March 20th, 2021
No doubt you've seen her at the market, darting from vendor to vendor in her long puffy red coat, distinctive eyeglasses and signature striped socks.
If ever there was a "star" shopper and supporter of the market, it would be Denise Rosenberg. For years now she has shopped the market most Saturdays, picking up food for her daughters, her mother Erika, who sometimes accompanies her, and for friends and neighbors.
Her weekly shopping list is as long as her arm and often requires several trips to her car balancing crates of berries, bread, flowers, spinach and pie. She is nothing if not determined to support our vendors who, not surprisingly, all know her by name. On those rare days when turnout is low at the market, at my end of the day check-in with vendors, I always hear: "Thank goodness Denise came!"
We have of course many devoted shoppers who have supported our vendors through thick and thin. What sets Denise apart is that in addition, she regularly donates discreetly and very generously to our Gleaning Project which puts fresh market food on the tables of Hastings' families in need. And she does this with zero fanfare and zero expectations. (This Saturday is "gleaning" day, btw).
We decided it was time to shine a little light on Denise Rosenberg and her family for their unfailing support of our mission. And so we are happy to name The Rosenberg Family as our first "independent sponsor" of the Hastings Farmer's Market.
This year, committed shoppers like Denise have not only kept many vendors and their families afloat but they've allowed our own market as a whole to thrive and grow. Indeed, we have a record number of vendors coming this weekend to help us welcome spring!
Noomi Peanut Butter is back! They were here last month and had a terrific response from shoppers but promptly sold out of their entire stock. They are back in business with fresh new jars of their organic nut butter sweetened with dates.
Daniel Treboul of Larchmont Charcuterie has returned from his annual California winter residency and is ready to bring you his popular and super authentic saucisson sec and pate de campagne. Oh how we've missed him!
Abandoned Cider is also here this week. Their variety 4-packs of hard ciders made with apples foraged and salvaged from abandoned or wild orchards were a big hit earlier this month.
The Copper Faucet Soap Co. is another new vendor who will be visiting us a few times this spring and summer. They use local herbs and flowers to make their soaps and scrubs. And soap-maker Jill is a real peach.
Luxx Chocolat is thinking ahead to Easter and Passover chocolate treats. Remember you need to pre-order by Thursday 9 a.m.
R&M Farms will have Easter hams, too.
Mama Lam's bring her Malaysian curry sauces and pastes this week. If you're at a loss as to what to do with her sauces (Denise is a big fan!) please check out her recipes for inspiration.
I've been hearing very good things about the pork chops at Premier Pastures so I thought I'd throw in a bright recipe for seared pork chops with-citrus-dressing. Serve with Forward Roots kimchi on the side and some spicy salad mix from Four E Farms for extra zest.
Finally, the Hastings Pollinator Pathway Project wants to remind everyone that their next Great Hastings Seed Swap at the market will be Saturday April 17th. The deadline to donate seeds is Saturday, April 3rd.
Here's how the seed swap works:
You share extra seeds from your stash (natives/flowers/veg/herbs) and the folks at HPPP will organize and label them and make them available for pickup at the swap. To Participate: Email HPPP at with the type of seeds you'd like to donate, and they'll reply with your seed drop location.
See you at the market!