One really cool thing about selling ice cream at the farmers market is that we are surrounded by delicious ice cream toppings! Woodring Northwest Specialities is at most markets and makes tasty chocolate, caramel and fruit sauces, fruit butters and preserves–all of which are great as an ice cream topping. They also make incredible spicy pickles and pickled asparagus and beans, although those might not be as delicious on top of a scoop of ice cream. Unless you’re pregnant and really craving that ice cream and pickles combo.
There are several berry farms right now at the markets selling strawberries, raspberries, and I hear blueberries are on their way this week! There are also less-known, although no-less-delicious berries out there such as gooseberries. Cherries are also now in full swing and you can take your pick of Bings, Rainiers (our fave), Index, Chelans, Sour Pie Cherries…
One of our most loyal and favorite customers, Paolo Polintan, took this great photo of his scoop of Blueberry-Lemon Sorbet that he topped with market-fresh raspberries:
Or, instead of topping your ice cream with something tasty from the market, how about topping something tasty from the market with ice cream? Sugar Shack, which can be found at Lake City and Broadway Farmers Markets, serves up pies, brownies and cookies, all of which are wonderful accompanied by a scoop of ice cream.
Possibilities are endless, and coming up with new and exciting things to combine with ice cream is a good excuse to leisurely walk around, browse the market and see EVERYTHING. Can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.