May 23, 2020

So, yes, in the pre-COVID times, you'd be getting ready to head to the beach this weekend or planning a big back-yard barbecue, to celebrate the unofficial "kick-off" of summer, and the literal "kicking-off" of winter shoes and winter blues.

The party will be smaller this year. More solemn, for sure. Perhaps more in keeping with the actual intent of the holiday.

But that doesn't mean you can't grill up some steaks or chicken, or make your family's traditional potato or spinach salad. If you are lucky enough to have a big yard or patio, invite another family over and tell them to bring their own picnic basket with their own traditional Memorial Day fare and to lay out their picnic blanket at a safe distance.

There are workarounds to this pandemic isolation. And, thank goodness, there is gardening. 

Sun Sprout Farms is bringing their herb, and kale and chard seedlings and HomeGrown Nurseries Nick Storrs has ground cherry, eggplant, pepper and tomato plants. He has lots to say about the correct way to plant a tomato so take advantage of his expertise.

Normally we'd have another meat vendor at the market this week, but because of the huge demand for locally-pastured meats, some of our smaller, local farmers are having trouble getting time slots at local slaughterhouses. Another trickle effect of this crisis that no one could have predicted. Don't worry we will be back on track next week. And R&M Farms has plenty enough for everyone. Little did he know when he agreed to replace Southtown Farms in early March, what he was stepping into. Fortunately, he was prepared. You should know that in addition to fine charcuterie made from fancy Mangalitsa pigs, Manglitsa by Mosefund also sells fresh sausage, perfect for the grill. 

Many of you have asked me about our favorite French nuns and makers of fabulous quiches and tarts, who have not been at the market of late for obvious reasons. Rest assured, they are doing well and staying safe at Fraternité de Notre Dame in New York City. We check in with them every couple of weeks. They miss the market and will return when it's safe to do so. 

As you cook through your fridge and pantry, consider making this beetroot hummus.

If you're like me you have 37 cans of chickpeas in your pantry (my pantry equivalent to TP). This is a good way to use them up. And, this recipe calls for tahini which our new Middle Eastern cuisine vendor, Selek, sells. Hopefully you picked some up last week! Selek will be back on June 6th.

See you at the market!