I visited the Columbus Winter Farmer's Market this past Saturday January 16, 2010 for the first time. It is held at First Unitarian Universalist Church in Clintonville. The market is small but well attended by vendors and consumers. Tables in the center allowed patrons to enjoy their ready to eat purchases, including coffee from Crimson Cup.

I am teaching a Kids Cook class about honey on February 11 but I was the student at the Honey Health Farms stand. Dale Benedict educated me about bee pollen and generously discounted my purchases to share with the class.

The Carousel Watergardens Farm stand held the only produce in the market. They offer winter meat and egg CSAs and are signing up for summer too. What a treat to enjoy fresh local produce at this time of year!

I tasted my first Brezel pretzel Saturday. It was deliciously buttery and had just the right amount of salt. Next time I will have to order ahead so I can taste their specialty flavors that were sold out by the time I made my way to this busy table.

Lil's favorite table was the one staffed by Osage Lane Creamery. That kid loves her cheese! We have a round of their goat's milk feta in the fridge that she can't wait to open.

More vendors included my friend Barbie Luna of Luna Burger ( another friend, Eliza of Beginnings to Birth is in front of the table), Frijolito farm chicken, Rausch beef, three baking vendors and an apple farmer. The Columbus winter farmer's market will be open Saturdays 2/6, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, and 4/17 from 10 AM - 1 PM. Come and enjoy local food treasures!