my favorite farmers market…

I have just returned from my second trip to Madison. In my first trip, I needed to pack snow boots, this trip I wore sandals. I thought I would start by sharing with you the best farmers market that I have ever been to.

While a student at Wisconsin, I would make weekly trips to the Saturday Farmers Market. After Saturday morning swim practice it was a great place to go to get a pastry (or three), cheese and other items to grill that afternoon. What I find unique about Madison’s Market is that it is set up on the square around the State Capitol building. Madison’s Capitol building is the prettiest state Capitol building I have ever seen (sorry Austin, I think Madison’s is better).

It is open during the market and is worth taking a look inside. The best part is…

When you stand in the center and look up at the inside of the dome. Look how beautiful!

The market is full of all the freshest flowers, herbs, vegetables, meats, eggs, and baked goods produced in Dane county.

What you will find changes throughout the Spring, Summer and, Fall, but I guarantee that you will find something great to cook with. That is not all you will find! This is Wisconsin, so the market would not be complete with out….

CHEESE! There are several cheese stands throughout the market that allow you to taste the wide assortment. My favorite is Brunkow and their 10 year cheddar. So good. If you get tired of walking, you can just relax in the Capitol’s lawns and enjoy people watching.

During this trip, I made the usual loop and stopped at all of my favorite stands. One of my favorites is Madison Sour Dough Company. As you might have guessed, they make amazing sour dough and other baked goods.

On this Saturday, they had cream puffs! With fresh made cream and puff pastry how do you go wrong? I must say that the cream puff tasted as good as it looks. Cool rich cream with a light and airy puff pastry, how do you go wrong? When taking pictures of the cream puff, I got to talking with the people who work at Madison Sour dough. They told me that they had a new bakery/cafe that opened a few months ago. When I heard about this, I had to go check it out. Later in the week I will bring you what delicious food I discovered at their bakery.

As you can see, Madison’s Farmers Market is an incredible place. After being away for two years, I was glad to see that it is exactly the way that I had remembered it. A trip to the market is the perfect way to begin the weekend. You can get fresh produce, have a bite to eat, see friends or just enjoy the amazing weather! I doubt that you will be able to find a better Farmers Market experience anywhere else. I know I haven’t.