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This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmer’s Market

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What a delightful Tuesday, friends! Wednesday is just a smile away with promises of a great lunch and relaxing morning. Kandy will be there with wholesome homespun Vietnamese salads to add an exotic flair to lunch.You’ll just love a glass of jasmine tea with that! Maybe bring home a serving of traditional egg rolls for Thursday’s lunch. You may prefer a Jordanian favorite —Muhjadara —which is a simple dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions. Don’t forget the baklava, ya just gotta have some treat for the afternoon. Of course, you could just save the baklava for tomorrow and go in for some of Allison’s freeze dried treats.

Indulge in a luscious Vegan Burger from Bhakti Farms. This is an amazing little burger made with sweet potato, black beans, and beets. Sooo good! Remember to get your eggs. Kristen also has figs and now she is offering fig preserves as well. Of course, there are Carroll’s waffles to enjoy. Do NOT refer to them as dessert waffles so you can be very convincing when you tell your coworkers that it really is lunch. You’ll want to remember to bring your knives for Ben to sharpen. Nothing worse than a dull knife.

Darrell Galatas will welcome Saturday with sweet music wafting from the gazebo and lifting your spirits. So grab a cuppa joe from the pavilion and take a stroll through the “garden department”. Our plant vendors, Trudy, Dennis, and Ms. Betty have some lovely varieties to brighten up your gardens whether you’re looking for patio and landscape plants, trees and bushes, or house plants.

Since Vince has beets and fennel on his table, I looked for a recipe that includes both. I hope you enjoy this roasted beet and fennel salad with mint and toasted walnuts. First things first, preheat your oven to 400F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (you could get away with 1 if you cut the recipe in half). Cut 6 medium or 3 large beets and cut into 1” chunks and add to one of your baking sheets. Place the fennel (cored and thinly sliced) to the other. Drizzle with oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 min til beets are cooked and fennel is golden. While you’re roasting, make your dressing by whisking the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp stone ground dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped fennel fronds (frilly tops), and 2 tbsp olive oil. After the veg have been roasting for 15 min, put 1/2 cup chopped walnuts into the oven to toast. Remove from oven when done and let cool. Once all has had a chance to cool, toss them all together and coat with 3/4 of the dressing. Top with mint leaves. Serve with the rest of the dressing, just in case you need a dab more. You can serve this by itself, or over lettuce, or toss with some of Six Acres fabulous microgreens and enjoy!

Mushrooms are always delicious whether sautéed with a bit of Mauthe’s butter or one of Jennifer’s amazing butter blends. James has the market cornered with gourmet mushrooms — lion’s mane, shiitake, chestnut, pioppino, and oyster. You can’t even find this quality at Whole Foods. While you’re over that way, check out Rose’s new praline delights. You won’t be sorry. Then a stroll over to Tessier Gourmet for fabulous prepared foods. You’ll love her tamales and the spinach artichoke dip. You also love Mauricio’s cookies, ginger snap and peanut butter. YUM!

Norma has some fabulous brownies, rich and chocolatey. She also makes a most delicious veggie wrap. You’ll find lemon and cherry ice box pies at Bear Creek Road. Abeer will be there this week with wonderful hummus, grape leaves, and more Mediterranean dishes. Sam is making (well, his girlfriend is) gluten free cookies and brownies and he will have nutritious sprouts and that amazing Farmer’s Cocktail. Koffee’s Coffee has a new Columbian roast that begs to be brewed.

All in all, there is so much to enjoy! We 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 covingtonfarmersmarket.org

This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmers’ Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Covington Farmers’ Market weekly newsletter by Charlene LeJeune:

Glad tidings of great joy, friends! Are you all ready for the big day? Presents all (or mostly) purchased or made? Are they all wrapped, or is waiting until Christmas Eve to wrap a family tradition? One thing you won’t need to worry about is what’s for lunch. Probably a good idea to grab extras and give yourself extra time shopping. Joy is preparing tasty Stuffed Chicken Breast for tomorrow. She’ll also have her delicious Grab N Goes which are perfect to take home. They are frozen; just defrost and serve, or keep frozen for another time you are just too pooped to cook. Abeer will have Baba Ghanoush this week, such a lovely dip for parties as does her hummus. She’ll also have Green Bean Moussaka. Bhakti Farms has several amazing choices — mushroom burger and the every-popular beet & black bean burger and their Bhakti Bowls are wonderful!

Do not forget eggs from Kristen. I find I always need extra around the holidays for baking and special meals. Sweet, raw honey from Jerry makes a lovely gift, especially if the receiver is yourself. Perfect on pancakes, biscuits, toast, corn muffins… Check out Golden Light’s goodies for the week. Mignon has some fabulous tonics to help your immune system through the season. She has made some beautiful beeswax (locally sourced) candles.

Before you know it, though, it will be the day after and the market will be open. Michaela Lauer’s sweet voice drifts from the gazebo bringing joy to the world! So begin at the pavilion with a warm cup of coffee, then make your way around the market. We have so many wonderful vendors with fabulous products. Of course, the place to start is breakfast. Meme’s veggie pancakes have always been a market favorite. Norma’s amazing quiches are delicious as are her brownies!! (Yes! Brownies do make a wonderful breakfast!)  

Veggies abound — kale, lettuces, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes — Oh, the joys of the season! The strawberries are sooo sweet this year. Wouldn’t they make a tasty addition to your holiday fare? Mauthe’s had egg nog last week and I’m hoping they will again this week. It was born of a collaboration with Billy, of HooDoo Ice Cream fame, so you know it’s gotta be good. 

As I said, lotsa great offerings on our vendors’ tables. Good time to get your sweets and treats for game days (and there are many of them) and the upcoming New Year celebration. It’s been a difficult year, friends, and we thank you for your consistent patronage. I hope that our market has brought some measure of comfort throughout this year. I pray that the blessings of this season follow you into the new year. Hopefully, 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

Check out our Facebook page – facebook.com/thecovingtonlafarmersmarket
On Instagram — @covingtonlafarmersmarket

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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rooster+vintage+image+graphicsfairy007aWhat a lovely Tuesday, friends! The sun is smiling with light breezes blowing and it will probably rain later. But, rain or shine, we will be at the Market and we have a covered pavilion, tempting delights, our fabulous Market Band. So just come and relax and enjoy a good meal.

I reminded Nanette of a delicious chowder that she had made last year – summer squash & corn chowder – and it is on the menu for tomorrow. Yesss! Unfortunately, Kandy and Joe will not be at the market this week but we will have them back next week. Good thing ’cause I’ve been looking forward to the noodle salad with lemongrass chicken. Jeff will have his famous pulled pork along with cole slaw and firecracker potatoes. And for dessert, an old fashioned banana pudding from Frankie. I could get lost in days like this!

eggplant-harvestIt will be another lovely Saturday at the market (I refuse to have anything else especially since I wasn’t here last week). The Three Rivers Cooperative will get us started with ooodles of tunes dancing from the gazebo. Pat Lester will park his food truck on Columbia Street ready to dazzle us with a special treat. Since I was out last Saturday, I had my protege “emailer in training”, Ignacio, do a little scoping out of the goodies to be had this week. I think he did a magnificent job!

Hot Tamale Mama has MUSHROOMS IN PARMESAN CREAM WITH CRAWFISH AND ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE.  (I’ve had this myself and it is scrumptious! – cl) and  Chicken and Andouille Gumbo which is a cajun stew that is good on rice. She also has a Classic Lasagna with ground chuck, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Bechac’s has BEEF JERKEY for $5. (Delicious by itself or cut up in a salad – cl)

Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm features Shiitake, oyster, lion's mane, and Milky mushroom

Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm features Shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, and Milky mushroom

James has MILKY MUSHROOMS which he says are really dense and portabella-like. They would be good in soup, and good to sauté with onions and garlic. (These, or his oyster mushrooms, will wonderful sautéed with my Magical Mushroom Tour seasoning and roasted chicken from James. P.S. you’ll have to do the roasting – cl)

Sam will have SPROUTED HONEY ROASTED PEANUT BUTTER next week. (You should see Robin or Althee for some outstanding jelly to go with that. Come to think of it, you’ll need bread too – Lena, Susie, or Crystal… aaaah, the perfect peanut butter sammie -cl.)

Bear Creek Road's August Pie of the Month: Salted Caramel S'Mores Ice Box Pie

Bear Creek Road’s August Pie of the Month: Salted Caramel S’Mores Ice Box Pie

Jubilee farms has PLENTY OF FRESH PORK SAUSAGE: CAJUN, HOT ITALIAN, AND GREEN ONION. (Any of these are perfect on the grill! – cl)

Bartlett Farms said that they would have some new Fall produce in September. Also, the bread lady (Windfield Farms) who is right across from us said that she will have new fall breads soon.

As you can see, I’m not the only one who thinks the Farmers’ Market offerings are the best. 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

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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mini piesWell, friends, the holiday season is in full swing and there will be lots of jingle bells to ring ting tingle as you shop and party your way into Christmas Day! Take a break before decking your halls and have lunch with us. Nanette has a luscious broccoli and cheese soup on the stove now and Jeff is preparing his pulled pork. Frankie will have mini pies – cherry, apple, peach, sweet potato. You may want to order some for your upcoming celebrations; the apple and peach we had at Thanksgiving were wonderful. Why are you even thinking of cooking with Nuccio’s muffalettas on the menu? Kandi is fixing her Chicken Porridge that is always in high demand.

Soon another Saturday will dawn and beckon you to join us at the market. You can enjoy enchanting tunes wafting from the gazebo while you sample Farmers’ Gumbo with Golden Grits and Sweet Potatoes made by Chef Marvin Tweedy, of Pardo’s Restaurant in Covington.

Those sugar plum visions have begun dancing in my head and, quite naturally, my thoughts turn to the myriad of amazing goodies our vendors have to offer during this season. After all, my annual serious diet will begin on January 1st and I have to get all my indulging in before that. Sorry, gentlemen, only women will understand that logic. Well, ladies and all fellow “dieters”, there are lots and lots of yum on the tables. If you haven’t already sampled Lolly Marie’s rich creamy caramels, well…. My granddaughter has bought them on many a Saturday with the intention of eating one or two and saving the rest. Yeah, I know, I laughed too. That little apple didn’t fall far from the ancestor tree. Speaking of apples, Pam has taken those beautiful little orbs and bathed each in a coat of caramel with brightly colored decorations.

Greens are in! Baby Swiss Chard from Grow.Farm

Greens are in! Baby Swiss Chard from Grow.Farm

Betty Rue has a special treat for our Paleo and non-Paleo friends alike – Santa cookies. These are lovely huge chocolate cookies; grain free, with flakes of peppermint floating throughout. Jennifer is planning to add two new hand pies – Apple Berry with a Gingerbread crust and Tomato Pesto & cheese made from tomatoes and basil harvested from her garden. I can’t wait to taste them.

We have a new vendor on Wednesdays and Saturdays – Simply Julie. Julie has a wonderful sauce that is perfect on vegetables or as a dipping sauce for chicken or shrimp. She also has her own blend of seafood boil and luckily she is positioned right across from Mr. Two’s shrimp truck. Stop by and taste them for yourself.

Kevin (Blood River Honey) will have buckwheat honey and bee pollen this week. Dee, right across from him, has an excellent selection of pickled veggies perfect for gift giving and party snacking. She also has homemade Madagascar Vanilla extract for your holiday baking.

Don’t forget the coffee and wine! Coast Roast always offers an excellent, freshly roasted gourmet coffee and espresso beans to perk up your morning brew. Serendipity Wine’s Blanc Dubois is a clean, crisp, dry white wine made from locally grown grapes. If that doesn’t make you a jolly, happy soul, then you need to defrost with an immediate infusion of market cheer. We will be there with music and laughter. Won’t you join us?

Ox Lot Farm to Table dinner event featuring Bartlett Farm this Weekend

Ox Lot Farm to Table dinner event featuring Bartlett Farm this Weekend

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

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This Week at the Covington Farmers Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Wed Farmers Market signHi, friends and Happy Tuesday! I don’t think our weather will be quite as chilly as it was last Saturday but we will get to enjoy a smiling sun and cool, laughing breezes that will bring a song to your heart. In addition we’ll have great music and great food! Frankie’s baking up a few red velvet cakes in sizes that are perfect for a snack without regrets. Sip a cup of jasmine tea or blueberry lemonade while you peruse the lunch selection. Remember to take something home for supper or Thursday’s lunch.

Sometimes it feels like the week is just creeping along, but it’s only in anticipation of the coming Saturday. Picture this! The gazebo will be filled with sound as The Lucky Dogs flood the market with music. And that’s the only flooding that will happen unless it’s the smiles and laughter raining within our boundaries. So grab a steamy cup of java and get ready for the Paleo Tiger Tailgate! Chef Robert Vasquez, Lindsey Jo Vasquez and Monica Bravo will bring their LSU Concession Stand, Bravo for Vive, to the Market. You’ll get a chance to taste and buy Pulled Pork Lettuce Wrap, Kale Salad, Opal Basil Water and Paleo Tiger Trail Mix. With LSU T-shirt or without, it’s sure to be a tasty adventure!

Oh boy! The fall crops are beginning to show up in delicious, colorful droves. On Nick’s table you’ll find hot peppers, heirloom sweet peppers, arugula, persimmons, Evangeline sweet potatoes and radishes. Bardwell’s still has tomatoes and red potatoes available in addition to persimmons (Japanese and Fuji), Asian pears, eggplant, and rattlesnake beans. John’s table was filled with mustard greens, radishes, edamame beans, mizuna, Tatsoi, and lots of beautiful fall flowers. Mr. Houston has mustard greens, flat leaf kale, eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash. Natalie has a table full of large purple eggplant, round zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers and long zucchini. Greg Miller is back with a truck load of pumpkins and an unexpected treat – dried chanterelle mushrooms!

I received a tip last week about an amazing pie from Bear Creek Road. It seems Jennifer has made a black bottom chicory pie and Ann’s description was too delicious. So, I weighed the pros and cons and the pros won out (big surprise, huh?) Well, it was everything I was promised – perfect crust filled with luxuriously creamy chicory chocolate filling topped with whipped cream (homemade) and chocolate shavings. I know, I know….I’ll give you a minute.

 

OK, where was I? Oh yeah. While you’re over by the oak tree, you should investigate all the other goodies in the vicinity, such as Sam’s Sprouts (he has roasted peanut butter and almond butter as well). Then check out the large variety of garden plants that Alton and Sandra have to offer. I think I’m going to need another aloe plant and some lemon thyme and perhaps some rosemary. I do love cooking with herbs.  Enjoy a glass (quart, half gallon) of “booch” from The Kombucha Girls with favorites like green apple or ginger. Pick up a dozen eggs from Nick or the Egg Ladies. Check out Nourish Too’s new simmer sauce – a spicy chocolate habanero sauce made with some of Nick’s chocolate habaneros. Lea told me that one of her customer tosses potatoes with Green Goddess dressing, tops with cheese, and bakes. Doesn’t that sound really yummy?

Don’t forget to visit Farmhouse Dairy for a wonderful assortment of goat cheeses, farm raised meats (beef, goat, lamb) and the cajeta which keeps calling my name. Enten Farms is right there as well with duck meat, duck and chicken eggs and their delicious homemade mustards. Robin’s Rockin’ Pepper Jellies can add zing to any dish or snack. You could probably even spice up your ice cream with a sauce of pineapple, lemon, peach, or mayhaw pepper jellies. Just add a little water to a couple spoonfuls of jelly and mix until smooth and unlumpy (is that a word?). Hmmm. Why haven’t I thought about that before?

Go a little further down the path past Bear Creek Road to Tiger Bait and treat your pet to a fabulous meal of raw pet food. Talk to Jessica about the benefits of feeding your pet a raw diet. You’ll want to have plenty of Samantha’s Elderberry Syrup on hand for those nasty winter colds which seem to appear long before winter shows up. Pick up your eggs and fertilizer from the Egg Ladies and then enjoy one of Dong’s incredible Korean pancakes. They have become as popular as Lola Deux’s Parmesan fries. Trudy won’t be here much longer with her collection of Japanese maples and other patio/garden plants so get them while you can.

Whether you’re at the Wednesday Market or Saturday’s, a stroll around the market is sure to uncover something tempting and terrific, such as Norma’s sweet and salty walnuts, Angel’s overstuffed artichokes, or Dee’s pickled asparagus. Come join us and create your own adventure!

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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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

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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Chanterelles from Grow.Farm at the Covington Farmer's Market

Chanterelles from Grow.Farm at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Howdy, friends! Great news! I checked the weather channel and it appears there is a glorious day of sunshine for Market Day tomorrow. We’ve got lots of great food for you to enjoy so come out and join us. Frankie says she will have old fashioned banana pudding this week. Jeff is offering ready-to-serve meals for your Labor Day picnic or party (or even for a day off). You may want to check with him about what’s included. What the heck! Check with all our vendors to see if they offer pre-ordered meals. What can be easier than that?

Eddie Arnold and Friends will provide our musical entertainment on Saturday. So grab your coffee and stay awhile ‘cause Chomper’s BBQ smoker will be puttin’ out some good eatin’ in the demo tent. Along with that delicious pulled pork, you can choose your favorite BBQ sauce or rub for your own grillin’ adventures.

OK, I haven’t discussed goodies in a while so I think it’s about time. You know my heart will always belong to Teresa’s Orange Almond Biscotti but many times I turn to a raw alternative and enjoy one of Nanette’s raw almond bars. We each have our favorites whether it’s a frozen fruit Popsicle from Amanda, cream cheese ice cream from Mauthe’s, or a chocolate covered banana pop from Lolly Marie. Perhaps your heart lies with Frankie’s cashew brittle, one of Suzie’s velvety smooth lemon bars, banana nut bread from Lena, or gluten-free Oreo sensations from Betty Rue! We have lots of goodies from which to choose. Trust me….it’s a subject I am WELL versed in.

If you’re ready for fall planting, Alton will have lettuces, beets, kale, Swiss chard and pole bean plants. Trudy has a frilly Brazilian petunia that the hummingbirds just love. Dennis has fig trees (some even with green fruit). There was a gorgeous selection of bromeliads at Ms. Betty’s. There are a few fall veggies already hitting the tables. Mr. Houston had mustard greens and just a few bundles of kale. This week, Nick will have Evangeline sweet potatoes! YUM! So, why don’t you come and spend the morning with us. It will definitely put another smile on your face.

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 8-27-14

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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Happy Tuesday, friends! I’m looking forward to a lovely day at the market tomorrow. Come by for a delicious lunch, fresh veggies, sweets and treats. Kandi and Joe will be back this week with their Vietnamese specials and jasmine tea. Frankie is preparing strawberry shortcake made with old fashioned pound cake. And, there will be pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans and coleslaw, a scandalously good Mediterranean salad with pita bread, and meatball sliders to tempt you.

Start off Saturday early with a cup of coffee! We’ll have the Christine Salls in the gazebo, so make yourselves at home and stay a while. Nealy and Keith Frentz will drive their food truck, Lola Deux, to the Market and you know what that means! Delicious!

I love tomatoes and we have a lot from which to choose at the market. Simple usually works best and a tomato & cucumber salad is soooo refreshing. Try dressing with Bechac’s Bleu Cheese dressing or just oil, vinegar, and a sprinkling of my Shrimp on the Barbie seasoning and a pinch of pink salt.

I know you’ve all enjoyed some of Nourish’s (Nanette) fine raw food creations such as her wonderful slaw salad, almond date cookies, and “meatballs” and zucchini pasta. Well, beginning this weekend, Nanette will debut an offshoot of Nourish.  Keeping in the all-natural tradition, Nourish Too offers salad dressings, soups, granola, and simmer sauces. I know…I had to ask too. Simmer sauces are delightful little sauces to which you add meat or veggies, simmer 20 minutes or so and enjoy.

In that same tradition, Kombucha Girls Living Beverages offers kombucha, bitters, water kefir and shrubs. Whether you consider them medicinal or just plain tasty, bitters are known to stimulate digestive secretions (saliva, acids, enzymes, hormones, bile) which help to break down food for absorption, and ensure your body receives the proper nutrition from the foods you eat. Flavors include Honeysuckle-Jasmine-Rose, Dandelion-Burdock, Bourbon Vanilla Spice or Café Nola. A shrub is an intense, tart-sweet vinegared-fruit concentrate that you mix with ice, water or even alcohol, to create a refreshing beverage.

We are not your typical market and while we abound in fresh vegetables and farm eggs, there is so much more. It’s definitely worth a stroll around the grounds to get a sense of the many facets of the Covington Farmers’ Market. We’re not the only ones who noticed either. Check out the great article by Sharon Edwards in the New Orleans Advocate on Farmers Markets. She has lots of wonderful things to say about our market. It is posted online at: http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/community/sttammany/9859923-171/tammany-times-farmers-market-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

Wed Farmers Market Menu 8-12-14

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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

Local Events Shop Local

This Week At The Farmers’ Market By Charlene LeJeune

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Radishes found at the Slice of Heaven Farm table

Radishes found at the Slice of Heaven Farm table

Happy Tuesday, friends! I know you’re counting down the minutes to fresh vegetables, lively music, international flavors and tastes to delight your tummy. Our Wednesday vendors are busy as I type preparing delicious mouthwatering meals for tomorrow. The day will be lovely, one of those “I-need-to-get-out-of-the-office” kinds of day. So mosey on down to the Trailhead where Cynthia will have meatball sliders and other delightful Italian fare. Perhaps the scent of pork slow cooking on Jeff’s smoker will draw you in. I thoroughly enjoyed Nanette’s corn and black bean salad drizzled with a yummy lime cilantro vinaigrette – from real limes! It was sooooo gooood! Kandi’s pan seared salmon salad hits the spot on a warm spring afternoon, especially accompanied by a cool glass of sweet jasmine tea. Frankie will be cooking up an old-fashioned banana pudding. That’s right, real cream, milk, and bananas – no box! There’s so much more, but you won’t enjoy any of it unless you’re there.

As we head into Saturday, thoughts will naturally turn to Mother – after all her special day is almost here. So, Mom, perhaps you should take things in hand, grab your coffee and a muffin or two and take a stroll around the Market. You can drop subtle hints as you go….or you may just have to come right out and tell them… or (my personal favorite) just buy it for yourself. Our special treat in the demo tent is Ox Lot 9. Chef and owner Jeffrey Hansell of this new restaurant, housed in the new Southern Hotel in Covington, will be preparing something wonderful from the menu. The lively tunes of Joe Barbara coming from the gazebo is icing on the cake. Icing…hmmm.

I hope you all enjoyed last week’s Wellness Day. Thanks to all our wellness participants for making this a very special market. As I walked around the grounds, I was blown away by the beautiful bounty lining the tables. Vegetables such as fennel, heirloom squash, sunflower shoots, radishes, red spring onions, new potatoes, bright orange  carrots, cabbages were more than photogenic, they were downright nutritious! In fact, I caught Southy perusing the tables for this week’s soups (heirloom squash; sunchoke). Robin tells me that she is making Mayhaw Pepper Jelly for this week. I didn’t get a chance to check out other new flavors she may have but she is always developing new jellies and has recipes to go with them.

Thinking of mayhaw jelly puts me in mind of Rick Webb and I am saddened by his loss. He left us this past Thursday when he went home to the Lord at the age of 92. He had an interesting life as a radio operator, working at several local radio stations, but many of you remember Mr. Rick and his world class mayhaw jelly – both fixtures at the market for many years. He enjoyed being at the market and I enjoyed seeing his smiling face on Saturday mornings. Mr. Rick has left us a wonderful legacy through his son and daughter-in-law, regular market goers Russell and Priscilla, and his great granddaughter, Rebecca (Tabasco’s best friend). We have missed him dearly.

I stopped by Mauthe’s for butter last Saturday and walked away with a pint of Creole cream cheese; it was all Jamie’s fault. She described a medley of green onions, boiled & chopped eggs, and boiled shrimp dancing in a cream cheese sauce and served over new potatoes or pasta (Cynthia’s and Lena’s pastas come to mind.) She also mentioned that she stuffs chicken breast with her garlic & herb fromage before baking. I was in heaven. I love new ideas. It’s amazing what wonderful recipes our vendors have on how to use their products. You’ll find a heavenly new pizza at Betty Rue – a savory, dairy- and gluten-free dough, spread with arugula & basil pesto and topped with hearts of palm, kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes.

Back to Mom…Take a stroll over to the street side of the oak tree where Trudy’s selection of house plants will give you some great gift ideas that will surely add to your home or garden. Then you can wind your way around to Alton and Sandra who have happy-faced sunflowers plants plus an assortment of aromatic herbs. You’ll certainly want to check out the bougainvillea that Ms. Betty has – lovely shades of pinks and yellows. Dennis has some beautiful hydrangeas and Nancy’s colorful cluster of zinnias will brighten up even the gloomiest days. How about a fresh bouquet of wild fig & cassis or lemony Gardener’s Grits soaps from Aunt Bee or treat mom to natural ingredient lotions and skin care.

But you know me; my mind is not tiptoeing through the tulips, or the bougainvillea, or the fresh veggies, but tripping down Cookie Lane with large rounds of oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies, crunchy dipping biscotti, wedding cookies, lemon squares, ginger cookies, pecan squares, anise cookies and those lovely raw almond butter cookies….oh, my! Mother’s Day does have its perks, doesn’t it? I’ll definitely need help getting back to my table. Just push me past (but not too fast) Lolly Marie’s white chocolate and ginger truffles, Frankie’s famous nut brittles, Tiffany’s goat milk and chocolate candies she’s making especially for Mother’s Day, Amanda’s popsicles…. there goes my diet (surprise, surprise)!!?? Never mind. I’m going to have a really delicious Mother’s 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

Wednesday Market Menu CF 5-7-14