Welcome, Winter (Season)

We hope you had a lovely and delicious Thanksgiving. Here at Morning Glory Markets, we enjoyed our rare day off, but we missed you and are ready to get back to doing what we love: uniting you with the best local farmers, makers, distillers, bakers, crafters, and artists around! Although Mother Nature seems to be toying with us, sending us balmy weather, we know winter is near because we are now officially in Hastings Farmers Market Winter Season. First, the deets: winter markets are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, from December through May. Market hours are 9:30am – 1pm. Now, let the games begin!

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome two new farms to our fold: Great Joy Family Farm and Obercreek Farm. Check out Obercreek for winter greens (arugula, lettuce mix, spinach), plus daikon radish, Napa cabbage, beets, onions, garlic, and some jarred products made using their own veggies. Obercreek Farm is NOFA-NY certified organic and Real Organic Project certified, growing on about 9 acres during the main season; with five greenhouses to provide local, farm-fresh produce year-round.

Great Joy Family Farm was established in May 2018 with a goal of building up natural, healthy, and workable land. They began by raising livestock and gradually filled their pond with ducks and geese. Next they started growing food for themselves and their animals in an organic way; harvesting abundantly. With plenty of healthy, natural produce to share with their neighbors, they set up a farm stand. And now they are joining us! In the words of farmer Wendy, “Our dream has come true.” Try this chicken and bok choy pho with Great Joy’s bok choy, mushrooms from Madura Farm Mushrooms, chicken from R & M Farm. I might even swap in a pasta from La Trafila in place of the rice noodles; tonnarelli or tagiliolini, anyone?

The downside of winter markets? Cold weather. The upside? Many of your favorite formerly-rotating vendors will be at every market! Each time you visit, you’ll find your friends from AYA Hummus, Fairy Juice Bar, River Valley Community Grains, Homespun Chili, and more. Of course, you’ll see McGrath Cheese, Harlem Valley Homestead, and Doc Pickle, too. If you’re feeling, as I am, the need to eat a little lighter after the Thanksgiving feast (and requisite left-overs) try this baked fish with lemon herb sauce using your favorite fish from Pura Vida. Serve with a crusty baguette from Bien Cuit Bakery or Wave Hill Bread for an easy-peasy weeknight dinner.

Major winter holidays fast are fast approaching but worry not, we’ve got what you need. Vendors such as Ash Hopper Soaps, Mermud Studio, Fleur Piton Candles, and The Wreath Forager will help you get a jumpstart on your gift list.

Finally: please come hungry! This week, we’ll have both The Fearless Cookand XOLO Food Trucks on the plaza. See you at the market!