Brezel

I contemplated all day as to what to write about, I couldn't just not post! That's hardly fair to the cause, or to you. So with this frightfully cold wind in my sails, I dropped by the North Market. Calling the market a Columbus institution would be slightly misleading, it's more of a micro-community made up of essential Columbus entities. That is to say that each vendor has it's own unique being that makes up a larger system bound to please most any visitor.

As you wander the market you realize several obvious things:

• The market is alive!
• Construction is afoot
• All your needs are taken care of!

Strolling around the market you see names such as Pistachia Vera, Jeni's, and Blues Creek Farms: names that instill trust, and make you salivate from the promises of their perfect flavors. One name that grabs your attention when walking the circle is Brezel. It's a peculiar word, but it's exactly what it sounds like- a pretzel! A fun wholesome concept that recently moved to the corner where once Clever Crow Pizza stood. 

Brezel offers Bavarian style soft pretzels at very reasonable prices. With a brilliant spot in the market, Brezel cranks out hand rolled pretzels and pretzel based products such as sticks and buns. Although the flavors offered aren't anything extremely exotic, they are solid (cinnamon sugar, jalapeno, asiago herb and pepper). Inside of each pretzel you'll find a chewy flavorful bread begging to dive into one of their various sweet or savory options. 

I personally always find the coconut almond option to be a great choice. Sweet salty nuts provide a delightful texture and cohesive taste over-top the pretzel, if not that one go for the asiago herb or the cinnamon sugar. You can't go wrong with the classic salt either, but pay heed to the jalapeno brezel as you will need something to wash down all that heat!

When it gets warm again, take a COGO bike, or just plain walk down to the market; their farmer's markets are worth the trip. While you're there get some ice cream or grab a Brezel. If you aren't in the mood then, why not grab a box to store in the freezer? The ladies are fun and know what they're doing, and what's better to eat while you are walking about, than a flavor packed pretzel.

Keep Eating,
JTFussy

Columbus Winter Farmer's Market

Address: 4300 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Phone:(614) 263-4300

On this cold blistery morning, I found myself needing to do more than elapse all of my time watching episodes of Star Trek. Despite our infatuation with Mr. Shatner, Brandon and I decided to run up to the Charity Newsies building for the Columbus Winter Farmer's Market. A small offering of locally produced produce, preserves, and various baked goods and tea. 

Upon arriving we came across a Lily's Mini Delights. Lily's is a small food cart that produced dozens of little doughnuts as you wait. They are very economical at being $4 for a baker's dozen (13). 

Despite being slightly oily (the temperature may have made the batter absorb more oil), these doughnuts are gluten free, light, and crispy. With just a light coating of sugar and cinnamon, and a friendly staff to guide you these little treats are totally worth stopping by if you notice them out and about. 

Inside of the market we encountered musicians touting folk music and vendors of reishi mushrooms, herbal teas, and sauces too spicy to use outside of extreme moderation. The largest of all the vendor booth belonged to Carousel Watergardens Farm, located out of Marion, Ohio. The usual boxes of vegetables and dry rub mixes were to be found next to coolers of frozen meats, and jars of jewel toned jams.  (After only snapping one photo Brandon informed me of a sign saying that cell phones were not to be used)

We decided not to leave empty handed from the market, so we purchased a few carrots and onions, and decided to try out some of the preserves. We picked a jar of peach jam and a peculiar jar of corn cob jelly. Both jars of preserves were labeled under the name of Cathy's Tasty Treats, and were very tightly sealed.

The Peach Jam was exceptionally sweet and very firm. Not my favorite peach jam I have ever had, but tasty on a bagel where the chewy peach bits would last as long as the dense bread. As far as the corn cob jelly, it should be noted that this was a first for me. With that being said, our apprehensive spoons dove tenderly into our jar and dug out a smooth light amber gel. We tasted and savored the sweet caramel jelly and agreed it to be surprisingly delicious, not a wisp of corn, but a wonderful caramel jelly to be enjoyed on some salty cornbread next to a bowl of  hot soup.

A trip up north for this market was a nice addition to the day, and would definitely warrant a visit in the spring when the bounty of our warmer months come in. The market will be held every first and third Saturday of the month (through March) at the Charity Newsies Building from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Make sure you get your doughnuts, and jar of corn cob jelly.

Keep eating,

JTFussy