It takes a little more planning to go to the Farmer's Market than it does to go to the grocery, but the benefits from this planning are many.It is a lot of fun to go to the Farmer's Market. I love meeting the farmers who grow our food, talking to the keeper of the hens who lay our eggs.
She tells me about the hen's home in the Avocado grove, and how the only food they eat are the veggies that didn't sell at the market. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons on Blackstone and Shaw there is a beautiful FM, located under a shady courtyard.
Central Fish Co. comes to this one, so you can get super fresh fish, right there at the market. See photo below of the Scallop dinner I made, all with things I got from the Farmer's Market. (Well, all but the Arborio actually).
There they have local honey,(which helps with allergies), and chocolate, and jams and pickles. Fresh squeezed Orange juice, flowers, coffee, and tons of fruits and veggies. If you live on the South end, like we do, Saturday mornings on Fulton and Joaquin, the Farmer's Market is large and so cheap! Everything is ripe and plump and local.
This is what is so wonderful about going to the Farmer's Market. You and your money are supporting local, you are bringing home the best for your family's diet, and saving money. Why anyone wouldn't go is beyond me. Maybe they just don't know about it. So, tell a friend and remember to bring your canvas bags or reuse the old bags from the grocery. Your trip to the market is also good for the environment. Using your own bags to recycle, reduce and reuse,plus you are helping to cut down on the fossil fuel it takes to deliver foods from other places. Wow, and you thought you were just buying dinner. Find a Farmer's Market near you and make a difference for your budget, your family's health, and the Earth we share.
If you live in or visit Fresno, then you need to know about Charlotte's Bakery. When I hear the bell ring as I swing open the heavy front door of Charlotte's Bakery, like Pavlov’s dogs I start to salivate. As I step in, I take a deep breath in and revel in the smell of fresh baked breads and cakes. I look around and see all the smiling people, who are happily chomping on their sandwiches and scones. As I walk up to the counter a lovely person with a warm smile is always there to greet me. Usually that person is a member of the family who started, owns and runs the place. Charlotte’s has lots of sun light coming in and it is always clean, so I feel comfortable while I wait for my breakfast or lunch. Although, even though there are always people there, the wait is never long. They also have outdoor seating, which is wonderful for enjoying the nice weather.
The best cupcakes in the entire Valley are at Charlotte’s, which was named after Susan’s mother. As I understand I it, Susan and her husband both bake everything, and they do it with plenty of love. Cupcake choices are different everyday but some of my favorites are Coconut, Mexican Chocolate, Raspberry, and Lavender Vanilla. (I had the Coconut one today, yum!) I love to ask Susan about her recipes and creations, and I think she also enjoys telling me about them. They also have different bread choices besides the wheat and white, like Kalamata Olive and Jalapeno. One of her son’s, Sam, works at the cash register with his pretty face and sweet disposition. The eldest son, whose name I don’t know, handles things going on in the back, along with his Dad. Because Charlotte's uses the best available ingredients, and makes each item fresh, with care and love, eating there is an experience that is special, and one to be cherished. In addition to sandwiches, Paninis, cupcakes and scones, cookies,you can also find breakfast cookies there that will keep you full until lunch, Moon Pies, Cannolies, soups, and cakes are also available. Plus, many of these options are gluten free and vegan, so you don’t feel like (or look) crap after you eat them. They also cater and deliver. Charlotte’s is owned by a nice, loving, local family, it has quality, fresh, healthy, delicious food, and going there is a wonderful experience. I am so thankful that this place is here for us to enjoy. I love leaving there knowing that not only is my health benefiting from my choice to eat there, but so is the town I live in. This is a beautiful example of sustainable food. Thank you Rocha family. I love you! Currently located at: 1292 N. Wishon Fresno, CA, 93728 Soon (by Aug/Sept) moving to: 609 Olive Open mon-sat 10-4pm
She tells me about the hen's home in the Avocado grove, and how the only food they eat are the veggies that didn't sell at the market. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons on Blackstone and Shaw there is a beautiful FM, located under a shady courtyard.
There they have local honey,(which helps with allergies), and chocolate, and jams and pickles. Fresh squeezed Orange juice, flowers, coffee, and tons of fruits and veggies. If you live on the South end, like we do, Saturday mornings on Fulton and Joaquin, the Farmer's Market is large and so cheap! Everything is ripe and plump and local.
