This Week at the Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

Chubba's Snowballs at the Covington Farmer's Market this Saturday
Chubba’s Snowballs at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

Happy Tuesday to you, friends! Boy, the weeks are absolutely flying by; school will be back in session before you know it. Not that that has anything to do with the Covington Farmers’ Market, ‘cause we are here rain or shine, July or December, and we have lots of good meals and treats for you. New to both the Wednesday and Saturday markets is Samantha and her excellent Elderberry Syrup and Tincture. Elderberry syrup is filled with antioxidants, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium and is a natural remedy for preventing and recovering from colds, flu, sore throats. Stop by and check it out while you’re getting a fine lunch and enjoying the breezes I’ve requested for tomorrow. The rain, by special arrangement, will hold out until late afternoon.

Bright and early Saturday (cause that’s when the veggie selection is best) grab your coffee and get your veggies while the gettin’s good. Mr. Weatherman, who is not known for his reliability, says we will have temps in the 90s but that won’t bother us because Chubba will be in the cooking tent with SNOWBALLS! No word on flavors yet – but does it really matter? Ms. Olga Wilhelmine’s fine voice will emanate from the gazebo somewhere around 9:30 and the day is off to a fantastic start.

You know we have the most gorgeous and tasty veggies around but we are more than just pretty produce. Trudy’s Japanese maples have been known to draw people from as far away as Mississippi and Alabama because you can plant them and they live! Miss Betty’s beauties are sure to brighten up dens as well as patios and Dennis offers many trees and garden plants. I can see Nancy’s sunflowers smiling at me from across the market. Now if it’s herbs you’re lookin’ for, Alton and Sandra are your go-to people. Of course, if you just want the scent of the garden, Aunt Bee’s soaps are a special treat.

We have specialty items like walnut paté, gourmet coffee beans, hummus, bean sprouts, skordalia, raw crackers, pickled veggies, organic oatmeal bars, homemade mustard, overstuffed artichokes, kombucha, water kefir, cultured veggies, and salt free seasonings. And the mushrooms…bold shiitakes, delicate oyster, and wild chanterelles…imagine them gently sautéed in Mauthe’s butter with onions and garlic, then tossed into pasta (Cynthia, 7Grain) – doesn’t that sound amazing? Southy’s superb summertime soups add pizzazz to a plain salad or sandwich unless your sandwich is spread with Meaux Mustard (Enton Farms)! And the cookies…well what can I say except “See ya there!”

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

Wednesday Market Menu 7-23-14