But alas, ready or not, today was that day. The weather was gorgeous so I really took my time at the market, chatting it up at all my favorite booths - Perkins Pickles, The Granola Tree, and Cellar Door Soap Co. (In fact, I talked for so long that my mom finally left me at the market and went home!)
I was most excited about Perkins Pickles because I used up my chow chow a few weeks ago and have been craving it ever since. Although it was quite tempting to buy more, I limited myself to two jars. Oh, and look! It matches my hair!
At The Granola Tree I bought two more jars of Carrot Cake Jam and one of Cranberry Orange Marmalade. You know how I love to make my Carrot Cake Jam Oatmeal! I also found that the Cranberry Orange Marmalade, with slivered almonds and dried cranberries, makes a fantastic oatmeal, as well.
Believe it or not, I managed to walk away from Cellar Door without buying any soap. It wasn't easy but I managed. It helped that Brandon told me I couldn't buy any. Repeatedly. I'm glad he intervened because I need to save my soap money for next weekend when the Fall and Halloween soaps come out. There are going to be TEN of them!! And you know that I won't be able to pick and choose so I'll be coming home with TEN new soaps next week. Brandon has been previewing one new soap each day on Facebook and will continue to do so up until the September 1st release date. So far we've seen "Witches Brew," "Zombie Repellent," "Chai Latte," and "Apple Wood." I can't wait to see the rest - and buy them all! Muhahahahaha!
There was a new vendor this week at the market - Motor City Munchies. They sell energy bars made with medjool dates, nuts, and hemp or chia seeds. (Similar to Larabars but local, fresher, and more flavorful.) In addition to the base ingredients, some also have vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, or cacao nibs. They are all organic, gluten free, raw, and vegan. There are 3 flavors - Raw Energy, Raw Vitality, and Raw Indulgence. I sampled all three. While all of the bars were delicious, I ended up buying the Raw Indulgence Bar, which has dates, cashews, cacao nibs, coconut, hemp seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon. (Definitely the most indulgent of the three!) While the bars are not cheap - $3 each - I wanted to support this new local business and figured it would be a nice treat.
I also finally bought some of Matt's Mix all-purpose seasoning. Matt has been at the market for years. I was talking to him last week about different vegetarian/vegan restaurants (his wife is vegan) and it occurred to me that I've never tried his mix! So today I made sure to buy some. It's a blend of Kosher salt, garlic, herbs, and spices that he claims is "great on everything!" And I really don't think he would say it was if it wasn't. I plan on using it on grilled veggies, kale chips, and popcorn with nutritional yeast. There are recipes on his website; he specifically recommended I try the Black Bean Roasted Corn and Avocado Salad with Red Quinoa. Thanks, Matt. I think I will!
Oh, and I bought some produce. I picked up 4 huge red tomatoes and a massive bunch of curly kale. Gotta make my kale chips - with Matt's Mix, of course!
So, that was my last summer Farmer's Market Friday. But even though it was MY last day, the market still goes until the end of October. Although who knows, perhaps I'll manage to sneak off work and get in one more trip before the season is over . . .
Happy weekend everyone!
Maybe you'll get a prep period during market hours? :). Oh, Luka is so excited about Brandon's fall soaps! He wants to do more chores so he can buy all of them!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! :)
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