Thanks to those of you who came out in the cold rain last week. We've been blessed with great weather all summer and fall but last week was a rough one. Still, you came, you bought and our farmers and food artisans were grateful.
This week we are so happy to introduce you to Wil-Hi Farms who just happened to have a free Saturday morning in December and wanted to spend it with us.
They raise beautiful Rambouillet sheep in lovely Tivoli,, NY and sell both meat and yarn from their flock. You can expect spicy lamb merguez sausages, lamb shanks, lamb chops, rack of lamb and roasts. Here's a quick lamb ragu recipe and a recipe for braised lamb shoulder with turnip and pistachio, for inspiration. The pretty turnips at Orchard Hill Organics seem grown for this recipe.
And, if you're lucky enough to be (or know) a knitter make sure to check out their fine wool in gorgeous jewel tones and 4 oz Rambouillet skeins. It is 3 ply and natural—not dyed.
Speaking of jewel tones, Ute, of Heimat Liqueurs is back with her delicious spirits made from local fruit (pear, raspberry, rhubarb, cranberry, and now, nectarine). A Heimat sampler would make the perfect holiday gift for the mixologist in your life. Ask Ute about her recipe for warm cranberry sangria, perfect for sipping by the fire.
I looked out the window this morning and noticed my neighbors had stealthily (and artfully) placed a winter wreath on our side of the gate that separates our properties. How thoughtful. Should you be feeling this generous, or if your home deserves a fir flourish for being such a safe harbor over the last few months, you're in luck: Michelle Adams will be bringing her elegant winter wreaths fashioned from locally-foraged greenery, boughs, winterberry, and pine cones. Each wreath is unique and they come in all sizes and price points. Michelle will even make them to order on the spot if you've got something specific in mind. If ever there was a year to gussy up your front door for the holidays, this would be it.
Bliss Co-op, an all-women artists co-operative in Sugar Loaf, NY will be displaying its wares: from tea towels to stamped vintage silverware, to cozy kids' hats and more. Stop by their tent and scratch off some Hanukkah off your list.
And, Raw Chocolate Love. returns with his exquisite and remarkably healthy chocolate bars. Seriously delicious chocolate for folks who are serious about chocolate.
A vendor who will not be joining us at the market this week is Hodgins Harvest. One of its employees is COVID-positive and is quarantining. We wish them a speedy recovery. To be safe the owner has decided not to attend the market.
The number of positive cases is on the rise in our area, but we are fortunate to operate outdoors, and to continue the many safety protocols put in place in the spring when the CFM opened — rigorous crowd control, ample spacing between vendors and shoppers, and a mandatory mask policy. We are grateful for our shoppers' steady compliance and loyalty in these unprecedented times.
In tough times, make things easy on yourself and buy a couple of soups from Jody's Kitchen for quick and easy meals at home. We are all cooking so much these days, let a professional chef give you the night off! This week, Jody is bringing: Thai Coconut Cauliflower, White Bean Escarole Parmesan, Herbed Farro, Bacon & Veggies, Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Chickpeas and Kale, and her popular immunity booster broth.
See you at the market!