can bask in the comforting aroma of good food or closer to the gazebo where sweet music will massage your stress away.
Gal Holliday will provide our musical entertainment on Saturday. Why not enjoy one of Lena’s delightful cinnamon rolls, sip your coffee, shop, and groooove to the music while waiting for Hi Ho BBQ in Covington to bring one of their delicious creations for us to sample?
OK, I know I shouldn’t talk about goodies again but it’s not my fault. I’ve been doing a lot more visiting on a Saturday morning so I get to see all the wonderful things our vendors prepare. You know my heart will always belong to Teresa’s Orange Almond Biscotti but sometimes I turn to a raw alternative and enjoy one of Nanette’s raw almond bars (sorry, Vincent). We each have our favorites whether it’s one of Windowsill’s lovely hand pies or one of Frankie’s fried pies filled with all the fruity goodness your fingers can handle. Perhaps, you hold out for Lolly Marie’s incredible gourmet chocolates or Amanda’s avocado popsicles or Flippin’ Amazing! cream cheese ice cream. Maybe you prefer one of Suzie’s velvety smooth lemon bars which I was admiring while catching up with her on the kids and the grandkids…then I see she’s baked raspberry crumb cake! Suzie tells me that she’s had those for several months. I’ve got to get out more often!
There’s a lot going on in that little corner of the market these days. I see lots of Dennis’ fig trees leaving the market in the hands of new owners who can’t wait to harvest their own fresh figs. We never seem to have enough at the market. You may want to stop by and say hello to our new vendor – Quiches by Cooper. Cooper offers several varieties which will change from time to time but this week he had wild Chanterelle mushroom, caramelized onion with apple smoked gruyere cheese, and mustard greens. Since they come frozen, you’ll want to bring your cooler so you don’t have to rush home.
You’ll find Bartlett pears at Two Kids Farm (where A.J. used to be) for the next few weeks. Jessica gave out recipes to make your own pear butter but they are crunchy and delicious without cooking. I’m thinking you could peel, slice, and place them in a small baking dish, drizzle with Blood River Honey, top with a few pats of Mauthe’s butter, and bake at 350°F until tender. Enjoy plain or with a few dollops of Mauthe’s cream cheese or Farmhouse Dairy chevre. Either way, you’ll end up with a smile on your face.
Come and spend the morning with us. It will definitely put another smile on your face.
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
