What a glorious Tuesday, friends, and I am ready for Market Wednesday! Check out the menu and decide what you will have tomorrow (and what you can enjoy the rest of this week). For me, Kandy’s crunchy egg rolls are a nice change from my favorite salad. Chris is whipping up a delicious seafood bisque that is sure to bring a smile especially when you’re dipping French bread into the gravy. Natalie will be here with fresh strawberries to satisfy my sweet tooth. Lillie’s tea cakes are the bomb and absolutely perfect for a midmorning snack with my coffee. Frankie’s spaghetti with Bolognese sauce is back by popular demand and served with a garden salad, green beans, and cornbread. Mr. Houston always has freshly picked veggies – green cabbages, broccoli, turnips, and greens. Don’t forget to pick up some navel oranges from Duke and yard eggs from Kristen.
Prepare for swirls of sunshine and crispy blue skies on Saturday with lots of “crispy” tunes from Kenny Acosta in the gazebo. Then get ready for mouthwatering goodness when Steve and Elizabeth Nuccio arrive with fabulous Muffalettas to sample (and for take home.)
Even though the weather isn’t outrageously cold, one of Mama Lea’s or Norma Jean’s tasty soups are very welcome. Whether you choose one of their delicious soups or something else for supper, warm bread is always a welcome addition. Our artisan bakers have some amazing choices for you — sprouted whole grain, multi-grain, baguettes, batard, or one of their other fine creations. You certainly won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget Mauthe’s butter…..or Blood River Honey….or Althee’s blackberry jelly….. or Robin’s peach bourbon pepper jelly. (Yea, I see you smilin’.)
Spicy Lady’s has added some wonderful new herbs to her table – lavender, rose, and hibiscus. You’ll also find a mulling spice which opens the door to so many options. Try a spicy-sweet topping on your pancakes (Lena’s mix, of course), by placing 2 tablespoons mulling spices in a cheesecloth or tea infuser bag or tied up in a coffee filter and add to 1-1/2 cups Blood River honey in a saucepan. Simmer on low for about five minutes, then cover and place in the fridge for 24 hours before discarding spices. Voila! Pancake syrup. OR, simmer 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons spices for about a minute. Remove from heat and those spices to soak into the vinegar for a remarkable salad dressing.
My new thing is roasting vegetables and we have a tremendous selection of perfect roasters. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and more. Drizzle with any of Spicy Lady’s herbed oils and bake. What could be simpler — or more tasty. Between James’ fantastic chickens and Jubilee Farms’ extensive selection of grass fed meats, you will have no trouble creating an incredible meal. Heck! For you vegans out there, the roasted veggies alone are worth it!
We have lots and lots of great things here at the Covington Farmers’ Market such as Ericka’s amazing Korean pancakes or Hot Tamale Mama’s Parmesan shells or Angel’s stuffed artichoke. But you won’t find them if you’re not here. Come join us for a great start to your day!
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
