Newton's winter drive through farmers' market closed several weeks ago, and we're uncertain when or where it will re-open for the 2021 season. But there's an outdoor market in Upper Falls at the Dunn-Gaherin's parking lot on Saturday, February 6th & 13th, from 11 am - 3 pm, and it keeps growing and adding great local vendors to its ranks. It's a perfect spot to grab food, flowers, and Valentine's Day gifts.

Thistle & Leek's Larder offerings are another option for easy frozen dinners when you don't want to cook or get take out. Stash away a cottage pie, their famous lamb meatballs, mac & cheese, potato leek soup and more for tasty dinners in a snap. Oh, and they're also now offering a pig share (see their website for details), with orders due by January 12.

This winter, sweet and savory rugelach from Quicksilver have become one of our favorite meal hacks. These dough wrapped noshes are perfect for stowing away in the freezer and pulling out for a quick appetizer, light lunch, or tasty dessert. The individual pieces make it easy to take out just the right amount for one or two, without cooking up the entire batch. Even better? Order online for $6 doorstep delivery to Newton!

WECO has taken the local dine-in food scene by storm, and has become a favorite at households all over Newton. It's basically a really reasonably priced chef service featuring food by Chef Gavin Lambert, formerly of West Concord's Woods Hill Table. WECO (short for West Concord) has a fixed menu, with a limited number of farm to table meals Monday-Friday, and a completely novel pricing model. Diners are charged for the cost of food and, a $6 doorstep delivery fee. Labor is excluded; any additional amount paid by diners goes to the WECO chefs and team. The upcoming week's menu is released at 4:30 PM on Thursdays. Diners are notified Saturday as to whether they made the dinner list for the week, and on which days. (You can sign up for a meal on one day, or up to all five days.) Sign up for WECO's newsletter on their website.

To help locals get through the winter months, Newton Centre's Sycamore has a growing list of provisions that can be stowed away in your freezer to pull out when you need a cooking break at a reasonable price. Tuck away a frozen chicken pot pie, shepherd's pie, mushroom rigatoni or a Vermont cheddar mac and cheese for easy dinners at about $8 per person.

The mother of all winter farmers' market has reopened for the season and it doesn't disappoint. From wood-fired pizza, to Mei Mei dumplings, produce from Red Fire Farm, New England seafood, Lilac Hedge beef, baked goods and more, the Wayland Market has new COVID- safety protocols, and still the best selection of locally grown and produced foods in New England. Many vendors are outside, and most have the option to order ahead for easy pick up at their booths. The market is held on Saturdays from 11 - 2 and is definitely worth a visit.