This Week at the Farmers Market by Charlene LeJeune

Hi, friends. I know this is a little early today but I think you can handle it.  I thought I’d give you a glimpse of our hoppin’ and poppin’ Wednesday market. Last week vendor tables were brimming with delicious food. Pleasant melodies flowed from the gazebo and all was right with the world – at least during lunch.
I tried Lolly Marie’s chocolate caramel truffles – oh man! And Frankie’s cashew brittle – I think she roasts the cashews first – incredible flavor! What can I say? Dessert should always come first! Rebecca (Spanish R Us) prepared delicious pork and chicken tamales and crispy tacos (sort of a Mexican eggroll). Kandi’s crunchy eggrolls shared space with a luscious pan-seared salmon salad served with either green papaya “noodles” or traditional rice noodles.
This week, along with Jeff’s (Chompers BBQ) slow smoked pulled pork platters, you’ll find pumpkin mashed potatoes and stuffed jalapeno and poblano peppers with a delicious bbq ranch dipping sauce. Nanette’s created another healthy raw salad – an apple/purple cabbage salad that is outstanding! Her white beans and greens soup really hit the spot. If you haven’t visited our Wednesday market, I have two words for you…why not?
The weatherman promises another lovely day on Saturday and I will hold him to it. The magnificent Pot Luck String Band will kick us into gear with some lively tunes from the gazebo. Grab your coffee and start your shopping so you’ll be ready when Robin with her Rockin’ Cajun Pepper Jellies serves Shrimp Remoulade featuring her brand spankin’ new remoulade sauce. (OK, I promised this last week but, oops! Last week’s loss is this week’s gain.) If you’ve tasted her jellies, you know this sauce will be equally great. Take advantage of the milder weather to get your fall garden in. Alton and Sandra have an awesome variety for you. Fix an aromatic cup of Relaxation Blend from our new tea vendor Rosalie Alley Apothecary to enjoy while you bathe in a garden of fragrance with one of Aunt Bee’s soaps .
Two Kids Farm boasted a few cabbages this past week and I for one am hoping for more. John’s table was a study in shades of green with kohlrabi, kale, lettuces, bok choy, Tatsoi. Nick’s sweet potatoes are rich with flavor especially with a little Mauthe’s butter and Herbs & Spices Cinnamon Spice Blend. You’ll find he has string beans, heirloom eggplant, quail eggs and (if you’re lucky) wild caught catfish. Spice up your Asian greens with hot peppers from Brandon and Marietta. Bardwell’s still has tomatoes for possibly another week or two, lovely lipstick peppers, sweet taters and even a few persimmons. Mr. Houston has added broccoli this week to his kale, collards, bell peppers, turnip and mustard greens.
Don’t forget your “must haves” – coffee, raw honey, milk, cheese, eggs, sprouts, and spices. A morning at the market will convince you that all is right with the world – at least in our little Covington Farmers’ Market world. There are no tricks, only treats but you have to be here to enjoy them.

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