Black History Month at CCFM | January 29, 2024

Fresh & Local:

Black History Month at CCFM

Each February, the United States pays tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans in shaping the nation. Black History Month commemorates the diverse cultural heritage, victories, and challenges that have left a lasting imprint on our country's history.

Throughout the month of February we will host various activities across markets including tasting, demos and tours. Keep your eyes on the Market Calendar to stay abreast of all the fun as we highlight Black History at the Market.

Picks of the Week:

Marketeers Meet Up!

Calling all marketeers! Join CCFM and all your Marketeers friends on Sunday, February 4, from 8am to noon for a color-your-own fruit & veggie bandana activity. Marketeers is a free club for kids, 12 years old or younger, where they get to participate in activities about nutrition, seasonality, and much more. Marketeers meetups happen on the first Sunday of every month at our City Park market location. We hope to see you there!

First Annual Louisiana Climate Gathering

Growers, farmers, and organizers from across Louisiana arrived at Chicot State Park in Ville Platte this week for Louisiana's first Climate Gathering. 159 farmers gathered to exchange information about how to adapt their farms to the changing climate. The first day focused on building community, while the second day was dedicated to sharing agricultural practices that can help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change, regenerate the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. After a year in which farmers faced drought, wildfires, record-breaking heat, extreme freeze, and saltwater intrusion, the Louisiana Small-Scale Agriculture Coalition (LLSAC) organized the gathering to build a statewide network of growers who can support each other through the climate crisis. Market Umbrella along with Acadiana Food Alliance, SPROUT Nola, Shreveport Green, FPAC, Louisiana Central and BREADA formed to create LLSAC to strengthen capacity, resiliency, and economic opportunities for Louisiana’s small-scale agricultural producers.

King Cakes of the Week: Leo’s Bread and Que Pasta NOLA

This week, we want to celebrate two less traditional, no-less delicious king cakes from Leo’s Bread and Que Pasta NOLA. Leo’s soft brioche bread surrounds ropes of dark chocolate ganache and ricotta cheese incorporated with candied orange for a distinctly tasty king cake available at the Thursday Mid-City and Sunday City Park Markets; pre-order here. The Polpo King Cake, created by Que Pasta NOLA features octopus tentacles (palpo means octopus), guava paste, and a daiquiri ganache from Piety and Desire Chocolate Available by the slice at the Thursday Mid-City market on February 8!

Vendor of the Week:

Featured in the Big Book of King Cake

Leo’s Bread - Kate Heller first learned the art of baking in a small town in Maine and began by baking bread and pizzas for fun at home. She opened a bakery in Lompoc, California before moving to New Orleans in 2014. She brought her love of baking here, and we are so happy she did! Once slinging the flakiest croissants out of her trunk at the Mid-City market, Kate is a trailblazer. You can now find her or her helpers at all three markets with bagels, pizza, croissants, fresh-baked whole loaves and king cakes!

Que Pasta NOLA - Amanda Alard created Que Pasta NOLA in 2018 as a way to explore her own heritage, between the influences of her Cuban father and Honduran mother, while folding in her own interest in global flavors. Her motto for Que Pasta is: "What being a black sheep tastes like." Chorizo lasagna, squid ink pasta, pupusas, and more are available at the Thursday Mid-City Market, the menu updates regularly, so you can always find something new and delicious.

Recipe of the Week:

Mushroom Quesadilla Without Cheese

These hummus quesadillas are loaded with avocado, black beans, and slices of red bell pepper, onion, and mushroom that have been seasoned with a fajita spice blend. Since hummus will act as your sticky binder, cheese is not necessary. It is delicious, very easy to make, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.