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This Week at the Farmer’s Market

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We are gearing up for another lovely market Wednesday. Bhakti Farms says they will be there tomorrow and apologizes for the gaps in their appearances. Caroline & Johnny will be there to grill you up a fabulous burger (mushroom or black bean & beet). Or, if you’ve no time to wait, just grab their delicious veggie sandwich or potato salad and some protein balls (mmmm mmmm). Kandy has her amazing salads all prepared for you —that lemongrass chicken & noodle is sooo delicious! Plus, she always has those incredible shrimp and cream cheese rolls — oh yeah! Abeer is back and she is cooking up Mujadara – a wonderful dish of rice and lentils topped with crispy onions! Eggplant moussaka and tzatziki and baklava too!

I had some knives sharpened last week. Ben really did a great job and I’m hoping he’ll have the scissors sharpener this week. Nice and sharp, that’s how I like ‘em. I really can’t stand cutting with a dull knife; it makes the task much harder. You can also find Jerry’s raw, organic honey on Kandy’s table. Last week, there was creamed cinnamon honey! Well, I’m not going to promise veggies. It seems our wires got crossed last week but I am hopeful to see them this week. However, you can always count on Kristen and the Double K hens to supply you with beautiful eggs!!

Saturday morning will be hoppin’ with the mighty tunes of the Abita Stumps poppin’ out from the gazebo like fireworks. So grab a cuppa joe from the coffee pavilion and head on over to Meme’s for one of her fabulously delicious veggie pancakes. If you’re not into veggie pancakes, sourdough waffles may hit the spot —and the spot to be is at Happy Flour! In true market fashion, and not to be outdone, Bear Creek Road will have some delightful breakfast sandwiches and Norma Jean’s enchilada pie and quiche slices are phenomenal! You may even catch a glimpse of Mr. Houston. No, he’s not back at the market but he does come out to see us once in a while.

Great balls of fire! It’s the 4th of July weekend and I’m sure many of you have plans to be outdoors, chillin’ and grillin’ and dodging raindrops but you have to expect that in SE Louisiana. But the Covington Farmers’ Market still opens and BBQ pits still fire up and people still celebrate! Lots of goodness around to stick on those grills, like tomatoes (yeah, really), peaches (uh huh), mushrooms (yum), squash & eggplant (of course) and corn on the cob (which Vince will have for the next two weeks). Personally, I would save the blueberries and watermelon (yes, we have ‘em!) and plums for a lovely cool treat to enjoy while you’re waiting for the food to cook.

Aaah the sausages from Jubilee Farms! Green Onion, Italian, Cajun, that’s what BBQ heaven is made of! Paul & Liz also have other grillin’ favorites like ground meat for burgers, pork ribs, pork chops, etc. And now, Gina & Andy have sausage —alligator, shrimp, and crawfish! Whaaaat! Oh, yeah! Bhakti Farms has our vegans covered with a black bean & beet burger—soooo delish! Mr. Two is well known for the gorgeous shrimp he sells.

A pie or cobbler from Althee will put smiles on lots of faces. One of Amanda’s fruity popsicles is a tasty treat on a warm summer day. Her juices are cool and refreshing as well. Pick up a few festive cookies from Vincent & Mauricio. The kids’ll love ‘em! A bottle of Sam’s Farmer’s Cocktail Sam juices adds a much needed kick to get you through the day.

You can’t possibly want to sleep in on this 4th of July Saturday (OK, technically the 3rd)!! Where would you get the fixins’ for a truly fantastic celebration! Lotsa goodness here at the Covington Farmers’ Market. 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

Farmers Market Recipes Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmer’s Market with Charlene LeJeune

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It’s a tad on the damp side today and possibly tomorrow as well, my friends! Although, who knows, we’ve had rainy weather forecast only to see sunshine the day long. No worries though, just pull out your pirogue and head on over. Have we got lunch for you! First stop is Double K for eggs, of course. Then, Abeer has a tasty Eggplant Moussaka waiting for you. Yum! She also has (each week) chicken rolls —delicious all on their own but get some tzatziki or humus to dip it in! One of Kandy’s salads are just the thing to chase away the dreariness of the day and her shrimp & cream cheese rolls have been known to ease the pain of the tax collector. Regardless of your decision, a cup of her jasmine tea will make it right. Get it unsweetened and use some of Jerry’s sweet clover honey to sweeten.

Mignon is introducing an Organic Pineapple Ginger Tepache which is a fermented beverage made from the peel and the rind of pineapples, and is sweetened with coconut sugar, seasoned with powdered cinnamon, and served cold. Sounds absolutely exotic, doesn’t it? She is also preparing an Organic Goumi Berry tepache or kombucha. These berries are totally delicious, a little tart/a little sweet using one of the highest lycopene bearing foods on planet (it’s reputed to fight heart disease and cancer.)

Ya can’t go wrong on a Saturday morning with Cassie Krebs’s music flowing from the gazebo. So grab your coffee from the pavilion and find some breakfast before you start shopping. Meme’s veggie pancakes are the absolute bomb for breakfast. So tasty. Norma Jean’s quiche slices are another fabulous choice but you may prefer a serving of her enchilada pie. At Bear Creek Road, Jennifer is preparing Chocolate Pudding S’Mores Pie (I know; can you stand the wait?) and a whiskey glazed Sausage Biscuit filled with spinach, onions, and Swiss cheese. Happy Flour is planning on using seasonal fruits and veggies to create peach, strawberry, or zucchini & feta danish pastries. How lovely!

The peaches are especially flavorful this year and Barbara has plenty. Blueberries are plentiful, too, with both White Oak Fields and Johnadale’s having some. You’ll also find strawberries Johnadale’s but I’m not sure how much longer. James has oodles of his gourmet mushrooms — shiitake, lions mane, oyster…

Of course, what’s a Farmers’ Market without veggies. The spring/summer veggies are gorgeous from the golden zucchini, yellow squash, turmeric, snow peas, and squash blossoms on Sam’s tables to the cucumbers, zucchini, squash, broccoli and cauliflower on Vince’s table, to the magnificent green beans, fennel, kale, salad blends, and garlic flowers Nick has available to the flavorful celery and butter crunch lettuces and herbs at Northshore Greens. Naturally, I had to find a recipe.

You’ll need 2 cups cooked pasta of choice + 3/4 cup pasta water, 2 tbsp Mauthe’s butter, 2 zucchini (Sam has golden zukes; Vince has green), sliced on a diagonal, 1-2 garlic flowers, broken up (or use 2 cloves of minced garlic), 1/4 cup parmegiano reggiano + more for garnish (I’d probably substitute Huckleberry Fred’s Garlic or Garden Herb. The nice thing about their blends is that you can scrape a fork across the top and the cheese will crumble over your dish. Beautiful!), 1/2 lemon, juiced, 5 squash blossoms (Sam), stems & pistils removed, petals left whole, salt & pepper.

First, cook the pasta of your choice and drain, keeping about 3/4 cup of the pasta water. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter. Then, add the zucchini and garlic flower and cook for a couple minutes. Add the pasta water and pasta. Cook (stirring constantly) until the sauce thickens, maybe 2-3 minutes more. Add the cheese and lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve in two shallow bowls topped with the squash blossoms and more cheese. Voila! Farmer’s Pasta! A slice of sourdough (Happy Flour, Bear Creek Road) would be the icing on the cake for this meal.

So no matter what you’re in the “market” for, be it raw honey (Blood River, Nick), cookies (Vincent & Mauricio), cultured foods (Cameron), fermented foods (Succotash Ferments), duck meat (Ross), shrimp (Mr. Two), Jubilee Farm’s meats, pies and jams (Althee), microgreens (Six Acres), pickled veggies from Stacey, or pet snacks (Tiger Bait)—it’s here waiting for you! Food, friends, and a great time. Hope to 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

This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmer’s Market with Charlene LeJeune

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Good morning, faithful friends! Wednesday is just a whisper away…are you prepared for delicious? Abeer will have Ouzi this week, that delightful “pie” of filo dough filled with rice, ground beef, peas, carrots, almonds and pine nuts. Sooo good! She’ll have tabouli as well as hummus and tzatziki! Kandy’s salads are truly delicious as well as healthy and refreshing! My fave is her lemongrass infused chicken and noodle salad but the shredded cabbage with shrimp is another tasty one (very flavorful!)

Bhakti Farms’s chickpea salad with chickpeas (naturally), tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and seasonings is a tasty way to add protein to a vegan diet. In fact, Johnny and Carolyn have many dishes that will delight the vegan palate! And you can’t beat the Bhakti or Protein Balls! Remember to pick up your eggs from Double K. Don’t be dismayed if you don’t see Jerry at the market; you can get his raw clover honey through Kandy.

Sunny Saturday morning brings the Jayna Morgan Duo into the gazebo with their toe-tappin’ tunes! So grab your coffee or tea from the pavilion and take a stroll. Well, the spring veggies are really starting to kick in. Nick has gorgeous fennel plus kale, sweet potatoes, a salad blend and fizzy mustard. Zucchini and yellow squash and sprouts are headlining over at Sam’s Sprouts while cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, are still in abundance on Vince’s table. Northshore Greens will be here for another few weeks with really crunchy, flavorful celery and lettuces plus herbs galore (fresh and dried).

Barbara Cleckler is back with vine-ripe tomatoes and oh-so-sweet, tasty peaches! White Oak Fields is back with their sweet blueberries. There are plenty of strawberries still at Johnadale’s along with plump, delicious blueberries. Microgreens abound at Six Acres and they make a lovely addition to sandwiches or salads.

Ross from Backwater Duck Farms has Leg of Duck Confit. You can find the recipe for this on his website: www.backwaterduckfarm.com You’ll want to pick up a couple of pounds of shrimp from Mr. Two for this easy Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp recipe. First make a marinade with 4 tbs olive oil,
4 minced or pressed garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, 1/2 tsp. dried basil, Kosher
salt, black pepper, & lemon zest of one lemon. Toss your peeled shrimp in the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1-3 hours. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan (or just leave ’em plain). Roast at 400F for about 8 minutes, until shrimp are pink and perfect. Garnish with chopped parsley and dig in. Doesn’t that sound amazing?!

More amazing stuff comes when you visit Succotash Ferments. Nancy has raw krauts available as well as probiotic-rich strawberry milk kefir and kombucha. Samantha’s Naturally Well Elderberry Syrup is the best thing to have in your spring/summer arsenal. Keeps your immune system boosted to fight off allergies and more. My grandkids love to have Stacy’s Pickled Baby Corn in the fridge for snacking. Not a fan of baby corn? Then check into her selection of other pickled veggies and also sweet jams.

These aren’t the only things you’ll find at our market. You’ll find the freshness and variety that our vendors offer that is very inviting. And you are invited to enjoy it with 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

Spring Into Health at the Covington Farmer’s Market

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Join representatives of St. Tammany Health System and Spring Into Health at the Saturday Covington Farmer’s Market (609 N. Columbia Street). Erlinda Nye will lead a Tai Chi Session beginning at 8am to be followed by a 9am tour of the Farmer’s Market for Cancer fighting foods and nutrients provided by Registered Dietician, Ashley Eusea. We’re also hosting a FREE skin cancer screening opportunity provided by Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Brianna McDaniel, who will be available from 8am -10am. This event is open to the public and free for participants. For more information, please contact Anne Pablovich at apablovich@stph.org.

Event by St. Tammany Health System
Covington La Farmer’s Market
Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 8 AM CDT – 10 AM CDT
70–84°F Chance of Thunderstorms
Price: Free · Duration: 2 hr

The heartbeat of its community, St. Tammany Health System cares for patients and families with excellence, compassion and teamwork. It is recognized for quality, safety and service excellence by CareChex, Leapfrog, Healthgrades, Hospital Compare, Women’s Choice and US News & World Report. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 and Ochsner Health work together in partnership to improve the community’s health and quality of life. Together, west St. Tammany’s top two independent health leaders represent the most complete system of care, aligning behind the common goals of improving access, expanding specialty care and making care affordable. Under their agreement, each retains its autonomy; neither manages nor owns the other. Self-supporting, not-for-profit STHS is A+ rated by Fitch and receives no tax funding. More at StTammany.health

This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmer’s Market with Charlene LeJeune

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Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face, friends! We may see more gray than blue over the week, but all I’m gonna see is blue! And sunshine! And the tastiest kind of sunshine is laid by those hard-working Double K hens. Can you imagine a day without ‘em?

Seasoned with love and beautifully seared, Kandy’s salmon salad is quickly becoming a market favorite. She serves it on a bed of shredded cabbage, red onion, carrots, cilantro, coriander, mint or over rice noodles. She’ll have several on hand but if you want to ensure you get one of these delightful salads, pre-order at 225-329-6470. No worries, she will have shredded cabbage and shrimp salad and lemongrass chicken salad. Kandy is also selling Jerry’s raw clover honey. This week there will definitely be some creamed cinnamon honey —extraordinary!

You’ll find all kinds of vegan salads and burgers at Bhakti Farms. Johnny delectably grills portabella mushroom before placing it on a bun under a covering of Sam’s sprouts and avocado and secret sauce. Grab a few of Johnny’s Bhakti Balls (lil chocolate delights) for a little afternoon snack. Boost your immune and treat your tastebuds at the same time with one of Mignon’s fabulous fizzes — Pineapple Ginger Coco-bucha Fizz or Multi-floral Probiotic Fizz. Mignon also hand crafts candles from locally sourced beeswax.

Need your knives sharpened? Tools? Scissors? Yes! Yes! Yes! then get out to the market, cause Dave and his son Ben are set up ready to go. Getting your tools professionally sharpened is soooo much better than that little hand sharpener in the kitchen drawer. Sometimes they just need a lot more love.

The Steve Anderson Band is looking forward to not singing in the rain (which is the general sentiment around the market) and we are looking forward to listening to their happy tunes drifting from the gazebo. A stroll to the street side of the gazebo will bring you to Meme’s famous veggie pancakes, a treat tasty enough to drag you from your slumber.

Northshore Greens has New Zealand spinach but no worries, mate, they are not grown down under but right here in our own backyard (theirs, not mine). Becky has plenty of regular spinach, celery, and herbs, too. Carrots, kale, butter crunch or red oak lettuce, and beautiful, delicious rainbow chard, that’s what Nick’s table is made of! And you still find sweet potatoes there.

Strawberries are back at Faust Farms and we may even start to see some blueberries making an appearance around the market. Faust had Brussels sprouts this past week but probably not for much longer. You’ll find broccoli, cauliflower, beets and more at Vince’s table but I think we’ve seen the last of the citrus.

So thankful for Samantha’s Elderberry Syrup at this time of year when all seems blanketed in yellow green “dust”. Brioche Buns and Apple Cinnamon Muffins will not help your allergies but they will be calling your name at Bear Creek Road and Norma is making some of her amazing wraps, complete with carrots, avocado, and Sam’s sprouts. Brownies, too! Jalapeño and Cheddar Sourdough is a new addition to the Happy Flour lineup as well as apple strudel pastries.

Of course, this isn’t all we have to offer. Serenity Lane offers a lovely selection of skin care products that do marvelous things for your skin. Their CBD blends are top notch and you won’t find a better liniment than their Grandpa’s Liniment! There are wild and free yard eggs, sweet raw honey, a plethora of jams and jellies and pickled veggies. There’s laughter and excitement and Kayleigh and Ed serving coffee in the pavilion. How can you think of sleeping in?

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

Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Farmer’s Market

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Saturday, sweet Saturday, marches in to the lively tunes of the Steve Anderson Band springing from the gazebo. Early is the best time to be at the market to get the best selection of veggies. Right now, cauliflower, cabbages, lettuces and other greens, are still to be had at our market but soon we should see the appearance of beans and squashes. I love this time of year!

Mauthe’s offers the finest in cow’s milk from their whole milk to chocolate milk to buttermilk. Their yogurt is wonderfully creamy and tasty just plain. But if you need a little extra flavor, I like to add a spoon or two of Althee’s amazing jams or jellies. I’ve also used Mauricio’s vegan divinity (ginger or chocolate) crumbled into my yogurt. Yum! Huckleberry Fred is back to every week, bringing goat milk and specially blended goat cheeses. These cheese blends are beautifully created to spread nicely on breads, or scrape with a fork to add to salads. I’ve even added it to my egg salad for a deliciously different taste.

You’ll enjoy Stacey’s wonderful pickled creations but did you know she also has some wonderfully creative jams like, spiced pear pepper jelly, apple pie jelly, lemon ginger marmalade and some old favorites like, peach and strawberry preserves, and blackberry jam? Our favorite is the pickled baby corn.

Credo Farms should be out this week with fragrant soaps, eggs, and pasture raised chicken. You’ll find her right next to James and the fantastic fungi (aka, mushrooms). Don’t forget Sam has a lovely selection of sprouts (which you can also enjoy when you get one of Norma Jean’s wraps or Bhakti Farms sandwiches). Fresh juices from Amanda are just the ticket to brighten your morning and the weather makes her fruity popsicles even more enjoyable.

That Black Garlic & Black Sesame bread Happy Flour has introduced is a big hit! But if that doesn’t appeal, perhaps the Cinnamon Raisin Loaf or Einkorn Sourdough or Spelt, Flax Seed, & Honey Sourdough will be just the thing. They will be there all morning, just like all our vendors. We hope 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

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

Friends of the Library Hosts Book Sale This Saturday

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Stop by this Saturday February 27th from 9 am – 4 pm for the Friends of the Library Book Sale! Now at their new location, 1301 N Florida St. in Covington near the fairgrounds.

In addition to offering low prices on all items, the FOTL is holding a special buy 2 get 1 free sale of all fiction books. Other selections such as children’s books, hardbacks, CDs and DVDs will also be available. State and Parish COVID mandates will be in force.

The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that uses its funds to supplement the Parish Library’s annual budget, purchase equipment, and support projects at the West St. Tammany branches. Books retired from the shelves of the Parish Library system and donated books and media from the community are sold by the non-profit FOTL to the public at low prices.

Learn more here: www.sttammanylibrary.org

Local Events

Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Float Parade Kicks Off This Saturday

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Mardi Gras 2021 may have taken on a new form, but the spirit of the season lives on in Covington with the Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Float Parade, kicking off Saturday January 23 through Mardi Gras Day, February 16, 2021.

Covington’s krewe was created to provide a safe alternative way for locals to still participate in festival activities. Walk or drive around Covington to view over 40 beautifully decorated homes and businesses at your leisure. Stay tuned to the Covington Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Floats Facebook page for updates on maps of participating locations.

Purchase locally hand-made commemorative throws for this historic Mardi Gras season! From the Copperhead Studios website: “Created by local artists, hand painted on birch, these are a more sustainable option, both for the environment, and for our local economy. Shop Small – Keep art alive and kicking in Louisiana”

Missed the deadline to register your business for the map? You can still decorate your property and be involved! Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers encourages utilizing the help of local artists in the design of your house float; visit their page to learn more.

Covington locals work on “Aquarius Rolls on the River” house float on New Hampshire Street. From the Covington Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Floats FB page.
Tag your art: #r3r2021 #housefloats
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:

From the Covington La Farmers Market FB page

Chilly days, my friends, chilly days! But, good news! Wednesday is almost here! Eggs, eggs, eggs! Don’t forget your eggs from Double K. Bhakti Farms’ beet and bean burger will chase the cold from your bones. It must be Johnny’s special sauce that’s so warming. Joy has empanadas for a special lunchtime treat. And, bread pudding!! You can also get some of  Joy’s grab N Goes to keep warm during the week. Of course, you may want to warm up with Jerome’s delicious sweet potato and carrot soup and a slice of his Quiche Lorraine would make a lovely breakfast treat. Make sure you get your honey from Jerry and he may even have some scrumptious blueberry spread as well.

Saturday will breeze in with January crispness. Good place to start is the coffee pavilion for some hot coffee to warm up. Zac Maris will set up in the gazebo to lend special melodies to the breezes. Stop by Meme’s for one of her legendary vegetable pancakes.

From the Covington La Farmers Market FB page

Tomato Ann is back and she has lots of beautiful tomatoes. She also has citrus — grapefruit, oranges, and satsumas. Eddie’s showing off some gorgeous cabbages, lettuces, broccoli, cheddar cheese cauliflower, green onions, and more. Northshore Greens’ lineup of Asian greens, lettuces, and herbs are wonderful. Well known for fabulous sweet potatoes (ya gotta try the purple ones), Nick also has rich, raw honey, persimmons, baby carrots, kale, and more. You’ll also find great veggies keeping company with the sprouts on Sam’s tables.  

I found a delightful recipe for mushroom pork chops. First place to start is Jubilee Farms—you will need pork chops (4) for this recipe. You’ll also need mushrooms, so your next stop is James—shiitakes or chestnut mushrooms will work well. The recipe calls for chicken broth but James’ mushroom broth or Jubilee’s beef broth are great substitutions. It makes a wonderful gravy that is perfect over mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli or cauliflower (Eddie, Ken, Faust Farms). This recipe may be just as tasty using chicken and I believe Credo Farms will be there this Saturday.

From the Covington La Farmers Market FB page

For more breakfast options, check out the delicious chicken waffle sandwich created by Jennifer at Bear Creek Road. And there’s more goodness on her table with the introduction of a Cookie Butter Pain D’Epi and the return of her Kaiser Roll. AND, she has KING CAKES both traditional and Galette des Rois time! YUM! Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies and a Sourdough with spelt, flax seed and honey are headlining at Happy Flour. WOW! So much goodness in such a small space! Norma Jean’s carrot bread is a favorite and remember she has lovely vegan soups, different ones each week.

Did you remember your eggs? How about milk? Yogurt? Shrimp? Bread? A trip to your Covington Farmers’ Market is always a pleasure! Come join us for a smorgasbord of delights. 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

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

Mushroom Pork Chops

1½ teaspoon Kosher Salt 
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder 
½ teaspoon Onion Powder
¼ tsp Black Pepper 
2 tbsp oil of choice
2 tbsp Butter
2 – 2 ½ lbs Thick Pork Chops (4) 
12 oz Shiitake or Chestnut Mushrooms sliced
2 tbsp Flour
1½ cup Chicken Broth 
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

  • Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper to a small bowl. Mix the seasonings to combine well. Reserve 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix for the mushroom sauce.
  • Season the pork chops on both sides with the remaining prepared seasoning mix.
  • Slice the mushrooms; don’t slice them too thin so that they hold up during cooking.
  • Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot – but not smoking, add the pork chops. Cook the chops for 5 minutes, per side until they are golden and the internal temperature is at least 145°F at its thickest part.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and lower the temperature to medium-low. Place the pork chops on a plate and keep them warm by tenting with foil and/or place them in the microwave or oven. They will stay warm away from drafts.
  • DON’T wash that skillet! Place it back over medium-low heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted and foamy add the mushrooms and the reserved teaspoon of seasoning mix. Cook the mushrooms gently for 3 minutes or so, stirring frequently.
  • Add the flour to the mushrooms, stir to combine well and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Raise the heat to medium and add the chicken, beef, or mushroom broth and Worcestershire sauce, scrapping the bottom of the skillet gently as you stir. When the sauce starts simmering, lower the heat to low, cover and continue cooking the mushrooms at a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste, if needed.
Local Events

‘Deck the Rails’ Free Children’s Event at the Covington Trailhead Saturday

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The City of Covington presents this free, kid-friendly holiday event at the Covington Trailhead this Saturday, December 5th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Featuring Christmas Caroling by the Northlake Performing Arts Society (NPAS) chorale, Christmas craft activities, a visit from Santa Claus and individually wrapped holiday treats. All activities are free and open to the public.

Participants are requested to wear masks and practice social distancing in accordance with the Governors mandate at this time. The trailhead will also have hand sanitizing stations throughout. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy all that Covington has to offer! www.covla.com

Local Events

Trickin’ & Treatin’ at the Covington Trailhead this Saturday

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covington trailhead

The Covington Cultural Arts & Events office hosts a free, family-friendly event at the Trailhead for Halloween on Saturday, October 24 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

The kids’ event includes a magic show by Master Magician Billy Ferguson, Halloween crafts, pumpkin patch and decorating, face painting and other activities. Come dressed in your Halloween costume!

Admission is free. Sponsored by Champagne Beverage.

Local Events

Fall for Art & STAA Opening Reception This Saturday

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Three events, one night of art in downtown Covington from the St. Tammany Art Association

The St. Tammany Art Association and Covington businesses, galleries and restaurants present Fall for Art, an annual celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts this Saturday October 10th from 6 – 9 pm.

The free event showcases new works and one-night-only shows at Covington’s art galleries and dozens of downtown shops, all by regional and nationally-renowned artists.

Enjoy an evening of art, shopping, and dining at any of dozens of couture fashion boutiques, antique and home furnishings shops, and more along Columbia Street.

A special thank you to the Covington Business Association and the City of Covington for their partnership and continuous support of the Arts.

STAA Opening Reception for A Partial View: Drawings by Mary Jane Parker

“A Partial View: Drawings by Mary Jane Parker”, made possible, in part, by a generous donation from Catherine Deano.

A new exhibit, “A Partial View: Drawings by Mary Jane Parker” will be on display October 10 – November 28. The exhibit is made possible, in part by the generous support of Catherine Deano. The exhibit features mostly graphite drawings that explore the artist’s interest in hysteria, a disease that many women were diagnosed with in the early 1900’s. The pieces incorporate delicate, intricate patterns with repetitive backgrounds against a figure or body part situated in a tense or distressed pose. The works reflects the artist’s exploration of the many theories about exactly what hysteria was and how it was used to restrict women who did not follow the rules and exceptions of society at the time.

Ms. Parker has exhibited work nationally and internationally and is represented in New Orleans by Arthur Roger Gallery.  Currently Mary Jane serves on the board of the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans as the Visual Arts Coordinator. Ms. Parker is the chairperson of the visual arts department at the New Orleans Center for Creative Art. She is also a member of the teaching faculty.

An opening reception for “A Partial View: Drawings by Mary Jane Parker” will be held Saturday October 10th from 6-9 pm during Fall for Art. Due to COVID gathering restrictions, guests to the reception are required to register in advance for timed tickets to ensure limited attendance and adequate space for social distancing. Click here to reserve your space.

October Members’ Gallery Opening Reception

The St Tammany Art Association would like to invite our Northshore community to the opening reception for the first member’s gallery of the year.  Come out to support and enjoy refreshments and the beautiful creations of our artist members. The Members’ Gallery opening reception will be Saturday, October 10th from 6 – 9 pm, in conjunction with Fall for Art.

Due to COVID gathering restrictions, guests to the reception are required to register in advance for timed tickets to ensure limited attendance and adequate space for social distancing. Click here to reserve your space.

Learn more about the St. Tammany Art Association at www.sttammany.art

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

6th Annual Quack-A-Falaya Duck Race This Saturday

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The Covington Rotary Club announces their 6th Annual Quack-A-Falaya Rubber Duck Race on the Bogue Falaya this Saturday September 26th, 2020. This Celebration of Clean Water and Family Recreation was rescheduled from its traditional spring date due to COVID.

From the Covington Rotary Club:

Support the efforts of the Rotary Club of Covington by buying a duck or two! Fastest duck earns its owner $1500. We’ll also have prizes for the top 10 RUBBER DUCKS.

To ensure we keep to physical distancing protocols, we will LIVESTREAM the race on the Covington Rotary Club and Quack-A-Falaya Facebook pages. Winners will be contacted and need not be present to win.

If you would like to support the efforts of the Covington Rotary Club, you can also make a straight up donation on the eventbrite.com page. THANK YOU! Visit the Facebook pages or www.covrotary.org for more information on the efforts of Covington Rotarians. We are People of Action! Come join us!

The race begins 9 am at the Bogue Falaya Wayside Park.
Sponsor a duck for $20 here: www.eventbrite.com

Proceeds will benefit: Miracle League Northshore, Keep Covington Beautiful, the Covington Boys and Girls Club, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, and the efforts of the Covington Rotary Foundation (501 c 3)

Local News

Runoff Election This Saturday August 15th – Covington City Council-at-Large

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The Municipal General Election is August 15, 2020. Covington will be voting on a runoff for City Council-at-Large position. Candidates are “Rick” Smith (R) and “Steve” Stokes (R). Voting hours are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the St. Tammany Justice Center Parking Garage, 601 N. Jefferson Ave.

The following is important information for the Saturday, August 15, 2020 Municipal General Election provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office:

  • The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is July 15.
  • The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is July 25.
  • Early voting has been extended by one week in accordance with the Emergency Election Plan and is now July 25-Aug. 8 (excluding Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, Aug. 2) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Aug. 11 by 4:30 p.m. You can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
  • The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Aug. 14 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

PURPOSE OF THIS ELECTION: The purpose of the August 15, 2020 municipal general election is to allow voters in some parishes to vote in run-off elections for local municipal offices and certain parishes to vote on special proposition elections.

DATE: Saturday, August 15, 2020

BE PREPARED: Polling Locations and Sample Ballots are available 2-3 weeks prior to the election using our GeauxVote App or Voter Portal. Other voting information is available at www.GeauxVote.com

Local Events

Covington Announces Antiques and Uniques Festival Sept 5 & 6, 2020

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See event update here:

6th Annual Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival – September 5 and 6, 2020

The City of Covington and the Covington Heritage Foundation invites you to join them for the Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival September 5th & 6th, 2020. The annual festival usually held in spring is a wonderful time for locals and visitors alike.

The two-day free festival is on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at the Covington Trailhead. Featuring shops and vendors with antiques, vintage collectibles and crafts, architectural salvage, live auction, an appraisal fair, food, live music and more. This year will also incorporate the St. Tammany Art Association’s Covington Art Market!

A schedule of events will be announced on the website www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com as the event nears. For more information, contact the Covington Heritage Foundation at info@covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

The Festival will be following the 6 ft physical distancing and face mask mandate as required by our Governor at the time of the event.

Local News

Election Day This Saturday July 11th

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The Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary Election is this Saturday, July 11th, 2020. Voting hours are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the St. Tammany Justice Center Parking Garage, 601 N. Jefferson Ave.

The July 11th Election includes:

  • City of Covington – Councilman at Large
  • Judge – Court of Appeal, 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division D
  • Democratic, Republican, Independent Presidential Nominee, State Central Committee Member & Parish Executive Committee Members

Not registered to vote? You can register to vote online here.

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

STAA Covington Arts Market This Saturday on Lee Lane

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The St. Tammany Art Association, in partnership with the City of Covington, announces the continuation of the Covington Arts Market, their long-standing juried arts and crafts market.

This STAA Arts Market is held at the new location on Lee Lane Saturday July 11, 2020. Stop by from 10 am – 2 pm for this free open air market! Featuring local hand-made art including pottery, jewelry, metal sculpture, stained glass, mixed media, hand-made garments, wood carvings, photography, and more.

With appreciation and in support of the local arts community STAA is offering half-off registration fees for this July market. Event will be limited to 20 vendors. To register to participate click here https://www.sttammany.art/arts-market

work by Windmill Woodturning
STAA Art Market March 2014

The purpose of the market is to provide exposure and a venue for STAA members to showcase and sell their work. While you’re out, you are encouraged to visit other downtown locations, including exhibitions at the Art House, the nostalgic array of goods and the historic museum at H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and the Saturday Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market takes place from 8 a.m. To noon at 609 N. Columbia Street, just a few blocks from Lee Lane. Then enjoy a bite at one of downtown Covington’s many restaurants. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday!

A Little About STAA

The St. Tammany Art Association was founded in 1958 by a small group of civic-minded individuals dedicated to bringing art to western St. Tammany Parish. Today, STAA has grown into an organization with over 300 members. Serving as a catalyst for the arts, the organization’s Art House building in downtown Covington serves the needs of emerging and established artists, and to provides arts education and exhibitions to the community.

STAA notes that recent administrative transitions along with the impact of COVID-19 have created challenges for the organization, and that they are working to stabilize operations and will soon begin implementing more programing in the coming weeks.

Love STAA? Looking to volunteer or donate? Learn more at https://www.sttammany.art/

Local Events

STAA Announces Return of Covington Art Market

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The St. Tammany Art Association, in partnership with the City of Covington, announces the continuation of its Covington Art Market, a long-standing juried arts and crafts market.

This STAA Art Market is held at the new location on Lee Lane Saturday July 11, 2020. Stop by from 10 am – 2 pm for this free open air market! Featuring local hand-made art including pottery, jewelry, metal sculpture, stained glass, mixed media, hand-made garments, wood carvings, photography, and more.

With appreciation and in support of the local arts community STAA is offering half-off registration fees for this July market. To register to participate click here https://www.sttammany.art/arts-market

Art by Kenny Passauer, Covington Art Market March 2014

The purpose of the market is to provide exposure and a venue for STAA members to showcase and sell their work. While you’re out, you are encouraged to visit other downtown locations, including exhibitions at the Art House, the nostalgic array of goods and the historic museum at H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and the Saturday Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market takes place from 8 a.m. To noon at 609 N. Columbia Street, just a few blocks from Lee Lane. Then enjoy a bite at one of downtown Covington’s many restaurants. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday!

Learn more at https://www.sttammany.art/

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

Covington Farmer’s Market

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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 N. Columbia Street (at the Covington Police Department) from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Charlene LeJeune of Abundant Life Kitchen sends out a weekly newsletter on Tuesdays detailing each week’s Covington Farmer’s Markets:

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 an old favorite from Kandy – a shredded cabbage salad with shredded carrots, shrimp, red onions, cilantro, and mint all lightly seasoned with a side of fish sauce. Incredible! Frankie is planning a perfect, almost-summer repast of chili cheese hot dogs, served with her potato salad and a mixed fruit salad. Fabulous! Mr. Houston will be there with potatoes and corn and squash and much more. Kristen’s happy hens have been hard at work supplying fresh yard eggs. And, you know Jerry’s blueberry jam will be awesome!
I am planning for a lovely Saturday with blue skies smilin’ all over and tunes from Chris Talley bouncing out from the gazebo. Grab your coffee and shop around. If you haven’t tried a breakfast of Erica and Nathaniel’s veggie pancakes — phenomenal! or a slice of Norma Jean’s lovely quiches—stupendous! or Spanish R Us’ breakfast “burrito” —legendary! or Jennifer’s egg & hash brown tart — epic! or Suzie’s fluffy egg croissant—amazing!, I think you’re missing out. 
Stop by Norma Jean’s table; she is planning to make the perfect Salade Nicoise using the bounty of the Covington Farmers’ Market. And bounty we do have! Last week, Nick put out baskets of harcourt verte, and were they ever tasty. There’s plenty of yellow and white squashes to be had and I’ve included my mother-in-law’s famous (in our family, at least) squash pudding recipe below. 
The Bardwells are back with matador peppers (large, long, mild green peppers). Since I had taken advantage of Jubilee Farms’ ground meat special, I used some of that bounty to stuff those grand lovelies. My family was in heaven. J.R. also has jalapeños and banana peppers, red potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, white squash and he says he should have green eggplant for next week. Tessier Gourmet is making the most of the zucchini abundance with an herbed zucchini soup.
Mr. Houston still has sweet corn; grill them up along with your Jubilee Farms Italian sausage, and perhaps a few tomatoes, green beans, and peaches, too. AND, James has leg quarters which are a natural for the BBQ pit. However, I will be making salsa chicken with mine for tonight’s feast. I’ll simply brown my chicken and remove it from the pot (I like my cast iron for this). Then add 2 tbsp olive oil and a tablespoon of flour and let it brown up as you scrape the tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. When the flour is browned and before it starts to burn, add as much Spanish R Us salsa as you like. Stir it around to incorporate your flour and tasty bottom bits, then return the chicken to the pot, mix with the salsa, and cook on low heat until done.  If you prefer, you could leave the browning flour part out and just skip to adding salsa to the tasty bottom bits. Just don’t leave out the tasty bottom bits – lots of flavor there. Homemade cole slaw (we do have cabbage at the market) or sweet corn, or roasted potatoes, or roasted green beans wrapped in Jubilee Farms’ bacon, or sautéed golden scallopini squash (Nick) would really complete that meal.
Happy Flour is using their own crop of blueberries to create a wonderfully delicious blueberry almond cookie (of course, I tried them) and their coffee cake. Fal-awfully Good provided our demo last week with their homemade falafel on homemade flatbread, hummus, and slaw. They will become a regular vendor. Check ‘em out. 
What will make your market merry? Mushrooms (James has plenty), raw honey (can’t beat Blood River), avocado salsa (Spanish R Us take me away..), special treats for your pets (I personally don’t indulge), muffins and cookies (I definitely indulge) 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

 

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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Greetings, friends! I know it’s hard to believe it hasn’t even been a week since the fierce rains wrecked havoc on St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes. Many of you are still reeling from the damage done and today certainly is not a happy Tuesday. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wednesday will dawn and the Farmers’ Market Band will gather in the gazebo spinning lively tunes to brighten your lunch. Our vendors have prepared many delicious choices to entice you, such as Kandy’s fabulous traditional egg rolls (plus special dipping sauce). Nanette is preparing white bean and kale soup to soothe the soul. Chomper’s BBQ will serve green beans and Jeff’s secret recipe cornbread with his pulled pork. Hopefully, some of Natalie’s strawberry crop survived the deluge; Mr. Houston’s veggies did fare well since he was at the market last Saturday. If you need a little more balm for the soul (or are just in need of great dessert), a spoon of Frankie’s old fashioned banana pudding will put a smile on your face. What the heck! Go on and eat the whole thing. Just thinking of it makes me feel better already.

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

The days will soon blossom into Saturday and we will be blessed with the delightful tunes of the Lucky Dogs floating from the gazebo. So grab your coffee and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with us. The Lola Deux food truck will pull up to the curb at Columbia Street and, if we are lucky, they will serve ultimate St. Paddy’s Day meal – Corned Beef and Cabbage. If not, we will all still enjoy those incredible Parmesan white truffle fries.

Bear Creek Road has Casatiello Bread for an early Easter celebration, complete with a bright red Easter egg in the center. Nick has gorgeous greens – Swiss Chard, Tronchuda kale, baby carrots, baby kale leaves, fresh parsley, Siberian kale and more. Mr. Houston’s crop also managed to pull through with red sails lettuce, turnips, green onions, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Sam’s table is “sprouting” with a pea mix, alfalfa and clover sprouts. Norma Jean delighted us with an amazing assortment of quiches – beautiful and tasty!

Woke up with a scratchy throat? No worries. The Kombucha Girl has her Daily Defender available. Daily Defender is a blend of aged kombucha, raw cider vinegar infused with garlic, lemon, ginger, and cayenne, and sweetened with local honey.

Bear Creek Road March Pie of the Month: Raspberry Cream Danish Pie with Lemon and White Chocolate

Bear Creek Road March Pie of the Month: Raspberry Cream Danish Pie with Lemon and White Chocolate

Trudy is back at the Saturday market with her famous Japanese Maples. She also brought along several Lily of the Valley shrubs bursting with dainty little white flowers plus an assortment of succulents that seem to thrive on neglect (my kind of plant). I think Spring is in the air!

Rain or shine, the Covington Farmers’ Market is open and we’ll be wearing our brightest smiles with great tunes drifting from the gazebo, plenty of good things spread out on the tables, and a sprinkling of laughter on the breeze. You really weren’t thinking of sleeping in, were 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