Tall Tales from Kansas

On my return to the farmers market this Saturday, after being away for several weeks, I was greeted by a splendiferous grouping of buckets of peonies. Peonies waiting just for me, or so it felt when I saw them.

I carefully observed the offerings, selected a bunch, walked them back to my car, and continued with my shopping. I don’t like my peonies to get jostled in the basket.

These heads of lettuce ranked right up there in terms of beauty. We had the BEST lettuce in Paris. Simply laid on the plate with a drizzle of vinaigrette. It was wonderful.

We also had a wonderful carrot salad from a boulangerie in our neighborhood in Batignolles that I must try to reproduce.

Meanwhile, back at the market, this young entrepreneur, with her perfectly tied apron, stands at the ready to assist anyone who wants to try her cookies.

I had the best time watching this young woman carefully select her juices for the week, then I did what she did – and got the Re-root and Re-energize.

I had been dreaming about the Rye bread I got a few weeks ago from this vendor, alas, she told me I was the only one who bought it previously so she had not made any. Instead, I selected a loaf of her French Sandwich bread. It did not disappoint. Dense, moist, excellent as toast, or just with a dab of butter on the side with dinner. I will be trying all of her breads and other baked items.

Next I happened upon this accordion player and the young woman (who I think was with him) settled in for a session of writing and sketching. They could easily blend in on the streets of Montmartre.

Below you have the Brown Butter Caramel Latte cake. Somehow the flavors of the coffee, caramel, and brown butter were each distinct on my palate and I enjoyed every bite. Every, single, bite.

They were in line in front of me at the Chonky Eats booth. That little miss in the stroller had cookies on her mind.

Oh but it is good to be home and back in my usual Saturday morning market routine. Especially with the fragrance of peonies in the air.