The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Forget Santa, stockings and snow...this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is time for culinary heaven in Santa Barbara...featured 6 days a week at our local farmer's markets. The colors-Brilliant. The flavors-Intense. The hum of the market is the barley audible yummm erupting out of each passerby. I just started my own garden for the year. 6 varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes, 4 Varieties of lettuce, onions, cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, cilantro and zinnias!

The markets are a great destination for any local or traveler. There are wonderful treasures to be found. If you are planning an event in Santa Barbara...I really try to encourage my clients to use local specialties in their menu selections and in their gift giving.

Here are some great gift giving or favor ideas for any party or event:

*Local Haas Avocados- Locally grown. Can't beat them. They have a rich and wonderful nutty flavor. They can keep for extended periods of time and travel well when unripe.

*Goleta Lemons- Sweet, Tangy and Flavorful...who can resist? They too make great gifts for the out of town guest.

*Honey- There are some wonderful varieties of local honey that is produced in Santa Barbara and all along the Central Coast. Pick up some beautiful beeswax candles too.

*Olive Oil- There are a few boutique olive oil farms that are locally producing some of the most uniquely flavorful olive oil. The bottles are exquisite works of art and make lovely gifts for just about anyone.

*Lavender- The Santa Ynez valley is home to some wonderful Lavender Farms. They produce heavenly Lavender oils, sprays, soaps and dried sachets.

*Succulents-Some of the Farmer's markets have local succulent gardeners who create works of art with locally grown succulents. They are easy to care for, require little maintenance and are a chic way to dress up a table indoors or out.

*Jams- Some local vendors produce delectable jam...the envy of any grain!

For more information on our local markets and where you can buy locally grown goodies...

Please visit this site: http://www.sbfarmersmarket.org/

Happy -Eating-Flower Arranging-Gift Giving-Jam Making-Pie Baking- Spring!