Farmer’s
Markets, the neighborhood grocery store or the fruit stand just down the
street, all are havens for picking up a few delectable ingredients for a
meal. While living in Australia in the
early 90’s I became obsessed with the different types of markets; literally there was the butcher, the baker
and well…the candlestick maker. I found myself
journeying to the fresh-air shops every Sunday afternoon in search of
vegetables, fruits and assorted sundries for the coming week.
Wanneroo
Markets teemed with activity, as well as delights that I had never seen. Growing up in the lush Willamette Valley of
Oregon, I was very familiar with sweet apples and warm, juicy peaches; however
guavas, mangoes and passion fruit held an exotic allure. After loading the basket with these
treasures, I would venture to the next stall to inspect the warm, just out of
the oven scones studded with red currants.
“I’ll take half a dozen, and a jar of clotted cream.” Clotted cream was also a new discovery. The lusciously thick cream, along with jam,
is slathered on top of the scones. And
so the process would continue each week … something to be found.
Since
that time, I have continued to indulge my food-passion. Frequenting specialty food shops and ethnic
grocers yields opportunities to tantalize the palate. Recently, I stumbled upon a tiny shop with
walls lined to the ceiling. Tins of
succulent albacore tuna, dried pasta in every shape and size, jars of amber-hued
honey were a few of the items to be found.
They also had a handful of fresh vegetables and lovely spring flowers to
round out the market. I walked out with
a jar of oil packed olives, lamb sausages and deep, dark chocolate. My delectable ingredients…
I am still obsessed with markets and great food ~ Missy
I love markets too Missy! When we were in Mexico we would shop at the open markets. Now I settle for the Farmers Market but even then I have to wait for summer :)
ReplyDeleteThe markets in Mexico are great. Fun to see fruits and veggies that we are unfamiliar with. We have a few really great farmers' markets here in Portland. Even the little road side stands are nice to pop into!
ReplyDeleteMy obsession will be enhanced, now that PSU Farmers Market is open ... it's one of my favs!
ReplyDelete