Savoury Bacon & Corn Muffins with Aged Canadian Cheddar

I remember way back to a time when I was just a kid. I was young and small and the pencil marks that adorned the wall had a new line that indicated I was taller than a few weeks previous. I had probably grown but a finger or so but I was adamant it was time for another measurement. And I remember boldly exclaiming, "I'm a big boy now, mom!" Little did I know.

I cherish those memories and remember them as vividly as new ones created recently. I remember thinking how big I was yet still needed a boost when I dragged one of the kitchen chairs over by the counter to watch my mom work. Rinsing and prepping and cooking all under my watchful eyes. She would reach down and pick me up under my arms and fling me on the chair. And I would sit there and watch and watch until my attention span took me somewhere else, doing something else.

Off I went.

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Sweetcorn Fritters

Saturday mornings get off to a slow start in this household. Maybe it's the end of the work week and the first opportunity to sleep and recharge the batteries or maybe it's the longing for childhood when sleeping in was a right of passage. Either way, some Saturday mornings end up being Saturday afternoons before the coffee has stopped percolating.

On days like today, my wife and I are looking for something to calm the children. And by children I mean the noises coming from our stomach. They're relentless and they grow louder with each passing minute. We need something easy and fairly quick. The coffee can hold off the troops, but only for so long.
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The Market Watch

A trip through your neighbourhood Farmers Market brings you upon a cornucopia of fresh produce all grown within a short distance from your home. Tomatoes are in abundance and with more varieties than you can count. We're talking about tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes! Corn, peppers, garlic and herbs are found at every vendor and around every corner. It's a great time to be a vegetarian, even if you're not.

For the first couple of months of Summer we're limited to greens and pepper varieties. Some, anyway. Within a short time you can fill an entire stand with peppers. It comes quick and plentiful. August comes in with a bang and leaves that way, with so many great options that we can keep our local farmers busy producing. There is a better selection of local goods at at Market than in any grocery store I've come across, and most of the produce found outside of the grocery chains doesn't have to be transported long distances and preserved for the time taken to reach its destination. Fresher goods and very little carbon footprint.

The Market has so many redeeming qualities. Besides supporting your local producers and getting the freshest possible options available, you also don't pay the price associated with supermarkets. You can get your entire produce shopping in one spot and the farmers are incredibly nice and informative. They can and will answer any questions you have, which is more than I can say for the big box store. And they take great pride in the items they sell. It's the best one-stop shop that is usually in your very own city or town. Nothing beats the sounds of live music and the smell of fresh flowers and eating local, sustainably grown produce.

I dropped in on the Cambridge Market today. I was driving by and noticed it so had to stop. It's like collecting cookbooks, if I pass one I have to stop. What about you? Do you prefer the Market, or is the convenience of doing all your shopping in once place too much to sway you? Do you stick with the same things or do you try new seasonal foods?

 Here are some pictures from the Markets I've visited recently. Maybe it will change your mind. Check out all the beautiful produce! It makes me hungry just looking at these pictures.