Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! Is it Tuesday? The days and weeks have flown by so fast, it’s hard to remember. And there aren’t too many shopping days left and sometimes just thinking of all the holiday activities is exhausting.
But, Wednesday is on the horizon, and even though sleigh bells are jingling (somewhere in the world), you need to take some time to treat yourself to a lovely lunch at the Market. Indulge in a delicious soup, hot tamales, smoked turkey or crispy egg rolls. Enjoy your meal with a steamy cup of coffee from Frankie or save the coffee to have with your dessert – peanut brittle, cashew brittle, chocolate caramel truffles, or Raspberry Oreos. It’s OK to indulge; Mr. Houston and Marietta will have the most luscious greens and greens just kinda make everything healthy.
NO snow falling outside but friends will be calling you on Saturday to come and enjoy the music of Linzzi Zaorski. Then get set for The Kombucha Girl in the cooking tent. Susan and Liz will serve samples of their holiday kombucha and show you ways to enhance this special tea with bitters and other ingredients. So grab your coffee and do some Christmas shopping with us.
The scent of fresh brewed coffee is sooooo inviting (like popcorn popping) and Kevin always has an amazing gourmet roast for us. What an awesome gift! How wonderful it would be to have fresh herbs on the table fragrantly waiting to be snipped and added to your dishes! Alton and Sandra will make a special basket of herbs (or anything else) Oh! Go ahead and order two – one gift, one for your table. Fresh goat’s milk cheeses (Farmhouse Dairy) or cow’s milk cheeses (Mauthe’s) on a tray, a jar of any kombucha flavor plus a bottle of bitters (Kombucha Girl), a basket of seasonings and herb blends (Herbs N Spice), a bag of all natural beauty products – more awesome gifts with one thing in mind, to make someone smile. Why stick with traditional? Dennis’ winter plants include Cassias, Confederate Rose, Clumping Bamboo, Candelabras, and fig trees. Think outside the stocking!
Aside from having great gifts, it’s always great to see old friends and new appearing at the market. Betty Rue is back with their famous gluten free cookies, cookie mixes, and ancient grain flour. Crystal has developed dairy free egg nog that is absolutely fantastic! Gotta try it. You may or may not be aware that we have some special food and treats for your four-legged buddies. Tiger Bait (don’t ya love it?!) is offering raw pet food. I’ve read their pamphlet and you will be amazed at the love and thought going into their pet food and treats. You have to stop by their table so you can see for yourself. While you’re over that way (toward the corner of Theard & Columbia), you can see that strawberries are back! What a lovely treat for a Christmas dinner – or any dinner – for that matter.
Another great stop is at Sam’s Sprouts. He has a few unique sprout blends and a few light & tasty dressings to add to them. He also mentioned a few ways that he uses sprouts in his own cooking. Sprouts make a fabulous addition to scrambled eggs or delicious stir fry. Sam uses his lentils, peas, and beans blend in a sprout-tastic chili. Who knew?! The ladies at Rosalie Alley Apothecary have several wonderful tea blends. The hibiscus-mint medley, rose orange spice, and dandelion chai all sound (and smell) so soothing. But what really caught my eye is their Carob Café with roasted cacao nibs, roasted dandelion root with carob and a hint of clove. Their mulling spice tea will have your bells ring-ting-tingling too.
The Covington Farmers’ Market is a remarkable place to be on any morning. C’mon…. it’s lovely weather to spend a market day together with you!
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
