Lots of vendors on tap tomorrow for your holiday meals - and last-minute gifts! PLUS: THE KNIFE SHARPENER IS HERE

dear shoppers, Is anyone on your list getting a slow-cooker this year? Why not stuff their stocking (or pot) with a bag of dried heirloom beans from Brooklyn Bean? They are back this week with the following varieties: Italian Cranberry, Jacob's Cattle, Light Red Kidney, Marfax, Soldier, Sulfur, Tolosana and Yellow Eye. (In my next life, btw, I'm coming back as a "bean namer.") Jacob's Cattle was by the Indians and was so named because it's brown and white speckling resembles the mottled markings of a cow.

Need other gift ideas? Clean Ridge Soap Co. will be here and they are not returning until March - and with a price increase. So, if you love their lotions and soaps as much as I do, stock up before 2015.

Demetra Bouras of Kontoulis Olive Oil is JUST back from harvesting and pressing olives in her native Messinia and she'll be here to make sure your fish and salads are drizzled with only the purest olive oil around.

Larchmont Charcuterie sold out in short order at the last market. Turn up early for his fantastic country pate, saucisson sec and cured chorizo. Also, new & back for a second visit: City Saucery - with their edgy line of locally-sourced tomato sauces including a classic "Seven Fishes" sauce for those of you staying traditional on Christmas Eve.

And speaking of great flavors in a jar, Bombay Emerald Chutneys make great stocking stuffers, too. As would an assortment of crackers from Saratoga Cracker Co.

Southtown Farms missed the last market and they wanted to make sure I let you know that they are FULLY STOCKED for Saturday's market with chicken, eggs, grass-fed beef and pork. Also: they have some fine sausage (including fresh chorizo) and much of the Ronnybrook Dairy line.

I was so grateful for my 1 lb. "roll" of Kriemhild Dairy butter that I bought last month for all the December cookie-baking. What a difference quality butter makes! I will be picking up another tomorrow.

French Press Cafe, will have hot crepes at the market so you can pick up lunch while you're here.

Here is a quick and easy and very satisfying baked cod recipe featuring chorizo - in honor of both Southtown and Larchmont Charcuterie. Note: if Pura Vida is out of cod - no worries, hake will do.

Lots of produce tomorrow despite the temps and time of year. Running Creek Farms is joining us for the winter season with lots of greenhouse greens and a few remaining holiday wreaths. MX Morningstar is coming for the day because they miss us (and still have greens). D & J Produce is finally back for the winter season. In addition to their organic Asian greens they also make their own tofu and kimchi.

And, of course, Neversink Farm will be here too.

Penny Lick Ice Cream will be featuring her popular, pale pink Peppermint Stick ice cream with crushed candy canes. Always a winner this time of year. And, for something new and different - she is also serving "hot" cups of ice cream. Kind of like an egg nog - only better, she says.

Please consider buying a head of lettuce or pound of apples for some of Hastings' needier families. Our "Glean on Me" baskets will be at the market tent.

Consider Bardwell cheese will return next month at the Community Center....

The goats at Painted Goat Farm are resting a spell until March.

Don't forget to stop by the Library's "Giftique" sale.

See you at market!

Pascale