Our Farmers Market by Duck Momma

Duck Momma's favorite stop at the market, Sweet Street Spices

Goose taking the trip seriously. . . to be fair, she just woke up

Tomato Momma and Pickle stopping for cheese! Mmm

Yesterday was Farmers Market day. We love our Farmers Market, it is really great to support local business, farmers, and artisans. Plus its just a lot of fun. This time of year is sort of the limbo point, its not really any season so the produce is a little more sparse but spring is coming and everything will start popping up!
I love finding fresh local produce, it almost always tastes better and can sometimes save you a bit.

We had some lovely finds though. I visited one of my favorite places on earth, Sweet Street Spices. They have such variety and make it so affordable, which is good thing because I have trouble controlling myself there. This time garlic, majoram, onion powder, cayanne pepper, corriander, and caraway seeds came home with me. I also found some beautiful heriloom carrots (which turned into goodies for Goose and glazed carrots for Momma and Daddy) and leeks!
Tomato Momma found crisp apples and tasty cheeses. Yum!

Even though it was a little empty this time, the sights and smells were delicious and we can't wait for next time!

One of my purchases, Heirloom Carrots. . . More on these to come.  . .

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Forget the Cake: Fast Fudge Frosting by Duck Momma

I'm about to share a family secret with you. Promise not to tell? You may never eat your cake again, all you'll need is this frosting. My mom use to make this for us, the extra frosting left over was the best part!( talk about licking the bowl)
Here is what you will need
• 1 1lb package of powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 c. Cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 c. Boiling water
• 1/3 c. Butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• will power to not eat it all in one sitting

Ok here is what you do:
Combine sugar, cocoa, and salt. Add water and butter. Blend. Add vanilla and mix well. This will frost top and sides of two 8 -9 inch layers. (As long as you don't sample too much of it... )

Enjoy! Your brownies will never be the same!

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Cupcakes and the Best Frosting Ever by Duck Momma

Cupcakes are everywhere these days, totally in food fashion. I have always been a fan, even before they were in style and everywhere. Who doesn't love a little hand held cake?

But alas this story actually begins with the frosting. Its like which came first the chicken or the egg? Well in this case it was the frosting.

You see, my husband hates buttercream. I know, I know. Go ahead and gasp. I personally love it but I'm not baking for just me so buttercream is out, as is the convenient frosting in tub. So what is a girl to do? Well I will skip the long boring part and skip to where we find something amazing.

It starts like whip cream:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2/3 to 1 cup confectioners sugar depending on your desired taste
1 teaspoon (approximately ) vanilla
Whip like crazy. Now here is the brilliant twist. Add 1 packet instant pudding. We started with vanilla and its the current favorite but there are so many options. And therein lies the danger. So many tasty options. Not only does the pudding add great flavor but it acts as a stabilizer. It will stay fluffy and wonderful. And I'm sure you assumed but to be safe I will say, it does need to stay cold.

With frosting like that it just begs for creative touches. So using my favorite cake mix( bread I can bake, but made from scratch cake is way intimidating. I promise I'll try someday. Just not today) I bake a batch of cupcakes. Hollow a crater inside, not all the way through mind you, and fill with homemade strawberry jam. I topped it all with a white chocolate frosting. Yum!

But what about the leftover frosting you ask? Well I toasted and tossed some crushed pecans with butter and mixed it together with that frosting to make little butter pecan parfaits. Yum again!

And so I travel down the sugar fueled pathway of cupcake madness, riding the bandwagon while dreaming up flavor combinations. Butter pecan. Lemon. Caramel filled with chocolate. Lavender (yes lavender ). Bananas foster...

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