Farmer’s Markets

It’s back! I was so excited to spend part of yesterday meandering around the SoWa (South of Washington) open markets in the South End. Live in Boston and never been? If you like this blog at all, you would LOVE the SoWa markets. A combination of farmer’s market, craft fair, and antique sale, the market has everything from decadent brownies to rhubarb to handcrafted bags and jewelry to adorably designed dog collars.

We spent a bit of time wandering around the market just being happy to be outside again. New England winters are loooooong, and I miss the outdoor fun.

I love fresh fruits and vegetables. They are so photogenic!

Rhubarb makes an excellent low calorie sauce or jam. It’s so easy, chop and rinse rhubarb stalks, then put them in a pot with a teaspoon or 2 of strawberry jello-mix. Add heat and let it all simmer together until the rhubarb has fallen apart. It is yummy! If you have fresh strawberries on hand, tossing those chopped in is delish as well. Use it to top plain yogurt, ice cream, or even on its own.

I am intrigued by these Sassy Sauces, and I want to learn more. They looked absolutely delicious, and had I been feeling better, I would have stopped to chat with the owner. Hello rum caramel! I could do with a dish of vanilla ice cream topped with that right about now!

Several bakeries had artisanal bread on display. I can taste the freshness and feel the chewy texture of these breads right now. Both Sel del la Terre and When Pigs Fly make  incredible bread products. Give me a ciabatta, some olive oil, and some goat cheese, and I am all set! 

I had hoped to do more browsing of the jewelry stands and the artist’s open studios that were also going on, but I had quite the dizzy spell from being in the sun and having not eaten yet. When I get like this, I need to be away from people and to shove something in my face as quickly as possible. A sprite and a cheesecake bite later, I felt a little better but not great.

The lesson? I need to eat more. I have been thinking this for quite awhile as I often leave the house without food and it is really just silly. I know myself, and I know how scary and uncomfortable these spells are. Ironically, the last really bad one I had was at The Ferry Building Market in San Francisco.

As a result of this revelation, I spent a ton at Trader Joe’s just to make sure I had plenty of fruit, yogurt, and nuts on hand to make sure I am full. Really, sometimes I just sit at my desk, tummy growling like mad, and do nothing about it. Not good for my body or my mind.

I would love to hear what your go-snacks are for on the go and if you have some easy,quick recipes that can be made and brought along on an outing. I hate just grabbing granola or nutrition bars; I get so sick of them!