August 8th 2020
No sooner had we recovered from the unexpected punch of Tuesday's tropical storm than we heard the news about the explosion that shook Beirut. 2020, when will you put down the gloves? Fortunately, peaceful moments can still be found, like Saturdays at the Farmer's Market.
There's something about watching Sam at Sea Change Farm making her beautiful bouquets on the fly in her utility ware, or the hand-painted wooden signs at Noble Pies or watching Sophie eat her lunch on an upside-down wooden crate at Morgiewicz Produce during a rare lull, that makes it feel like everything is eventually going to be alright again.
Case in point, Mom & Ice Pops had such a good time in Hastings last week they are returning this Saturday and every week going forward. We are delighted. Wil-Hi Farm, our sheep ranchers, are here this week for their monthly visit.
In honor of their visit and of Beirut, here is a beautiful Lebanese recipe for eggplant with lamb tomato and-pine-nuts. I am so looking forward to making this on so many levels. Corn and shishito peppers come together at the market in August.
I would not necessarily think of using them together in a recipe until I came across this NYT recipe for a spicy salad with a lemon and-cumin vinaigrette that showcases their seasonal synergy.
If you are looking for ways to improve your cocktail game in August, swing by Springbrook Hollow Distillery for some of their gin or vodka, yes, but also for their Italian-style limoncello which can be sipped on its own or used as a mixer. All of their spirits are made with water from Adirondack springs.
And if you're lucky enough to have spent time there, you know how special that is. Woodturner Charles Lazarus, of The Misshapened Bowl is back this week with his head-turning wooden bowls and vessels made from local felled or fallen trees. If you lost a favorite Hickory or Ash or Maple during the storm, let Charles know and he can make a commemorative bowl from the remnants.
Olivia's Masks is back again with her affordable, comfortable handcrafted masks in sweet, unique fabrics and in various sizes. You can never have too many - and that's a good thing.
On the topic of staying safe, a gentle reminder that we as much as we crave contact and communication, please try not to spend too much time socializing at the market. Folks have loosened up on that front and we are seeing clusters of people forming to chat.
Please keep your distance and your catch-up sessions to outside the perimeter of the market, especially when shoppers are waiting in line to get in. Finally, dogs. We are a dog-loving market. You know this. It's been hard turning dogs away these past few months. But it's also hard to keep children from petting your dog, or to keep a gregarious dog calm. This Saturday we will allow dogs back a the market but only if they are kept on a short leash and will not hinder social distancing. You know your dog best. Please make the right choice.
Thank you and Happy Farmer's Market Week from everyone at the HFM!