Never fear, friends! I have been duly chastised for my hopeful, if uninformed, comments regarding weather last week. However, this week, I am in full possession of accurate (sorta) meteorological data. There is a chance of rain tomorrow but if we let a little rain stop us, we’d never go anywhere. While there may be no sunshine peeking through the clouds, you’ll find a sunny smile on our vendors’ faces.. You can count on Kandy to have authentic Vietnamese cuisine served with sunshine. Siria will have her fabulous tamales, definitely salsa, and maybe even some guacamole. Frankie is busy preparing meatloaf, creamed potatoes, lima beans & tomatoes, and cornbread. You’ll want to get your eggs and a few veggies for the week. Don’t forget a few blueberry smokers from Jerry. You may be in the mood for smoking your meats and veggies, rather than grilling this 4th.
The Farmers’ Market String Band will get things rocking on Saturday, crooning out snappy tunes from the gazebo. Then you’ll get a taste of the sweet juiciness of our market watermelons. You’ll certainly want one for your 4th of July celebration.
Don’t know if you’ll be grillin’ this weekend but we certainly have the fixins’ for it. I found a delightfully different recipe for grilled ratatouille. I know, doesn’t that sound wonderful? All you need is 1 medium eggplant, 1 large zucchini, 1 large yellow squash, mushrooms, cooking spray or olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes. Basically, slice the veggies into medallions of equal widths, remove the stems from the mushrooms, then place onto skewers – zucchini, squash, eggplant, mushroom, repeat. Brush with oil (I’ll bet one of Spicy Lady’s flavored oils would be amazing), season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes or choose from one of Spicy Lady’s many blends for a different taste each time you make them. Then just pop them on the grill for about 20 mins, turning every 5 minutes or so. Brush with more oil as needed.
If you’re having a large group, make a smaller (shorter) version as an appetizer. Those kebabs would make a lovely meal on their own or an incredible side dish for grilled chicken (James), shrimp (Mr. Two), sausage, or burgers (Jubilee Farms). You may even want to add sliced bell pepper.
Lea has several delicious choices of raw salads to complement any meal. Tessier Gourmet has several new dishes that are fast becoming favorites. First is a Mediterranean quinoa with kalamata olives, chickpeas and green onion and occasionally with cherry tomatoes as an added benefit. Her Asian slaw is also a popular choice and Pam is now offering a Mediterranean tamale with chickpeas and kalamata olives. Mauricio has been tweaking his ginger cookie recipe and they are now even more flavorful. Ask about his ginger biscotti when you visit.
A few snacks are always welcome when you’re slaving over a hot grill so a visit to Spanish R Us is definitely in order – salsa, quacamole, avocado salsa, black bean dip and chips…. A big bag of kettle corn and/or pork skins are never too much and, of course, the cookies!! Visit Betty Rue for gluten free choices, Windfield Farms for cookies and muffins, and Vincent & Mauricio for a gorgeous assortment of decorated cookies (they’re not just for the kiddies, ya know.)
There really is nothing like a farmers’ market when the veggies are at their peak of flavor and variety. If you can’t 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 online at covingtonfarmersmarket.org
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