"A Farewell To Farms"

We need your help to spread a very important message. The Farmers Market sets up in Market Square for its final 2011 appearance this Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Which is why we need your  help in a couple of ways. First of all, we want everyone to crowd the Square to help us bid "Happy Winter" to all our good friends who've treated us to some of the best, freshest and most delicious locally grown and produced veggies and fruits, dairy products, meats, wines, desserts and other garden and kitchen delights. But the end is near. Very near. Which is why we need your help to get out the word that the Farmers Market's last day is here.

So, right now, grab your smart phone, press the home button on your iPad or just start pecking away on your computer. Because we need you to tweet, e-mail, text or reach out to your 100 very best Facebook friends forever so that they don't miss the Farmers Market 2011 curtain call this Thursday. Okay, you can hit the send button.

While the Farmers Market is packing up for the year, you can stock up on ingredients for all those cold-weather, comfort food meals that will be on your menu in the months ahead. For a quick and easy dinner after a long, winter's day, there's nothing faster than dried pastas and tomato sauce. You see, there's a little bit of something for everyone and every taste at the Farmers Market. Beets, carrots, potatoes, onions and other hearty veggies will keep for a long, long time if stored in a cool, dry, dark place. And beans, peppers and brussels sprouts keep their just-picked flavor even when you pop them in the freezer for a few months (just blanche first in boiling water).  It's a great way to enjoy the tastes of summer way past the season.

Let's talk about holidays. The Farmers Market is the perfect one-stop, shopping spot for your turkey day dinner table. From a smoked salmon appetizer to so many varieties of squash for side dishes, there's a cornucopia of choices to celebrate the many blessings of family and friends. Choices that will keep! If you're looking for an alternative to turkey, you can pick up a couple lamb steaks to toss on the grill. And if you're planning for holiday festivities a little further down the road, don't forget to take home some ground lamb for a slow-cooked pot of chili — topped off with some kicking goat cheese (it freezes great!) — for your New Year's Eve party. And while you're reaping the last of the season's harvest in the Square, fill up your reusable shopping bag with a true Pittsburgh favorite — peirogies! And, yes, it's the very last chance to satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the city's absolutely tastiest, freshest dessert table delights from All-American fruit pies to authentic Greek pastries.

So, bring a big bag, maybe a freezer bag (or run to CVS) and join us in the Square this Thursday for the last call for the 2011 edition of the Farmers Market. And get ready to serve some local bounty this holiday season!