I’m rewarded with a double first at Castres market this morning.
Two Spring firsts–though there is nothing spring-like about the weather.
I get there early–battling through a tempest of wind and the rain–determined to avoid last week’s crowds.
“Arrivez avant neuf heure le matin, ça suffit!” [Get there by 9am and you’ll be fine!] was the advice from our neighbor and friend Flo, who has recently taken over her sister’s lovely spice stall on Saturdays.
The spice stall on a sunnier Saturday–with cooking workshop attendees checking it out.
What a contrast to this morning as I arrive in Place Jean Jaures just before 8.30am, to find the dance of the parapluies in full swing.
Stall holders and punters alike are desperately trying to prevent their umbrellas–large and small–from taking flight while undertaking the normal buying and selling transactions.
With difficulty, I make my way down the line of local vendors–nodding and grimacing the “isn’t this awful!” message, before arriving at my destination.
Opening a conversation with the vendor under these conditions is problematical.
I settle for more nodding and grimacing and secure (ho ho!) my open umbrella under my chin.
With my head looking down at the ground, I reach for my porte monnaie [change purse].
The umbrella is doing its best to turn inside out.
It succeeds–WHOOSH—and I’m involuntarily propelled towards the dry fruit stall–earlier than planned.
I manfully regain control and…
JOY!
Our newly acquired hen’s guardienne–for ’tis her stall–hands me a carton of six eggs.
Matilde’s first offering under our ownership.
What a thrill!
And to go with them for lunch today–a bunch of the locally-grown ASPARAGUS–FIRST of the season.
As I turn into our driveway 20 minutes later–the sun comes out!
Asparagus and eggs–a match made in heaven!
Robin Ellis 
Wow! Congratulations; How proud you must be.
I am planning on going to the local farmers market. when it starts in a couple months; great produce and breads and herbs; And flowers of the season all at great discount prices; better than at the local supermarkets.
That looks delicious and so fresh. I wish we had markets like that here in Delaware. The outdoor markets here open in the summer.
Absolutely delightful retelling of your early morning market shopping Robin. I could see it all taking place in my minds eye. I confess, I envy your French life and marketing options. There’s nothing like it here in Utah, USA…. a very dry desert state. Your lunch screams spring.
Thank you, Victoria.
Well done Matilde! Looks delicious Robin!!
Oh my! How does she know your hen laid those eggs? or am i ridiculous with this comment?
Eggs and asparagus. Looks magnifique! But where’s the recipe please? Or is it simply a poached egg with salad of asparagus (and something else I believe) covered with homemade dressing? Is the asparagus warm or cold. Many thans and an excellent idea.
Asparagus is roasted at 200c at top of oven. Sprinkled with olive oil and seasoned–thyme leaves too if you can find them.
Recipe in my book Med cooking.
What fun!! I will bet that Matilda’s eggs are delicious!! Happy Spring!!💐🐓😊
Robin,your description of Saturday morning at Castres was a delight.We could just imagine ourselves there,with the added benefit of not getting wet!
Matilde’s eggs are gorgeous! You totally do them justice with this wonderful Spring! recipe, especially with the accompaniment of first of the season asparagus,,,,.heaven indeed.
I only wonder if we might grill the asparagus(?) I had it this way a couple of nights ago,and it really highlighted all the wonderful flavor.
It is rainy here, too, Robin. Not a day to venture forth. It looks like your trip was worth it, however. I raided the cupboard and refrigerator and found some limp celery, a couple of Bunches of leeks, a tin of tomatoes and a tin of white beans. So I have a lovely pot of soup simmering on the stove. When dished up I will grate some Parmesan cheese on top. I think I am channeling you!!
Happy Spring 🌷🌼🌾🐝
Sounds like you had quite an adventure! 🙂 Wish our farmer’s markets were open….but that won’t happen for awhile. We are still getting a few inches of snow today! Good weather to stay in & cook, though. I made a veggie frittata for lunch & am making some lemon squares tonight. 🙂
Hugs to you & Meredith & the kitties!
Eggs and asparagus — it looks divine and all the more so thanks to Mathilde!
Despite the weather it sounds like a wonderful experience and a delicious outcome- you’ve inspired me for my own lunch here in the early Australian autumn 🍂
Hmmm… Ideas for dinner abound. Have a freshly roasted chicken ( I cheated. It’s from Costco!) I found lovely, fresh asparagus, AND fresh eggs from the banties at Jill and Gary’s ranch where I board my horse. Could a frittata be in our future? Hi Robin and Meredith ; }}
BRAVA MATILDE!!! After having read about your cats I was wondering how your hen was! This story is as much funny as the previous one is touching (Tommy’s hospital).
What a great egg haul! PS I have the same egg poachers and they work great!
Always a delight to hear of your adventures, culinary and otherwise, in Castres/Lautrec. I steam asparagus to go with roast chicken, then add just a little butter and lemon juice. Any left over soft parts go in a cold salad — or in a plastic bag in the freezer with other green leftovers to make stock.
Nancy, Santa Fe
That looks lovely Robin, and eggs appear to be large ones too! It will be a while before out Evesham asparagus is here sadly, but worth the wait. I will then try cooking as you suggest. Mmm.
All the best to you and Meredith, Heidi x
Thanks, Heidi.
Simple pleasures are the best. My local farmers market is just four times a year but I always come back with olives, cheeses, local honey, a locally made pie and some home made cake. I’ll now be looking for eggs too!