Last Thursday featured one of the most special and unusual events in Bedfords annual repertoirethe 63rd Annual Herb Fair at John Jay Homestead. The herbies outdid themselves this year, with fabulous raffle prizes, an herb butter-making demonstration by Betsy Jacobs, many varieties of unusual herbs and plants for sale and delicious canned items at the Pantry Table and baked goods at the Bakery Table. From what I heard, the baked goods sold out early.
Maggie Limburg of Bedford and Ann McDuffie of Bedford Hills, both of whom are Rosemary Circle members of the N.Y. Unit of the Herb Society, having been members for 25 years or more, were the Fair co-chairs this year. Thanks to much past experience with the FairMaggie as the long-time Treasurer and Ann as Lunch Chairthe event ran smoother than ever. Soup connoisseur Pat Thompson held court in her usual spot, stirring the lovage soup in a separate tent. In many cases, people just come for the soup, or they enjoyed the whole lunch of herbal sandwiches and apricot, cornmeal and sage cookies.
Donors to the Pantry Table specialize in Tarragon Mustard, of which long-time member Ruth Robertson made at least 46 jars of her popular recipe. Fresh pesto made by Connie Cowan sold out in one hour. Tyler Jenner, who could not attend, made pickled beets, plum cherry jam, grape conserve, watermelon rind and chutneys. Susie Littlefield, ex-chair of the Unit, made pear and peach chutney. Susan Thorson made her signature orange marmalade, with beautifully decorated jars to boot, and several members made their own varieties of hot pepper jelly, all of which sold out.
The New York Unit Chair Roxanne Varian was also thrilled to find that a representative of Martha Stewart, who lives practically next door to the Homestead in Katonah, was at the Fair taking many lovely photos of the Herb Garden and the Fair. They were posted the very same day and can be found at www.themarthablog.com.
To submit information for this column, send an email to Nancy Dexter at nancy[email protected]
If you didnt attend this year, try to make it next Septemberthe Herb Fair is always scheduled on the Thursday following the Country Fair at John Jay Homestead.
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