Tuesday 22 March 2011

Today on the Farmer's Market...

This is my friend Debbie's stall, to my right! The day was beautifully mild - not warm exactly, but I didn't need the thermal underwear this month! It makes such a difference to everyone's spirits when we're not shivering & sheltering from the wind for 5 hours. I didn't even wear a coat until the last 45 minutes - amazing!

Selling well today:
Cranberry Carmelita Bars. My own recipe - chewy, caramelly, crunchy, buttery & with a little tang from the dried berries.

Sticky Jamaica Ginger Cake...made with wholewheat flour & stem ginger for extra gingeriness! Keeps so well as it gets a sticky top to it after a few days...irresistible (if you like ginger!)

Double Chocolate Brownies...ahh, my all-time best sellers. The bread & butter of the Blue Angel Bakery! What would I do without them?!

The Apricot & Ginger Flapjacks you saw being created yesterday. Always very popular, especially with those who prefer not to eat wheat. Some people make a bee-line for the crunchy corners, others prefer the softer middle squares. Everyone's so different!
My brownie of the month. Each market I create a new brownie flavour, so that regulars don't get bored. March's offering was Cookies & Cream - topped with mini Oreos as well as filled with the chunky pieces of the larger version. These flew off the stall so fast - I sold all I had before lunchtime! I make a note of all the bestsellers so I can repeat them somewhere down the line.
I also had the cheese scones, walnut brownies and loaf cakes...quite a loaded table!

It wasn't the busiest market, but still quite good. I have a 'Quote of the Month' too: these are the funny (or ridiculous) things that people sometimes say to me behind the stall. A woman asked me if the Carmelita Bars were Date Slices. I said no, and went to some lengths to explain exactly what was in them...cranberries, chocolate, caramel....etc etc. She tasted a sample, wrinkled up her nose and said 'I can't taste any dates in there!!' The great British public!

Happy Tuesday xoxo

7 comments:

  1. Oh Rachel, everything looks so delicious!! I love all your photos too. So glad it was a nice weather day, makes it much more enjoyable to be outdoors. I like your idea of the cookies and cream brownies. I just have to try your best-seller brownies one day. They look incredible!
    BTW, the date lady story was too funny. Some people are too much. You just have to laugh! I am glad your day went well. Looking forward to next month's Farmer's Market!! xoxo

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  2. It is so much fun to see the farmer's market. Your booth must have been the busiest one there with all those delicious sweets. The whole lot looks so yummy I wouldn't know were to start. Maybe a bite of each one. Your are such a talented baker and writer. ♥

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  3. Oh Rachel--the quote made me laugh out loud---I don't think it's just British folk, but instead just 'some people.' When I think of opening a bed and breakfast, I think of those I will never please and how I will feel about it. You have to learn to develop a bit of thick skin, I guess, which I have none of! Everything looks incredible!! Now, how far away is the market from your home? I'm SO HAPPY that thermals weren't necessary for your market! I love the idea of the little cookies inside the brownies....how clever you are!!
    Yay to the Blue Angel Bakery!!

    xx
    Joann

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  4. Oh, honey, what wonderful delectable delights today!! Some of each, please! You have such great ideas for new baked goodies. I just don't know how you keep doing new recipes! I agree with Joann that folk's remarks that cause a chuckle are not limited to the UK. Ah...yes! Have a lovely evening with the artists! Hugs, Sherry xx

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  5. Doesn't all that look ultra fantabulous. But here's my question: what are flapjacks? Here that's a synonym for pancakes. Second question--I don't have a clue how to do this. I see everyone there with their pics etc but the only way I know how to comment is use name/url. Is there a way to subscribe to this and belong to a list or something? Still laughing at the lack of dates in your dateless treats. Apparently being unable to listen isn't an affliction confined to Los Angeles. I think a brownie with mini peanut butter cups in it might be nice!

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  6. Simply luscious goodies, Rachel! Wish I could have shopped there today. Had a good laugh about the customer just determined to find dates somewhere.:)

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  7. I bet she couldn't taste the pineapple either could she? Being fortunate enough to have tried your flapjacks, my mouth was watering. xxxxxxxxx

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