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Live Music This Weekend in Downtown

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. And every Saturday at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department) from 8 a.m. To 12 noon. The Wednesday Market features the Covington Farmer’s Market players with a sit-in bluegrass jam. This Saturday, hear The Lucky Dogs at the Market.
Susan’s on Columbia features The Pontchartrain Shakers from 12 noon to 1:30. Hear jazz influenced blues from Amedee A5 Frederick and Jojjo Wight. Susan’s is a deli and market featuring Kombucha Girl kombucha and water kefir made in-house. You’ll find grass-fed beef burgers, pizzas, smoothies, daily specials, sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, vegetarian options, and more.

Retro Music Company presents the Thousandaires on Saturday afternoon followed by the Pontchartrain Shakers in the evening. Retro Music Co. is located at 424 Columbia Street in Downtown. 985-888-9890

General Local Events Local News

Summer Music Series at Susan’s on Columbia

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Susan’s Culture House on Columbia Street (the yellow building) is hosting a Summer Music Series beginning this Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. After the Covington Farmer’s Market, stop in for some lunch and live music.

Susan’s Culture House is located at 415 N. Columbia Street in Covington.

Susan’s Culture House is a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Falaya Fest taking place at the Bogue Falaya Wayside Park on November 17, 2018. The Summer Music Series will feature artists performing at this year’s festival. Stay tuned for the full line-up!

 

Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! What a lovely day it is today and it looks like we will be blessed with sunshine tomorrow, which is great since we will be equally blessed with great food and great music.  Stop by and enjoy a delicious pulled pork sammy with green beans and cole slaw. Or perhaps you’d prefer a crisp salad of lemongrass chicken, crunchy vegetables, and noodles. Bring home one of Nanette’s chicken salad wraps (by lunchtime tomorrow you’ll be glad you did.) Frankie has old fashioned banana pudding this week and will have her decadent Chocolate Lasagna on Saturday. Mr. Houston has lots of great veggies and fresh yard eggs. Natalie will have fresh strawberries. No need to add anything else; just snip off the tops and enjoy!

LOLA Deux, LOLA Restaurant's food truck will be at the Covington Farmer's Market Saturday

LOLA Deux, LOLA Restaurant’s food truck will be at the Covington Farmer’s Market Saturday

Oh what a day this Saturday will be! Keith and Nealy Frentz and the Lola Deux Food Truck will be parked on Columbia Street and before you know it there will be a long line for those amazing fries. Chris Talley will serenade us from the gazebo so grab your coffee and enjoy the morning with us.

Seek out the lovely ladies from the Master Gardeners’ Club who will be with us every 3rd weekend of the month to answer your gardening questions. These “vege-cators” have lots of great information for the novice and seasoned gardener alike. Then make a beeline over to Alton and Sandra’s tables to get those starter plants.

Norma Jean has a delicious assortment of quiches each Saturday which usually includes the ever-popular Artichoke & Valbreso Cheese quiche. See what’s on “tap” at Earth Milk. With choices like Oat, Almond, Coconut, Hemp Seed, and Cinnamon Oat, Kristen offers a delicious alternative to dairy. Then, turn around and check out the selection of gourmet dog food from Tiger Bait.

Three Cheese and Spinach Polenta Tart from Bear Creek Road

Three Cheese and Spinach Polenta Tart from Bear Creek Road

Since you’re over that way, you should check out the new Three Cheese and Spinach Polenta Tart from Bear Creek Road. Farmhouse Dairy may have some fresh goat cheeses which when delicately draped in Robin’s Blackberry Cabernet pepper jelly make a delightful snack. A slice of Mauthe’s cheddar and a dollop of Robin’s Apple Bacon pepper jelly seated regally atop one of Lena’s toasted bread rounds is a treat not to be missed.

Lots of great food, veggies, and just all around fun…the Covington Farmers’ Market has it all. Our plans include lots of sunshine and blue skies; make sure your plans include joining us.

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

Healthy Living Local Events Local News Non Profit Spotlight Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! What a gorgeous day Wednesday will bring. So don’t waste it inside. Come and spend your lunchtime with us. Nanette is fixing fall vegetable soup this week and with the cooler temperatures moving in, you’ll want extra. I’m looking forward to that and Kandi’s chicken and shredded cabbage salad. I’ll also pickup some pulled pork. I have an idea to make a pot pie with chopped pork, roasted diced sweet potatoes, and onions. Keep your fingers crossed. I may even put some broccoli in there. Big congrats to Jeff and Kristen who are featured in the November 2nd issue of Covington Town Talk. Check it out!  Covington Town Talk

Last Chance Bluegrass Band plays at the Covington Farmer's Market Saturday

Last Chance Bluegrass Band plays at the Covington Farmer’s Market Saturday

After that, it’s time for dessert. Tea cakes make a wonderful cookie for your 10:00 break (or Elevenses, second breakfast, lunch…) Frankie is baking up some her special peach cobbler just because it’s Wednesday.

Cooler temperatures will usher in our Saturday and the Three Rivers Festival. Chompers BBQ will do the honors in the cooking tent with the Last Change Bluegrass Band in the gazebo.

Lots of veggies at the market these days – cabbage, turnips, beets, bell peppers, hot peppers, kale, lettuce, tat soi, bok choi, carrots, green onions, sweet potatoes, eggplant… after all, we are a Farmers’ Market. But there are a few other things. You’ll find smoked sausage and bacon at the Jubilee Farms table in addition to their green onion, Italian, Cajun, and hot sausage – all made without additives! We have all the fixins’ for merliton stuffing – fresh merliton, green onion, bread (to make bread crumbs), broth, shrimp and seasoning. I’ll bet Jubilee’s green onion sausage would be a nice change to a holiday classic.

Simply Pure Juice has a new juice – Black and Gold lemonade with activated charcoal and also two wellness shots (smaller versions of their larger juices). W1 has green apple, lemon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne – perfect as we enter into the cold and flu season! With that in mind, you should visit Sacred Earth for their Autumn Immune granola bar. The Autumn Immune bar is filled with raw, organic ingredients such as oats, coconut oil, sunflower seed butter, dates, flax seed, reishi and much more. Then arm yourself with Samantha’s elderberry syrup or elderberry glycerin tincture, a natural immune booster and you are ready for the season.

I can never report on everything we have to offer at the market. You’ll have to come and see for yourself. We’ll be here as always, with smiles on and a bountiful harvest. We’d love 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

Healthy Living Local Events Local News Non Profit Spotlight Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! Are you all ready for Farmers’ Market Day tomorrow? Not sure what the weatherman has in store for us, but I am planning on bright sunshiny skies so we can all enjoy plenty of great music and delicious food such as Nanette’s creamy mushroom and wild rice chowder. Oh, yum!  And of course,  you’ll want to pick up a kit to make that traditional Vietnamese noodle soup – pho – a great accompaniment to any sandwich. Don’t forget dessert because Frankie is whipping up some fantastic treats like baked Brie bites with jam and apple cake with cream cheese icing. Eddie and Mr. Houston will have plenty of fresh veggies. Aren’t Wednesdays wonderful?!

Pot Luck String Band at the Covington Farmer's Market this Saturday

Pot Luck String Band at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

I almost don’t want to tell you about Saturday because it’s still 3 whole days away!  With the Pot Luck String Band in the gazebo and Ristorante del Porte serving market sweet potatoes with creme fraiche, you wont be counting the days…you’ll be counting the minutes. We are going to have a terrific Saturday morning so grab your coffee and enjoy your shopping and socializing.

Is there anything more comforting than a farmers’ market around the holidays? There! I said the “H” word but get ready because Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Mauthe’s will start taking orders for their holiday cheese cake. You may as well get one of the “little” ones, you know, for quality control purposes. So, now is the time to get with your favorite vendors to make sure you have all the special treats you want – for parties, for family meals, or just because you didn’t feel like cooking.

Theresa’s Italian usually has a couple or their variety bags each week but they go fast. However, with a little planning and preordering, your cookies are ready and waiting for you even if you get here late! I don’t have to tell you want wonderful artisan breads come from the ovens of Windfield Farms, 7Grain, and Bear Creek Road, do I? Make sure your favorites are available by placing your orders early. That goes double for Angel’s amazing stuffed artichoke – the perfect appetizer.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. Meaux Mustard is planning another super mustard. True enough. Besides the incredible tastes like Honey Mustard (with a bit of local honey), Green (with more than a hint of wasabi), sweet  & savory Blueberry, and a traditional Creole, there will be a new must have in your pantry. But you’ll just have to wait like the rest of us. It’s amazing what a little spoon of Meaux Mustard can do to ordinary chicken salad or even roast chicken for that matter. And what a nice little tangy surprise when you add a bit to your ground meat. No more plain ole hamburgers here.

Speaking of no more plain ole, Andy (Farmhouse Dairy ) has Waygu beef. Yes, the kind you’ve seen on Iron Chef. Well, you don’t have to be an Iron Chef to cook it because it is absolutely wonderful with just a little salt and pepper. But, if you’re like me and can’t leave well enough alone – a spoon of Meaux Mustard or Reed’s Remoulade sauce or any number of Spicy Lady’s seasonings will have you singing Ooo! La! La! It’s a little pricey but occasionally (I don’t want to spoil him) Mr. Wonderful is worth it. Andy doesn’t bring out a lot or special cuts so order ahead!

Oh, the things we have for you! A treat around every booth but you have to be here to enjoy it with us. Don’t be a stranger!

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

Healthy Living Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Chef Robert Vasquez will provide the food demo this Saturday with Jubilee Farms

Chef Robert Vasquez of Opal Basil will provide the food demo this Saturday with Jubilee Farms

Hi, friends, July is quickly fading and August is arriving on Saturday and the kiddies are getting ready to return to school. No matter, after all the market goes on regardless of the day, the month, or the weather. So, get your tasty buds ready for some incredibly delicious food and meet us at the market.

Kandi is offering several lovely salads that are summer perfect. Jeff is preparing smoked chicken salad sliders and Nanette has sliced turkey and also a crunchy vegetable wrap for us tomorrow. And, there’s music and dessert and fresh veggies and dessert so why would you go anywhere else?

Jimmy Robinson will play at the Covington Farmer's Market Saturday

Jimmy Robinson will play at the Covington Farmer’s Market Saturday

Saturday will start with a bang as Jimmy Robinson strums out a little bluesy, a little folksy, some classical, even a little jazz from the gazebo. Then get ready for amazing as Chef Robert Vasquez of Opal Basil and Vive Foods in Mandeville, teams up with Jubilee Farm for a Farmers’ Market tailgate party. This is a day you won’t soon forget!

We still have lots of great veggies but you have to get here early. Last week, mostly everything was gone by 10 am! But, don’t fret. We’ve still have lots and lots of wonderful if you get here later. Try some of our prepared dishes, such as Angel’s bountifully stuffed artichokes. Hot Tamale Mama has a new dish – Mushrooms in Parmesan Cream with crawfish ad andouille sausage. Oh my! Just makes want to dive right in, doesn’t it? Norma Jean always has some delightfully different quiches to try like her deliciously flavorful Southwest quiche. Nanette has several sauce starters just waiting for your cooked chicken or meatballs or shrimp or chunky vegetables – just vary the ingredients for a unique dish every time.

Well, I know this is short but I’m running behind schedule today. But don’t let that stop you from coming out to explore on your own. The tastes are fantastic; the flavors abundant and he smiles are everywhere. How many more reasons do you need to be at the market each week?

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

Healthy Living Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Keith & Nealy Frentz displaying the Lola Deux Food Truck, which will be at the Covington Farmer's Market this Saturday

Keith & Nealy Frentz displaying the Lola Deux Food Truck, which will be at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

Whadda ya know, friends, it’s Tuesday again! What a lovely day we’re having today and I know you’re all ready for another sensational week at the market. Our vendors are all ready too! Come and indulge in a Wednesday lunch filled with great food, terrific music, and gentle breezes. Enjoy a side of broccoli salad with your pulled pork today. Maybe you’ll be in the mood for Kandi’s noodle salad with lemongrass chicken or a cup of Nanette’s potato leek soup with your chicken salad wrap. Frankie’s serving taste-tempting mini fruit pies this week. If you miss them on Saturday, you can always get your non-toxic cleaning supplies on Wednesday.

Daniele Spadavecchia will be playing at the Covington Farmers Market this Saturday (dsjazz.com)

Daniele Spadavecchia will be playing at the Covington Farmers Market this Saturday (dsjazz.com)

Daniele Spadavecchia will usher in our Saturday morning with wonderful melodies sashaying from the gazebo. And if that isn’t enough to fire you up, Lola Deux will be firing up the food truck where they will dispense armloads of Parmesan fries to adoring fans! I know…I know…I’ll give you a minute. So grab your coffee and one of Suzie’s orange scones and settle in. You don’t want to miss this!

Hopefully, you haven’t missed the figs that have been stationed at various tables. I bought some last Saturday to make fig preserves for Mr. Wonderful ‘cause I know how much he enjoys them. Slice them or quarter them and serve with Farmhouse Dairy fresh chèvre for a very fancy appetizer and maybe add a sparkling bottle of Serendipity Blanc du Bois and a lovely loaf from Lena, Suzie, or Crystal.

It’s amazing what just a stroll around the market will uncover. Emily has a variety of healthy broths for you – beef, chicken, vegetable, goose/turkey and maybe even some fish and crawfish left. She also has some excellent suggestions for what do do with your broth. Reduce it to make sauces and gravies. Use broth instead of water to make rice or quinoa. Drink it hot, full strength in a mug with a sprinkling of salt. I know you think that’s crazy in the middle of summer but some of those office buildings can be pretty cold.

Bear Creek Rd July Pie of the Month: Blackberry Financier Tart with Elderflower

Bear Creek Rd July Pie of the Month: Blackberry Financier Tart with Elderflower

Jennifer, Bear Creek Road, has several extracts and oils for you to use in your cooking. I tried a few drops of the vanilla citrus in my water and WOW! what a difference it made to plain old water! She also suggests you try it in your tea, or next time you make brownies….hmm, maybe I should have gotten more.

Now you wouldn’t think there is much at the market to make a salad with but you’d be wrong. A fruit salad is always welcome on a warm summer eve. Try combining blueberries (Justin still has some) and peaches (Clecklers) drizzled with Nanette’s creamy peach maple dressing. YUM – EEE! Dee’s perfectly pickled veggies added a delightful spice to her Bloody Marys last week. Don’t forget she has lots of new pickles – beets, okra, string beans, bread n butter, and more – for sandwiches or snacking or salads (although, probably not your fruit salad).

New summertime kombucha flavors from Kombucha Girl Living Beverages

New summertime kombucha flavors from Kombucha Girl Living Beverages

Kombucha Girls’ summer flavors have been out – wonderful flavors, maaahvelous flavors like Hibiscus Mint and Piña Colada. Double your pleasure, double your fun with a bar of Aunt Bee’s new Doublemint soap. The scent takes me back to a younger time and that’s just with it sitting on the counter. Norma Jean’s salad of the month is a tasty Greek salad with ripe olives, red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, and feta cheese and Sam is now making chocolate coconut chips! And his sprouted almond butter can be had with coconut, cacao, or just plain almonds. See what a stroll around the market can uncover?

There’s lots of wonderful to discover at the market so set your alarm clock for fantastic, ‘cause if you sleep in, all you gonna do is dream about it! What fun is that????

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

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wed Farmers Market sign

Good afternoon, friends!  Come celebrate the 1st of July with us on Wednesday with a delightful lunch. Stay a while and relax with music and friends or take something back to work (or home). Either way, remember to stock up for the rest of the week. Maybe this week, it’s time for a summer noodle salad from Kandi topped with crunchy cucumbers, lemongrass infused chicken, and sprigs of cilantro. A tasty wrap of sliced turkey and spinach is a delicious alternative (or addition), as is Rebecca’s spicy Honduran style hot tamales. Pulled pork, baked beans, and cole slaw will get you in the mood for July 4 and there’s always something delicious at Frankie’s table. Samantha will be joining the Wednesday market for the summer with the perfect medicine for summertime allergies – elderberry syrup. It really does work!

Chompers BBQ - food demo this Saturday at the Covington Farmers Market

Chompers BBQ – food demo this Saturday at the Covington Farmers Market

The Farmers’ Market String Band will get things started on Saturday, crooning out snappy tunes from the gazebo. But even better than that awaits you in the cooking tent. Chompers BBQ will drive the smoker out to the Market for an old fashioned BBQ! That means smoky pulled pork AND smoked cheese stuffed jalapeños (with peppers from the Bardwells.) Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Take a leisurely stroll around the market soaking up the ambiance and getting acquainted with new vendors or those you haven’t seen in a while. You may want a refreshing beverage to take along with you. At the pavilion, you’ll find coffee and tea supplied by Coffee Rani (big time supporters of our market). See Kevin (Coast Roast) for freshly roasted coffee beans or a specialty coffee. Last week he had iced lattes, so cooling on a warm day. Kombucha Girls have new water kefir flavors using mint, peach, and watermelon. Amanda’s juices are always fresh and delicious (so are the Popsicles) and Simply Pure offers juice combinations that are out of this world. A nice bottle of La Serendipity Blanc de Bois wine, nicely chilled, goes a long way to easing cares at the end of a long day.

figs1We have a new blueberry vendor at the market. Justin will not only have lots of those sweet little blue orbs but blueberry jam as well. He’s not the only one with berries, both James and Greg have them, cozily packaged, and waiting for you. Greg also has figs – but get there early. Figs never seem to last very long on the tables. Jubilee Farms and Mr. Houston both have lots of watermelon for 4th of July celebrations —— after your celebration with us, of course.

Samosa potato patties with cilantro chutney, beet carrot and seed salad with ginger dressing and zucchini fries from Slice of Heaven Farm

Samosa potato patties with cilantro chutney, beet carrot and seed salad with ginger dressing and zucchini fries from Slice of Heaven Farm

Here’s another treasure from our friends at Slice of Heaven farms – zucchini fries. Cut your zucchini into thin strips, dredge in flour and seasoning (Spicy Lady or yours truly), dip in milk (Mauthe’s or Farmhouse Dairy) and roll in Panko crumbs and nutritional yeast and roast at 425 for 20 minutes. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, Parmesan cheese makes a delicious substitute.

There really is nothing like a farmers’ market when the veggies are at their peak of flavor and variety. And they grill up so nicely while you’re grilling your burgers or chicken. You did pick up meat, right? No worries. We have a number of fine vendors of pork, sausage, beef, lamb, goat, shrimp, and chicken – Mr. Two, Farmhouse Dairy, Jublilee Farms, and James. If you can find anything to go on that grill, you must have slept in. We will be here celebrating the 4th. Hope you will join us!

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

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wed Farmers Market signHowdy, friends!  It’s Tuesday again. Wrangle them tastebuds in and get ready to head on over to the Covington Farmers’ Market for a mighty tasty lunch. OK, I jumped the gun a bit; there’s 20 more hours before you can bask in swift breezes, lots of sunshine, finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’ music and lots of great food. Can’t wait, can you?

Big Branch Soaps - Revitalize Bar Soap - Sweet Orange, Geranium, Rosehip All Natural Soap

Big Branch Soaps – Revitalize Bar Soap – Sweet Orange, Geranium, Rosehip All Natural Soap

Nanette will be there with her crunchy delicious veggie wraps and tomato basil soup. Enjoy one of Rebecca’s remarkable chicken tamales or wrap yourself around a smoky pulled pork sandwich and fixins’ from Jeff. Kandi has the most incredible salmon salad (not to mention the crispy egg rolls) your mouth will ever bite into. Pace yourself, now, ‘cause you’ll need to save room for a slice of Frankie’s remarkable brownies! She has Hershey chocolate and walnut brownies tomorrow. What a way to finish a summertime meal! Don’t forget cleanup. Big Branch Soaps is now at the Wednesday market with laundry and dish detergents and lovely lotions for the hands no matter what kind of work you do. Cleanup on the veggies, too, with potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers and Greg may even have some peaches and blueberries.

Keith & Nealy Frentz displaying the Lola Deux Food Truck

Keith & Nealy Frentz displaying the Lola Deux Food Truck

Bring Dad along on Saturday to enjoy an early Father’s Day. We’ll all be enjoying Michael Millet in the gazebo. Keith and Nealy Frentz will add pizzazz to the morning when Lola Deux Food Truck pulls up to the curb. WOW! I know…just take a deep breath, go get your coffee (Kevin’s got a great lineup of fancy coffees, lattes, etc. at the Coast Roast tent) and get in line for those delightful Parmesan fries. Can ya handle it, Dad?

If you’re really not in the mood for coffee, how about an uplifting juice from Simply Pure or Amanda? If you haven’t tried beet juices, you don’t know what you’re missing. There’s this great little thing about beet juices like the power to increase blood flow through the blood vessels. But if beet just isn’t your thing, there’s a whole passel of fresh juices ripe for the choosing.

Juices from Simply Pure at the Covington Farmer's Market

Juices from Simply Pure at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Hot Tamale Mama is your go-to place when you don’t feel like cooking. She has a delicious selection of prepared foods, such as chicken pot pie, vegetarian lasagne, stuffed noodles, and hot tamales. While you’re over there, let Dad indulge in a bag of Theresa’s lemon crunch cookies or almond macaroons. Or bring home one of Angel’s flavorful stuffed artichokes. That’s a meal in itself. On the lighter side, one of Nur’s Turkish salads such as green lentil and quinoa or tabouli is sure to please.

The Clecklers have fresh beans and peas ready for the pot. JR has the onions and bell peppers to chop up in them and Spicy Lady and I have all kinds of different seasoning to add life and love to ‘em. Pass by Jubilee Farms to see if he has Andouille sausage to throw in them beans. If not, green onion sausage will work right well. Pick up a few ears of fresh corn while you’re there. What are you waiting for? Lasso your calendar and hog tie the date! We’ll see you 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

Market Menu-06-16-15

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wed Farmers Market sign

Happy Tuesday, friends! There’s a lovely day at the market for you tomorrow, full of music and fresh veggies and wonderful food. Take some time to have lunch with us. Feast on a new creation from Kandi – a shredded cabbage salad with shredded carrots, chicken, red onions, cilantro, mint, and Chinese cilantro all lightly seasoned with a side of fish sauce. And so tasty too! Nanette is making a refreshing watermelon gazpacho to lighten your meal. Add one of her remarkable chicken salad wraps to go. Jeff is preparing that crunchy broccoli salad that’s so delicious to go with his smoky pulled pork. Maybe a few chicken tamales would be more to your liking. Finish with a slice of lemon blueberry bread from Frankie (and save the rest for during the week). And then I suppose you do have to get back to work…heavy sigh. But wait! Don’t forget your veggies! Pick up some new potatoes and bell peppers from Mr. Houston or a few Creoles and peaches from Greg Miller. Natalie will be back next Wednesday with zucchini, cucumbers, bell peppers, and yellow squash.

I am planning for a lucky Saturday with the Lucky Dogs bouncing out their tunes from the gazebo while gentle breezes and friendly smiles sprinkle your morning. Grab your coffee and stay awhile. Norma Jean Marcon of Norma Jean’s Cuisine will demonstrate how to make the perfect Salade Nicosia using the bounty of the Covington Farmers’ Market.

Fresh picked chanterelles at the Covington Farmers Market

Fresh picked chanterelles at the Covington Farmers Market

And bounty we do have! Last week, Nick put out baskets of heirloom tomatoes – tiny orbs of yellow, pink, red, and chocolate all sharing their pint of space. There are tomatoes a plenty from JR Bardwell, John Bartlett, the Clecklers, and Greg Miller. Yes, Greg is back and he also has peaches and Chanterelles. Yippee! But he’s not the only one. Chanterelles also joined James’ lions mane, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms and I found them on Nick’s and John’s tables as well. I’ll have a new seasoning on Saturday that will take those mushrooms on a magical mushroom tour (or somewhere close to there). Or, you can try one of Spicy Lady’s seasonings. Cheryl is sure to have one to go with any veggie at the market and still keep your taste buds hoppin’.

Potato Yukon Gold from Bartlett Farm

Potato Love – Yukon Gold from Bartlett Farm

You will find many varieties of squash around the tables and I’m sure you’re looking for unique ways to prepare them. I came across a couple of sandwiches that would fit the bill perfectly. I’ll post the photos below. The first one comes from our terribly missed friends at Slice of Heaven (now inconveniently located in Oregon). Brandon and Marietta used sautéed greens, which may be a little hard to find at our market these days but sprouts (Sam) or shoots (Nick) will be a wonderful substitute. He then added cheese (Mauthe’s or Farmhouse Dairy), onions, pesto, red peppers and grilled for a very tasty veggie sandwich. Nur sautéed tomatoes and zucchini and spread her bread with hummus. You know that we have the best bread around so no matter which you choose, you will come out a winner. Each sounds so delicious and simple and you can vary the veggies to suit your tastes.

Those aren’t the only veggies gracing the tables. Mr Houston has purple bell peppers, JR has eggplant, John Bartlett has Yukon Gold potatoes (and the red ones too), Eddie has fresh garlic, Nick has cute little heirloom squash, and Natalie is back with zucchini, cucumbers, squash and more.

Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm table last Saturday - mushrooms, blueberries & chickens!

Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm table last Saturday – mushrooms, blueberries & chickens!

What will make your market merry? Mushrooms, raw honey, avocado salsa, Japanese maples, fresh juices, Kombucha, special treats for your pets, muffins, fresh bread, and cookies all wrapped up in a glorious Saturday morning!  I know, I know…I can hardly believe it myself. If you’re not there, you’re gonna miss out.

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

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wednesday Covington Farmers Market at the Covington Trailhead

Wednesday Covington Farmers Market at the Covington Trailhead

Hi, friends and a happy Tuesday it is! And I, for one, am looking forward to a lively and lovely Wednesday. Last week vendor tables were brimming with delicious food and picnickers were scattered across the lawn under the awning enjoying that food and the pleasant melodies that flowed from the gazebo. Take advantage of another day like that and come out to join us!

Let’s get a little crazy this week and start with dessert first! (I think we all know my feelings on that subject.) A jar of Earl’s honey is perfect on a breakfast muffin or toast. Nanette’s raw cookies are wonderful! My favorite is the almond date bar but she also has chocolate coconut balls to feed the chocolate lover in you. And Frankie’s apple pie or old fashioned banana pudding – incredible flavor! Your next step could be one of Rebecca’s (Spanish R Us) delicious chicken tamales. Jeff says he will have a few smoked turkey legs along with the pulled pork and his amazing cole slaw. If you don’t have room for a muffaletta right now, pick one up for supper or later in the week. Elizabeth also has those cute little bottles in gift sets of two with a small dish for bread dippin’. If you’re not ready for the holidays yet, pick one up for someone special to enjoy today (just make sure you act surprised when you open it.) Kandi’s crunchy eggrolls are a great picnic food along with a glass of jasmine tea. Jasmine tea is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Nanette is preparing a tummy warming butternut squash soup and chicken salad wraps. Yummm!

photo: Pot Luck String Band at Marsolan's Feed & Seed Store

photo: Pot Luck String Band at Marsolan’s Feed & Seed Store

The weatherman promises clear skies and cooler temps on Saturday and the magnificent Pot Luck String Band will kick us into gear with some lively tunes from the gazebo. Grab your coffee and start your shopping so you’ll be ready when Market vendors, Frieda and Pierce Bauder of Enten Farm offer for sampling and sale a delicious duck gumbo. You’ll also be able to get your duck meat, eggs, and gourmet mustards.

Mount Herman Pork is here with all cuts of pork and will soon have sausage as well. All their meat is pasture raised Duroc pork which, as everyone knows, is the Black Angus of pork. Remember to pick up a couple of pounds of shrimp from Mr. Two. Barbecue some with my Shrimp on the Barbie seasoning or simmer in Nanette’s Artichoke & Mushroom Sauce.

Our tea vendor is back with a delightfully fragrant selection of herbal teas. I picked up an invigorating blend of hibiscus and spearmint which I am enjoying in one of my fancy teacups (because that’s how Aunt Carroll says to do it). Of course that is not the cup I use for coffee. Coast Roast gourmet coffees must be savored in a mug because a dainty little teacup will not stand up to the bold flavors. Emily Post may not agree but there are also rules for dipping. Teresa’s Italian seed cookies are a perfect accompaniment for your tea but for coffee the Orange Almond Biscotti or Anise Cookies are a must!

Oyster Mushrooms from Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm, James Shoop

Oyster Mushrooms from Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm, James Shoop

Since I’ve already ventured out into the realm of goodies, Betty Rue’s double chocolate muffins are incredibly decadent, especially with that luscious buttercream frosting on top. But last weekend those little devils were topped with a swirl of blue and white buttercream that I swear had pixie dust in it. Anyway….it tasted like pixie dust and I was fairly floating all the rest of the day. Jennifer (Bear Creek Road) tells me that she will no longer have Apple Cheddar Pie or the Peaches n Cream Deep Dish Cookies. Now, before you get all weepy on me, her replacements sound scrumptious: Pear Frangipane Pie and Cranberry Cream Cookies. No sad faces here!

Now that you have your Nuccio’s flavored olive oils and dipping saucer, you’ll need something to dip. No….not cookies BUT we have a tasty assortment of breads available. Visit our bakers and choose an artisan loaf from Suzie (Windfield Farms) or one of Lena’s (7Grain) 7-grain baguettes or sprouted wheat breads. For an added flavor boost to your oil, add a spoon of Nur’s pesto – basil or sun dried tomato depending on the oil you have. Lena also has a multi-grain granola which has organic oats and eight other grains including barley, rye, and triticale berries – certified organic and non-GMO.

We’re planning on two perfect mornings. Won’t you join us?

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

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wed Farmers Market signHi, friends and Happy Tuesday! What a contrast to last night’s storm and we get to enjoy this beauty all week long! So, where will you be tomorrow? Surely not stuck in some dreary office…not with gorgeous blue skies and sunshine smiling down? Surely not with Nanette’s sweet potato, white bean and kale soup awaiting you? Or Kandi’s tempting shrimp & cream cheese rolls OR Jeff’s pulled pork & potato salad OR Nuccio’s hot-from-the-oven muffaletta. Can you really forego a bag of Frankie’s nut brittle? What will you do on Thursday without an Immunity Booster oatmeal bar from Sacred Earth for breakfast? Anticipating a rough day? Get a Stress Release bar as well. Can you get through until Saturday with the fresh veggies you have? Well then, you and Shirley need to get to the Market tomorrow! Oh, what the heck! Bring her along on Saturday too.

LOLA Deux, LOLA Restaurant's food truck

LOLA Deux, LOLA Restaurant’s food truck

The music has been truly wonderful at the Market over the past few weeks and this Saturday will be no different with Joe Manuel in the gazebo! So grab a delicious cup of coffee and mosey on over to the Lola Deux Food Truck to see what incredible morsel they’ve prepared for us this week. You may as well get some Parmesan White Truffle French Fries while you’re there; if not, you know you’ll be back later.

As I sit here at the computer, composing and typing, I am enjoying the remnants of a stew I made last Friday. Now, I use the phrase “I made” quite loosely because in reality I just threw the ingredients together. First I put the green onion sausage (Jubilee Farms) in the oven to bake while I chopped my kale. Into the crock pot it went along with about a cup of water and I just let it simmer for a few hours. Then, I cut the cooked sausage into bite-sized pieces and into the crockpot they went, joined by a container of Nur’s white bean salad. I let it simmer for another hour (I think. I sorta lost track of the time since I didn’t have to do anything) and then sat down to a nice bowl of stew. Yes, it was just me; Mr. Wonderful is not into greens. And now the flavors have been melding for a few days and I warmed it up to enjoy for lunch. Before eating I added a few spoons of Nur’s chipotle hummus and OMGwhiz! The flavors are amazing. I may have to add hummus to a few more of my dishes.

Speaking of flavors, I noticed that Robin has a new taste in pepper jellies – Lemon Basil – perfect over fried fish or as a vinaigrette. Yes, jelly does make a wonderful vinaigrette – a couple of tbsp of jelly, 2 tbsp of vinegar, 2 tbsp of light olive oil (Nuccio’s Lemon is sure to go nicely) and a dash of Dijon mustard, whip it together and Voila! You’re in luck; the veggies are beginning to line up on the produce tables ready to take their turn in your salad – arugula, tat soi, sprouts, tomatoes, green onions. You can also include fresh zucchini and squash in your salad or just sauté them and serve with a drizzle of Nanette’s Lemon Feta dressing or Gina’s Bleu Cheese dressing. The sharp flavors contrast nicely with the mild taste of the squash.

Ishmael is back with pasture raised pork. You’ll find him at the back of the market next to Farmhouse Dairy where you can pick up beef, lamb, or goat meats (and tangy goat cheeses) and just a few paces away from Enten Farms and duck meat! You can find all kinds of meats here. James and John both have chicken. Paul at Jubilee Farms also has pork and beef. Mr. Two is over by the gazebo with shrimp. Isn’t our market wonderful?

We’re seeing lots of pumpkins at the market just in time for a Halloween decorating. Mr. Houston, Greg and Suzie all have them. Oh…wait…Suzie has pumpkin Ooey Gooeys and you can decorate them with faces if you want. She will also have carrot cake muffins this week. I think that means you’ll need milk, ‘cause how you can have such treats without milk? And we have all kinds of milk – cow’s milk from Mauthe’s, goat’s milk from Farmhouse Dairy, and now freshly made almond milk from Sam’s Sprouts. WOW! How can you and Shirley resist? We’ll see you 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

Wed Market Menu 10-15-14

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Pick up some muscadine shrub and Kombucha from the Kombucha Girls at the Saturday Covington Farmers Market!

Pick up some muscadine shrub and Kombucha from the Kombucha Girls at the Saturday Covington Farmers Market!

Hi, friends and Happy Tuesday!  Can you believe that by tomorrow it will be October already? Fortunately for us, the weather is mild, the sun is smiling, and the Wednesday vendors are cooking up lunchtime deliciousness. Mr. Houston and Natalie are in the fields picking veggies so they’re at their peak, the musicians are tuning up their fingers and all is right with the world – at least for a few hours. We have lots of great food so come and enjoy the morning with us.

The Steve Anderson Group will energize us on Saturday morning with lots of great music. You’ll want your coffee, of course, and possibly a muffin or hand pie. There are a plethora of great choices to be had. Jennifer (Bear Creek Road) is baking a convenient and delicious pumpkin crème hand pie. I got a taste last week and they are Yumm-eee! Suzie will have her famous Harvest muffins filled with oodles of goodness. Taryn’s Crabcakes will be in the demo tent this week with those lovely, tasty crabcakes to sample.

It was a delightful day last Saturday with cool breezes and sunshine and I took the opportunity to walk around to see what’s new and delicious. Look for duck eggs (and ducks too) at Enten Farms – great for holiday baking (yep, holidays will be here before ya know it). Enten Farms also offers homemade mustards – hot, honey mustard, creole. And right next door to them, you can get your goat milk and artisan goat cheeses from Farmhouse Dairy. Your football guests will love snacking on goat chevre, spiced up with a covering of Robin’s Apple Bacon Pepper Jelly. OOOO my! Use sliced zucchini or yellow squash as chips….or you can just use chips.

While I was in that area, I got to talking with Michele (Sweet Home, Sweet Earth) about her laundry soap. She tells me that she does something top secret with it (which I cannot divulge because your clearance isn’t high enough) so that it will not clump in your washer. OK, so it isn’t THAT top secret; I just didn’t write down the details.

Then, I made my way over to Bechac’s for a taste test of her dressings. Did you know that you can use her Roasted Garlic & Tomato as a dipping sauce for chicken or fresh veggies?  Well, you can and that makes it a no-brainer for football parties, tailgating, or just sitting down with a good book and a glass of muscadine or blueberry-pomegranate kombucha.

Still have a wonderful selection of veggies out there. John has green beans, edamame, sweet peppers, and radishes. The Bardwells have tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, green onions, and green eggplant. Mr. Houston has flat leaf kale, pumpkins, eggplant, mustard greens, and cucumbers. Nick has a variety of colorful and spicy hot peppers, Evangeline sweet potatoes, crowder peas, and quail eggs. Natalie (Faust Farm) has large purple eggplant, a large round zucchini (great for stuffing), yellow squash, cucumbers, and traditional zucchini. Alton and Sandra have fresh herbs for the garden and for cooking – basil, dill, rosemary, garlic chives, thyme and mint. Of course, you’ll never discover everything that’s new and tasty without being here. You must come and enjoy the adventure with us. We’ve ordered beautiful weather for 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

Wednesday Farmers Market 10-1-14

Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Hi, friends. What a lovely Tuesday this is! You can feel autumn breezing in and bringing blue skies and smiles. So why not come and celebrate the first shades of fall with us. Jeff promises his famous BBQ chicken tomorrow along with baked apples and stuffed jalapeños. Frankie has baked some luscious pumpkin spiced bread. And that’s not all. We’ll have pan seared salmon salad, crunchy egg rolls, plump meatball sliders, whoppin’ fat muffalettas, raw oatmeal bars, and more. Mr. Houston has pumpkins just in case you see pie making in your future. Pick up a jar of honey from Earl to go with your morning toast. I hope that Natalie will be back with her veggies this week.

The Abita Stumps will be at the Covington Farmer's Market Saturday

The Abita Stumps will be at the Covington Farmer’s Market Saturday

Saturday’s dawn will take your breath away…that’s if you get up that early. No matter, we’ll do our best to keep you in tunes and tastes. For starters, we have the Abita Stumps in the gazebo beginning at 9:30 with toe tappin melodies.  And to keep things moving right along, Gina Bechac Vesper will prepare Bechac’s world-famous House Salad with chicken and your choice of Bleu Cheese, Roasted Garlic & Tomato, or Honey Creole Vinaigrette.

I recently discovered that Jubilee Farms has a wonderful selection of sausages. I’m not a big fan of hot sausage so I opted for the Cajun blend which just a little kick to it. I like to brown  the sausages, then let them have a spa day in a little gravy made with the pan drippings and a little flour. Serve it with rice and a nice side salad. Mmmm Mmm. Then there’s the Italian. I haven’t tried this one yet but it is on my list for this weekend, as is the green onion. That Italian will go very nicely sliced in half and browned and tossed into a hot pot of my Oluve Artichoke pasta sauce. The green onion is just waitin’ for a chance to show off at a tailgate party. They don’t mind sizzlin’ on the grill and listenin’ to a sizzlin’ game. Or, slice either flavor into 1” rounds and brown in a hot skillet. Add sliced onions, bell pepper, and yellow squash and sauté until tender. Serve over one of Cynthia’s delightful pasta flavors or Lena’s whole grain pasta.

And what would that sausage be without bread to go with it. Whether you’re making a sandwich or soppin’ up gravy, either Suzie or Lena will have the bread for you – freshly baked and yummy! Remember to pick up your favorite dip – salsa, spinach artichoke, hummus or tasty pickled vegetables…no tailgate party is complete without them.

Autumn usually brings more than the lighter temperatures we’ve been enjoying. The next weeks will be incredible as new veggies are harvested and brought to the tables. But while you’re waiting for the new, stop by to see what’s still available. There are a few tomatoes, eggplant, and crowder peas still available.  There’s raw honey, gourmet coffee, Korean fare, overstuffed artichokes and lots and lots of cookies! We’ll have music and veggies and delicious food and lots of smiles. Hopefully, we’ll have 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

Wed Farmers Market Menu 9-24-14

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wednesday Covington Farmers Market at the Covington Trailhead

Wednesday Covington Farmers Market at the Covington Trailhead

What a lovely Tuesday, friends! The sun is smiling with light breezes blowing and it will probably rain later. How typical of southern Louisiana! It won’t be raining tomorrow and if you listen carefully, that’s not thunder you hear, it’s the sound of toe-tapping music on the breezes reminding you that tomorrow is Market Day.

Banana Pudding Pies from The Peanut Factory (Frankie's) at the Wednesday Market

Banana Pudding Pies from The Peanut Factory (Frankie’s) at the Wednesday Market

**Spoiler Alert** As I was visiting the tables last Wednesday, James told me that Sacred Earth is developing an immune-boosting meal replacement bar, all organic, and debuting in September. I can’t tell you much but I can say that the bar will include elderberry and Echinacea. I may spill some other ingredients next week. I am quite sure that these bars will be available on Saturday as well. Don’t ya just loooovvve Market Day? Just in case you were thinking of eating somewhere else tomorrow, take a look at these pies. Frankie says she is bakin’ up a mess of ‘em. One of them probably has your name on it.

Last Wednesday, while I was grabbing a pint of Nanette’s soup (she made a delicious yellow squash & corn chowder) and a lovely lemongrass chicken & noodle salad from Kandi, and some meatballs for later in the week from Cynthia, I had a brainstorm!  know, but it happens at the strangest times. So I picked up half a pound of pulled pork from Jeff.

My idea, since I had already purchased a bag of yellow corn grits from Lena, was to make grits and grillades for Mr. Wonderful. First I sliced and sautéed half an onion. I put the onions to the side and made a roux. When that had browned perfectly, I added a cup of chicken broth (James’ chickens produce an amazing amount of broth when roasted) and the sautéed onion and the pulled pork (which I chopped to smaller pieces) and simmered everything for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, I fixed two helpings of Lena’s grits and served them with my “grillades”. He actually said that it was pretty good…it brought a tear to my eye. I had a little left over for breakfast the next morning. I emptied it into a small baking dish, cracked two eggs on top, sprinkled with a little salt, pepper, and chopped green onion and baked until the yolks were just like I like them. YUM!

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

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

It will be another lovely Saturday at the market (I refuse to have anything else). Chris Talley will get us started with classical guitar music drifting from the gazebo. Chubba’s Snowballs will park his truck on Theard Street, along the side of the Courthouse for a summer treat. It’s August and you know you’ll be thankful for that cooling treat.

I think Nourish Two had an amazing day on Saturday. Their sauces, dressings and soups were a big hit. I plan to use their curry sauce on my roasted chicken tonight. Don’t be jealous; put it on your list. My list is usually quite full and since, Mr. W & I were going to a dance last Saturday night, I stopped by Norma Jean’s to get a carton of walnut pâté. I noticed that she has added lemony lentil salad and carrot salad surprise to her table. Both were delicious.

Pam (Lolly Marie’s) has her creamy white chocolate rum ginger truffles once again. Farmhouse Dairy is making cajeta (in addition to creamy goat cheeses). Tiffany explained that cajeta is a caramel-like sauce but more milky than caramel, kind of a Mexican version of Dulce de Leche. She makes hers with goat milk and I know there were flavors, such as chocolate. Oh, my…heaven in a jar! And you can have all this goodness for yourself but….you have to be here to enjoy it!

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 8-20-14

Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Live Music by Timothy Gates at the Covington Farmer's Market this Saturday!

Live Music by Timothy Gates at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday!

What a lovely Tuesday! We’re enjoying another gorgeous day today and Wednesday is looking very inviting. So come on out…enjoy a magnificent lunch…delight in the breezes …music and veggies await you.

Timothy Gates will be in the gazebo on Saturday morning. There’ll be lots of toe-tappin’ music so make sure your toes are in shape. Bruce Lambert of Two Kids Farm, will prepare for tasting and selling, goose gumbo. This sounds amazing. You can’t miss out on a fantastic new way to cook your goose…sorry, I couldn’t resist.

I took stock of the produce tables last week and we have lots of gorgeous veggies out there. Unless Sunday’s rain wiped them out, you may get lucky enough to pick up some figs. but this will probably be the last week. Sadder still is that this will be Slice of Heaven’s last week at the market. Brandon and Marietta are moving and they will be sorely missed. Please join us in wishing them the best of luck in their new home.

This coming week, John will have bell peppers, potatoes and possibly even some okra. Nick’s selection of hot peppers (chocolate habanero, rooster spur, lemon drop, scotch bonnet, and jalapeno) was truly amazing and I could kick myself for not getting a photo. He also has purple hull peas, lovely red potatoes and maybe even some heirloom crowder peas. Bardwell’s tables were crowded with green eggplant, cucuzzas, Asian pears, tomatoes, and green onions. You’ll find yellow zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, and cucumbers at Mr. Houston’s table.

Since it is National Goat Cheese Month AND a lot of our vendors have eggplant and I found a delightfully easy recipe online for Eggplant & Goat Cheese spirals. Cut the top and bottom from a large eggplant and then slice it lengthwise into ¼” slices. Lay slices on a double thickness of paper towels and sprinkle generously with salt. Let stand about 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. Brush the eggplant with a little olive oil (Lena’s herbed oil is superb!) and grill until the eggplant begins to soften. Turn and continue grilling until lightly browned.  Prepare a mixture of 3 cloves minced garlic, finely chopped green onion, lemon thyme, and parsley. Spread this mixture over the tops of the eggplant and let stand for about two hours. Then spread with your favorite goat cheese from Farmhouse Dairy. One of Norma Jean’s goat cheese spreads would do nicely here as well and I believe Mauthe’s makes a velvety spreadable cheese. Drizzle each with balsamic vinegar, roll into a tight spiral and secure with a toothpick. Enjoy!

Check out what’s happening over at Kombucha Girls. They have wonderful summer blends of water kefir and kombucha – flavors such as Ginger Peach, Green Apple and Summer Berry kombucha, Watermelon Gingerade, and Rose Kefir. You can find them on Facebook. In fact, you can even find the Covington Farmers Market on Facebook. Visit our page and Like us!

Here are more things to keep in mind as you stroll around the market. Nur’s eggplant, tomato and garlic dip is delicious as a snack on toasted bread rounds (7Grain or Windfield Farms) or try it over pasta. Amanda’s fresh juices are perfect on a Saturday morning. Add a feel-good treat to your daily regimen with lavender-mint castile soap from Sweet Home Sweet Earth, a garden of fragrance from Aunt Bee, creamy goat milk soaps from Farmhouse Dairy, or uplifting natural skin care from Jasmine. Remember to get your coffee from Coast Roast, raw honey from Blood River, crunchy salad sprouts from Sam Sprouts, and one of Angel’s mouthwatering stuffed artichokes. You can’t miss a week. There’s always something new and wonderful awaiting you. And we’ll be here as well with…

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

 

Healthy Living Local Events Local News Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wednesday Market delights

Wednesday market delights

Hi, friends, it is Tuesday, right? The days are going by so fast it’s hard to keep track of them. I’m sure you’re all excited; after all it is almost Market Day! Get your tasty buds ready for some incredibly delicious food. What will it be this week? Shall I tempt you with a few photos?

Need I say more?

Saturday will start with a bang! Danielle Spadavecchia will be in the gazebo, so get here early, grab your coffee and do your shopping ‘cause we have a special treat in the demo tent – Mauthe’s Dairy! The lovely ladies from Mauthe’s will delight us with their soon-to-be-famous Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream made with their own Creole cream cheese.

Speaking of soon-to-be-famous, the Covington Farmers’ Market is mentioned in the New York Daily News by Alex Palmer as one of his stops on a tour of Louisiana. Check this out:

“Another place where the region embraces both its culinary past and future, is an hour-and-a-half drive east in St. Tammany parish. The wealthiest parish in the state, is home to a rich culinary scene, including the Covington Farmer’s Market, which offers great products and local characters. Shoppers can buy fresh eggs from “The Egg Ladies,” kombucha and bitters from “Kombucha Girl,” and Gulf shrimp from a career shrimper selling the day’s catch from an ice chest in back of his truck.”

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/southern-louisiana-adventure-food-nature-lovers-article-1.1867917#ixzz38tZNEKpq

The article goes on to mention 3 wonderful supporters of the Covington Farmers’ Market – chefs Keith & Nealy Frentz (Lola’s), David & Torre Solazzo (Del Porto’s) and La Provence. We all know that it is a unique and wonderful market. It’s just nice to know that we can WOW them as far away as New York.

We’ll have plenty of tomatoes this week, so don’t forget to stock up on your dressings from Lena and Gina. Lena makes a delicious herbed oil dressing that adds amazing flavor to your salads as well as being great for dipping bread. Gina’s Bechac Bleu Cheese needs no description being an old family recipe that has long been a St. Tammany favorite. Her other dressings (Roasted Garlic & Tomato and Honey Mustard) spice up any vegetable or meat.

There are also lots of mushrooms to be had with chanterelles still in season and a steady offering of shiitakes and oysters. Peaches will be around for another week or two but I think the figs are done for this year; we were fortunate to have such an abundant crop. Cooking pears are going to making an appearance for the next few months.

The flowers are fantastic; the flavors abundant. How many more reasons do you need to be at the market each week? My thoughts exactly!

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 www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Wednesday Market Menu 7-30-14

Local Events Shop Local

This Week at the Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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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

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local

This Week At The Farmers Market By Charlene LeJeune

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Tabasco, the Covington Farmers Market mascot Roux-ster

Tabasco, the Covington Farmers Market mascot Roux-ster

Hi, friends and Happy 2014!  It’s gonna be a terrific year; I absolutely go site https://mjr.jour.umt.edu/admission/hypothesis-h1/1/ follow link https://dianegottlieb.com/education/georgetown-essay-topic/93/ brave new world possible essay topics buy essay cheap follow cheap university essay editor for hire online https://mswwdb.org/report/assignment-ireland/96/ https://teamwomenmn.org/formatting/racism-in-to-kill-a-mocking-bird-in-an-essay/23/ https://eagfwc.org/men/clomid-no-trigger-shot/100/ bbc viagra patent cymbalta and risperidone cialis centertown https://lawdegree.com/questions/seabiscuit-essays/46/ how to write abstract of a thesis masters dissertation for sale lloyds pharmacy selling viagra https://www.cuea.edu/cueapress/?paper=essay-drugs-should-legalized engelsk essay hvordan how to write humorous speech prednisone safe for my dog https://pinnacle.berea.edu/where/amoxil-and-klacid/50/ nexium 30 day free trial nus usp admission essay research paper thesis outline https://eagfwc.org/men/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-buy-viagra-in-australia/100/ wife on viagra architectural thesis recommendation https://opendoorsatl.org/definition/lancia-thesis-uk/9/ go here cheap college essay writer sites gb refuse to have it any other way. Resolutions? I’ll just make them up as I go along. Who knows? Maybe I’ll actually get my garden planted, lose some weight, get a few exercises in (here and there) but you can be sure I’ll always be ready for a great day at the Covington Farmers’ Market!

Wednesday promises to be much warmer than today (thank you, Lord!) so make plans now to get out for a delicious lunch at the Farmers Market. Wasn’t that part of your New Year’s Resolution anyway? Enjoy a “try me! try me!” plate of Chomper’s BBQ pork, macaroni n cheese with a hot baked cinnamon apple for dessert. I’ve got your attention now, right? Rebecca’s spicy Mexican dishes are sure to warm your heart and your tummy. Maybe a bowl of Nanette’s stick-to-your-ribs (and resolutions) soup or a savory platter of Kandi’s crispy egg rolls would be your choice and don’t forget the veggies and eggs – or Lolly Marie’s truffles – or Frankie’s fried pies…with a nice cup of coffee – I looove this no resolution thing!

Joe Barbara’s delightful tunes will issue from the gazebo on Saturday morning so get your dancing shoes on! Grab your coffee and get ready for Chomper’s BBQ. That’s right; Jeff and Kristen are back with smoky pulled pork, macaroni N cheese, hot cinnamon apples and coleslaw for sampling. Don’t pass up this chance to sample his world famous BBQ sauces. He will have those sauces for sale, along with his meat rubs, smoked turkey legs, pulled pork by the pound or a pint of Mac N Cheese or coleslaw. If you tasted his food on Wednesday, you’ll probably be first in line.

If you’re planning to eat healthier this year, this is definitely the place to be. Nourish your body with gluten-free foods, kombucha, cultured veggies, vegetarian tamales, super salsa, free range chickens, fresh yard eggs, grass finished beef, huge shrimp, and a smorgasbord of wonderful soups made with seasonal vegetables (from the market, of course).

Plus, there are THE MOST GORGEOUS veggies such as, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, Asian greens, collards, turnips, lettuces and more on the tables. Throw together a terrific salad with arugula, lettuce, Tatsoi, sliced radish, and broccoli and top with fresh sliced mushrooms (shiitake or oyster) or fresh strawberries, and a sprinkling of sprouts (Sam’s Sprouts).  Add some chunks of leftover roasted chicken or boiled shrimp and you have more than just a salad! Dress your salad with Bechac’s Bleu Cheese, Honey Creole, or Roasted Garlic & Tomato dressings. The Roasted Garlic & Tomato also makes a tasty marinade for chicken. Or pick up one of Nanette’s ready-made raw specialties. You won’t have a chance to get tired of the same old, same old since she has an amazing selection of vegetable combinations and dressings.

Mary, Mary, don’t be contrary. Get your garden started with plants from Alton and Sandra, a few berry bushes or fig tree from Dennis, and a bag or two of chicken poop from Grammy’s eggs – what could be easier?

For those of you with no resolution, there are cookies, fruit pies, muffins, gourmet candies… plump apples cloaked in caramel and chocolate, crisp orange almond biscotti, gluten-free pumpkin muffins, sweet raspberry crumble, and lemon curd just because…who needs a reason? There are freshly baked breads with jams, jellies, and sweet cream butter for spreading or herbed oils and golden honey for dipping.

Just a stroll around the grounds will give you an idea of the wonders we have to offer! This really is a marvelous place to spend the morning! We will see you there, right?

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