Spring goodies coming soon to Farmers Market

Better weather is bringing out the fresh and sweet stuff to the Market.

The Rockmart Farmers Market quickly recovered from last week’s bout with rain, and the local vendors returned with even more homeproduced sweets, meats, and veggies.

“The weather is definitely better,” Executive Director Shonna Kirkpatrick said. “Fresh Mushrooms from Bella Vita Mushroom are here along with Ms. Sue’s baby curly kale and turnip greens along with green onions, spinach, and dinosaur kale. Our canners and bakers have been busy as well.”

She said that Robillard Farm is bringing in fresh ground wheat bread, Robert’s Sweets and Treats are selling fried pies, and That Foreign Chick’s Bakery also has an assortment of baked goods and bread.

Another successful week at the market also means the group is one week closer to many of their upcoming events such as this summer’s canning class that will teach students the ins and outs of preserving foods for long periods of time.

The March 8 recipe of the week was French Toast topped with candied bacon and custard. Not only were free copies of the recipe given out, passerby’s were offered a free plate to help de- cide if they were interested in making the dish themselves. The recipe calls for a collection of natural ingredients all of which can be found at the market.

Those wanting to make their own helping of the market’s French Toast can start by placing creating the custard. Place milk and heavy cream in a thick bottomed saucepan with two bay leaves, three green cardamom pods, and the zest of one orange on the stove with medium heat.

When the mixture begins to steam, turn the heat down to low and allow the mixture to warm for 15 to 25 minutes. Strain the custard into a quart mason jar, and a fourth cup of sugar, and stir to dissolve before closing the lid.

After letting the mixture cool overnight, add vanilla, a pinch of salt, and eggs until just below the neck of the jar.

The French Toast itself is an easy make with the only requirements being to cut and place one-inch slices of Challah or Brioche bread into a baking dish and coat the toast with the custard before cooking.

Candied bacon r equires chefs to cook the juice from zested oranges in a heavy saucepan until the liquid becomes thick and syrupy before coating the bacon in the sauce.

The Rockmart Farmers Market is hosted every Thursday on Rockmart’s Water St. Those interested in natural, homegrown produce and foods can visit from 2 through 6 p.m.