The Eclipse is Coming!

On Monday, the sun, our source of light, warmth, and light—and crucial for our crops—will play peek-a-boo. Around mid-day, the moon will shroud the sun for up to four minutes and 28 seconds, passing over major U.S. cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland. Practically everyone on our continent will see at least a partial eclipse. Throughout history, eclipses have been a source of wonder and fear; the stuff of legend. Be sure you have a plan to safely observe this still slightly mystical phenomenon.

While this week's sheets of rain have kept farmers from getting plants into the ground, Obercreek Farm happily let us know that their remaining winter greens are incredibly lush, tender, and abundant. They are currently harvesting crates full of lettuce mix, spinach, assorted kale, and a deliciously sweet spring tatsoi raab. As farmer Trixie notes, these greens are a preview of spring delights to come: a taste of the sweet early peas we'll enjoy in six weeks, the strawberries we'll enjoy in ten weeks, and the tomatoes we'll have in three months or less. Pick up a bunch for this Pasta with chickpea garlic sauce, broccoli rabe, and tatsoi all-in-one meal. Of course, as ever, you can choose your favorite pasta shape from La Trafila and olive oil from Agape Premium EVOO!

If you're like me and simply can't get enough Brussel sprouts in your life, be sure to stop by Madura Farms and scoop up a hefty supply. This simple Sautéd Brussels Sprouts is easy to whip up. Toast some all natural sliced-almonds from Kariba Farms to shower on top or add a rich poached egg from R & M Farm to make a complete meal. Feeling fishy? Try this Buttery Shrimp with Peas and Potatoes, with shrimp from Pura Vida and potatoes from Sun Sprout Farm. 

A visit to Harlem Valley Homestead is always in order. You can sign up for a monthly subscription to their meat CSA . You'll receive a box of meat at a discounted rate to pick up the third weekend of the month at the market. Each month features a rotating assortment of cuts curated by their farmers, and also includes cooking suggestions and a farm tour for CSA members mid-season. Their carrot sale remains in effect this week, and they'll have generous amounts of salad mix, arugula, baby and full size kale, spinach and rainbow chard!

We're so excited to bring guest vendor Bella's Bake Shop to the plaza. Originally slated to join us last month, they were sadly rained out. Here's the scoop: three years ago founder David Chiappinelli decided to turn his lifelong passion for baking into a business venture. Coming from a long line of family chefs and bakers, his journey to becoming a pastry chef was unconventional; he's self-taught and draws inspiration from traditional Italian recipes. Among the artisanal treats you'll find? Sourdough breads, croissants (standard and their hybrid chocolate chip cookie, known as the "crookie"), and luscious cookies. All this served with a side of smiles! Every bite tells a story of passion, dedication, and love for baking. Please show them your usual warm Hastings welcome!

The return of spring brings the return of certain favorite vendors: looking at you, Homegrown Nursery and Freefall Sangria. Very different offerings, but the appearance of both is most welcome!

La Petite Occasion announces last call for Pistachio Toffee! But no worries, Michele's created a new vegan assortment -  the Soleil is a coconut chocolate/ coconut raspberry duo. You'll also find her standard caramels in flavors like vanilla, salted dark chocolate, bacon bourbon maple and butter with flake salt. Also joining us? Charlotte's Home Kitchen, with her plethora of vegan artistic cakes (some also gluten-free), including a stunning lightly spiced carrot cake with a cashew cream glaze topped with pink petals from the globe amaranth, which is full of antioxidents to boost the immune system. Yummy and healthy!

If you've got gift-giving in your future, you'll be delighted to see Chloe Sikirica Pottery and KHEM Woodworking. Maybe you're the one who needs a gift? Spruce up your dinner prep or dinner serving game with a stop at either or both. Please come hungry, we've got both Fearless Cook and Pizza Vitale food trucks offering market-specific specials.

See you at the market!