Fort Myers Farmer’s Market Find, Smoked Fish Dip

Check out this week's Fort Myers Farmer's Market Find, Smoked Fish Dip. Fish dip is a Florida signature. I have friends who visit from out west and one of things they HAVE to have every time, is smoked fish dip. It's a state staple and a specialty of Chanda Jamieson. Almost every Wednesday, you'll find her under at tent at the Lakes Park Famer's Market in Fort Myers. The seasonal market is usually closed by this time of year. However, since Hurricane Ian delayed its opening, organizers are extending the market into the beginning of summer. Regulars are thrilled! Now, back to Chanda, and The Fisherman's Daughter.

She really is a fisherman's daughter. Her brother is a commercial fisherman as well. In fact fishing has been the family business for four generations. Not only does she have access to some of the freshest local seafood, she uses family recipes to create amazing food.  The recipes are all handed down for this Fort Myers farmer's market find. They include smoked fish dip and more, all made by Chanda. Just look at all the savory goodies she makes.

The photo at the top of the page is the smoked mullet dip. It's her signature. I tried some for the first time yesterday. It's creamy, with just the right amount of smoke and not too fishy at all. I love this dip with a few slices of jalapenos and simple crackers. It's awesome for a snack or to take to a party. In the past, I've had the Key West Shrimp Salad and the Blue Crab Dip, both of which are fantastic. I hear the soups are good too. Perhaps next week. For now look for and enjoy this Fabulous Find.

Fort Myers Farmer's Market finds, Kombucha that doesn't make your entire face pucker up. I found this booth yesterday at the Lake's Regional Park Farmer's Market in Fort Myers, however, I've heard about this brand for some  time now.

Flying Kombucha is made locally and is different from any other I've tried. I admit having a love/hate relationship with this fermented beverage. Sometimes, it is so tart and sour I can only muster a few sips. But not this one. It is actually mild and very well balanced. It's a formula that owner told me sets them apart and has brought great success.

Kombucha is a fizzy, fermented tea based beverage that is said to have a laundry list of health benefits. Everything from improved gut health to better sleep and even the prevention of hair loss.

Currently, Flying Eagle does not have their own tap room. However, they are working on it. The good news is that the beverage  is distributed so you can find them in many local stores. They also take their draft cart to several farmer's markets. This is where you can sample the flavors right from the tap.  They even sell growlers, like those found in brewery taprooms. Fill them up and take them to go, While there are some flavor staples like Lemon Lavender and Blueberry Cuban Oregano, Flying Eagle also has seasonal blends. Try it. I think you might like it.

An update about those amazing pierogis and Hungarian food that was featured in one of my former Fabulous finds. The owner is relocating and will be leaving Southwest Florida. So if you are a fan, track her market appearances down and stock up on her cabbage rolls, soups and pierogis before they are no long available. You can freeze them. AND, this bread is amazing with the soups.

In the meantime, here are some photos from my Fort Myers Farmer's Market finds, kombucha from Flying Eagle

Fort Myers Farmer's Market finds, German breads and pastries. This booth at the Lake's Regional Park Farmer's Market in Fort Myers has been making me drool for weeks. Finally this week, I took some time to meet the owner, Iris, and come clean about my obsession.

This market occurs every Wednesday during season. Sadly, there are only a couple of weeks left. When Iris arrives at her designated spot in the morning, people are already there, waiting for her. Some are so eager to be the first to get a warm loaf of bread that they even help her unpack. That's quite a following.

Iris and her husband are from southern Germany. He does most of the baking. They have seven, yes seven kids to take care of as well. They used to have a bakery in Lehigh Acres but now can only be found at farmer's markets including Bonita and Sanibel. Every week, he makes a few signature breads along with bins of pretzels. However, when it comes to the sweet treats there always seems to be something new. Besides German delights, you'll also find some Italian and French pastries here.

Last week I bought a rosemary baguette to go with some mushroom soup in the pierogi tent next door. More about that Fabulous Find here. It has the perfect amount of seasoning, was crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. It was amazing and so good with the thick rich soup.

When looking for Iris, look for a sign that reads European Family Bakery. Since most of these markets are seasonal and our desire for these treats is all year long, this is her email so you can find out where she will be: oktoberfestpretzel@gmail.com

Finally, here are some photos from my Fort Myers Farmer's Market finds, German breads and pastries.