Hi, friends and a perfectly happy Wednesday to you! I see nothing but happy little suns showing on the weather forecast for the rest of the week and, after a rainy Saturday, I am thrilled to see them. It will be great to see how blue the sky can get and have lunch at the same time. As a take home dish, Kandi is sure to have Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup – all packaged very nicely. For lunch, a nice hot bowl of Nanette’s soup will certainly hit the spot. Spicy tamales or enchiladas from Rebecca, smoky pulled pork sandwich from Jeff, cheese straws, peanut brittle, fried lemon pie, egg rolls, veggie wraps, fresh veggies, homemade granola…. Whoa! Settle down, podna, you still have a few hours left before the market opens!
Saturday will be bright and beautiful so get your dancin’ shoes ready for the music of The Lucky Dogs in the gazebo. Grab your coffee and just enjoy the music and the day and all the goodness it brings. And goodness it will bring because Robin (Robin’s Rockin’ Cajun Pepper Jellies) will be in the demo tent ready to serve a sassy Shrimp Remoulade. I’m sure she’ll have lots of tips on using her pepper jellies in your cooking; she always has something interesting to offer when I visit her table.
Make a trip over to Southy’s Soups. With cooler temps, soup is always a treat even if the weather isn’t terribly cold yet. And Southy only uses the best ingredients (from the Farmers’ Market , of course). Add some roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal – mmmm…a little Mauthe’s butter…a little cinnamon…oh yeah! (satisfied sigh…) Or pair up their soup du Satur-jour with a tray of Hot Tamale Mama’s Stuffed Shells or veggie tamales.
Make your own enchiladas with Lena’s whole grain tortilla wraps. Fill with chopped baked chicken (James) or browned ground meat (Justin, Jubilee Farms) seasoned with my Ole Southwest Salt-free seasoning or Herbs & Spice’s Mexican Ranch. Combine your meat with Spanish R Us’ black bean salsa, fill your tortilla wraps and place in a baking dish. Top with Spanish R Us’ avocado salsa and bake. WOW! Spicy good! I’ve heard that Herbs & Spice’s Jamaican Jerk Rub is phenomenal on chicken. Hmmm. I’ll have to check that out.
Have you noticed the immense variety of greens already on the tables and we really haven’t even seen cold weather yet? Particularly interesting are the Asian greens – tatsoi, pak choi and bok choi. What a chance to expand your horizons! Tatsoi has a spinachy mustardy flavor which would make it perfect to serve as a substitute for either. I’m guessing, though, that it will soon command a place of its own in your heart (or tastebuds). The wonderful thing about this lovely green (along with its cousins bok choi and pak choi) is that it cooks quickly – a little olive oil (Nuccio’s Lemon would be nice) along with Nuccio’s Tangerine or Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar, some smashed garlic cloves, a dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, 2 – 3 minutes in a hot pan, and yum! The soi’s and choi’s make a delicious, nutrient packed addition to your salad as well – invite them in some time. You’re sure to enjoy their company.
Pick up some fresh herbs from Alton and Sandra to put on your windowsill or in a sunny spot for fresh herbs all through the fall and into winter. Just think of the flavor fresh herbs will add to your dishes. While you’re there, check out what they have for the winter garden.
Greg had pumpkins this past week and there weren’t many of them. I picked up one to make a delicious pumpkin kale soup. It was a large pumpkin so I’ll have enough for some lip-smackin’ recipe ideas I have. What will it be???? Pumpkin chili? Pumpkin stew? You’ll just have to wait on that; I haven’t had a chance to test any recipes. Stay tuned.
Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life KitchenThe 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
