Un-fig-ettable! | July 2, 2018

Fresh & Local:

Un-fig-ettable!

Those luscious fruits of summer, the figs are here. Delicate things with an almost peachy softness, the Celeste fig (pictured) is one of the more common varieties you’ll see but brown turkey figs, and LSU gold and purple can also be found at the CCFM markets and provide a range of textures and flavors. Perfect for snacking straight out of the pint, figs are also highly versatile in the kitchen. The obvious use for a fruit is in a sweet treatment. Figs are great sliced and drizzled with honey, served over toast or yogurt, or in cakes, custards or other deserts. But they also pair very well with fresh cheeses and make an excellent addition to a variety of savory dishes. Try them in a grilled cheese, or pickled, or in a relish or chutney or in a salad with a balsamic dressing. We love them on the pizza in the recipe below. The season should be good this year but it is short (3-4 weeks) so buy a flat to put up and practice your canning chops to enjoy them all year. Canned figs are great for baking, in yogurt or as a snack all on their own.

Picks of the Week:

Fourth of July PIE!

Those of you who have shopped with Ms. Chauvin at the Tuesday market know that she bakes a mean pie. With Independence Day rolling around the bend, Blue Ribbon Pies is taking orders for delicious, seasonal patriotic flag pies. These strawberry and blueberry filled pies look and taste great, and she’s taking special orders. To reserve one for yourself call her ASAP! (985) 320-1188.

Red, White, and Blubes

Celebrate July Fourth in the French Market! Crescent City Farmers Market will be popping up between 1-5pm in our usual spot at 1235 N. Peters. Grab yourself some spicy boiled crawfish, roasted sweet corn, and an icy blueberry popsicle while you make your way through the flea market and shops. We will have live music, good vibes, and our all-star vendors, as usual. Don’t forget about free parking - just pull up to the market!The last market of the season is July 11th so visit while you can!

One in a Melon

In case you didn’t notice, summer is here! Long are the days of mid-day showers, 90 degree temps (feels like 100+), and relentless sunshine, but that’s ok - we’ve got melons! Keep your eyes open for sweet, juicy watermelons in the striped starbrite and dark green jade varieties. Also spotted at the market are honeydew and cantaloupes - primo, wrangler, mag, and cruiser varieties. Regardless of the variety, these melons are ripe for the picking and bursting (sometimes literally) with flavor, and also a great way to stay hydrated. Be the champ of your 4th of July party - bring a big one.

Vendor of the Week:

Lilly Jane

Mandy Lilly of Lilly Jane has returned to market with a variety of sumptuous fig preserves. With a recent expansion of acreage on her farm Bois de Figue, the orchard is now made up of over 100 trees enabling an expanded fresh fig offering which includes brown turkey, celeste and LSU purple varieties. Hailing from St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes, she comes from a long line of farmers and educators. It was with her mother and grandmother that she first learned to make the fig preserves, and now with her husband and father they operate the orchard, keeping up the agricultural traditions of the family. For the first time this year, they’re offering u-pick which you can find out more about at Lillyjanenola.com. Find Lilly Jane at Tuesday Uptown, Saturday CBD and Saturday Rivertown markets.

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:

La Vie en Rose Cafe

We’ve got a b2b this month at the Green Plate Special tent! Join on on Tuesdays throughout July to experience tasty dishes from first timer La Vie en Rose Cafe and returning champ, Nepalese pop up Lahpet. This week we welcome New Orleans born and raised Chef Kirby Jones from La Vie en Rose and her menu of traditional creole cuisine. She’s bringing all of your favorite classics - shrimp and grits, crawfish gravy and biscuits, and more! Stop by this Tuesday 7/3 to get your fill!

Recipe of the Week:

Fig Flatbread

This flatbread pizza has been a go-to weeknight dinner recipe for years. Quick, easy, and super delicious - this flatbread from Southern Living hits all the right spots. Sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and caramelized red onions that can only be described as umami, and all the ingredients can be found at our markets! If you are looking to save some extra time, skip the pizza dough and opt for lavash or naan - perfect for personal pizzas!

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!