Photo Friday: My Farmer’s Market

A quick note before I get started: I am having a serious case of deja vu with this post.  I could have sworn I did this post already.  I’ve searched.  I’ve looked. But no, I’ve mentioned the market I go to.  I’ve shown lots of pictures of items I’ve purchased, but not pictures of the market.  Or so I think.  But I could have sworn I’ve done this post already.  So if any of you read this and go, uh, Jenn, you’ve already told us all that, just know I’ve apparently lost my mind.  LOL!

Here I am on Fifth Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  I’m at a stop light, catching a quick picture of downtown Baton Rouge as I wait to go two more blocks.  Straight ahead are the white-topped tents that are my destination.  They signify one end of the Red Stick Farmers Market. This market is one of several around the state which support local farmers and the state’s “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” push.  The idea is to foster small farms and businesses and to give them a place to sell their goods.  Markets are held throughout the week at different locations around the city; however, the largest market with the most variety of product is held every Saturday morning in downtown Baton Rouge.  To encourage people to visit the market and purchase goods, buyers aren’t charged tax.  For me, it’s an awesome way to start my weekend.  I go most weekends.

I’ve shared so many pictures of my Farmers Market finds, that I wanted to go back and share pictures of the actual market.  I go early, before the big 10 a.m. crowd shows up.  At 10 a.m. each week, chefs from the Louisiana Culinary Institute share recipes and ideas on how to use market goodies.

Each week that I go, I stop at Le Potager first.  Annabelle is the baker behind Le Potager.  She offers a variety of breads and sweet delights to share with everyone.  Her baking is divine.  However, what pulls me back each week are her biscuits.  I also buy farm fresh eggs from her on occassion.

She is the divine artist behind these: garlic cheese biscuits.  I’m not sure quite how she makes them.  I’ve had something similar before, but to me, hers are the best.  They sit in a large basket beckoning me to purchase them.  These biscuits are fresh baked and still warm.  Consistent goodness.  I love consistency.  A ritual has developed on my Farmers Market day.  I buy 2 biscuits.  Then, I head over to the creamery.

Smith Creamery has some of the best milk I’ve ever tasted.  The only one I like as much is a version by Fresh  Market.  Yes, milk has a different taste by brand, or so I taste.  I LOVE milk.  I don’t drink it nearly as often as I used to.  Now, it’s a treat.  And I indulge in that treat every weekend that I visit the Farmer’s Market.  One pint of chocolate milk and 2 biscuits.  As I enjoy my breakfast, I tend to stroll around the market to see what’s available.

The market is a popular destination.  All sorts of things can be found there from organic meat, to fresh baked goods, to potatoes with the dirt still on them.  I love it.  I go for the produce.  It is fresh and seems to last longer than any produce I purchase at a store, including Whole Foods (or other such “organic” type place).  The best part is I truly do feel like I’m supporting my community by frequenting the market.  My mom and I tend to go together, which is another plus.

Glaser’s Produce Farm is where I buy the largest amount of my produce.  Mainly, because they are the largest vendor.  I purchase garlic, potatoes, peppers of all sorts, and much more.  I’ve now gotten to where I buy my garlic just from them.  I can’t believe the difference in fresh garlic and the type found at a grocery store.  When he runs out, I’ll wait anxiously to get it from him again when the season rolls around again.

For me, sweet peppers is the biggest draw.  Their sweet peppers are the best and so colorful!  I haven’t been brave enough to purchase hot peppers to try yet (jalepeno and such).  They are also the only vendor that has ever had the mini peppers.  I <3 Glaser’s!

SaySaye’s Village Bakery is another much-loved booth.  She is the baker of the multi-grain boule I adore.  She also makes a multi-grain french bread that makes my knees go weak.  It is also hands-down the bread I like the most to make eggs-in-a-basket.

As I eat my morning biscuit, I sometimes like to stand with the people that watch this man.  This is Lionel Key of Uncle Bill’s Creole File.  He sits there each week pulverizing sassafrass to make file.  If you have never heard of file, it is that elusive ingredient that helps to make a gumbo what it is.  This dude has been featured on Emeril’s Live show on the Food Network.  His is a fascinating story.  Pop over to his website to see how he makes his file (or at least part of the process).  It is labor intensive and amazing.  While he hand-mills the filie, he talks about the spice, how to use it, and so forth.  Fascinating.

And so ends this particular weekend at the Red Stick Farmers Market.  There is alot more to see.  Another weekend, I’ll have to bring my camera back again and take more pictures.  But for this particular visit, it is time for me to head home and decide how I’ll use the treasures I’ve purchased.  Leaving the area, I take Spanish Town road to exit.  On my way down 9th street, I pass this house with its pink flamingos and Mardi Gras beads.

You dont’ get much more Baton Rouge, Louisiana than this.  And I love it!