Meet Tisha Bienvenue, Vice President and Co-Founder of the Pembroke Farmers Market!

Personal introduction.

I am Tisha Bienvenue, and I am the Vice President and Co-founder of the Pembroke Farmers Market.  My family & I have lived in Pembroke for nearly 5 years.  My husband, daughter & I enjoy cooking, going to concerts, camping in NH, spending time with our extended family and snuggling with our sweet kitten, Pepper. 

Why did you choose to help spearhead the Pembroke Farmers Market?

Before I moved to Pembroke, I belonged to a CSA & shopped at an organic farm in Easton. That experience made me appreciate the value of locally grown food.  I was surprised to find that there were not any "in town" farms/farmers markets when I moved here. Pembroke is the perfect town to have one!

Can you explain your role as vice president of the soon to be launched Pembroke Farmers Market?

As the Vice President, I am here to support all the Board members and vendors in any way I can. I have been focused on reaching out to vendors to onboard them for the upcoming market, and look forward to all the wonderful produce / goods they will have to offer the community. 

What do you value most about being a member of the Pembroke community?

I have felt a connection to the community since my family moved here and as my daughter continued her preschool journey in the center of town. I have since become involved in the PTO and have run Hobomock’s Walk to School Day for the last 2 years. My family has also enjoyed attending local events (Fish Fry, Christmas Tree Lighting, & the Bonfire at Adah Hall). These types of events always leave us feeling a closer connection to Pembroke.  I believe that the Pembroke Farmers Market will be a great addition to our town and will bring families, friends and the community even closer together.  My hope is that everyone in Pembroke feels a greater sense of community by having a Farmers Market.

What are you most excited about in relation to the Farmers Market coming to Pembroke?

I am excited to be able to purchase locally grown vegetables and locally made goods. I can’t wait to go to the market with my family and spend time with the friends we have in the town.  I am also looking forward to having activities for the kids to participate in, along with live music!

Favorite recipe made from products purchased locally?

Roasted Veggie Hummus Pitas

Ingredients

1 small Zucchini Squash, (5-6 ounces)

1/2 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper, (about half a large pepper)

1/2 cup Chopped Red Onion, (about 1/4 a large onion)

2 teaspoons Olive Oil

1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme

1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper, to taste

2 Whole Wheat Pitas

1/2 cup Prepared Hummus

1 1/2 cups Fresh Spinach, (2 handfuls)

2 tablespoons Crumbled Feta Cheese, (about 1 ounce)

Instructions

Roast the Vegetables:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. While the oven preheats, quarter the zucchini lengthwise and then cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Cut the bell pepper and onion into 1-inch thick pieces.

3. Add the vegetables to a roasting pan. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle over the oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. Toss to combine.

4. Roast vegetables for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the pan and stir. Return pan to oven and continue cooking until the vegetables have softened and started to brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Warm the Pitas:

1. Reduce the temperature to 375°F and warm the pitas by placing them directly on the cooking rack for 1 to 2 minutes.

Assembly:

1. Spread the warmed pitas with hummus. Layer with spinach, roasted vegetables, and crumbled feta.

2. Dig in!