Croton Farmers Market Thriving at Van Wyck Shopping Center

What a satisfying experience watching the steady flow of shoppers enjoying the fresh offerings of the Croton Farmers Market.  The atmosphere is so friendly and lively it’s difficult to resist picking up something from each vendor. Here is just a sampling.  First stop, cinnamon apple cider doughnuts.  Can’t resist them.  Then luscious camembert cheese from the Amazing Real Food Company.  Picked up some tasty lemon biscotti from Croton’s very own Baked by Susan. 

I could never pass by Bobolink’s artisan cheeses and breads.  This time, I selected their savory walnut and cranberry bread.  Fresh greens, tiny new potatoes and small manageable rutabaga are a must from Cowberry Crossing Farm.  Then, take a look at the shitake and oyster mushrooms, almost too beautiful to eat. 

And finally, to wind up the morning’s haul, the piece de resistance,  fresh fish from Long Island.  The cod in the foreground of my photo was every bit as delicious as it looks.  I made the crispiest fish and chips ever.  My secret is using rice four and club soda in the batter.  And. of course, you must make your own tartar sauce.

Every town should have a farmers market.  Learn more about the growing movement of farmers and consumers working to rebuild local food systems and put more of the consumer food dollar directly in the hands of farmers.  Find out more about the Farm Bill that is up for reauthorization in 2012, and how we can implement certain changes to create a healthy food system for everyone.  http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/  And while you’re at it, check out the fair farm quiz on that site to see what you know about factory farm practices.  I got only 5 answers correct out of 8.  Hope you do better.