May 27, 2021
I've always loved this Wendell Berry quote and I love that it is Harlem Valley Homestead's "motto" writ large on their website.
It's how I feel about our market which, most days, really does scratch every culinary itch, and then some.Especially now that both Morgiewicz ProduceAND Growing Heart Farm are joining us weekly for the season.
There might be a little rain on Saturday but the good news is, there is no longer a line to get into the market.
That's not to say you won't have to sometimes wait in line inside the market (yes, the fish is that good, and those bouquets from Sea Change Flower Farm are made "a la minute") but generally speaking we're back to a free-flowing farmer's market. And just in time for what marks the official kick-off to summer... and strawberry season.
You may choose to eat your entire quart out of hand in the car on your drive home. But, should you decide to save them for a fancy dessert, consider macerating them in red wine with vanilla or making this simple strawberry tart with mascarpone. Or, do as I did last week and make this Ina Garten rhubarb and strawberry crisp.
If you end up going nuts and buying too many strawberries (is that even possible?) and they start to turn, consider roasting them with honey. Here's how.
These are terrific slathered on a slice of Bien Cuit's pain de mie, or astride buttermilk pancakes. Did you know that SOVA Farm is selling both fresh buttermilk and maple syrup at their stand?
I guess a pancake breakfast is inevitable this long weekend.
As is grilling! Even if the weather is not cooperating. Harlem Valley has some gorgeous t-bone, sirloin and flank steaks. Meaty mushrooms from Harlem Valley and Madura Farm are also delicious on the grill for the meat evaders in your circle. And of course, fresh steelhead trout from Hudson Valley Fisheries is always a winner on the Weber.
We have a guest food truck visiting us this week: The Poke Motion Food Truck will pull into our new seating area (yay! eating allowed at the market again) loaded up with Hawaiian-style poke bowls. In Hawaii, poke bowls are made up of rice, diced raw fish and vegetables. Poke Motion's food bowls come with your choice of base (rice, noodles) and several protein options from raw fish and shrimp to chicken and chickpea (their vegan option).They are all topped with fresh vegetables and sometimes, fruit, and tangy sauces. Pick up a couple of different bowls to take home.
Jody's Kitchen is weaving grain bowls into her market repertoire. This week, she brings a quinoa bowl with lentils, olives, oranges and kale tossed with a heady shallot saffron vinaigrette and a bright and crunchy farro and orzo Bowl with asparagus, arugula, and goat cheese tossed in a citrus mint dressing
Wash them down with some strawberry lemonade from True Food, or a strawberry gin mash with Springbrook Hollow Distillery hooch, or a cold glass of Abandoned Hard Cider.
If you like Leila's Crepes, you are going to love their empanada and arepas. Check out their new food truck. We've moved the dining section to the opposite side of the lot for shade purposes.
Wow. Clearly what we needed was some HFM merch. The t-shirts flew last weekend. We've got plenty of colors and sizes so make sure to stop by the market tent to purchase one for yourself or maybe for a local grad. Need to make room in your closet for new clothes? GREAT! Bag up your discards and bring them to the market. Our new textile recycling bin awaits.
Like Wendell Berry said...
Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone.
See you at the market!