My family is in Naples, Florida for our annual vacation. Over the decade that we have been coming to this part of the country, we have identified a number of enjoyable activities and sights beyond just the beach and the pool. One of my favorite activities, to no one’s surprise, is the Saturday morning trip to the Third Street South Farmers Market in downtown Naples. Coming from the dead of winter in the Midwest, I react to the sight of fresh, local produce like a desert traveler happening upon an oasis.
One of the ways that the farmers market in Naples is different from our own Oak Park farmers market is that, at this market, there are stands where people prepare food. By far, the most popular food stand is the French lady who makes galettes and crêpes to order. My husband waited in line for fifteen minutes for his egg and cheese galette my son’s ham and cheese galette. The chef cooking up the giant pan of paella is a recent, and most welcome, addition to the market. Zuzu had no hesitation about paella for breakfast. Because the chef does not put shellfish in his paella, even I can partake.
In fact, the offerings at the Naples farmers market are far more varied than I am used to and I love perusing the booths selling olives, artisan chocolate, baked goods, and prepared foods from quiche to sushi. On this visit, I saw something completely new to me: hickory syrup. Made from the bark of the hickory tree, not the sap, this syrup has a more earthy flavor than maple syrup with a slight bitter note. Naturally, I had to buy a jar. I’m very excited to play around with it.
My mother and I were to host a dinner party the following day, so she and I picked up several items on our menu, including beautiful lettuces and spicy jalapeño peppers. Yes, I was planning to make my award-winning cheddar jalapeño corn pudding recipe again. I also stopped by the citrus purveyor for my favorite, hard-to-find varieties, from giant pomelos to seedy orange Rangpur limes. Expect some recipes for those in the coming days.
The farmers market really is a favorite with everyone. Even Santa seems to be enjoying the warm weather. I wonder why he is so tired?
