Moving Beyond Cancer in NOLA: CCFM Market Morsels --March 12, 2018

Meet Me in the Mediterranean | March 12, 2018

Fresh & Local:

We believe farmers markets should benefit farmers, shoppers and the wider community. That’s why through our Market Match program, we offer incentives for consumers to eat more fresh, local produce and help stretch the dollar. Market Match was launched by Market Umbrella to increase the spending power of EBT/food stamp cardholders at our farmers markets, as a part of a strategy to bring new customers to farmers markets all while supporting our local farmers.

Right now, folks can come to the market, swipe their EBT/food stamp card at the welcome tent, and CCFM will match up to $20 per visit – enabling families to double their purchases of fresh, local food! We are at that sweet spot between winter and spring where you can find all of your favorites at one market, like sweet Ponchatoula strawberries, carrots, broccoli, fresh herbs, and all of the greens you love. Potatoes, spring onions and snap peas are soon to come!

Picks of the Week:
Shaya: An Odyssey of Food,
My Journey Back to Israel

Two-time James Beard Award winning Chef Alon Shaya has been busy but he’s taking a break from opening two restaurants this spring to sign copies of his new cookbook at market tomorrow. Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel is a cookbook meets memoir, that delves into both recipes and the chef’s personal history. Always a welcome patron of CCFM, we are excited to host him as a newly minted author. And can’t wait to see what the new spot Saba has in store for us!

Market Baby

What do you get when you cross a Country Girl with a J&D Blueberry boy? We couldn’t be happier for our two market vendors, Lacy and William who welcomed little Luna Rose on February 10th. Your market family can’t wait to have her around. P.S. Congrats to six-time dad Rob Banck of Windfield Farm who won the baby pool! You could say this isn’t his first rodeo.

Bean Madness

The second round of Bean Madness has begun. While the rest of America is obsessing over college basketball, we in New Orleans are debating our Red Beans. The tournament modeled after college basketball’s March Madness that determines through blind taste tests the best red beans in the city started in earnest last week. To participate, create your own your bracket by TODAY - March 12th and predict the restaurant/chef that has “The Best Red Beans!” All proceeds will go to 2 non-profits, Anna’s Place and Make Music Nola! We’ll be hosting double blind taste tests at all Thursday and Saturday markets this month. Tastings are free and open to everyone - Come taste and vote!

Vendor of the Week:
Nur’s Kitchen

Our mediterranean kick wouldn’t be complete without Nur’s Kitchen! Market vendors for over 13 years, this culinary family attends the Saturday market with a variety of dips and spreads. Various flavors of hummus, perfectly textured - smooth but not too creamy - tangy tzatziki and an addictive feta dip are all excellent. A rotating cast of dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients highlight this table. And don’t skip the market favorites navy bean or green lentil salad - items you won’t find at the numerous local grocery stores this brand has expanded to since starting the market. We ♥ you Nur, and our hearts ♥ your healthful fare, chock full of olive oil and omega 3’s.

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:
La Cocinita Food Truck

La Cocinita is popping up at the Green Plate Special for the month of March. Their fresh cuisine features tamales, tacos, and make your own bowls. Enjoy them for breakfast and lunch every Tuesday at 200 Broadway Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Recipe of the Week:
Shakshouoka

Fresh from the press, this week we bring you a recipe from our featured chef Alon Shaya. Shakshuka is a traditional Middle Eastern dish of eggs cooked in tomato sauce, a simple but tasty dish prepared in a cast iron skillet that you’ll be “cooking for the rest of your life”. Perfect for Lent, you can find the recipe here or in Shaya’s new book Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel. Chef Alon Shaya will be at Tuesday market this week to sign copies!

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook or even Twitter and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!