As a former journalist, I generally read two or three newspapers a day. But the headlines are so grim of late I sometimes wonder if I shouldn’t boycott news altogether. The New York Times must understand this because in the digital version of the newspaper, they keep posting comforting food shots above the virtual “fold.” Earlier this week, they flashed a completely decadent picture of a Yotam Ottolenghi butternut squash lasagna. They even called it pasta pie – two comfort foods wrapped into one. It worked like a salve.
At a time when things are so fraught and divided, there’s something really lovely about coming to the farmers market and just enjoying the simple pleasures of a glowing dahlia, a warm pillowy croissant and the hard work of our farmers.
Consider the always affable Owen Gilroy at the Black Creek Farm tent who loves to chat produce with shoppers. Last week he was waxing poetic about the luminous purple Napa cabbage artfully displayed beneath the rainbow chard. “It’s a joy to finally have it on the table,” he said. “Erik and I have spent many years trying for six years to grow a successful crop, and now, finally, we have it! It will make any salad or coleslaw shine.” And the cabbage color stays true even after you cook it. Pick some up this week and make a purple version of this cabbage kimchi or this cabbage and bacon gratin.
Speaking of purple-hued produce... Nutmeg Bakery has been buying up the Italian plums at the Caradonna Farms tent to make their plum crostatas. So delicious with a dollop of creme fraîche or Greek yogurt.
The purple kale and kohlrabi at the Fresh Meadow Farms tent looked particularly fetching in their blond-wood crates last week. The farmers at FMF have been trying to find a source for display crates for weeks (yes, supply-chain issues also affect farmers markets!). They were loving the positive feedback. It’s the little things...
Speaking of... have you tried the pickled Brussels sprouts at the Doc Pickle tent? You won’t believe how delicious they are.
Guest vendor Urban Bohemian will be selling vegan entrees including lasagna, noodle dishes and soups. And Rivertowns potter Tatjana Kunst of Mermud Pottery is here to help you get a leg up on your holiday shopping.
Don’t forget to order your turkey from SOVA Farms or R&M Farms to get the size bird you want!
This week we are so happy to celebrate some fall fun with a pumpkin-carving demonstration by master carver Jessica Manfro. Get inspired to turn your own gourds into ghouls. Major props to Sari Shaw at Compass for sponsoring this event.
Bring the kids! Raw Chocolate Love will be making hot chocolate and Caradonna Farms will have hot cider.
See you at the market!
Comments