The NYC Green Market at Union Square is right across the street from my apartment. It holds a deep place in my heart because its where I went on my first date with my husband. I was amazed by him and the market – ok maybe a little more amazed by him. It was so obvious to both of us that we wanted to be close to this special place at some point. We have been living that reality for almost two years now.
People who visit the market are always surprised at how extensive it is – way beyond vegetables and fruit – there are cheese makers, dairy farmers, bakers, fish mongers, bee keepers and much more.
What people also don’t realize is the depth of the selection at the Green Market is possible because of the wide circle around New York City from which farmers are allowed to participate. Farmers from South New Jersey all the way to Vermont are present, making it possible to get things both early and late in each season. I love this. It gives me several weeks to interface with something like strawberries or peaches while they are at their “peak” across several different growing zones.
The other reason to visit the market is the selection. A lot of these famers are growing specialty items that are rarely seen other places such as spigarello, tri-star strawberries, fiddle head ferns and other things that NYC’s Chefs demand to create new dishes.
But, the vegetables aside, something really exciting started happening this year at the Green Market. Bakers started making gluten free items. And it hasn’t stopped. Almost every week I run into something new. Most are baking simple things like chocolate chip cookies and breads. And then there is Las Delicias.
Las Delicias Patisserie is taking gluten free baking to a whole new level. A mind blowing level. Like these Cinnamon Walnut Rugelach cookies. They are dreamy taste and texture wise as well as absolutely gorgeous!
The entire display at their booth leaves you wanting for a bigger shopping bag. Beyond the Rugelach, I have tried the Triple Ginger cookies and the Chocolate Chip. Both were also excellent. Next week I will be reaching for the brownies and blondies.
As of now, Las Delicias is only there on Friday. But this is a must try! The owner, Debbie Brenner, says Las Delicias can make many more things but they need to be special ordered (at least for now). Her list was long:
Success cakes with chestnut buttercream (an almond-based meringue with exceptional layers of buttercream and covered with chestnuts and toasted sliced almonds), Torta del Re ( an Italian almond cake, truly exceptional when accompanied by sabayon), flan with dulce de leche, flourless chocolate chili cake, a collection of muffins highlighting GreenMarket ingredients, cupcakes, AND they also offer savory tarts filled with spinach & sweet onions, cauliflower, mushrooms or asparagus.
So swing through the Green Market on Friday and pick up a bag of whatever pleases you….and then come back and special order something from them! You will not be disappointed.