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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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Snappy happy Tuesday, friends! What a day! Now, don’t you worry about tomorrow. I’ve ordered sunshine and blue skies but I think I’ll be overruled on my request for temperatures in the 70s. No matter; we’ll still be at the Covington Trailhead with lots of great food and music. Nanette says she’s preparing her creamy wild rice and mushroom chowder that is so wonderful when the temps are a wee bit chilled. Kandy will not be there, but Chomper’s will offer a choice of smoked sausage po-boys or pulled pork. Frankie’s peach cobbler is on the menu again. Not sure whether or not we’ll have strawberries tomorrow with the weather I’m seeing outside the window at this moment. I know I’d have a hard time surviving out in all this rain and I’m not a sweet li’l berry.

Olga Wilhelmine will be at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

We’ve got a great Saturday planned as well with Olga Wilhelmine and her jaunty melodies in the gazebo and our faithful Ed Whiteman serving coffee and tea from the pavilion. (Thanks, Ed!) New truck on the block, Old School Eats, will pull up to the curb on Columbia St. and delight us with their deliciosity. They’ll be in the big red school bus; you can’t miss ‘em! Saturday couldn’t be more wonderful – at least until next week!

It’s sad to see not to see Theresa’s Italian cookies at the market but Vincent and Mauricio still have those cute kiddie cookies and balloons available. Hot Tamale Mama is still there, though, with amazing hot tamales, stuffed shells, spinach artichoke dip.… and Johnadelle’s has returned to the market loaded down with fresh strawberries. Slice up a few of those strawberries and add them to your Mauthe’s yogurt or as a topping on one of their divinely luxurious cheesecakes. And then, get another (‘cause you know you’ll have to share.) Probably should get a pound of Coast Roast gourmet coffee (what’s cheesecake without coffee?) Last week, Kevin had a very exotic Yellow Bourbon bean. Not sure how he’s going to top that!

I know the “ladies” have been a little slack on their laying duties but they seem to be back on track and we have plenty of eggs at the market again. Ishmael of Mt. Herman Pork is back with fresh yard eggs and Duroc pork – chops, tenderloin, ribs. Try some ribs on the grill with a glaze of Robin’s Apple Bacon or Blackberry Cabernet pepper jelly.

Tabasco, the Covington Farmers Market mascot Roux-ster

I stocked up on a few bottles of Samantha’s elderberry syrup because I’m beginning to see pollen on the trees (and in the cracks of the sidewalks). Then, I spent a few minutes over at Aunt Bee’s soaps sniffing and chatting and sniffing. What lovely bouquets of fragrance Bridgett has created. Get lost in her Vervain & Olive Blossom, a wonderfully clean scent, or the floral Wild Fig and Cassis, and, for the gentlemen, a manly Beau Brummel. Wait. Wait. Just one more whiff.

Just 19 more hours till Wednesday and 4 whole days to Saturday. Set your countdown clocks, your alarm clocks, your biological clocks, whatever clocks you have to. You really don’t want to 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

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

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

January 7, 2016 Published by: Covington Weekly

Well, friends, here it is 2016. I hope all is well with you in this new year. Funny thing, this year looks remarkably similar to last year. We still have great music. We still have great food such as Kandy’s chicken porridge, creamy and delicious, or Jeff’s pulled pork with cheese grits. Grits taste even better when topped with a portion of smoky pork, don’t you think? It will be a bit chilly tomorrow and a bowl of Nanette’s chicken soup will warm you from head to toe and chase away the blues as well (incredible feel good powers there). Hold on to your hats (and tummies), Frankie is baking cherry vanilla chocolate chip cake. I definitely heard some resolutions breaking just then. No worries, a pint or two of fresh strawberries and a pint of raw honey and you’ll be back on track. Hopefully, the feathery ladies have been plenty happy and Mr. Houston will have more yard eggs.

Equipped with a few of her new songs and some old favorites, Michaela Lauer will sing us into the new year on Saturday. So grab your coffee (or one of Amanda’s or Simply Pure’s fresh juices) and visit the vendors while Chomper’s BBQ stokes up the flames on the smoker where his fabulous pulled pork is the star. Try it for yourself — and don’t forget the cole slaw!

At least one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to visit the Farmers’ Market more often….and bring your friends. It’s the perfect place to meet old friends and make new ones. It’s also the perfect place if you’ve made any of those New Year’s resolutions. Who can beat freshly picked veggies for that new plan to eat healthier?

With all the holiday fare available, I was eating far too much. So eating light was on my mind as I was shopping. I thought at first to just make just a very light broth from green onions with maybe a few noodles in there. Well, I’m standing at my table watching my green onions and thinking of that nice broth, and another thought struck. Wouldn’t some carrots go nicely in there?

So I head off in search. John had some wonderful carrots with the tops that would be great. The tops can substitute for parsley if needed but not to worry both John and Nick had fresh parsley. Nick also had carrots — smaller with the tops cropped. He told me they are awesome sautéed in a little butter until just tender. Oh wow! Then I looked over at the kale and voiced the thought that maybe some kale would go well in my soup. So Nick pulls out Tronchuda kale for tasting. This is a rare heirloom variety that is very tender, kinda like baby spinach. It would be terrific in a salad as well (even the stems which were nice and crunchy like celery and not at all tough and chewy).

Polenta tart with Spicy Garlic Tomato, Mozzarella and Herbs
Bear Creek Road, LLC

Then over to our newest vendor – the tomato lady – Ann. The problem here is that there is an enormous selection of succulent tomatoes – small cherry tomatoes (yellow, chocolate, and red), larger tomatoes of red, green, and chocolate. Put her on your list to check out. She’s right next to John where you’ll find not only carrots but beets, raddichio, fennel, and radishes. I used the tops of the fennel in my soup. It adds a surprising flavor that doesn’t taste like the bulb at all.

Walking back to my table, I stopped by Emily to get some broth (you know, just to help my soup along). She didn’t have vegetable but she did have duck bone broth. There goes another thought – I really should get my mind under control. (Nah!) Since I had leftover duck (from my son-in-law) plus turkey and chicken, I decided to make turducken soup. Another hit! It didn’t take much…just a healthy portion of chopped onions, parsley, the leftovers and duck broth in the crockpot and Voila! turducken soup! (OK, maybe it took a few hours of simmer time.)

No matter what your New Year’s resolutions, or lack of, this is the place to be. Whether it’s kombucha and cultured veggies or cookies and pies, you can’t go wrong 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

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This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market

October 13, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

by Charlene LeJeune

I’m a little early today, friends, but I didn’t think you’d mind. I hope you’re having a happy happy Tuesday! We’re getting set up for an even happier Wednesday at the Covington Farmers’ Market. Lots of great music from the gazebo for ya and plenty of delicious food from which to choose. Unfortunately, Chomper’s BBQ will not be at the market today but will return with their wonderful pulled pork next week. No worries, though Kandy will have lots of crunchy egg rolls and those amazing shrimp and cream cheese rolls along with gorgeous salads. Or indulge in Nanette’s old-fashioned vegetable soup and tuna salad wraps. You’ll need your veggies from Mr. Houston and Eddie and honey from Earl. Dessert from Frankie can take many forms; she is preparing peach cobbler, cherry tarts, apple puff pastry turnovers and more. You won’t smell apple or cherry in Richards hand crafted soaps but he has lots of sweet scents. There now. Shopping done.

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

Saturday will soon arrive bringing more of this glorious weather. Tents will spring from the ground with all manner of goodness. From the gazebo, will come the impressive tunes of Tom Marron, the Lola Deux Food Truck will pull up to the curb on Columbia Street with those amazing Parmesan White Truffle French Fries and all will be right with the world.

We have so much goodness under those tents and more to come in the weeks ahead. Alton and Sandra’s tables are loaded with new plant starts for your garden – pak choi, kale, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, borage, mizuna and lots of aromatic herbs. That doesn’t include the bounty on the produce tables. Mr Houston has several varieties of pumpkin and squash. Greg also has pumpkins and persimmons. Try adding chunks of pumpkin to your next pot of chili for extraordinary flavor. Natalie offers a large crop of bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, and the large purple eggplant (and she’s been hinting at strawberries).

Nick’s sweet potatoes are keeping company with lovely mini eggplants (perfect for roasting), red and green okra, his delicious braising mix and lots of heirloom peppers. J.R.’s tables are bursting with green eggplant, persimmons, yellow squash, green beans, green onions, and tomatoes. Eddie has curly leaf kale, bok choi, okra, and hot peppers. Nancy’s beautiful bouquets of lilies, sunflowers, zinnias are smiling all over John’s tat soi , kale, and radishes. (They may not add nutrition, but they certainly add happiness.) John also has cabbage leaves and broccoli leaves which are as tasty as any green and can be eaten in a salad or braised.

Ooops! I almost forgot to mention our new vendor, LA Gourmet. These guys have worked with the food banks in our area and are branching out to bring us locally grown grains, beans, and legumes. I bought a few things to try out, such as Indian corn grits and Lady Cream Peas. The grits are wonderful. I cooked them in the old fashioned way (you know, on the stove, not in the microwave.) They were oh so very creamy with a flavor that you can NOT find in plain white grits. Right now, my sister and I are dining on the Lady Cream peas. They don’t really get as creamy as red beans but hold their shape while delivering incredible taste. Check ‘em out. They also have red beans, black eyed peas, baby limas, long grain rice, and much more.

There’s so much more here – mushrooms, salad sprouts, jams and jellies, kombucha, water kefir, coconut water, scrumptious stuffed artichokes, hot & spicy beef jerky, sweet treats – surely you weren’t planning to sleep 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

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

This Week At The Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

September 22, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Hi, friends, and an absolutely amazing Tuesday to you! Just looking out the window you can feel those cool breezes. Of course, it would be so much better to be out there delighting in bright blue skies, familiar melodies drifting from the gazebo, and loads of smiles and good food. And the only place to get all of those is at the Wednesday Covington Farmers’ Market.

Chompers BBQ will sample and serve at the market Saturday!

Jeff promises his famous BBQ pulled pork tomorrow along with cheese grits, cole slaw, and broccoli salad. Kandy will have wonderful Vietnamese style salads and crunchy egg rolls (which #3 granddaughter has requested). Nanette is stirring up a pot of pumpkin soup which go deliciously with her chicken salad or tuna salad wraps. Frankie is baking everyone’s favorite bread pudding with rum sauce. Earl’s honeybees have been working overtime for golden sweetness to add to your morning coffee. Mr. Houston’s table will be filled with end of summer/beginning of fall veggies and all is right with the world.

Reed Alleman performs in the gazebo Saturday morning at 9:30!

Saturday’s dawn will take your breath away…that’s if you get up that early. No matter, we’ll do our best to keep you in tunes and tastes. For starters, we have Reed Alleman in the gazebo beginning at 9:30 with lots of toe tappin melodies. And to keep things moving right along, Chomper’s will have the smoker parked on the curb dishing up his world-famous pulled pork and fixings.

This may be the last week that Jubilee Farms has a selection of smoked sausages. Their uncooked sausages are great too. I browned a couple of links of Italian and added it to a crockpot along with chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and peeled tomatoes (JR still has some) and just let it cook its little heart out. I added some salt and seasoning for a real delicious pasta “sauce”. With the leftover links (it’s only me and Mr. Wonderful) I stuffed bell peppers. Don’t tell Paul but I had to take the meat out of the casing to do this. But it was so easy. I just browned the sausage, added chopped onion and cooked rice (you could also add shredded squash – yellow, butternut, zucchini). I stuffed Nick’s colorful mini sweet peppers and they made perfect bite sized nuggets of deliciousness. If you don’t want the meat, try stuffing with Norma Jean’s Spring Cheese or Nur’s Tabouli. The peppers are thin-skinned so they only take a few minutes under the broiler and WOW! what flavor!

Bear Creek Road September Pie Of the Month Plum Brandy Almond Upside-down Torte

Fall is definitely in the air and we are seeing it on the tables. John has radishes, baby kale, and arugula, and Nancy had to give her sunflowers an extra week to grow. JR’s green onions are making their fall debut. And if you see pie making in your future, JR has Asian pears and Mr. Houston has perfect pie pumpkins. See Spicy Lady for a little cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. Robin’s making her Cranberry Pecan pepper jelly again and it makes a terrific glaze for roasted pumpkin, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes.

Hot Tamale Mama will have vegetable or chicken pot pies this Saturday but get there early. Norma Jean’s wraps have been a big hit, especially her spinach wraps with fresh spinach, avocado, tomato, chopped egg and garlic mayo. Lemongrass stalks (Nick) and whole head of garlic give an amazing flavor to one of James’ chickens – just fill the inside and roast as usual.

The next weeks will be incredible as new veggies are harvested and brought to the tables. Alton will have a wide assortment of plants for you to start your garden (if you haven’t already). We’ll have music and veggies and delicious food and lots of smiles. Hopefully, we’ll have you.

Lots of love,

Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

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Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

September 1, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Good afternoon, friends, and happy, happy Tuesday! Yes, it really is Tuesday – already. But that only means that tomorrow is Market Day and our vendors are quite busy baking and cooking, veggie picking and soap-making. Earl is even out there playing with the bees — very carefully, of course.

Cheese grits, cole slaw, and green beans will accompany Jeff’s pulled pork this week. Sliced turkey wraps are on Nanette’s menu, along with a tasty lemon lentil soup. Mmmmmm! I’ll add Kandi’s shredded cabbage with chicken to my lunch list (I like to make sure I’m covered for the week) and then dive into dessert. Frankie is making a raspberry cream cheese pastry that has my mouth watering already. I’ll probably also need a couple of bottles of Samantha’s elderberry syrup; I think my allergies have allergies.

Cassie Krebs will be playing music at the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

Before you know it, Saturday will arrive along with Isabella’s Pizzaria and the official traveling pizza oven. What a lovely treat for this Labor Day weekend! And that’s not all. Cassie Krebs will be in the gazebo singing and playing and adding a bright note to our Labor Day celebration. You’re gonna love it!

Believe it or not, the temperatures have been slowly lowering which means you can get out in the garden more and start planting some of the gorgeous plants our vendors have available. Check out Alton’s selection of fine herbs which seem to do well no matter what the weather is like. In the next few weeks, he’ll have more vegetable starts for your fall garden. (No worries, I’ll keep you updated.) Stone Creek Nurseries still has blueberry bushes ready for planting. Dennis has fig trees and ornamental bushes and I noticed a stunning banana plant (Rojo Banana) with dark striped leaves. Hmmm, I wonder if it produces striped bananas? Wouldn’t that be a conversation starter!

Now, if you’re still not ready to get outside in the garden, Miss Betty has a few extraordinary houseplants that will create a zen-like atmosphere in any room. One notable plant, the Foxtail Fern, has emerald green fronds that are fluffy and tail-like in appearance. But what makes it even more lovely are the thousands of miniature white blossoms that fashioned an even fluffier “tail.” If you don’t feel like watering, a bouquet of Nancy’s wildflowers really perk up a room. Of course, a little water when you put them in the vase will make them last a LOT longer. An even easier way to bring that garden inside is with Aunt Bee’s homemade soaps and fragrances like Orange Patchouli, Rosemary Lavender (I love those two scents together) and Tomato Leaf which has an aroma that is delicate and beautiful but nothing like a tomato.

What would a Labor Day celebration be without a barbecue? Chomper’s has fabulous sauces made especially for the grill. Gina’s Roasted Garlic and Tomato dressing makes a wonderful marinade or dipping sauce. There’s chicken from James, shrimp from Mr. Two, sausage from Jubilee Farms, and eggplant, zucchini, and squash from our produce vendors that are always grilling favorites. While you’re out there manning the pit, you’ll need a few snacks so check out Dee’s Crescent City Pickles or chips, dip, and salsa from Spanish R Us. You can sleep in on Monday.

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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Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

August 11, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

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’s pan seared salmon salad and jasmine tea will make you smile. Frankie is preparing homemade pound cake with fresh fruit topping. Slide through lunch with Jeff’s pulled pork or chicken salad sliders. And, there’s always a scandalously good Mediterranean salad with pita bread from Nanette to tempt you. Earl’s back with raw honey too!

Start off Saturday early with a cup of coffee! We’ll have Zac Maris 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! Parmesan fries! OK…deep breaths…you still have 4 more days.

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

There was the loveliest scent of basil wafting from Norma’s tent last week and, sure enough, she has fresh basil – so great on pizzas or salads. A spread of skordalia (Vincent & Mauricio) on a slice of fresh market bread (Lena, Susie, Crystal) would be right tasty with a chiffonade of fresh basil on top.

Hot peppers have been sneaking onto Nick’s table and will be multiplying over the next few weeks. Right now he has goat’s horn, lemon drop, white habanero, and yellow cayenne. He also has brightly colored sweet peppers – purple, yellow, orange, red, and even green. Check out Spicy Lady’s smorgasbord of flavor and you’re sure to find something that will brighten up whatever you’re cooking – whether it be vegetables or meats.

Okra from Grow.Farm

The Bardwells have quite the spread of vegetables – green beans, red potatoes, okra, eggplant – but you have to get there early; they’ve been selling out before 9:30. The same at Mr. Houston’s table – butternut squash, yellow squash and zucchini, eggplant, and cucumbers go pretty fast as this time of year. Eddie has also been selling out pretty early even with a large offering of banana peppers, okra, eggplant, and some figs…hmmm. I’m going to have to find a few recipes.

Blood River Honey Kevin tells me he will have buckwheat honey this week and Coast Roast Kevin will be back after welcoming his new arrival with freshly roasted coffee. Unfortunately, I will not be at the market this Saturday so I will miss out on all the wonderful things to be had. But you can enjoy your Saturday filled with wonderful music and great friends and the best ever foods.

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 Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

July 28, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lots of love
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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

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

June 23, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Good afternoon, friends and great news – it’s Tuesday again! That means just one more day to a tasty lunch, sweet breezes, and relaxing music – perfect for summertime lunching. Now I know you’re thinking it’s gonna be pretty hot, and it is, but there always seems to be a fair breeze whipping up under the Covington Farmers market pavilion.

But it’s more than fair breezes enticing you to the Market for a lunch of Rebecca’s authentic Honduran food. It’s our amazing vendors and their love of food that has you dreaming of Kandi’s shredded cabbage salad with its crunchy bits of carrot, chicken, red onion and herbs and inviting you to partake of Nanette’s savory summer Minestrone soup with lovely chunks of squash, green beans, tomatoes, and great northern beans swimming in a savory broth seasoned with oregano and basil or tempting you with the prospect of Jeff’s pulled pork and a side of cheese grits and a luscious new creation – ranch macaroni salad.

You’ll get there and have trouble deciding between Frankie’s bread pudding with rum sauce or the new egg custard pies with eggs so fresh you can see the yellow. Don’t forget the veggies – zucchini, bell peppers, squash, potatoes, and watermelon. Our vendors are offering some incredible dishes that are hard to pass up, which is why I usually pick up several and enjoy them throughout the week. Sometimes, I even let Mr. Wonderful share in the bounty.

Saturday morning will roll around (as it usually does at that time of the week), just as bright and lovely as ever. Prepare yourself now for the delightful tunes of Joe Barbara coming from the gazebo. Pat Lester’s Food Wagon will be parked at the curb on Columbia Street. Make sure you get here early to get your coffee and enjoy the morning, the music, the many market delights.

Bartlett Farm has heirloom tomatoes galore!!

New vegetables are joining the ranks each week. Nick has a selection of heirloom eggplant with names that are as inviting as the vegetable, such as Ping Tong, Pandora Striped, Louisiana Green, and L’il Sailor. They could get you in trouble, though. “Hey, John and Mary, how ‘bout joining us for dinner tonight? We’re cooking up a batch of L’il Sailors – so nice and tasty!” (OK, OK, I’ll stop.) Mr. Houston has 2 varieties of watermelon – traditional and one called Moon & Stars. You may even get lucky and get a few of Natalie’s ghost eggplant.

Eddie has yard-long beans and purple hull peas in the shell and you’ll find cuccuzzas hanging around Bardwell’s table. The Clecklers have sweet Alabama peaches and Pink Lady peas. John has a tasty mix of fuzzy yellow tomatoes, bright orange and long skinny reds that look more like a red pepper than a tomato. Didn’t matter to me; they were real good. Fancy names or not, there’s still lots of good eats on the tables.

A Rainbow of kombucha from Kombucha Girl Living Beverages

Althee tells me she is adding no sugar added jams to her repertoire starting with mango and blueberry and will soon add strawberry as well. Hot Tamale Mama is stunning the tamale world with her latest creation – red beans and rice tamales! I haven’t tasted them yet but Pam has a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary. She also has a new oyster mushroom and lentil soup. With all this great food hanging around, please tell me you’re not planning to sleep in. We’d hate for you to 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

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

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

April 21, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Happy Tuesday, friends! I’ve requested a lovely day for tomorrow and for the rest of the week, full of sunshine, blue skies, and soft breezes delicately scented with honeysuckle. I can’t wait to get out there and enjoy the delicious dishes available and bring some home for lunch for the next few days.

Jeff is serving his famous Mac N Cheese with his smoky pulled pork this week. Enjoy a delicious pan seared salmon salad with shredded green papaya from Kandi. Nanette offers a tempting bowl of tomato basil soup making your mouth water for those lovely little red orbs from the garden. Frankie will have a wonderful treat of bread pudding and rum sauce. Remember the strawberries! When you have strawberries, you always have a great dessert!

Saturday morning will be popping up its lovely head once again, so resist the urge to sleep in or you’ll miss WELLNESS DAY entirely ! Take time to stroll around the grounds soaking up the music of Amedee Fredericks, the Creole Man, while you talk to the vendors and check out the fresh veggies. We also have Wellness vendors on the side lawn in front of the Police Department – fitness experts, massage therapists, yoga instructors, nutritionists, health food stores, essential oils, vitamins, and much more! Nanette will serve samples of chicken curry for your enjoyment and the morning will be filled fun, friends, and loads of great information! What a day! What a day!

Amedee “Creole Man” Frederick will play in the gazebo for the Covington Farmer’s Market this Saturday

Tabasco has been very busy overseeing the “ladies” and they have been producing like crazy. So don’t forget to pick up your eggs this week. Boiled, scrambled, deviled, or sunny-side up, they are delish! My grandkids were becoming tired of eggs for breakfast so instead of scrambling, I simply made deviled eggs. What a treat! It’s easy enough – boil eggs for 10 minutes and let cool. Heidi tells me that if you lean your egg carton to one side for a few minutes and then lean it to the other side for a few, the yolk tends to stay in the center of the white which makes for much prettier deviled eggs. After they’ve cooled, slice in half and gently scoop out the yolk. Smash the yolks together, along with a little mayo, chopped green onion, and a seasoning of your choice. We have some mighty good ones such as Spicy Lady’s Tandoori Spice, Mediterranean, and BBQ (this one is really tasty) or my Rub Me Tender, Perfect Poultry, or Ole Southwest. All are salt free.

Try your seasonings in ways you haven’t before; for instance, a small 1/4 tsp of BBQ is really nice in potato salad or Tandoori Spice (Spicy Lady) or Moroccan Melody (me) gives a whole new flavor to meatballs or hamburgers. It doesn’t take much seasoning to become your secret ingredient in mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, quiche, or in a little mayo on a sandwich.

It will be an exciting Wellness Day here at the Covington Farmers’ Market. Spend the morning with us. Peruse the vendor tables. Chat with our Wellness Experts. Enjoy the music. You’ll be glad you didn’t sleep 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

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

March 31, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Wednesday Covington Farmers Market at the Covington Trailhead

A very happy Tuesday, friends! Look at this day! What a gorgeous day to just enjoy being outdoors! And tomorrow will be more of the same. Do yourself a favor and get to the Covington Farmers’ Market; we have lots of great stuff for you! If you don’t know about the great dishes served up on Wednesday such as, Chomper’s pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans and potato salad, Kandi’s delicious noodle salad with lemongrass chicken, Rebecca’s spicy chicken tamales, Nanette’s amazing chicken salad wraps, Frankie’s old fashioned banana pudding, or Irma’s burritos with beans onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

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

Start your Easter celebration early with a visit to the Saturday Market. Norma Jean Marcon is serving a Lenten favorite – Gumbo Z’Herbes – and you don’t want to miss that. The gazebo will be hopping with the bluesy melodies of the Last Chance Bluegrass Band. Jeff and Kristen send a hearty “Thank You!” to the Saturday market for the response they received as they served up wonderful pulled pork in the cooking tent.

Just walk past the produce vendors and you know that Spring has indeed arrived and is here to stay at least until June (or perhaps the end of April). If that doesn’t convince you, Trudy’s feathery native azaleas will be adding their colorful song to Ms. Betty’s bright bougainvillea and Nancy’s perky floral bouquets and, of course, there is a lovely bouquet of fragrance in Aunt Bee’s hand crafted soaps. Alton and Sandra’s table will be filled with plants just aching to get into your garden – tomatoes, okra, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, and more!

Norma Jean Marcon is serving Gumbo Z’Herbes for the food demo Saturday (“Zherbes” by Jperlow – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -)

Take home a container of Nur’s Shaqshooka, a tasty eggplant, garlic, and tomato dish that is absolutely delicious over pasta. Spicy Lady, Cheryl, is mixing up new spices/seasonings to add lots of flavor to pasta, beef and burger, and your Mexican dishes. She’s also brewing spiced infused vinegars.

This week when you visit Mauthe’s tent to get your regular chocolate milk for the kiddies; pick up a new treat just for you (that’s right, no sharing!) Jamie will have an incredible coffee milk to add to the repertoire (yes, you did hear me correctly.) Think of how perfectly that will go with a hot cross bun from Bear Creek Road or one of Betty Rue’s hot cinnamon rolls or dipping Teresa’s Orange Almond Biscotti. Jennifer also has lovely Easter Casatiello Mini Loaves.

As the market comes to a close on this Easter Saturday, we remember a dear friend and market vendor, Doug Thorburn. Doug has been a seasonal vendor with us for the last 12 years, bringing his passion for blueberries along with pints and pints of the sweet treat. Doug passed away quietly this past week and I, for one, am saddened that he will not be spending this season 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 visitwww.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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

March 24, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Chompers BBQ – food demo this Saturday

Happy Tuesday, friends! I’ll bet you just can’t wait until lunchtime tomorrow. I know how you feel. Your taste buds are tingling with thoughts of pulled pork, cheese grits, ’n cornbread or crispy egg rolls and dipping sauce. Feast on a pupusa stuffed with jalapeño and cheese; enjoy a bowl of lentil and cilantro soup or a turkey salad wrap. Indulge in penne pasta tossed with asparagus and cherry tomato – so elegant you have to say to-mah-to. Spoil your sweet tooth with super-sweet strawberries or key lime pie (in perfect snacking size of course). Don’t forget to get some honey, ‘cause if you’re like me the pollen has you nominated for Sneezer of the Year!

We3 will play in the gazebo this Saturday

Come Saturday Morning, it will be delightfully sunny, especially with Chomper’s BBQ pulling the smoker up to the curb. Enjoy smoky pulled pork and taste test all of their tangy BBQ sauces. And, floating out from the gazebo, will be the toe-tapping tunes of We3. What a way to start the weekend!

Pencil us in for Wellness Day at the Market coming up on April 25th. Our Wellness vendors will line up on the lawn on Columbia Street, just behind the cooking tent. I know you’ll enjoy speaking with nutritionists, fitness gurus, and chiropractors. Others will share the health benefits of vitamins, massage, and essential oils. Maybe you’d better use a pen.

Fresh flower bouquet from Bartlett Farm

Spring is definitely here and I’m sure you’re all wanting to spend more time outdoors and grilling is the first thing that comes to mind. We’ve got grilling meats all over the place! James’ free range chickens are excellent roasted or grilled. Jubilee Farms is offering both beef and pork – steak, sausage, chops, oh my! Mt Vernon Pork has sausage and chops fit for the grill and Farmhouse Dairy is well known for their delicious cuts of lamb and goat as well as beef. Don’t forget, Chomper’s is doing the food demo, so you know right where to go for the best sauce. Right next to Farmhouse, you’ll find Enten Farms and their mighty selection of Meaux Mustard. This week be sure to stop by and demo their latest flavor – Meaux Blueberry Mustard – a wonderfully unique mustard with a subtle fruitiness that will pair well with pork or even (so I’m told) on your biscuits.

Tiger Bait Raw Food & Treats for Pets

Tiger Bait has a special, limited edition treat this Saturday only. Indulge your pet with a wonderful treat made with lamb, cranberry, goat and pumpkin – this week only and only at the Covington Farmers’ Market!

Nick has wild-caught catfish once again and though I’ve never tried to grill them, they still “barbecue” nicely with my Shrimp on the Barbie seasoning (it’s also great on Mr. Two’s shrimp.) Perhaps there’s something calling your name – farm fresh eggs, Suzie’s harvest muffins, Lena’s 7 grain bread, Sam’s sprouts and coconut chips, Hot Tamale Mama’s chicken andouille gumbo (frozen), Angel’s plump stuffed artichoke, Kevin’s gourmet coffee… Just follow the music; we’ll be there waiting with fresh coffee and juice and all manner of good things.

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 visitwww.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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

March 17, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Happy Tuesday, friends! Spring is definitely in the air; the trees are budding, my front garden is coming back to life and all is right with the world. So, take a moment, close your eyes, and conjure up visions of the deliciousness that awaits you at the Trailhead like Chompers BBQ’s smoky pulled pork and cole slaw; Nanette’s crunchy veggie wraps; Kandi’s luscious cream cheese and shrimp rolls, Rebecca’s spicy hot tamales (may as well get some salsa and chips). Snack on fruity pies from Frankie and rich red strawberries from Natalie. Pick up your fresh veggies, raw honey, and crafted soaps and body “seasonings” all while you enjoy the morning with us.

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

It’s just a wonderful feeling when Saturday finally rolls around and you pop out of bed and head to the Market. What!? No pop!? That’s probably because you haven’t had your coffee yet. Smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee – what will Kevin roast for us this week? – fantasize about Lola Deux’s Parmesan fries soon to be there ….mmmm… You’ll surely be more than poppin’ when you hear the sweet crooning of The Lucky Dogs sailing out from the gazebo. Oooooo! You’re beginning to sound like popcorn now.

Tap into designer maple syrup from a guest artisan at the Saturday market. Burton’s Maplewood Farm, located in Southern Indiana, produces 100% pure maple syrup from their very own trees. They’ve also allowed some of their golden goodness to age in rum, bourbon, and brandy barrels for an exquisite taste treat. So get them on your list as a MUST SEE because they will only be here for one week!

What better time than spring to get that garden started and Alton & Sandra can get you started right with Creole, Brandywine, or yellow cherry tomato plants, Mirliton vines, and maybe even a couple of varieties of Basil. Ms. Betty will be back this week with bougainvillea blooming in bright pinks and yellows, crepe myrtle, and glamorous maidenhair fern.

Strawberry Covington Farmers Market Stroll through the market to gather some weekly favorites – Dolese’s stuffed artichoke, Bechac’s famous dressings (great for marinades too!), Nur’s exotic tabouli and hummus. Did you know that a natural compound in celery is found to offer promising results in lowering blood pressure? Combine that with the quality natural ingredients in Nur’s hummus and you are really on a roll! Don’t forget your eggs! The hens are really happy these days and so are the ducks and the quail! Farm fresh strawberries are available – and you don’t even have to pick them!

There is something about Market Day that rejuvenates the spirit. Maybe it’s the anticipation of creamy yogurt, aged goat cheeses, blossoming plants ready for the soil, fresh veggies, golden sweet honey, or the clean refreshing scent of Aunt Bee’s oatmeal lavender soap. Maybe it’s just that for a few hours, our little corner of the city is filled with music and laughter and people and all really is right with the world. No worries; we’ll save you a spot. Come enjoy spring at the Covington Farmers’ Market.

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 Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

March 10, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Veggie Meals 2 Go – Hearts of Palm & Rice with Cream of Mushroom — only at the Wednesday Market!

Happy Tuesday, friends! Yes, another week has come around and Market Day is almost here. (I know. I’m smiling, too.) You’ll smile even more as you survey the luncheon menus on the tables – pulled pork and cheese grits, incredible chicken salad and creamy mushroom soup, Vietnamese flavor-infused noodle salads, Honduran chicken tamales, and tasty Eggplant Casserole with onion, bell pepper, and fresh tomato sauce. Luscious red strawberries are calling your name and fresh green veggies are lining up to add flavor to your dishes. And then…there’s dessert. I think you all know my feelings on that subject. Let a rich coconut cream mini pie or fruity raspberry mini pie complete your meal. YUM!!

Cassie Krebs will be playing at the Saturday Market this weekend

The week will soon blossom into Saturday and with it the delightful tunes of Cassie Krebs floating from the gazebo. So grab your coffee and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with us. We have the ultimate St. Paddy’s Day meal – Corned Beef and Cabbage – brought to you by those lovely ladies of Nourish Foods, Nanette and Léa.

Trudy is back at the Saturday market with her famous Japanese Maples plus Lily of the Valley shrub with dainty little white flowers, Dwarf Curly Leaf Ligustrum and Coral Honeysuckle. Dennis’ trees and shrubs will begin blossoming as well, after all, winter can’t last forever, can it? In his little corner of the market, you’ll find Louis Phillipe fragrant Rose, Confederate Rose, Cucumber Magnolia, and Lynwood Gold Forsythia. Alton and Sandra are gearing up for spring and Alton promised to give me the low-down on the lineup this coming Saturday. Right now, they have chocolate, orange, and regular mint, lemon and regular thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, leaf celery, green onions, and squash – ready for planting. Newcomer, Stone Creek Nursery, is up to his knees in blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry plants.

We have a new vendor joining us on Saturdays – Spicy Lady. Cheryl mixes organic herbs and spices into blends that enrich your favorite dishes. Try her Rice Seasoning – a lovely blend of coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Melt a little butter and olive oil in a sauté pan, add a tablespoon or two of Rice Seasoning, and simmer for a minute or so before adding your cooked rice. It makes an ordinary side dish a main event! She has other “events” too, such as Tandoori Masala, Wasabi seasoning, Curry Powder, and a vegetable seasoning with the promise of more to come!

Althee’s Jellies and Jams

Everything seems to be an event these days. Althee’s table is sporting jars of fruity jams and jellies – mayhaw, kumquat marmalade, blackberry jam, strawberry jam, and fig preserves. Nancy’s table is blooming with bouquets of beauty and the market landscape is once again dotted with Amanda’s popsicles of strawberry, pineapple, coconut, chocolate…. Buckle yourself into a mixed berry & lemon buckle from Bear Creek Road. Indulge in a raw juice from Simply Pure with all the nutrients of fresh fruits & vegetables cold pressed into a bottle. You really weren’t thinking of staying home, 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

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

February 17, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Happy Mardi Gras! I hope you’re enjoying your day today and are making plans to join us for lunch tomorrow. It may not be Christmas but you can still make your list and check it twice:

Cup of cream of mushroom soup (Nanette)
Chicken salad wrap from Nanette for later in the week
Chicken porridge from Kandi for later in the week
½ lb Smoky pulled pork to chop up in my eggs for breakfast
Lemon olive oil from Nuccio’s (‘cause I’m out)
2 mini apple pies (‘cause Mr. Wonderful loves them)
Frozen stuffed peppers from Veggie Meals 2 Go (Oh! Did I forget to mention they are making their Wednesday debut) Check out the menu.
1 pint of red ripe strawberries
1 pint of Earl’s raw honey for my coffee

Ah! Aren’t Wednesdays wonderful? And Saturday will be just as wonderful with Ed Whiteman faithfully and graciously serving coffee and tea from the pavilion (thanks, Ed!), Chris Talley with lovely melodies in the gazebo, lovely fresh breezes sweeping the market, and Lola Deux pulled up to the curb on Columbia Street. Enchanting!

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

I don’t want to “throw” all our thrills out there at once but we have a special surprise for Saturday. Okay. Okay. I’ll spill the beans – the Covington Farmers’ Market will have its own ATM machine! I know it was supposed to be a surprise but it’s kinda like catching all your beads and dubloons in the air. You just have to shout about it!

Jasmine Aubert has created a new organic coconut “everything” soap. It cleans everything from you to your clothes. Whaaaat! Everything???!! But will it do the dishes? Yes! While you’re over there, take a look at her shampoos – organic green tea shampoo and wild rose cream shampoo for colored and fragile hair.

I hope you had a chance to taste Bear Creek Road’s airy meringues, macaroons, and marshmallows last week. Jennifer also had a caramel pecan chocolate bar that she says will be on the menu again this week. She’s also featuring Potato Rosemary Boules and Mushroom Onion Focaccia. If you need more reason than that to get here, try a sample of Betty Rue’s new chewy, chocolaty, grain-free brownie or her chocolaty, nutty Rocky Road cookie! Sam’s Sprouts has been adding loads of new things to his sprout line. I tasted a ginger peanut butter coconut bar that was out of this world and the coconut chips are crunchy and perfect for snacking.

Bartlett Farm’s own Braising Mix – fresh baby Bok Choi. Mizuna , and Tat Soi mixed and washed. Ready to go for salad or sauté or soup!

Our produce vendors haven’t been slacking. Nick (Grow.Farm) has broccoli rabe, Tuscan kale, heirloom turnips and bags of mixed chards. He also has those flavorful sweet potatoes. John’s (Bartlett Farm) table includes carrots, beets, mixed bags of lettuce and beautiful floral bouquets. Mr. Houston (Father & Son Farm) has Brussels sprouts, red sails lettuce, a variety of kales, collards, oak leaf lettuce, and mustard. Ken has huge heads of cauliflower and broccoli, greens and a yellow variety of carrot that I’m told is quite sweet.

All of this is only 1 and 4 days away. Set your countdown clocks, your alarm clocks, your biological clocks, whatever clocks you have to. You don’t want to 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

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

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

February 10, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! What a lovely day it is today and it looks like we will be blessed with sunshine tomorrow, which is great since we will be equally blessed with great food and great music. Stop by and enjoy a delicious pulled pork sammy with all the fixins’ or flavorful salad of papaya noodles topped with pan seared salmon. Nanette is preparing sliced turkey wraps and a tasty beer & cheese soup to entice you and Elizabeth will have her world famous muffalettas. Frankie has key lime pies just ready and waiting for you. Don’t forget to bring home some fresh vegetables and red, ripe strawberries. So grab a glass of blueberry lemonade or sweet jasmine tea and sit a spell with us.

Chocolate peppermint meringues from Bear Creek Road, who will be doing the food demo Saturday

This Saturday will be Valentine’s Day and I hope you’re planning to bring your sweetie to the Covington Farmers’ Market. We promise to have a smorgasbord of heartfelt treats to woo her… or him… or them (you know… the kiddies). Tony Green will serenade us from the gazebo while we anxiously await Jennifer from Bear Creek Road to set up her tasting delights! Here’s a hint: fluffy pink marshmallows or meringues – light and airy enough to put a smile on Cupid’s face. Jennifer says there will be chocolate pecan bark as well as her regular assortment of yummies. Remember this will be the last week for king cake. Hmmm. I wonder if they freeze well.

Theresa’s Italian Cookies Fig Cake (Buccellato)

Our remarkable vendors have really outdone themselves this Mardi Gras season. We have the traditional king cakes with brightly colored sugars adorning sweet cinnamon bread, Mauthe’s phenomenal king cheesecake, Robin’s incredible king cake pepper jelly, and now we have Theresa’s version – the Sicilian Fig Cake. These are available in small slices or a whole cake and will be around long after Fat Tuesday rolls through.

Saturday will also bring a new vendor – Veggie Meals 2 Go (yes, Collins, they even prepare vegan meals). Stop by to check out their menu which brags Stuffed potato skins, Potato and mixed veggie casserole, Lentil soup, Zucchini lasagna, herb sautéed vegetables, and much more. You can find them by Jubilee Farms and Chomper’s BBQ.

Sweet Home, Sweet Earth, non-toxic cleaning & bath products by Michele Arseneaux-Billie

I hope you a chance to try Michele’s new balms – Baby Butt Balm and Bye Bye Boo Boo Balm. Now don’t worry if you aren’t a baby or don’t have one, her baby balm will soothe other skin irritations as well. I hope you also have a chance to check out Norma Jean’s Cuisine – delicious breads, walnut paté, simply perfect Artichoke & Valbreso Cheese quiche, tasty soups, and sweet kumquat marmalade. Then swing by Betty Rue for a taste sensation – lemon petit fours with a blueberry lavender filling and creamy fondant made with agave syrup or the new Rocky Road cookies. Oh, sooo good! Heart healthy, skin healthy, garden happy, tummy lovin’, and just all around fun…the Covington Farmers’ Market has it all. Our plans include lots of sunshine and blue skies; make sure your plans include joining us.

Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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

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

February 3, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Hi, friends and a very Happy Tuesday to you! I’ve got my rose colored glasses on and it looks like we will have an awesome day tomorrow. But then, how could it be otherwise with fantastic music and a terrific lunch to enjoy? Nanette is busy whipping up a creamy tomato basil soup to accompany her delicious chicken salad wrap. Chomper’s BBQ is serving roasted poblano corn bread, pulled pork and mac N cheese.

Christina Salls will be performing at the Covington Farmers Market Saturday

Christina Salls will be serenading us this Saturday so grab your coffee and a muffin and stroll around, enjoying the day and all the market has to offer. We have a very special treat this weekend, Chef Robert Vasquez of Opal Basil on the Trace will preview his Valentine’s Day menu. If you’ve been to Opal Basil, you’ll already know that Chef Robert is a master of pulling flavors together to create a masterpiece for your palate. If you’re not familiar, then you are truly in for a treat!

Sacred Earth has created a new granola bar to add to their repertoire. The latest has a higher protein content with all the goodness of sunflower butter and goji berries. This bar, as with all her treats, is loaded with plant based protein, essential fatty acids, greens, veggies and probiotics. To add more nutrition, try one of Simply Pure’s cold pressed raw juices. They are never pasteurized, with no added sugars, preservatives and loads of vitamins, trace minerals, enzymes and yum.

It seems the fascination for king cakes never diminishes in this region. And in keeping with that theme, Robin has a new pepper jelly flavor – King Cake – and, yes, it really does taste like one! The lovely thing about this particular jelly is that a dollop of goat cheese (Farmhouse, of course) topped with a smidge of jelly makes any ordinary cracker outstanding! Just think how it will taste on one of Lena’s toasted bread rounds. It satisfies the desire for sweet, salty, and savory and is absolutely delicious! No worries if that doesn’t appeal; Jennifer and Suzie still have traditional king cakes and Mauthe’s offers king cheesecake! Enjoy with a nice cup of Coast Roast coffee or refreshing cup of Carob Café (Rosalie Apothecary) and friends.

Opal Basil is the food demo for the Saturday market

The weather seems to be having a positive effect on our produce. Each week veggies appear on the tables, looking like they’ve just walked out of the pages of some specialty produce magazine. Brussels sprouts and broccoli, carrots and chard, mustard and more are all right here ready and waiting for you to take notice. Alton and Sandra’s tables are brimming with flavorful herbs to make your dishes sing!

As always, there is so much more to see and experience at the Covington Farmers’ Market. The catch is that you have to be here to get the full benefit. See ya!

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

Follow these topics: Healthy Living, Local Events, Shop Local, This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

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

January 6, 2015 Published by: Covington Weekly

Good morning, friends, and happy Tuesday! I’m having computer problems so this will be short. Our usual group will be at the market tomorrow. Jeff will have smoky pulled pork, BBQ chili, corn bread (no croutons), mac & cheese or cole slaw. Nanette is fixing a comfortingly delicious chicken noodle soup for those of you are in need of a little TLC. Elizabeth will be there with those amazing muffalettas. Kandi & Joe’s chicken porridge is sure to warm you through and through. Ease those seasonal coughs and colds with Earl’s raw, local honey or just use it sweeten your coffee or tea.

Jerry Hess will play in the gazebo Saturday

I am looking forward to a wonderful day at the Saturday market, friends, with Jerry Hess in the gazebo. Pat Lester will park his Foodwagon on Columbia Street and serve samples of his Chili. He will also sell Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions, hot dogs and more!

King cakes are on the menu at Bear Creek Road. Jennifer tells me that she will have both cinnamon and traditional French almond king cakes. Don’t stop there! Robin is adding a king cake pepper jelly to her lineup – complete with baby!

Kombucha Girl Living Beverage at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Kombucha Girls have a fabulous new shrub – orange-peach-vanilla bean. It tastes just like a Dreamsicle. Their new bitters flavor, Bogue Falaya is inspired by the woodsy, aromatic cypress trees that grow along our beautiful Bogue Falaya and the evergreen & citrus notes of fall and winter seasons. For a healthy treat, try some of Sam’s Sprouts new coconut chips. He has several flavors including mild BBQ, spicy BBQ, sweet mild and jalapeño.

Make a New Year’s resolution to try something new each week like Blood River’s creamed honey, Spanish R Us’ refried beans, Norma Jean’s quiche, Kumquat Marmalade from Althee, Enten Farms Meaux Mustard, or a soothing tea from Rosalie Apothecary. Let us help you get through the week or the weekend full of flavor!

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

Follow these topics: Local Events, Shop Local, This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

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

December 23, 2014 Published by: Covington Weekly

Blessings of the season to you, friends. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I know you’re all getting ready for family and friends and lots of great food. Stop by for some of Frankie’s goodies, Earl’s raw honey (makes a great gift) and fresh veggies from Mr. Houston.

Crispin Schroeder will play at the Covington Farmers Market this Saturday

Saturday will be the last market of 2014. Weren’t we just celebrating the 4th of July? Come and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee with us while you shop for the goodies you’ll need for your New Year’s party. Chrispin Schroeder will sing out the old year from the gazebo while Jeff and Kristen get the rig into place to smoke up some amazing pork. Make sure you get extra for sandwiches. Lena and Suzie have wonderful breads to make that sandwich perfect.

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

I thought we’d finish out this year with the reason you all come to the Farmers’ Market – the vegetables! A quick perusal of the tables last weekend shows that the veggies are not taking a holiday, so much the better for us. I saw the first beets of the season on John’s table along with turnips, carrots, radishes, chard, spinach, kale, tat soi, bok choi, broccoli and iceberg lettuce (sounds like we may need a little dressing too.)

Beets from Bartlett Farm at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Dinosaur kale, collards, mustard, chard cabbage, spinach, broccoli, carrots and green onions were loaded onto Mr. Houston’s table and a few feet away Ken Savage offers huge, gorgeous cauliflower, oranges, sweet kumquats, red navel oranges, grapefruit, and satsumas. While you’re over there, check out Spanish R Us. Soriedad is baking a fantastic Tres Leche cake, almost too pretty to eat – almost. She’s making coconut flan too. Remember to get refried beans and salsas for your party!

Baby Swiss from Grow.Farm at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Fortunately, Nick still has those fabulous Evangeline sweet potatoes. You’ll also find heirloom turnips, chard, curly mustard, flat leaf kale, and persimmons plus quail eggs. Don’t forget your New Year’s cabbage from Natalie and some strawberries too! Johnadale Farms is back again with their strawberries – we’ve got goodness all around! Dennis has pure cane syrup made from his own sugar cane fields. Stop by and check it out!

Alton and Sandra have some absolutely gorgeous camellia bushes that will not be available for long. Look over their table for the most fragrant herbs for your garden – rosemary, lemon thyme, chocolate mint and more.

We hope you’ll join us for the last market of the year. By next Saturday, a whole new year will have begun along with the hopes and plans that a new year always brings. We wish you peace and prosperity in 2015. Thank you for your patronage, your friendship, and your recipes; we look forward to another year with 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

Follow these topics: Local Events, Shop Local, This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

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

December 9, 2014 Published by: Covington Weekly

Hi, friends and happy Tuesday! Is it Tuesday? The days and weeks have flown by so fast, it’s hard to remember. And there aren’t too many shopping days left and sometimes just thinking of all the holiday activities is exhausting.

But, Wednesday is on the horizon, and even though sleigh bells are jingling (somewhere in the world), you need to take some time to treat yourself to a lovely lunch at the Market. Indulge in a delicious hot Mushroom Barley soup, muffaletta, pulled pork, or warm rich chicken porridge. Finish your meal with a mini pecan pie or apple tart and take some strawberries home and some shelled pecans for your holiday baking.

Rise and shine early on Saturday to come and enjoy the music of Reed Alleman from the gazebo. Then get set for a treat from the chefs of Toad Hollow Café in Covington. Chefs Todd and Kelly Kiviko will sample specialties from their organic and GMO-free menu.

Keep colds and flu at bay with Kombucha Girls Master Tonic. Remember that their bitters make a fantastic gift – your choice of flavors in a beautiful hand-stamped bag. Brighten up the season with a soothing tea from Rosalie Apothecary. She has some wonderful blends including a gypsy cold blend and a mulling spice blend – another wonderful gift. Samantha’s elderberry syrup is great to have on hand during this season and great to give as a gift. The scent of fresh brewed coffee is sooooo inviting (like popcorn popping) and Kevin always has an amazing gourmet roast for us. What an awesome gift!

Get your orders in early! Bruce Lambert will have whole geese for sale, as well as quarters (bone in) and ground goose meat and he is taking orders for Christmas. Enten Farms suggests duck for your holiday meal. Jeff (Chomper’s BBQ) is taking orders for smoked Christmas turkeys (in case goose or duck is not your thing). Think how special it would be to have fresh herbs on the table fragrantly waiting to be snipped and added to your dishes! Alton and Sandra will make a special basket of herbs or your choosing. You’ll want to make sure you have one (or more) of Mauthe’s sinfully delicious cheesecakes to enjoy (oh alright, for guests too).

Delight family and friends with the perfect gift: lovely goat’s milk soaps from Farmhouse Dairy and/or jar of their Mexican Cajeta sauce; Bear Creek Road’s mini-jars of pear butter and brandied plum butter; Aunt Bee’s black n gold soap for your Saints fan; a selection of Robin’s Rocking Cajun Pepper Jellies such as cranberry pecan and apple bacon; a gift certificate from Jasmine for all natural skin care; a selection of Althee’s jellies such as kumquat marmalade, mayhaw jelly and blackberry jelly; a jar of Sweet Home, Sweet Earth’s Miracle Balm; or a jar or two of Dee’s colorful pickled vegetables like her ‘Mary Mix’ of zesty dilled veggies. A bag of Norma Jean’s Sweet N Spicy Walnuts or a small box of Lolly Marie’s white chocolate ginger truffles make welcome stocking stuffers. Remember something for your four-legged friends from Tiger Bait raw pet food.

The Covington Farmers’ Market is a remarkable place to be on any morning. C’mon…. it’s lovely weather to spend a market day together with 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

Follow these topics: Healthy Living, Local Events, Shop Local, This Week at the Farmer's Market

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

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

December 2, 2014 Published by: Covington Weekly

Well, 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

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

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

Follow these topics: Healthy Living, Local Events, Shop Local, This Week at the Farmer's Market

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