Shameless Plugs

Later tonight I'm making some fish, black beans and all sorts of yummy things.

But for now, I want to mention a few of the vendors I got to see yesterday at the market and update you on some related news.

First, the Sunday market at Whole Paycheck - I mean, Whole Foods, is back.  You have to get there before noon, but it's worth the stop -- great bread, eggs, and all kinds of wonderful produce at great prices. 

Second, the Morris Ranch meat folks are leaving the Salinas market.  I'm very sad about that, but you can still visit them at the Alvarado Street market on Tuesday nights in Monterey.  Starting May 25, they will have a full line of beef and pork products ready for you.  And in the meantime, the picnic ham they were selling yesterday looked wonderful! 

Mari Lynn Pemberton, who is visiting with family in Salinas for awhile, has a great booth with homemade jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables, including pickled eggs.  If you've never had a pickled egg, it's high time you try one!  She let me taste her jalapeno jam, and it was out of this world - just a little kick and lots of sweetness and good flavor.  She'll be at the Alvarado Street market on Tuesday, too.

Finally, I want to thank Carolyn's Cookie Company for the sugar boost on Saturday morning.  She says she's been making cookies for 28 years - and though she doesn't look the part, I believe her - the cookies are wonderful.  My friends who know I try to avoid white flour and refined sugar will be shocked - shocked, I tell you - to discover I indulged.  But one of the best things about Carolyn's cookies is that they're normal-sized.  Not some cookiezilla bigger than your face, just a nice few bites of chocolate-chip heaven.

I hope you'll stop by a local farmers' market sometime soon.  Maybe we'll say "hello."  Because I can't wait to see you, you-know-where.