Weekly Newsletter: Issue 13

2007: ISSUE 13

Greetings Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers’ Market Customers!

Last week was our official Blueberry Bonanza, but that certainly doesn’t mean there won’t be piles of fresh blues here at this Saturday’s Farmers’ Market once again! Irene Puddester of Rodney will bring in bagfuls of no-spray blueberries from Rodney. It seems no matter how many berries Irene brings in, they always sell out before close, so arrive early to ensure availability. Mill Stream Farm continues to bring in more and more “good ol’ organic produce.” This weekend you can expect Spanish onions, garlic, French Fingerlings, summer squash, Red Tropeanas and Yukon Gold potatoes among their offerings. Dolway Organic Farm consistently brings loads of fresh, organic produce to both our Thursday and Saturday Farmers’ Market. Paddy pans, edamames, green and yellow zucchinis, pesto, globe onions French Fingerlings, herbs, beets, beans and rhubarb are just some of the items you’ll find at their table.

Answering the requests of many customers, Rick from Eco Logic is back again with his usual abundance of great, local produce. He gave me a call today to let me know just some of the fruits and vegetables he has ready: potatoes, apples, zucchini, okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, beans, corn, plums, eggplant, salad mix, swiss chard, radishes, peppers, cantaloupe and melon. Dee at Made From Scratch is busy baking blueberry and blueberry peach pies this week. She will also have delicious date squares and herb biscuits. Heinz from Ferio Farms returns with his high quality venison meat choices and cuts from St. Thomas. Judy at One of a Kind Unique Jewellery will have her stunning line at Saturday’s Farmers’ Market. She has something to go with everything! Shirley from Blanbrook Bison Farm is back from the States and will be here with her wide selection of bison cuts. Ian at Bloomer’s brought gorgeous sunflowers to the Farmers’ Market last weekend and hopes to have some more for Saturday! His fresh cut flowers are reasonably priced and perfect for brightening up any room.

Mark Wales will have some corn here this week (again, get here early to make sure you get some) as well as bell peppers, blueberries, grape tomatoes, green and yellow beans, carrots, beets, Spanish onions and more! Janine from En Fleur Lavender will attend Saturday’s Farmers’ Market with lots of fresh lavender and lavender products (including jelly, wreaths and pillow liners). International Bakery is here on Thursdays and Saturdays with their fresh-baked specialty breads. Bourne will also be in attendance with excellent locally produced bath and body products.

As promised, the Recipe of the Week is for the Blueberry Oat Bars offered to every customer at last Saturday’s Farmers’ Market. The recipe comes from the August issue of Canadian Living.

Recipe of the Week - Blueberry Oat Bars

Ingredients: 2 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant), 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated orange or lemon rind ¼ tsp salt, 1 cup cold butter, cubed
Filling: 3 cups fresh blueberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup orange juice, 4 tsp cornstarch

Filling: In saucepan, bring blueberries, sugar and orange juice to boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; whisk into blueberries and boil, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Place plastic wrap directly on surface; refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour.

In large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, rind and salt; with pastry blender, cut in butter until in coarse crumbs. Press half into 8-inch square parchment paper-lined metal cake pan; spread with blueberry filling. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture, pressing lightly.

Bake in centre of 350 degree Fahrenheit (180 degree Celsius) oven until light golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool on rack before cutting into square. Makes 24 squares.

Once again we are joined by The Fringe Festival (starting at 11:30) and will share Market Square with Festa Italiana next weekend. Stop by the Info Table for free samples made with local products and fill out a ticket for our Gift Basket Draw. Bring your Tupperware and reusable bags to take home your Farmers’ Market purchases.

Thank you for supporting the Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers’ Market!

“Buy local, or bye local.”