RAMPING UP
While the Indoor season winds down the Market actually ramps up, with new events and produce each week. Wild ramps have emerged as proof that spring really is arriving, and Conant Valley Jams has produced their first batch of ramp pesto. Tomorrow Maupston Design Studios visits with handspun yarns made with New York State fibers. Next week Living Edge Designs will be in with their beautiful cutting boards made from regional woods. Simply Planted Greenhouses is in each Saturday with gorgeous, hardy annuals, and next week Shawangunk Growers returns with beautiful, well-established perennials that are new, rare, collectible or native.
Thanks to our farms that indoor grow, shoppers don't have to wait for fresh foods like scallions, garlic stalks, spinach, greens, Jerusalem artichokes and watercress- all of which Madura Farms will have tomorrow. Newgate has mesclun, leeks, kale and a great selection of root vegetables. And after a month-long absence Little Seed Gardens will return next week with their micro greens and sprouts.
We are waiting upon another round of sustained warm weather for spring to fully unfurl, so that fiddleheads and asparagus can arrive. Then radishes, rhubarb and head lettuces will finally signal that the fields, and season, have gained momentum. Given it snowed in April, and can be cold and rainy in May, we all value the shelter of the Pleasantville Middle School. That includes our farmers who, after contending with spring's variable weather in the fields, are happy to take off their rain gear, mud gear, and cool weather layers to share a smile, their regional foods, and news about springtime on the farm.
Connant Valley Jams: Ramp Pesto is here
After a successful first forage of the year, Conant's ramp pesto will be unveiled tomorrow, made with only wild ramps and certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is the purest possible form of ramp pesto and beautifully highlights the delicate spring quality of the young plants- perfect for cooking, marinating or simply eating with crackers and the locally crafted cheeses available at the Market. There is a very limited quantity this week, so enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive early, as it will go quickly.
What Vendors Are In Tomorrow?
Krazy for Kazu's is. The Connecticut Specialty Food Association has presented Kazu with awards for stirring things up with his delicious sauces and dressings. To review all vendors in attendance at tomorrow's Market check our up-to-date, interactive
Map of the Market.
Who's Missing Next Week? Newgate Farms is!
Its a springtime wedding for our farmer Donald Sedor. We wish him and his wife Audra a great day and a wonderful, healthy life together. Donald will be in tomorrow, so we have proof he his keeping the farm going while organizing for the big day. Stop by to wish him well while shopping.
Highlighted Recipe:
Pork Chops with Cider-Glazed Apples
For one more week we're focusing on this simply delicious dish. The recipe is from the archives of The Valley Table Magazine, and can be scaled down for two, or up for a larger group. After marinating 24 hrs, the pork chops can be grilled outside, or cooked inside. Seek out Kiernan Farms for 1" chops, Mead Orchards for apples and cider, and Amazing Real Live Food Company for some Ronnybrook butter.
To review the full recipe click here.
Two More Ways to
Support the Market
Pleasantville Farmers Market provides year-round access to over 50 regional vendors with a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products. The Market is made possible in part through generous contributions to its operating funds. 100% of funds raised go to the operation of the Market, educational events, chef demonstrations, kids events, musical performances and a new 2014 scholarship to be awarded to a local high school graduate. All this support helps ensure a strong and successful farmers market in Pleasantville. In addition to supporting our farms as a shopper, please consider one of these programs as a way to contribute to the Market:
Friends of the Market
When individuals and families approach us asking to make a donation to the Market we direct them to this program which accepts donations of $40 or more. If you would like to contribute in this manner, stop by our Manager's Table at the Market, where our high school interns can assist you. And they will provide you with a beautiful and practical Market Canvas Tote Bag as a token of our appreciation. And if the Market Manager is nearby you'll get a second round of appreciation as well!
Business Supporters Program
Support of the Market by area businesses is gratefully acknowledged through our Business Supporter Program. Supporters are listed on our Kiosk at the Market, on our website with live links, and in our social media efforts. If you have a local business we encourage you to become a Supporter, so we may highlight your business to visitors of the Market. We're proud to provide exposure for area businesses and organizations, which make Pleasantville such a great place to live and shop. View our Supporters page to see current Business Supporters, and use the email link there to contact Steven Bates, the Market's Executive Director, if you would like to have your business join the program.
