Happy Tuesday, friends! It feels like we were just singing Christmas carols and now we’re struttin’ to Mardi Gras music. I’m too old for time to pass so quickly but march on it does. Nevertheless, I am always grateful for time at the Market. There’s a gentle, peaceful atmosphere here that seems to overcome the hurried pace of the rest of the week. Come spend some time with us; we have no roses to stop and smell, but we do have lots of good food and smiling’ faces.
Just a blink and Saturday will be here with Spider Murphy and his delightful tunes from the gazebo. Chomper’s BBQ will be delighting us as well but from the cooking tent instead. Jeff and Kristen will serve samples from their new catering menu. Hmmmm, that sounds like a wonderful idea – BBQ at your next gathering. What an idea!
It was such a beautiful day at the market last Saturday; the weather was perfect, the music was lively and the kids were having a ball…a really fun family day. As I was doing my visiting and shopping, I saw that Alton and Sandra had camellia bushes with just the hint of blossoms on them. Looking at them, I was transported back to my childhood (which took more than just a few seconds) and left me wishing even more for spring. The table sagged with sprouting plants – herbs, beets, kales, merliton, swiss chard, lettuce – all begging to be planted. I have my beds cleaned out and ready, so I’ll be happy to oblige this Saturday.
You’ll be pleased to note that Tiffany’s and Andy’s goats have had their kids and Farmhouse Dairy’s goat cheeses and creamy soaps are available once again. I know many of you have been waiting on that but you can’t rush Mother Nature. While you’re over in that section, check out Cynthia’s salmon & dill pasta, cannelloni with cheese, or fragrant infused herb pasta – any one of them would be a great addition to one of her sauces. Robin’s Rockin’ Pepper Jellies has an incredible Remoulade Sauce, a tasty dippin’ sauce for your jumbo shrimp (Mr. Two). I’ll bet it would make a very good substitute for tartar sauce on fried fish (Pete and Clara). Clara also has had stuffed crabs for the past few weeks and, I believe, there will be crabmeat this weekend.
In case any of you have had a hard time finding Jasmine (The Lab Shop), you’ll find that she has moved to the other side of the market, right next to Nur’s Kitchen. She has a large selection of natural cosmetics and skin care products, such as Serum Repair Lotion for damaged skin, an exfoliating mineral bath beads, natural mineral eye shadows and more. Try her coconut soap for cleaning just about anything.
With the promise of spring in the air (or maybe it’s just in my mind), we’ll start seeing many springtime veggies on the tables. I can’t wait. John and Mr. Houston both had kohlrabi this week. John says you can cut them up, toss them in a little oil (such as one of Nuccio’s or Lena’s herbed oil), sprinkle with a little pink salt, and roast them. Sounds like a delicious side dish for any meal.
There are so many interesting and wonderful products here at the Market. Walk around. See what strikes your fancy…what makes your heart sing…what makes your tummy happy. We’re always happy to see 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
