Market musings...
Every time I walk into town, whether that be to go to work, get a coffee, or drop off my compost, I have to take a moment to stop and admire my neighbor’s tomatoes. Their house on the corner doesn’t have much lawn space, and it’s on a mighty slope, but that doesn’t stop them from having one of the best gardens on my street. Plants climb up from container pots along support stakes, and for the past month ripe cherry tomatoes glow like jewels. It always puts me in a good mood to pass them by!
The warmer than usual weather and long daylight hours mean our tomato season is stretching out this year, and what a wonderful thing that is! Even though we tend to obsess over the next new vegetable in the produce bin, (eggplant, peppers, Italian plums) I guarantee you, tomatoes are what you will think about this winter when you are pining for summer produce...and for summer to come around again. So let yourself bask in tomatoes this week...and then preserve some so you can make the feeling last. You can’t go wrong with any of our beautiful varieties at the market, whether they’re from Madura or Titusville or Halal Pastures. Now is the time to grab some loaves from Bien Cuit or Wave Hill Breads and make this delicious whipped ricotta toast with tomato confit. You know Maplebrook Creamery Farm has your back when it comes to ricotta, right?
Vegan friends might enjoy this chile crisp tofu with tomatoes and cucumbers while those with Letterbox Farm or R&M Farm chicken in the fridge could opt for this bruschetta chicken. There are myriad ways to celebrate a perfectly sun-ripened tomato! And let's not forget the ever humble Harriet the Spy Tomato Sandwich. No recipe necessary, right?
Red Barn Bakery resisted coming to the market for years because they figured anyone in Irvington would just go down to their cafe to pick up what they needed. Well, we proved them wrong. Thanks for making them so welcome last week. They will be returning every second and fourth Sunday through fall.
This week, however, we bring you baked goods from Pistache NYC. French cookies and Viennoiserie, baguette sandwiches and bistro salads, too.
This is the season for fruit desserts.Try this fruit tart with homemade puff pastry and get back to me...won't you?
Between the Dough Nation Pizza Truck, Mambo Italiano's focaccia sandwiches, and Empabakes empanadas, there’s a wonderful array of tasty lunch options to choose from this week should you feel peckish after your shop. We are so lucky to have an expanse of green grass bordering our market, we are always surprised not to see more shoppers enjoying their lunch there. Especially since we have pretty picnic blankets available at the market tent. Do stop by and pick one up this week. Food always tastes better outside, and even more delicious if you’re in the grass! Bites in between cartwheels? Yes, please!
See you at the market!
