I work from home (when I’m not at a market) so a “snow day” doesn’t necessarily change my work routine. But there’s something about a blizzard, especially one that has covered your windows in snow so that you can barely see out of them, that makes you feel entitled to kick back a little.
What did I do–besides shovel? I also emptied out my refrigerator crispers and made soup. And then I took said bowl of soup into the office to “organize” it a bit. And, was I ever glad I did. Deep in a drawer I came across a ziplock bag carrying dozens of “love letters” to the market, written by shoppers, mostly children, during our 25th anniversary celebration three years ago.
We had placed empty flower pots out on our cafe tables and filled them with markers and blank note cards stamped with our bright red apple logo. We’d urged shoppers to write down their favorite memories from the market, past and present and they did not disappoint. Some wrote poems. Some drew pictures. Others shared heartfelt prose.
I thought it would be nice to share a few that I came across. Here are some written by children:
“The market mens (sic.) to me welcomeing (sic.) and happiness.”
“The Hastings Farmers Market brings me joy when I'm sad. There are so many nice people who have amazing food options. It ALSO allows me to spend time with my family...and that makes me happy.”
“I love the farmers market because I always go with my family.”
“I think they have the best food in the world. Everybody is so nice. And you can make somany conictions. (sic.).”
And, by adults:
“Love, joy, community, magic!”
“The market represents all that is awesome and beautiful about Hastings. So blessed to live here. My children were 2, 4, and 6 when you started the market on Maple ave. with 6 vendors. How far we’ve all come. Journey on...and thanks!”
What a heartwarming find on a brutally cold day. you know what else was a good find later that day when the subject of dinner came up? Some Letterbox Farm sausage in the freezer. That sent me on a sausage recipe hunt and was glad to find this sausage recipe compilation from Food52. Roasted sausage with Swiss chard and cannellini beans was a winner. Ryan of R&M Farm is experimenting with some new sausage flavors and has come up with a bacon and blue cheese brat that has gotten the big thumbs up from his friends and taste-testers.
R&M Farm may be in a slightly different spot this week as it looks like our vendors will be artfully dodging snow berms and hillocks. Said berms should start melting fast, though, as it is slated to be 45 degrees and sunny on Saturday. Could it be that spring is in sight?
It certainly appears to be at Thousand Leaf Gardens Farm, where farmer Mary Kate Chillemi is growing the first tulips of 2026 and will have them on offer on Saturday.
Obercreek Farm reports that while the snow accumulation does have them concerned about getting into the fields in a timely manner this spring, they've planned to a certain extent, "for a later outdoor growing season based on last year’s late and wet spring, and other trends we’ve seen." That being said: "Our earliest high tunnel tomatoes are up, healthy, potted up into their final cell size before transplanting, and everything else is humming along apace as well! We’ll weather whatever this late winter and spring brings us and do our best, as always." Indeed.
This week, they are bringing: bok choy, salad mix, arugula and many types of radishes and turnips. Lots of turnips. Grab a bunch or two and browse this smart roundup of turnip recipes from Food52 which includes a turnip risotto and a farro bowl with roasted carrots, turnips and red onions that seems easy as pie.
Yes, Noble Pies is returning this week with all things savory and sweet tucked in a crust. Make a point of seeking out Del Norte to try one of Ariel’s slightly spicy tucumana empanada, packed with hand-cut beef, onions, bell peppers and a sassy blend of Argentine spices.
Finally, we are, yet again a finalist in the Best of Westchester competition for best farmers market in the county. Won’t you please take a moment to vote for us BEFORE MARCH 13th HERE? Please make sure everyone in your family votes... clearly, the littlest members of our community have some opinions.
See you at the market!
