Headed to a demolition derby nearly five counties away, I cruised down the road with one hand as plum juice ran down the other. I was taking bites from the fruit I'd just bought and thinking about the art of driving unconventional routes. There's an art to driving fast and furious in races, there's an art to driving with efficiency from point A to point B, there's an art to driving with one hand while you have a plum in the other, and there's most certainly an art to driving slowly with wild abandon for the least direct route.
At that moment, I was savoring the art of driving slowly as an explorer of uncharted waters of the least possible direct route. If I'd been another drone on the interstate, I'd never have found that plum. If I hadn't been a slow cruiser with no plan other than eventually getting to the Mercer County Fairgrounds, I also might not have found that juicy plum. You see, I'd already made a turn from a county road onto a four lane highway without noticing at the stop sign that there was a beautiful open air produce stand on my left. As I slowly rambled onto the highway amidst zipping cars, I happened to look over and I saw what I'd just absent-mindley passed. Of course I turned the Ford Escort right back around and had a look-see.
Taylor's Market has been around since 1980 and carries a variety of Midwestern produce, along with a small selection of preserves. Listening in to conversation, I overheard the woman at the counter talking about her father who owned the market. She said he was getting older and there was some question or concern for who would want to take over. The woman was hoping her son might be interested, but wasn't sure. She herself had been working there for more than 20 years. Businesses in need of someone to take over was a recurring theme in this jaunt as I found out later at the country's oldest Tastee Freez. Hopefully someone will step in to carry on these local legacies.
Why in the Sam Hill was I headed to a demolition derby five counties away? My cousin's husband was making a big come-back in demolition driving and I didn't want to miss it. I may share some pics from the derby/county fair a bit later and I'll also have to share about Lenny and the oldest Tastee Freez in the United States.
So, it wasn't just a plum that came out of the Taylor's Market stop. I also bought two pints of Michigan blueberries, a brown bag of red potatoes, a nectarine, a banana pepper, and a jar of sorghum molasses. The berries are amazing...big, plump, full of flavor, and much cheaper than in any store. The molasses I'll save for some fall/winter baking.
Note: Taylor's Market is located right off of Highway 61 between Muscatine and Davenport, IA.
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| This is what I made with some of the potatoes. Slice them and toss in a skillet with olive oil, fresh ground pepper, and kosher salt. Let them cook until brown and add sliced mushrooms, green pepper, onion, and fresh parsley. Zip it up with some hot sauce if you like. Easy and tasty. |
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