Sunshine, Root Beer and Spring Mix

I don't think Market Goers could have asked for better weather for this weeks Grower's Market. I arrived around 11, and it was a flurry of activity. I usually get to the Market around 9:30am, and that hour and a half certainly makes a difference. While there were plenty of people milling about, a few of my favorite stands were rapidly selling out of their produce!

My first stop was Bryer Apiary, as it was the only time I would see them for another 4 weeks (they have a stand at the WCGM the 3rd Saturday of each month). I hemmed and hawed over my choices, but eventually decided on a 24 ounce squeeze bottle of their dark variety. (Later that morning, I toasted a slice of Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Bread from Big Sky Bakery Co, and drizzled it with Bryer's dark honey. Can I say YUM?!?).

Speaking of Big Sky Bread, their stand was hopping, as usual. I refrained from buying more bread, as we are still working through the AH-MAZ-ING Honey Wheat and Cinnamon/Raisin/Walnut loaves from last week. (Confession: I've had at least once slice of the C/R/W bread per day since last week. Sometimes twice a day. And a few times for dessert). Their bread is so tasty, and I feel good that they are additive and preservative free. Perhaps we'll finish the loaves this week, and can go back for more next Saturday.

On our way around the circle, I stopped at Red Earth Farm for a bag of Spring Mix. So far, we have never been disappointed with the produce from Red Earth Farm! I appreciate being able to get whatever size bag of Spring Mix I'd like, and have the ability to pay per ounce/pound.

Moving along the parking lot, I stopped in to chat with Jeff Porter from the Chile Spot. More to come later this week on some of his products. I did sample some Peach Mango Habenero Jam, and it was spicily (is that a word?!?) delicious. This was the first time I noticed that the Chile Spot has T-Shirts for sale with their logo. Note to self: Pick up a T-shirt at some point this summer...

As we browsed, we got to take in the music from this week's Market Musicians: Richard Cole and his daughter. Their music was absolutely festive. I can only continue to go on and describe their sound as "FULL." So many different sounds and auditory textures to listen to. I was really impressed!

Paul Hauser personally greeted me at Maple Hill Farm's stand. I picked up a beautiful head of broccoli and already-shelled peas. Paul proudly boasts that he uses no chemical sprays on his produce. (Sidenote: Those fresh peas were made into fresh baby food this morning. Mixed with carrots, they had the most wonderful aroma! Hopefully Lucy will enjoy them...)

As we conversed, Paul put to words something I had noticed about the market: It WCGM hope that people can find stuff at their Grower's Market that they can't find in a regular grocery store. Well said. That comment made my eyes more open to see what new and interesting things I could try.

My last stop was Ellen April's Handmade Soaps. While I checked out what new items were in this week, my husband, Bill, ventured to purchase some homemade Root Beer from the vendors at Oak Shade Cheese. (After trying some on Sunday, my husband stated, "Now THIS is what Root Beer is SUPPOSED to taste like." You can't argue with that.)

I left Ellen April's with some soap entitled 'Snow On Cedar's.' First, I love the name. Second, I can say from first hand experience I LOVE the scent of this soap. We have it by our kitchen sink presently, so it is getting lots of use. Bill said it best: "If I had a mountain house, I would have this soap at every sink." It smells super fresh and foams up nicely. I also grabbed a small bottle of Lemon Rosemary olive oil and honey lotion. It's fragrant and really smooth.

So many vendors, so little time...but SO MUCH to look forward to! The Market Calendar is jam-packed with events. Check back later this week for the fun things happening this coming weekend (July 4th - Independence Day) at the WCGM. You won't want to miss it!