The University District Farmers Market is Saturday morning from 9-2. We don't make it down there every week, but when we do, I am a happy girl. We got there Yesterday around 11, the sun was shinning and the market was packed. Last summer we often jumped on a 73 bus, which runs right in front of our house and drops us at the front gate of the Market. We had some other shopping to do yesterday, so we drove. Parking is pretty good, we usually find something within a few blocks. A regular purchase for us is farm fresh eggs. I remember having chickens when I was younger and being totally grossed out by the weird bright orange yolks. And when my mom told me that was from eating bugs and weeds in the garden, I longed for the "normal", pale yellow grocery store eggs. Boy how things have changed. I have been called a snob of many things in my life. Coffee snob, Yeah, I will fess up to that one. Food snob, yep, that one too. How could I have guessed I would one day be an egg snob? Well, folks, I am. And you should be too! The moms started raising chickens again a few years ago. Being the Local, Organic Food kinda gal that I am, I had to give those weird orange yolked things a try again. Oh man! The flavor is out of this world and don't even get me started on the increased nutritional value in free range eggs. So moms eggs have now set the bar...High! Those are the most gorgeous egg yolks around. And I have seen these ladies eat, they are treated well. Not only with a large yard to roam for bugs and grass, but mom feeds them leftovers and my brother the produce guy sends them boxes of fruit and veggie scraps! So, needless to say we are ecstatic when we get some of moms eggs, but unfortunately she lives on the other side of the state. So, when I cant have hers, I go for Goat eggs at the market. Goat eggs? you say? There is a super cool gal at the University District Farmers Market that sells Free Range Eggs along side Goat meat that she raises. Her Farm is Called Toboton Creek Ranch, and her eggs yolks measure up! The first time we purchased from her a few years ago, when approaching her stand I made a joke about the signs reading "goat eggs" and now she always remembers us when I mention wanting to buy some Goat eggs. Yesterday we also picked up some carrots and in the little box there are dry dragons tongue beans! I'm super excited to try them. The bag in the back holds Sunflower sprouts, also new for us. Alex got some dried peppers there and made chili last night that was so hot it about ran me out of the house! The two plastic wrapped packages with the little paper tags are fruit leather. My goal this year is to figure out how to make good thick fruit leather snacks. I have tried a few times and come close, but not exact. Alex just picked up a seal a meal, which i think will be handy for storing them once I perfect making them.
If Fresh eggs and veggies don't lure me there, the promise of fresh made Naan bread with a shmear of Cilantro garlic chutney will. Oh man, do I love this bread. You can see the guy in the top picture making them in his big portable Tandoor oven there. This folks, is why I would never make it on the Atkins diet. On the Menu is also; Chicken Masala, Veggie Masala, Dal, and a combo plate. We have never ventured past the Naan, but I imagine it is all good.
I know some of you live in areas that only have Farmers Markets in the summer, but I hope you are taking full advantage of them when you can. The more people that shop there during the on season, the more reason they have to expand into the spring and fall months. It is a great way to see where your food is coming from and also to meet the people that are growing it. Often you will find fruits and veggies that you have never tried and some that are not available anywhere else. It is also a good way to get inspired to try a new hobby like canning or soap making. Get out there folks, Meet your farmers, and EAT MORE VEGGIES!
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