What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown
By Nancy Vallarella - Photos by Nikki Vallarella
Nesconset Farmer’s Market – More than just veggies!
Since the beginning of July, the Nesconset Farmer’s Market has been selling farm fresh goods to Smithtown residents. Naturally, vegetables are a popular item. They are plentiful here but there are other goods available that are truly noteworthy.
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Papa Pasquale Ravioli comes to us from Brooklyn every Saturday morning. Zagat rated “The Best Ravioli in the 5 Boroughs of NYC”. The Vallarella family rating – Two thumbs up, unable to speak because it is rude to speak with your mouth full of delicious ravioli! Try their sauce and prepared meals too.
Island hopping from the island of Staten to the island of Long is
Artisan Bakers Group. You really can get your carbs on here. Many varieties of bread and baked goodies are offered. My daughter and I arrived at their stand around 9:30 and managed to get the last blueberry scone. It was our lucky day! Try the soft pretzel. I found it very unique in shape, texture and taste. A welcomed change over the pretzel I had from a vendor in NYC which was traditional in shape but over salted and over baked. It is no surprise to find out that Artisan Bakers Group supplies many Manhattan restaurants and gourmet stores.
The food industry has always contributed a variety of buzz words to our everyday conversations. Supersize, super food, fast food, slow food, fat free, sugar free to name a few. Lately the hands down, most popular food 
industry buzz word goes to – gluten free. Coming to us from the Bronx is gluten-free Golden Glow Cookies. Over fifty years ago, when the company was established by a father and daughter, I am sure they were oblivious to this now ever growing need.
A pop culture revitalized phenomenon attributed to Snookie of the Jersey Shore is the popularity of the pickle. Everything old becomes new again. Guss’ Pickles was founded by a Polish immigrant, Isidor Guss. He arrived in New York in 1910 and settled in the Lower East Side. Clustered in the “pickle district” of Essex and Ludlow streets, early 20th century pickle vendors gave birth to what would be known as “New York style” pickles. You can bite into Guss’ Pickles at the market or have them shipped nationwide to your favorite pickle fan.
While we are on the subject of out of town loved ones – BearBerry Artisanal sells their products individually
and in care packages – “Customized Gift Baskets made with Love”. Send your homesick college student a basket of stuffed cookies, cupcakes and jarred goods with ingredients to make baked goods like Cake N’ Cup – chocolate cake ingredients that are poured into a coffee cup and baked in the microwave! Beware; everything at this stand looks sinfully good. I am very particular when it comes to sweets. I usually never have a problem passing on desert. I have a big problem passing this stand without making a purchase. I officially give BearBerry cupcakes my Calorie Worthy Seal of Approval. They taste as good as they look.
There is more; fresh fish, plants, flowers, cheese, body care products and of course - vegetables. New vendors and products come on board every week. The Nesconset Farmer’s Market is opened on Saturday from 9:00am till 1:00pm until November 17th. It is located in the parking lot of 127 Smithtown Blvd. (across the street from the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library).