At The Del Ray And Dupont Farmers Markets April 19 & 20, 2008
Well, it was another busy weekend at the farmers markets. Saturday was gorgeous out, so Frank and I packed up Tucker and headed into Del Ray. At the farmers market, I saw a few additions including Toigo Farm, Local Honey, and the praline lady (the name escapes me right now).
When we arrived, the saltena stand was waiting for a fresh delivery from Marcela’s Bakery, a few blocks away on Mount Vernon Avenue. In the meantime, I spoke with Whitney Long at the Local Honey stand. They are a co-op of three bee keepers who make various appellations of honey. I bought a small jar of honey which hails from West Falls Church-that’s in Northern Virginia. I’m thinking it might go nicely over fresh ricotta, which I’m slated to make using my new New England Cheese-making Kit!
When the saltenas arrived, Frank and I each enjoyed the chicken stew filled pockets-with our hand! There were no napkins, or forks for that matter. It was a bit touch and go, but we ate them without making a mess of ourselves too badly.
Sunday was rainy and it was a bit jarring to see lightning and thunder first thing in the morning. Nevertheless, Frank and I donned our rain gear and drove into Washington DC’s Dupont farmers market. I met Country Pleasures Farm, who has been at the market for 15 years or so, but was just returning for the 2008 season yesterday. I was drawn to their stand, where the blue-checked tables held jams, sausage, scones, tulips, apples, apple sauce and a cooler full of Angus Beef products. Processes by an Amish family in PA, the beef products included pulled bbq beef, cured beef, hot and mild beef sausage grillers and beef jerky.
I came away with a pack of spicy sausage sticks (I am getting addicted to these things, with so many stalls carrying them!) and a few black twig apples. The owner informed me that these apples go terrifically with Calvados, so I’m thinking of making a pork dish with them.
Spring Valley Farm was once again carrying morel mushrooms, so I bought another small box along with 2 heads of tat soi.
I also spoke with the folks at Clear Spring Creamery, and they hope to have their Camembert-style cheese next week. Meanwhile, their cheddar curds were so tasty, I bought a container!
Until the next at the market-eat and buy local when you can.
You’re braver than we are… since the Metro ate our only umbrella last week (with a little help from D’s absent mindedness), we stayed home. But what are these sausage sticks of which you speak? Breakfast links or the little jerky-like things? I may have seen these by the dude who sells lamb (I really need to learn everyone’s name!)
Hi Neen!
Those sausage sticks are like Slim Jims for foodies. Virginia Lamb has them, as do Smith Meadows and Cibola (totally fricking awe-some).
Country Pleasures had a sweet lebanon bologna-ish type, and a spicy variety. I liked both a lot, but Frank thought the darker one was too sweet.
Growing up in Philadelphia, where many Amish sell their products, I particuarly like the one that was like lebanon bologna. I adored lebanon sandwiches as a kid.