Broccoli, Beef, and Brambleberry Crisp...Oh My!

Last weekend, "R's" mom took us out to Miles Farmers Market in Solon for the first time. For many years, she lived in the area and grew to love the market. Since we live very close to the famous West Side Market, we frequent it often and love shopping for our produce, meats, and other specialty items there. Farmers markets can be just plain fun to experience, and at least I walk away feeling better about where my dollars were spent and the quality of the products that I am purchasing. Needless to say, I was looking forward to checking out the Miles Market.We had a great time exploring, and it did remind me a smaller and slightly less packed West Side Market. Although some of the ladies shopping did get a bit crazy with their carts, and there seemed to be no clear path for shoppers to follow. Check out some of the things we saw:

An expansive deli area...
"R" came away with freshly sliced ham, roast beef (on sale), and some Havarti cheese for sandwiches during the week.

A seafood bar...
Filled with all sorts of under-the-sea goodies. We picked up a crab salad that was great with crackers as a snack!

The produce area was large, and we picked up all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables including green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. I couldn't wait to get home and have some. We hadn't been grocery shopping in two weeks, so my body was craving some fresh produce. We also hit up the bakery area for muffins. "R's" mom swears by their muffins, and the Banana Nut muffins that I purchased made for a great breakfast the following two days. They were a perfect size, and very moist even days later.

But the highlight of the trip had to be this...Yup, Miles Farmers Market stocks Jeni's ice cream. Jeni's is made in Columbus, and a shop is opening soon in Chagrin Falls. Cleveland ice cream fanatics LOVE Jeni's and several of our area restaurants serve their product. However, purchasing it in a store around here is hard to do. When we first approached the freezer section of Miles, there were only three pints of ice cream left on the shelves. As we stood there and tried to choose, the lovely cart full of new pints showed up that is pictured above. We were very happy! "R" absolutely loves ice cream, and he's never had Jeni's. We selected the Brambleberry Crisp- Ohio blackberries and black raspberries comprise a striking, rich-colored "Brambleberry" jam that's mixed with black currants and oven-toasted oat streusel and layered throughout honey vanilla bean ice cream. De--lish--us! I loved the flavor and texture of the added oats. "R" is now officially hooked.

It was a fun experience, and I suggest that you get out to Miles Farmers Market or the West Side Market one weekend. Enjoy browsing the aisles and aisles of goodies!

Miles Farmers Market
28560 Miles Road
Solon, OH 44139-1184
(440) 248-5222