Oh boy howdy…wasn’t that some rain last week? A clear case of be careful what you wish for; but it looks like it did more good than damage. I know my garden was one happy drunk in the aftermath.
Sometimes in this job, I have to put my money where my mouth is…and sometimes the other way ‘round…and this week it went both ways. First, I followed my own advice and snagged some fresh strawberries from Tuquan Farms. Second, I bought some shortcake rounds from My House Cookies. Third, I successfully whipped one cup of heavy cream into perfect white clouds. And you can guess the rest. I love my job!
Strawberry shortcake is another 5-star memory of childhood summers (more whipped cream, Mom, pleeease?) and today is still worth the wait and the calories. We may get another week or two of these beauties, but don’t wait.
On the other hand, cherries still have a few weeks left as July brings more of the sweet ones for eating out of hand and competitive pit-spitting contests, and plenty of incoming tart Montmorency for honing your pie-making skills! Say…maybe we need to have a pie contest? Can I have a show of hands?
And while we’re on the subject…did you know that a fully grown, healthy tart cherry tree produces 7,000 cherries per season, and at an average of 250 cherries per, can yield approximately 20 pies? IMPORTANT: That’s 250 PITTED cherries! So, if you want to keep your pearly whites, this next bit is crucial…how to pit those suckers. Ready, set, go!
Now that you’ve conquered the pitting portion of the program…take a look around. If your counter…or you…looks like a crime scene just happened, here’s a bonus link on how to clean that up. You’re welcome.
Cherries probably were born in Asia Minor (the Garden of Eden SuperMart ™), and in no time at all became the stuff of legends. First the gods gobbled them to ensure their immortality, and the rest is, as they say, history. And if you’re feeling nerdy, here’s those intrepid American explorers, Harry & David, to fill you in on the rest of the story.
Up next: Market logistics. Be sure to check your PA seasonal chart…you did print and post it, right?…to see what else will need room in this week’s market basket. And if you have any whipped cream left…may I suggest the raspberries? No pitting required.
While you’re here, please take a look at the vendor schedule to find out when your favorite will be here next. It’s very sad when you remembered what to get at a particular tent, and find that you missed them by a week.
BTW: I hope you all had a chance to get to the Farmers Market last week. The weather was fine, and the music was finer. Many thanks to David Falcone, his signature silver locks and his compendium of folk/pop favorites, for pulling in a crowd of old and new fans. Impossible not to sing along.
I want to thank all the musicians who have kept us on their radar through the long silence and are now returning to the Landing…We must be doing something right to keep them all coming back. We are so grateful.
In the Music Tent this week will be the 2023 return of Rita Miller, with her guitar and vocals. Welcome back, Rita!
So……I didn’t get to give out any Market Bucks, which means we are still needing some volunteers to help each Saturday with set-up and take down. A half hour of your time could make all the difference. No pay…but the promise of that tax-free Market Buck still stands.
Lastly…Helloooo! Is anybody out there? If you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it…let me hear from you. If you’ve already read this far, please scroll down just another inch and write something…anything…well, hopefully something nice… in the comments, please.
Make that Pretty please with a cherry on top!
See you on Saturday!
Terry Baraldi