For me, September always signals a fresh start. New beginnings, after a lazy (or crazy) summer, as the case may be. I’ve always admired the Jewish calendar with its September new year. Long ago, I lived in Montana, near Flathead Lake, a popular summer community. September saw the bulk of tourists returning home and ,of course, the start of school. As the local school district’s Food and Nutrition Director, with a cafeteria looking out on the lake, I always welcomed a new school year. When my own daughter went off to college, I too, started a new life in New York. That was twenty-five years ago in September! Perhaps many of you are starting a new chapter this week. Maybe one that will allow you to spend more time at the market this fall.
The market also sees many popular returns come September. Sometimes it’s even some of our customers who’ve spent extended time in the country, at the beach or traveling. A few vendors have disappeared over the summer, usually for logistical reasons, and we now welcome them back. Summer heat is not friendly to confections made without preservatives.
Michele Kim of La Petite Occasion returns with cider caramels and her Harvest Assortment. Caramel apples will not be far behind! Also Dora Ruiz brings back those wickedly good chocolate dipped cara cara orange peels and Marcelina Treats marmalade. I’m loving that to flavor my plain Greek yogurt and glaze meats and beets.
Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe’s Italian plum cake is back. This popular cake is available in two sizes and made with Caradonna Farms plums. If you’re wanting to bake yourself, try this Dimply Plum Cake.
Caradonna Farms never fails to draw you to the end of the market. In addition to all the lovely stone fruit and new crop apples, grapes have arrived. They’re the perfect out of hand snack, but have you ever roasted them? So simple yet so sophisticated. Start with Arlotta Food Studio's olive oil and these suggestions article will get you started.
Between them, R & M Farms, Goode & Local, Farm Eats and SOVA Farm all have something fantastic for your grill, assuming you will be having a bbq or two on this long weekend. Don’t forget to ask them for special cuts and grilling suggestions. And don’t forget to grab some eggplant and corn to throw on the grill as well.
A great non-alcohol alternative for your bbq is OM Champagne Tea, so thirst quenching and refreshing. James and JY have been brewing their kombucha in Upper Westchester since 2009 and are always happy to chat with you about its benefits.
MOMO Dressings has a new product, Yuzu Pepper, available in red and green. This seasoning pairs well with everything, from hotpots to meat dishes and miso soup, so stop by their tent for exuberant suggestions and plenty of warm smiles.
You’ve probably noticed that True Foods has a new name, Wild Radish. Same owner and same delicious healthy soups, salads, entrees, drinks and desserts, with seasonal new items always appearing. They are one of our longest attending vendors, and for good reason.
Ash Hopper Handcrafted Soap is made with local and global ingredients in the Hudson Valley. All soaps are 100% plant based and made with organic base oils, botanicals and therapeutic grade essential oils. Stop by this week to find your favorite; perfect for gifts and care packages too.
The Dough Nation pizza truck has another open slot in their busy schedule this Saturday so they will make another appearance to dish out those amazing pies (caramelized lemon, anyone?) from their roaring wood-fired oven on wheels.
See you on Saturday!