Shall we start the summer market season off with a decadent celebration? Most markets open at the beginning of May, just in time for Mother’s Day, and I can’t think of a better time to go all in and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sumptuous meal, fresh from the market.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Coquitlam Farmers Market. It’s a testament to strength of our community and the need for local food that what began as a school project has become a cornerstone of the Tri-Cities. There are some amazing things planned for the 20th, and some awesome new vendors.
As always, the Coquitlam market opens Mother’s Day. The first 100 moms will be given a yummy macaron from one of our new vendors, Kizzy’s Macarons. What a great way to try them out.
Mums might want to hold on to the treat, though, and save it for dessert.
Urbani Foods is new to market and you can sample their delicious risotto balls first. Or perhaps some tastes from Vegan Devour? I don’t know what they will be sampling but everything I tried at the jury was phenomenal — worth buying and eating even if you are not vegan. Vegan foods are gaining popularity. The Raw Guy brings fabulous kale chips to his stall, along with other wonderful treats such as granola, macaroons, savoury crackers and salad toppers. Another vegan vendor is Seedibles. These two moms have created one sweet and one savoury food additive that is perfect for amping up the nutritional content of any food. If you have picky eaters, this is a game changer.
And speaking of seeds, try them in a James Lewis Foods power bar. These granola bars are not for the faint of heart. Packed with goodness, they combine seeds, grains, fruit and even chocolate into three different bars (I keep them in the car for when I can’t get a meal).
The market will have three new farm vendors this year, including Farmhouse Natural Cheeses. Their award-winning cheeses are second only to their ridiculously good, pasteurized non-homogenized whole milk. The cream rises to the top of the milk — how’s that for decadent?
So now that the moms are fed, it’s time for a little pampering. Scentimental Creations is returning to the summer market after a lengthy absence. Her all natural skin care will make any body feel pampered.
But if your mom is like me and doesn’t bother with skin care, then home decor might be just what she would like. Terrazza Décor is making beautiful stone plaques that will shine indoors and out. And speaking of shining, Canvas Candle Company has lovely, fragrant soy candles — Sister Sister is my favourite.
This is just a taste of the great new vendors you’ll find this year. If you come every week, perhaps you will be one of the lucky shoppers to win one of the weekly prizes the market is offering: $20 in market money plus a special vendor gift. The first week’s gift is six bottles of lemonade syrup from yours truly. You can enter the contest through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Look for the full details at makebakegrow.com.
And last, but not least, make sure you participate in the community banner being created. Throughout the summer, customers and vendors will be creating a banner to display, celebrating the proud history of the Coquitlam Farmers Market.
THE RECIPE: SAVOURY TART, EASY TO MAKE
I’ll leave you with a great recipe that takes advantage of the season’s freshest food. Langley Organics should have the asparagus (I saw the photos of the plants shooting up) and Wild West Coast Seafoods will have the shrimp. Bon appétit!
SHRIMP & ASPARAGUS RICOTTA TART
500 grams ricotta
4 eggs
¼ cup grated cheese (whatever cheese you prefer)
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp finely chopped chives
¼ tsp each salt and pepper
10 asparagus spears, trimmed to fit
1 lb. shrimp
Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix first seven ingredients together and pour into a lightly greased pie plate. Top with asparagus spears and bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven, place shrimp on top and continue baking 20 more minutes. Remove from oven and let set 5 minutes before cutting. Serve hot or cold. Serves 4 to 6
.Karen Curtis is the Lemonade Lady (www.kicslemonade.ca and kicslemonade.blogspot.ca) at the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam farmers markets. Her column runs monthly.
