Around Des Moines: 11/17/2007

While running errands today I saw many bicycles parked at the Walgreens on Ingersoll. The bicyclists were in a race to benefit the Food Bank of Iowa. The BikeIowa web site explains that this is the first year for this race in Des Moines but that it has been held in other cities. It is called Cranksgiving and each participant must buy 10 items, one at each of 10 stores. Instead of an entry fee, the bicyclists donate the items they buy to the food bank. The race began and ended at Mars Cafe (2318 University Avenue).

In the downtown business district, I saw workers putting holiday greenery into the plant containers along Locust. In the East Village, holiday hanging baskets and even a few artificial trees decorated in wintery colors have been visible for weeks.

The holiday themed downtown farmers market was held at Nollen Plaza and Capital Square for four hours. Maytag Dairy Farms finally had more than their blue and cheddar cheeses to try. Blue cheese was never one of my favorite dairy products, but I love the Maytag’s. Their cheddar is not so exciting but today I tried their smoked swiss. Now that is an interesting cheese. The smoke flavor seeps deeply into the smooth and mild taste of the swiss. When I tasted Madison County Winery’s vignole and pinot blend the flat simple flavor was exactly what I needed for the smoked swiss. There were a few produce stands and the cheese mixture would go well over potatoes or with any of the numerous specialty breads for sale.

Great Harvest was offering samples of pumpkin pie swirl. I commented to the young man tending the booth that I had to try that bread because the apple pie swirl is so addictive. The vendor replied that earlier this week at the Great Harvest bakery on 28th the apple pie swirl sold out in 45 minutes.

Uncle Wendell’s BBQ and bakery had a roasted pig on for sale along with a wide selection of breads and Dutch letters. The garlic foccacia definitely had garlic on it. I first encountered Uncle Wendell’s when it was off of High Street but since it was never on my way, I forgot about it. Now that it is on Ingersoll, I need to check it out again.

Reichert’s Dairy Air had a nicely-seasoned goat cheese with sun dried tomatoes. Lois Reichert has twelve goats and started selling cheese this year. She had pictures of Barb and Joan. The goats were born on Barbara Streisand’s birthday and are named after the performer.

Boone Pottery unfortunately will not be at the December market. Marck Nystrom uses a salt glaze and soy oil for firing. The colors are soft and deep. The shapes and designs are nicely proportioned and weighted.

One vendor who has a store in Des Moines that you can visit Tuesday through Saturday is The Atlantean, a mix of jewelry, crystals, candles, and other items on East 5th.

M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.