August 21, 2018
Did anyone besides me notice it? In spite of the humidity? That little shiver when you passed Fruitwood Farm’s table? Apples! Oh, they were sly about it…shyly green they were, hiding in plain sight…but make no mistake. The message has been sent…the gauntlet thrown.
Winter is Coming! Ahhhgh! Lulululu!
But we won’t let go of summer without a fight. Not while there are sweet corn and peaches and melons, oh my! We’re gonna hang on to it ‘til the Granny Smiths grin (points and a Market buck if you can name that reference).
But back to those raspberries. We don’t talk nearly enough about these fragile little super foods. Their soft red exterior hides a one-two punch of nutrition and antioxidants that can lower the risk of some cancers, and even slow the aging process! Whaaat? So buy ‘em while we got ‘em, and eat them out of hand, or in a muffin, or boil into a syrup for topping off a velvety vanilla custard or chocolate pudding.
Ever given anyone the ppthhhhpt “raspberry?” C’mon, you know you have. But what’s the connection between sweetness and slight? Blame the Brits for this one. Connect the dots here. And another Market buck if you come to the LFM booth with the answer.
The tomatoes just keep getting better and better lookin’. A store-bought pizza crust smeared with olive oil or pesto, layered with two or three kinds of cheese, and sliced heritage tomatoes of every hue, and you can hold your own at the next pot-luck. Be sure to take some pix.
But looks aren’t everything…Heritage tomatoes may be ready for their close up, but there’s still nothing to compare with the big burst of flavor and meaty texture of a sun-ripened Big Boy or Beefsteak. My husband likes them thick-sliced and sautéed in butter, and swimming in a rich milk gravy. Don’t go home without ‘em.
New Vendor News:
Last week the LFM welcomed Michael, creator of Bottled Thyme finishing sauces. Truth: He had me at mushroom! This Saturday Cherry’s Baking Company joins our sweets stable. Get ready to smile and say Cheesecake!
Health and Beauty will be served with Izzie Lizzie Organics…always something new to try, so stop by and check it out.
In the Music Tent: The Lost Northern Tribe. These guys are seriously crazy good fun. I double dog dare ya to stand still when they launch into their zany zydeco. May they never find their way home!
Artist of the Week: Emkay Bead Design Prettily crafted Mommy and Me beaded bracelets, children’s jewelry and other embellishments.
Dates to remember:
Aug 25 is our next Community Day. Check out some of the local civic organizations and local entrepreneurs. You never know who or what you didn’t even know you were looking for!
Sept. 9: LEDC’s annual Arts on the Avenue will spread itself between Lacrosse to Baltimore Aves. Arts, crafts, Kids Zone, and live music. Food trucks and a beer garden. What more do you need? Plan to be there.
And with that, we’re almost ready to bring summer to a close. Back to school and schedules and seasonal allergies, just around the corner. Fall will come. So, enjoy what’s left of summer…even the sizzle of it. Soon enough we’ll be arguing the merits of Granny Smiths vs Honey Crisps, and Bartlett vs Bosc vs D’anjous…and wearing sweaters and real shoes. But, please, not just yet!
See you at the Market!
-Terry Baraldi, Villager at Large