Haymarket Farmer’s Market — One of the biggest farmer’s market in Boston is located in the financial district at the mouth of The North End, our little Italy.

The distinctive odor of  dead fish, sea salt, and smashed tomatoes lets shoppers know they are nearby. Or you can just follow the massive crowd and screaming accents.

I bought two bushels of cilantro, a must in my kitchen, for$1.50! Then I snagged some really great celery, my favorite vegetable in the world. It’s actually sweet and almost tangy. It went great into my pasta salad I prepared after.

I also got some tangerines. A cute old man convinced Blake and me to try some tiny plums. They were quite good! I love tart fruit, so we picked up 8 for $1. Blake also got some red and yellow peppers and apples.

We saw all the standard farmer’s market veggies, plus some odd ones. The beets and figs made my heart ache for my sister. The leeks were huuuge and now I’m curious as to how to use them. Maybe I will do some research and return next weekend. They also had ‘avocados’ the shape of waxy melons. They certainly did not look like avocados.

The purple veggies at the top were supposed to be eggplants on…they are more like eggplants on steroids or something.

Other fun interesting things to report, there was some kind of Chinese protest happening nearby. Blake and I gave up our seats on the T for a trio of adorable Chinese grandma’s who all squished their bums onto the two seats. They were on their way to the protest.

This farmer’s market is probably the best known in the city and runs every weekend, “rain or shine,” according to a vendor. I plan on perhaps investing in some delicious seafood next time I go. They had clams, lobsters, and all kinds of beautiful bright fish. Oh and the leeks. And some strawberries.

It was a really fantastic morning. And in other food news, I have an interview with Trader Joe’s in Coolidge Corner on Monday. Wish me luck! (I’m all about discounted groceries)

Season drumsticks with salt, pepper, paprika, & garlic powder. Toss it in oven at 450 F for about 30 minutes. Added celery, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms into bake pan for the last 10-15 minutes.

Served with rice pilaf and shared with friends. Easy quick dinner!

Fascinating article that has potentially inspired me to enter a bake-off. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but it could be a fun Sprout & The Bean adventure to enter the competition.

In the meantime, while I decide, read this great article about pie crust from the Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/gallery/piecrust/

A new take on my sister’s infamous banana cupcakes, I used a Martha Stewart recipe to whip up some delicious banana cupcakes with cinnamon honey frosting. I think the frosting was my favorite part. (Don’t tell Martha, but I doubled the cinnamon and added a little extra honey)

I used margarine instead of butter for the cupcakes, and they came out beautiful. Please don’t be disgusted by my gross stove, I live in a very run down little apartment.

The cupcakes were a big hit at the apartment warming party I brought them to! Only I would bring cupcakes… to the same location as a beer pong tournament.

Happy Sunday!