Poussins

The hottest item to hit the farmer's market scene: Poussins. About as large as your hand, these young pasture raised chickens from local East Fork Farm yield tender, dark, succulent meat with gelatin rich bones. One bird is ideal for a single serving and best eaten with your hands, a delicacy well suited for a lively dinner party. A perfect match for roasted early potatoes and braised garden greens. Bon appetit!

Market Kicks Off. . .

A huge storm front didn't keep farmers from their stalls this morning. Despite the rain, familiar faces once again returned, setting up booths to kick-off the season. The clouds eventually broke giving way to crystal clear Carolina blue skies. Thanks to East Fork Farm for the first lamb meal of the season, Gaining Ground Farm for onion starts and the prettiest leeks imaginable, to Farm and Sparrow Bakery with their rustic sourdough loaves, Imladris Farm for the lovely sample of homegrown-homemade fruit leather (the best fruit roll-up I've ever had) and a package of tender goat meat (recipe to follow), among all the many others committed to bringing the fruits of their labors to hungry townsfolk. We are so lucky to have you all; to have the opportunity to hand our cash directly to the growers who deserve every penny most, and for knowing the people behind the food that fortifies our health.

*For local readers, tune into my friend Ruth's Tailgate Market Fan Club homepage for weekly updates on all the growers markets in the area.