Praises are regularly sung about all the fantastic ingredients you can get from farmers’ markets. Fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese are all wonderful artisan ingredients that are picked up and turned into a glorious meal at home. What about those things which you don’t use in another meal; the ones that are ready to eat?  Here are some of my farmers’ market heroes, the stalls and people you turn to to cheer up your stomach and put a big smile on your face.

Beer is an exception I suppose as it can be used as an ingredient or enjoyed on its own. This beer from Compass Brewery is a rather festive beverage; it’s balanced with Oxfordshire spruce needles. Where else could you get something that local and forever varying?

I’m not one for beer usually but I did enjoy a smidgen of this one. I can certainly vouch for the fruit wines available at the farmers’ market. I used some Cassis to poach some quinces a little while ago and it was divine. read more