Fall staples, pooches and pears

Another lovely fall weekend in the forecast. How lucky are we? Honestly, things could change on a dime when it comes to wintry weather, so take advantage this Saturday and linger with us a while.

For starters, it’s our annual Halloween Pet Parade and contest...always so much fun. We love how “into” this event you all are. A reminder that the dogs will strut their stuff at 11 a.m. You can sign up at 10:30 at the market or ahead of time, online. Categories for prizes are: best “food” costume, best “owner/dog combination costume” and “most creative costume.” Prizes are all courtesy of Pets a Go Go. All proceeds will go to A Second Chance Rescue. They will be here with a range of lovable dogs to adopt so that you can enter the contest next year if you are currently dog-less. If you are keen on taking one home, fill out this online application to get the process started. 

Prefer pumpkins to pooches? Pumpkin artist Jessica Manfro will be here turning a giant pumpkin into a masterpiece as is her wont, courtesy of our market sponsor, Sari Shaw. The finished product, as well as a gift basket, will be raffled off with all proceeds also going to ANCAR.  Wait — there’s more! R&M FARM has donated two turkeys for a turkey raffle, too. All proceeds from this raffle will go to The Food Pantry in Mt. Kisco. You can find details for all these events here.

Onto food! We  have some good “pantry” vendors on the plaza this week. Take advantage of the pleasant temps to really stock up this this weekend. I’m talking vinaigrettes, (green tomato) ketchup, relishes, and mustards, from Channery Hill,since they are all made with ingredients from Jen’s organic farm way up in Callicoon Center. And of course, her pierogies!

Croton Trading Co. is here, so stock up on their interesting varieties of apple jams all made with Hudson Valley apples. Hampton Grocer is another pantry item you don't want to be without. Make sure to pick up a few jars.

Perhaps this is the week you try something new from Don at Kariba Farms. Like his Marcona almonds, or his salty corn nuts which catapulted me straight to my childhood. 

Deena, at Hudson River Apiaries, knows so much about honey, this is the time to take ask her about her extensive varieties of local honey so you know what to keep on hand this winter.

I consider spirits a condiment, as you should. The Spirits Lab can help you stock your bar in a jiffy. 

I bought some cod from Pura Vida Fishery last week and made this delicious cod chowder. Because I can never just stick to a straight recipe, I added some smoked mussels from Pura Vida, as well as some chopped fennel for more depth of flavor. The recipe serves four and the hubby (who tends not to be a leftover person) was very glad we got to eat this two nights in a row. You should find Atlantic cod, fresh ginger, leeks, fennel, celery at the market to make this dish, so no excuses! Make sure you have all the spices you need in your pantry first. (I spent quite a bit of time crushing coriander seeds in a mortar and pestle).

The pears are lovely at the market right now and pear desserts always seem so elevated, somehow. But before we get to dessert let's consider the pear in a savory role. This recipe for sautéed pears with bacon and mustard dressing is top of my list, especially since I have some Letterbox Farm bacon in my fridge. This more delicate pear and radish salad with gorgonzola and nori is a stunner and if the nori doesn’t appeal, swap in some toasted pistachios. Pears and gorgonzola, or Stilton, drizzled with honey on a plate is always a lovely way to end a meal. Let Second Mouse Cheese hook you up!

I can’t wait to try this poached-pear ginger cake which puts the pear front and center...literally!

Looking forward to seeing you all at the market. Should be a festive one!