It’s apple time at the farmers market

Thanks to the community’s support, the two Concord farmers markets have been a great success this season.

With new producers added, the markets offer a wide variety of fresh from the farm produce, honey, flowers, baked goods, gourmet hot foods and other items.

The fruits of fall are coming in right now. There are grapes galore, with Thompson seedless, Thomcord, Autumn Flame and other varieties from J&J Ramos Farms, Lujan Farms and Resendiz Farms, all out of Hughson.

Apples also are beginning to arrive. Rainbow Orchards of Camino will have a large variety of their fabulous crisp apples, as well as their famous apple cider. Smit Farms from Knightsen will be selling their awesome collection of apples, and Alhambra Valley Pears & Beef will be bringing their wonderful creamy Bartlett pears this month. These pears are super local, coming from the hills of Martinez.

Corn is still for sale from Dwelley Farms in Brentwood; peppers and early winter squash come from Bautista Ranch out of Stockton; and leafy greens and other vegetables are available from Esquivel Farms in Watsonville, FT Fresh out of Fresno and First Generation Farmers from Brentwood. Don’t forget the luscious summer tomatoes from Swank Farms of Hollister.

Sunrise Nursery will be offering some early fall blooms and late summer bouquets to brighten up homes and offices. There are baked goods from Cabalen Sweet & Savory and Feel Good Bakery. The market also has some of the finest hot gourmet foods around – Meyer’s Barbecue, Donna’s Tamales, Lola’s Spanish Cuisine, the Flatbread Queen and so many more. There is even a wonderful soap maker, Delta Moon Soapworks, with handmade soaps and lotions.

The Thursday evening Concord market will close for the season Oct. 24 and the Clayton Saturday market ends Sept. 21, but the Tuesday market in Concord will remain open, rain or shine, for fall and winter shopping needs.

I especially want to thank residents who supported the farmers and other purveyors who participated in the Clayton market this year. The market is small, and we have struggled to keep it afloat.
We cannot sustain more farmers and producers without customer support. The more customers we have, the more farmers are willing to supply the market with their wonderful products. Let’s hope we have the best of both worlds next year.

Apple Raisin Nut Cake

½ c. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1½ c. sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. baking soda
1½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
3 c. peeled and chopped apples
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. raisins

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix oil, eggs and sugar. Beat for one minute. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda and spices, making sure all flour is incorporated. Add apples, nuts and raisins. Gently blend together.
Pour into greased and floured 9×13 pan. Spread evenly. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out cleanly.

Recipe: Cookin’ the Market, PCFMA