It has been a while since I wrote about the Richardson Farmers Market that is held each Saturday at 635 W. Campbell Road.  This post it totally Miss Jane’s fault.  She is a regular visitor to the market, and she made sure I knew that there are two vendors selling pies.  (Have you noticed?  Lately, I have been into pies.)  Saturday, Ever-Lovin’ and I wanted to go to the Farmers Market for some fresh vegetables, and with the lure of the added bonus of pies, we decided it would be in our best interest to first try the Richardson Market.

 

There are two vendors that have tables laden with fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables.  The selection is not as large as you would find downtown at the Dallas Farmers Market, but I do believe you can find just about anything you want at the Richardson Market.

Handmade jewelry was sold in several booths.

As one vendor mentioned, “This isn’t a farmers market.”  He is so right.  Yes, there are farmers, but….  there is so much more.  On The Four Seasons Markets website, (fourseasonsmarkets.com) they explain their concept:

A European-Style Market in Texas

Four Seasons Markets was established to develop and manage European style markets where ranchers, farmers, specialty food producers and artisanal craftsmen can interact with customers and other vendors in a colorful, exciting, family-friendly atmosphere that mimics the village markets popular throughout Europe.

Specialty food vendors always get my attention.  Look at these lovely scones.  Small loaves of sweet breads were also sold here.

Visiting with the dealers and sampling their food is a treat.

Cute children are eager helpers.  This BBQ sauce from Basic Foodisms is very tasty.

While on our trip to the Pennsylvania Dutch county I hated that I could not bring back canned veggies and relishes.  Guess what?  Look at this.  Jars and jars of beautiful canned goods.  Every sample we tasted was delicious, and we came home with pickled okra, pickled green tomatoes, and some rhubarb jam.  Life is good.

The Tena’s Texas Tamales at the Richardson Farmers Market was named as one of the five best places to get tamales in Dallas by D Magazine’s Side/Dish blog.

Award winning cheeses from the Brazos Valley Cheese Company in Waco are also offered at the market.  I was surprised when I saw these artisan cheeses offered here.

The bread from Empire Baking is certainly noteworthy.  They make bread for several high-end restaurants in the Dallas area.  Yummy!

Lucido’s Pasta is locally produced and naturally flavored.  We got the tri color mini bow-tie pasta and plan to make a pasta salad.

We will see.

Remember – we wanted to check out the pies.  It is all Miss Jane’s fault.  Be still my heart.  This Texas Premium Pecan Pie from Powder River Pies is so good.  To tell the truth, it is really dangerous.  We bought it.  We ate it, and we didn’t even share.  Ever-Lovin’ says, “Confession is good for the soul.”  It is not on the diet – for sure!

Then there is jami’s pie, bars, jam, bread …. more, but I only saw pies.

I like it that she offers small, medium and large pies.  We tried the blueberry, and it was delicious.  She mentioned that her crust was made by hand.  She was a pastry chef who lost her job and thought she would give the market a try.  Jami had plenty of business, and had sold out of many varieties.

 

Going to the market can become an all day event.  I have found it best to prepare the fruits and vegetables as soon as we get home, so they do not go to waste.  Our cantaloupe was very good.

Cucumbers and onions is a favorite at our house.  We also got the makings for okra and tomatoes, and yellow squash.  I love getting fresh healthy food.

As you can see, the Richardson Farmers Market is more than a farmers market.  There were many other vendors that I did not mention – maybe next time.

Blessings to you and yours,

I really do thank you Miss Jane.  We had a wonderful time, bought delicious foods, and stayed close to home.