Today I went to the farmers market. Here in Halifax we have 2: an old one and a new one. I prefer the old one because it is less busy, has more old-fashioned interest and appeal, and most of the things I need. However, the new one is right on the waterfront and has a ton of windows so you get a really good view of the water and George's Island. It's not uncommon to see a ship go sailing by as you are shopping. The new one is also much more popular and has more vendors. I like to go to both, which is what we did today. We started out at the old one. I went really slowly and took my time as usual (thankfully my company didn't mind at all). I talked to most of the vendors and had some really great conversations. I highly recommend making that connection when you go to the market, you hear some really interesting stories and meet some really interesting people doing really interesting things. It just makes the experience that much more...interesting. My first purchase of the day was some German wine... 
of the rhubarb kind (insert wink here). I've been thinking lately about eating more local and in season, so I decided to get this beautiful organically grown rhubarb. I'm going to experiment with it and try to find some new ways of using it. The only experience I have with it is pie! I asked the lady selling it what you can do with it and she gave me some information on places I can look. She also said that you can have it with honey or sugar and that her father would have it with cream for breakfast! Fancy that. Anyhow, I will be experimenting so stay tuned for that experience!
I found the rest of my produce, as well as my free range eggs, at one booth. Which was great! Most of it was organic and they seemed to have everything I was looking for. I loved the look of this organically grown cauliflower. Often when I buy organic cauliflower it's already a bit browned and not as flawless looking as these ones were.
I also never realized how very much like a brain cauliflower can look. Not until I took pictures of it.
I found fiddleheads! They are in season right now and grow in abundance here in the maritimes. I've been hearing good things about their taste lately so I'm going to experiment with them as well. Again, stay tuned!
They remind me of musical notes!
I've been wanting to find REAL butter for a while now and today I was successful! There is a booth run by a mennonite family that sells gluten free breads and baked goods etc... as well as their own butter. I purchased the unsalted kind. The lady said that she uses a blender to mix it to a desirable consistency. I asked about the entire process of making butter, but instead of trying to remember what she said I will just post this link to a clearer explanation: http://www.guppyhow.com/how-to-make-real-butter. Here is my butter:
If I decide to buy a nice loaf of bread at the market I go either to this German bakery at the old market that sells sourdough, yeast free bread, Julian's at the new market or another german bakery at the new market. Today I bought spelt sourdough bread from the latter. I wanted a picture of the whole loaf but I didn't think to take it until after I had sliced it and stuck most of the slices in the freezer for later. Fresh bread has a tendency to go bad quite quickly so freezing extends its life.
I tried half of my friends vegetarian sausage from an ethnic booth. It was made from lentils, parsley and other plant ingredients, and quite good. I also sampled some amazing jelly's and dips as well as some Rawthentic chocolate. Rawthentic chocolate is a local company that sells chocolate goods made from raw cacao and other natural raw ingredients.Check out http://www.rawthenticchocolate.com/ for more details. My and my friend purchased a fudge bar each, there was a 2 for 1 deal going. She got creamy almond fudge and I got Coconutty. Sooooo divine. I found it to be very satisfying and rich. With those kinds of desserts and treats you don't eat as much because it's very filling. Plus, many of the ingredients are actually good for you! Yay!
I enjoyed a spelt flour morning glory muffin and a whole wheat cinnamon bun as well. Mmmm...I love the market. Here is a picture of my very healthy purchases at the market today.
I love the market. I love the atmosphere, the people, the food and the idea. It's a great place to get fresh, local, organic and quality food and to feel inspired by people's creativity. So, find out where your closest farmers market is and check it out! They need your support. I'm so thankful for lovely, european feeling days, good company and good food.
of the rhubarb kind (insert wink here). I've been thinking lately about eating more local and in season, so I decided to get this beautiful organically grown rhubarb. I'm going to experiment with it and try to find some new ways of using it. The only experience I have with it is pie! I asked the lady selling it what you can do with it and she gave me some information on places I can look. She also said that you can have it with honey or sugar and that her father would have it with cream for breakfast! Fancy that. Anyhow, I will be experimenting so stay tuned for that experience!I found the rest of my produce, as well as my free range eggs, at one booth. Which was great! Most of it was organic and they seemed to have everything I was looking for. I loved the look of this organically grown cauliflower. Often when I buy organic cauliflower it's already a bit browned and not as flawless looking as these ones were.
I also never realized how very much like a brain cauliflower can look. Not until I took pictures of it.
I found fiddleheads! They are in season right now and grow in abundance here in the maritimes. I've been hearing good things about their taste lately so I'm going to experiment with them as well. Again, stay tuned!
They remind me of musical notes!I've been wanting to find REAL butter for a while now and today I was successful! There is a booth run by a mennonite family that sells gluten free breads and baked goods etc... as well as their own butter. I purchased the unsalted kind. The lady said that she uses a blender to mix it to a desirable consistency. I asked about the entire process of making butter, but instead of trying to remember what she said I will just post this link to a clearer explanation: http://www.guppyhow.com/how-to-make-real-butter. Here is my butter:
If I decide to buy a nice loaf of bread at the market I go either to this German bakery at the old market that sells sourdough, yeast free bread, Julian's at the new market or another german bakery at the new market. Today I bought spelt sourdough bread from the latter. I wanted a picture of the whole loaf but I didn't think to take it until after I had sliced it and stuck most of the slices in the freezer for later. Fresh bread has a tendency to go bad quite quickly so freezing extends its life.
I tried half of my friends vegetarian sausage from an ethnic booth. It was made from lentils, parsley and other plant ingredients, and quite good. I also sampled some amazing jelly's and dips as well as some Rawthentic chocolate. Rawthentic chocolate is a local company that sells chocolate goods made from raw cacao and other natural raw ingredients.Check out http://www.rawthenticchocolate.com/ for more details. My and my friend purchased a fudge bar each, there was a 2 for 1 deal going. She got creamy almond fudge and I got Coconutty. Sooooo divine. I found it to be very satisfying and rich. With those kinds of desserts and treats you don't eat as much because it's very filling. Plus, many of the ingredients are actually good for you! Yay!
I enjoyed a spelt flour morning glory muffin and a whole wheat cinnamon bun as well. Mmmm...I love the market. Here is a picture of my very healthy purchases at the market today.
I love the market. I love the atmosphere, the people, the food and the idea. It's a great place to get fresh, local, organic and quality food and to feel inspired by people's creativity. So, find out where your closest farmers market is and check it out! They need your support. I'm so thankful for lovely, european feeling days, good company and good food.
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