Farmer's Market

What do the words cobbler, slump, Betty, grunt and crumble have in common? They are all ways to serve fruit in a quick dessert—each has a different kind of topping and usually no bottom crust, like a pie has. With the Farmers Market in full swing at the De Vargas Mall this summer, there are many choices of fruit for your favorite dessert. Louisa May Alcott so loved apple slump (a spiced apple filling with a pie dough crust on top that you tap after baking to make it sink) she named one of her homes that had a slanted roof “apple slump”.

Many Santa Feans had doubts about the temporary move of the Farmers Market from the Railyard to the De Vargas Mall, picturing hot asphalt and no parking. But what a pleasant surprise to have an even walking surface, ample room between the booths, lots of parking (except at the peak time of (9:00-11:00 a.m.) and a well laid out space. Peaches, plums and nectarines are at their peak—and most vendors slice up fruit and give out samples. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is open every Saturday & Tuesday, 7am-Noon, outdoors at the DeVargas Center parking lot. Southside Markets (Thursdays, 3pm-6:30pm) began July 5th at Santa Fe Place, formerly Villa Linda Mall.

So what is the difference between a cobbler, slump, grunt, Betty and crumble? Check out our baking cookbooks—basically it is the type of topping which varies on the fruit filling. Your family will thank you for them. Grunt, crumble or by any other name, they are a great way to enjoy this summer’s crop.