Farmer's Market Discoveries

One of the things I regret most when I lived in LA is that I didn't take full advantage of the abundance of Farmer's Markets the city had to offer.  Santa Monica, Venice, Hollywood...I could go on and on.  Sure, I stopped in once or twice, but always had a reason not to go.

Since moving to Orange County, I've decided that I need to change that trend.  I'm within perfectly acceptable driving or biking distance between two Farmer's Markets on Saturday mornings, and quite frankly, I enjoy them.  A lot.

Maybe because it's a relaxing way to start my day, or because I get excited picking up the produce or smelling the fresh cut flowers.  Either way, I always end up with a hearty bounty of goodies when I return home.

A recent trip included hummus, potatoes, almonds, cherries, peaches, and fruit rolls.

Some of my personal favorites at the Farmer's Market include:

Dolce Monachelli's:  http://www.dolcemonachellis.com/

Italian Butter Rum cake.  Need I say more?  Dolce Monachelli's specializes in homemade gourmet cakes that melt in your mouth with every bite.  My parents order these beauties for other family members every Christmas and they are a big hit!  It's perfect as a dessert, or an accompaiment to your morning espresso.

Bread Gallery: http://www.breadgallery.org/

I love, love Bread Gallery's vegan Cinnamon Raisin Bread.  It's light and flavorful, and not loaded with excess sugars and other sweeteners.  Plus it's dairy free!  The multigrain bread is great for sandwiches, and you get your daily dose of omega-3's with the flaxseeds.

Baba Foods: http://www.babafoods.com/

Hummus is always at the top of my list, and many stores create their hummus with added preservatives and sugars.  Not Baba Foods.  Their hummus is all-natural, and comes in a variety of tantalizing flavors.  My personal favorites are the Classic, Roasted Garlic and the Sun-Dried Tomato Basil.  Baba Foods also has homemade pita chips and pita bread that naturally goes perfect with the hummus.

The Irvine Farmer's Market has now become a part of my regular Saturday morning routine.  Supporting our local farmers, picking up fresh fruits and veggies, and devouring samples from the local vendors?  What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.