The Holiday Market!

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for signing on today. i had so much fun yesterday wandering around the Holiday market at 14th street Union Square. Wow...I was in Heaven! So much to see. I should have definitely gotten up earlier to go for sure to really take it all in. I definitely got a few goodies that I am so excited about and I'm looking forward to going back next weekend and buying more stuff. I wandered around and looked at jewelery and hats for a while, then I came up onto the spice and tea table. Holy cow. I never saw so many big bountiful bowls of tea and spice. It all smelled so good. I wanted to buy everything. However The smallest amount you can buy was Five dollars worth at a time. So I chose to but a few spices that I new I would really use. I was Tempted to buy some fresh whole cardamon seeds, but I'm probably never really going to use them, So I opted for the smoked paprika instead. I do cook alot of vegetables and fish. So I now I will use this. I also bough Garam masala. I love Indian spices. I had to buy a small bag of this one. I'm one for curry, so this was a must grab for me. The man behind the table was selling a spice called Za'tar to someone, and it sounded really good. He said you could mix it in yogurt, use it as a dip. My ears perked. He let me taste some.
Za'atar (zaatar) is a mixture of sumac, sesame seed and herbs frequently used in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas.
It is often mixed with olive oil and spread on bread,(so right up my alley!) sometimes this is done at the table, other times the mix is spread on the bread rounds which are then baked. Za'atar also serves as a seasoning to sprinkle on vegetables, salads, meatballs or kebabs. Much like sausage seasonings, different countries have there own blend of Za'tar. I cannot wait to play around with this one and don't worry...I will definitely keep you guys posted.
Now the next table I came cross was a company called the Filling Station and they were selling all kinds of neet and groovy specialty flavored vinegars,  flavored olive oils, salts, and sugar. I tasted a sample of the fig balsamic, which was quite yummy. But when I sampled the Dark chocolate balsamic vinegar (yes you heard me) Dark chocolate balsamic vinegar, I said "wow, give me a bottle of that". It is so smooth and decadent...you could practically drink it. Its thick so you don't need alot and I couldn't wait to try it on a salad. I'm counting the ways that I'm going to experiment with this one. I also bought  small bottle of black truffle olive oil which I absolutely love and when I get paid, I'm going back for the big bottle lol. I bought a pretzel and dipped it in the black truffle evoo and it was strangly addictive. Both of those items are getting hidden in my house lol.
My hats off to you Filling station, cant wait to go back and buy more stuff! Check out their website http://www.tfsnyc.com/. I have to run off to work...I started prepping vegetables for a lasagne for the holidays. Will be back later to fill you in on that.

Bye!