Farmers Market Treats

I am reminded of how lucky we are in California when it comes to access to fresh produce.

There are 5 or 6 year-round farmers markets within 20 minutes of my house- I have my pick depending on the day of the week and where I am. It's what I'm used to!

Californians sometimes forget that we live in a place that has so much access to these kind of seasonal abundance. It's (one of) the reasons why I find outspoken critics of non-local or organic pretty irritating- we're a little sheltered and spoiled over here!!

Easily said when you have this at your fingertips.

So I have 5 or 6 markets nearby; despite that, my favorite is still the Saturday morning market at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. It's more of a production and time committment (15 minute drive to the Millbrae BART station, 30 minutes on the train, and I'm limited to what I can muscle home), but it's a fun weekend activity as opposed to just grocery shopping.

My last visit was a year ago at least until last weekend at the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival.

I snuck back this morning for a little more browsing on my own.

I'm an introvert by nature, so a little slice of heaven is the solitary walk from Embarcadero BART to the docks before wandering the stalls by myself. I spend my time daydreaming, people-watching, considering what to eat for breakfast, and what to bring home.

Market Bar- worth a stop next time the weather is good, and I can get Ray to come with me. . . How nice does that look?

GIGANTORE carrots

I'd never seen brussel sprouts on their stalks before- can you imagine what they look like in the ground? How do they grow actually, I have no clue! I should have asked- anybody know??

The interior of the Ferry Building is a bit more for people watching than grocery shopping.

This interesting gentleman was enjoying a glass of white wine at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

At 9:00 AM.

Gotta love it.

After wandering inside and out to make sure I picked the best thing, I settled on Frog Hollow Farm indoors.

Frog Hollow Farm is located nearby in Brentwood, and this is a little spot to purchase fruit and a plethora of mouth-watering pastries.

In addition, you can sign up for their CSA program and receive boxes of fresh fruits on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. There are pick-up locations close to me in Belmont and Burlingame. Food for thought :-)

Line = worth the wait!

My choice was this scuffin creation.

Much more like a scone than a muffin, the advertised flax seed and apricot jam grabbed me and didn't let me go until I could place my order.

My little guy- heavy on the flax seed, in a good way

And oh so excited (!!) when I split the scuffin to reveal a generous glob of apricot jam in the center. It was like I had spread a plain scone with a thick layer of homemade jam. (!!)

Oh yes, I picked good.

I don't mind the gray weather here most of the time (though I'm not a city resident so perhaps I should shut up), but on a day like this it is just so beautiful.

~:::~