Bundle up!

So, the turkey is now a distant memory, and because Thanksgiving fell so late in November, you’ve already switched gears to holiday shopping. If it feels a little frenetic, it’s because it is! Chanukah starts Dec. 14th, and Christmas is only three weeks away.

When you’re at the market on Saturday be sure to pick up some healthy options for quick and easy dinners to get you through the frenzy. Homespun Chili is back at the market so buy several varieties of John's hearty bean stews. Serve with a salad and call dinner done. Ditto for par-cooked soups from The Lentil Hub, so rich and satisfying, especially in the midst of a Polar vortex!

This time of year, when friends and family pop by unexpectedly to drop off a gift, I like to have snacks at the ready. The puffed lentils at The Lentil Hub, the marcona almonds at Kariba Farms (here next week) charcuterie from Goode & Local and of course quality crackers, like the seeded flats from 7 Kitchen Road, or the gluten-free chickpea chips at Bonnes Saveurs are always good to have on hand. Of course, the smoked salmon at Pura Vida never disappoints. Your bar should also be well stocked, so make a stop at the Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery tent on Saturday.

If you’re choosing not to get caught up in the frenzy of the holidays and to spend time enjoying cooking instead,  good on you. I’m assuming. you've already taken your Dutch oven off the shelf and it is residing permanently on your stovetop for quick use, as is mine. This Molly O’Neill beef stew recipe is perennial for a reason. This recipe doubles easily so make extra and freeze it for a quick dinner on a particularly harried day. Since the mushrooms at Tivoli are so outstanding, and this is fungi’s finest hour, make this David Tanis “wild” mushroom stew. 

This is a low stress apple cider chicken recipe that’s both hyper-seasonal and healthy and sure to please the whole family. (And it’s a great way to use parsnips, too). Letterbox and R&M should sort you out quite nicely with chicken. And, there should be plenty of apples at the market unless freezing temperatures prevent our orchards from coming down. While we love that our market extends through December, our farmers cannot come if there is a chance their produce will freeze en route to the market. We so appreciate your understanding and flexibility. 

For those of you with a sweet tooth, you’ll have plenty to choose from on Saturday: Butter & Bow is back with their cookie selections, special enough to gift, but too delicious to part with (easy solution: buy two of each). Pistache NYC returns with their phenomenal croissants, canelés and other classic French treats. 

If you’ve been asked to bring something to a holiday party, consider this savory rosemary shortbread recipe, always a hit for its welcome balance of salt and sweet. 

Hold off one more week on buying your holiday wreath as The Wreath Forager will be here next week with several other craft vendors to help you make a dent on your gift list!

See you at the market!