Spring a ding-ding!

What a line-up we have for you this weekend at the IFM! Customer favorite Cream Bomb is back, and I can’t wait to snag some delicious cream puffs — both the chocolate filled and the regular custard are divine. I hear Naoko is trying out a new Earl Grey flavor, too. Did you get to try them the last time Naoko was here? It was her first time at a market ever and it was our snowy holiday market. She was an absolute trooper! We’re looking forward to having her on this much warmer and lovelier Sunday.

And no matter what the weather is doing, you can count on owner Sean Flynn from Boogie Down Bronx Honey to send out some sunny vibes! He’s back at the market this week, and just so you know, he dishes out an interesting story, too. (Did you know that he's top level security at the United Nations when he's not busy with bees?).

Spring is a great time to start a spoonful of honey a day habit — become one with the pollen, and hopefully your allergies will calm down. You could also grab some R&M poultry and make this delicious honey chicken with asparagus. It's a little early for asparagus, but Madura Farms should have it soon. 

Another way to inject honey into your spring cooking? Try this recipe for honey roasted carrots with tahini yogurt dressing. Dee-vine. And the rainbow of carrots at Halal Pastures are perfect for this dish.

We’re spoiled for choice this week with our prepared foods! We hope you help give a warm welcome to Mel’s Pierogies. Mel makes each pierogi by hand… a true labor of love! Try them fresh at the market or take them home frozen for a quick and easy dinner. I’ll be popping by early to get a bag of the potato and cheddar variety. Pierogies with sour cream caramelized onions, and applesauce are my favorite toppings, so make sure to visit Caradonna andMadura Farms to pick up what you need to make a big batch of fixings. White Moustache’s delicious yoghurt or labneh are a perfect sour cream substitute for those of you looking to make a heart healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.,are my favorite toppings, so make sure to visit Caradonna and Madura Farms to pick up what you need to make a big batch of fixings. White Moustache’s delicious yoghurt or labneh are a perfect sour cream substitute for those of you looking to make a heart healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

And speaking of flavor… Zabari Falafel is also back! Zip zip hooray! Is there anything better than the zesty flavours of fried chickpea, tahini, hot sauce, and crunchy vegetables all held together in a warm pita? I think not!

As for my fellow home cooks, this week I have my eye on this spiced lentil carrot salad. Some Kariba almonds and Lentil Hub lentils, alongside market carrots? Color me very curious! And with cabbages not long for this springy world, try this roasted cabbage steak with some Sugar Shack goat cheese.

For those of you who are more inclined to a roast, we’ve got good news. We can make your carving easier than ever — Matt from Ready Set Sharp! is here this Sunday. Bring your dull knives in for a make-over.

We’ll also have our sports swap table set up! Bring in sports equipment you no longer use, and see if there’s anything on the table you want. It’s what the farmer's market is all about — community and sustainability, caring for each other and the Earth. She’s about to put on a pretty spectacular show for us... it won’t be long until leaves are on the trees and buds are blooming! The fields are recovering from a long, cold, wet winter, and soon there will be a whole array of colors on our vendor’s tables as spring and summer produce hits the stands.

See you on Sunday!