Sample and Shop Best of Missouri Market This Weekend

Long before anyone was talking about farm to fork and sustainable anything, there was   Missouri Botanical Garden’s Best of Missouri Market. It was a unique concept then fueled by the newly organized AgriMissouri, which promoted the state’s farmers, food producers and artisans.

After 22 years the market has grown, attracting over 25,000 who come to explore and shop the best homemade, locally produced, hand-crafted and farm-raised products in the state. Today, the Best of Missouri Market has become the ultimate venue for Missourian artisans and food purveyors and is considered one of the premiere marketplaces of its kind in the country. Don’t forget to check out some of the award winning Missouri wines – several wineries will have their wines available for sale.

New this year the St Louis Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier will be selling soft pork and Sweet potato and black bean tacos. Other groups vying for the opportunity to fill your plate are Local Harvest with pulled pork sandwiches, Persimmon Hill Berry Farm’s Thunder Muffins and Nancy’s Sweet Nothings whose famous for genuine Scottish Shortbread. Since I’m always looking for food finds this years Marketplace will not disappoint any foodie. As a gourmand / foodie I can recommend searching out Bavarian Smoke Haus for smoked meats, bacon and jerky or the Blue Owl Bakery for a custom baked pie.

The Market will open this weekend with its First Look Friday preview on October 4 and remains open through Sunday, October 6. Each day visitors can stroll the garden and shop the 120 plus vendors and exhibitors that will offer a board range of items such as hand crafted baskets, dried herbs, fresh baked goods, toys and jewelry.  It’s a great opportunity to get a jump on this year’s holiday shopping. To plan your shopping check out the complete list of vendors, including food vendors online at www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

Admission to the Best of Missouri Market is 412 for adults and $5  for Garden members and children 3-12 years. Kids under 3 are free. Admission covers both general and Market admission, a copy of the Market Directory and entertainments that are planned throughout the garden, which includes a special Kids Corner.  

To get you in the fall market spirit I’ve included one of my favorite October recipes featuring pecans and honey, ingredients you’ll find at this year’s Best of Missouri Market.

Best of Missouri Cranberry Pecan Pie

3 eggs

1 cup honey syrup

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

dash of salt

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 cup pecan halves

1 pastry shell

1: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, honey, sugar, melted butter and salt.

2: Place pastry into a deep-dish 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges for pastry.

3: Sprinkle cranberries and pecans in the bottom of the pastry shell; pour egg mixture over top.

4: Bake pie at 325 degrees for 50 -55 minutes or until pie filling has set and crust has browned.

5: Cool on wire rack.

6: Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes one 9-inch pie, yielding 8 slices.