Nina's Uptown Girls!

There's nothing like a fresh, local egg that has been produced by chickens you have actually met. I grew up on these kinds of eggs as a child in Cyprus. But, ever since I came to New York I had relied on store-bought eggs.  

 Until I met Nina! For the past six years or so I have been buying Nina's eggs, laid by her "girls"! Nina lives on the other side of town and has been keeping two sets of chickens, in two chicken coops. One in the lower part of her property and the other at the top. Hence "uptown girls".

 When I need eggs I simply drive over to Nina's Red Barn Farm and walk inside the barn. The freshly laid eggs are set in a fridge and you buy them with the old fashioned honor system. The price is posted, you get your eggs, leave the money in the box and off you go to make an omelet!

I always go around the side and visit with the girls who are busy pecking away either inside the coop or outside in the fenced off yard. There are red feathered girls and, my favorite, the araucana chickens who have a black and white plume and lay light blue or light green eggs. The rooster is of course forever chasing the girls doing his part to make those eggs. 

You have seen Nina's eggs in many of my posts and there they are frying up sunny side up. The yolks are bright yellow, firm and large. The whites are clear and firm. These are the tastiest eggs ever!

When you have a choice, always go for local, homegrown eggs. And don't forget to say hello to the girls!

Enjoy!

Maria

Farmer's Market

Growing up in Cyprus, we always ate what was in season. I remember how sweet the first cherries used to taste when they came out, the first walnuts with their creamy center. I can still taste the peppery flavor of our own olive oil live brought home from the mill. These were special occasion still vivid in my mind.

That's why when a group of us got together to found the Ringwood Farmer's market I was all in. Today, six years later, the market is going strong. I can't wait for the summer market to open so I can shop every week, discovering all the products that are making it to market in season. There's a monthly winter market that keeps us going through those cold northern winters.

Our vendors are all exceptional and I have a special relationship with them. Here's a glimpse at the Farmer's market at just a few of the wonderful stalls.

The Red Barn Farm couple!

Red Barn Farm Local honey

Local Eggs, the best!

The Mayor of Ringwood, sampling the empanadas!

 

 

The Bialas Farm crew know how to have fun!

Young shopper

Visiting in Fontanarosa's newest food truck!

Anthony Fontanarosa  is generous with his samples! Yumm!

These are only a few of the wonderful people who welcome us at the market each week. It's a feast for the eyes, the heart and the stomach!

Visit your neighborhood Farmer's Market!

Enjoy,

 

Maria