To Market, to Market
In the past two weeks, I have been to Masstown Market four times. Yes, four. I really can’t get enough of the fresh, local produce, home-style cooking, the bakery (best blueberry scones in the province!) and wide selection of local meats and cheeses (Pork Shop, Meadowbrook Meat Market and Fox Hill Cheese House to name just a few). In addition, their new fish market makes it a must-stop anytime I am within 20 minutes of Masstown, Nova Scotia.
On a recent trip to Ottawa, we stopped at Masstown both ways. As we drove across New Brunswick, Quebec and through Ontario passing one fast food stop after another off the TCH, I remember saying to my mom (my travel partner for the long drive), “What we need is a Masstown Market every two hours – then we would have something to look forward to at each stop!”. She agreed that the healthy, local food choices were few and far between on our 16 hour journey – but that is a discussion for another day…
When you walk into Masstown Market for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming – so many areas and so many choices to make. Here is my recommendation on how to make the most of your visit, whether you are there for a quick car stop, or a weekly shopping excursion:
- Stop at the open-style restaurant for one of their amazing home-made soups, seafood chowder, chili or daily specials (their pulled pork sandwich is also a good choice!). I recently had their chili. Pictured above, you can see it had lots of meat, and great big chunks of real veggies. Served on the side was one of their famous biscuits – baked fresh daily.
- The bakery is always my next (and most anticipated) stop – personal favourites are the split rolls, raison bread, blueberry scones and tea biscuits. Leading up to the Easter season they also have delicious looking Hot Cross Buns.
- Then I head to the produce area (with my bakery items because you can pay for everything together) and browse the market debating what I need. They specialize in hard-to-find local favourites like marsh greens, gooseberries, beet greens, fiddleheads and crab apples – so be prepared to see a variety of seasonal items on each visit. A small wine shop and a gift store round out your Masstown Market experience.
- New to my routine is the ‘Catch of the Bay – Fresh Fish Market’. To the left of the main market, you will notice a lighthouse. Inside is a live lobster tank, a fantastic selection of seafood, local wines and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse to take in the breath-taking views as well. Currently there is a “wharf” and “boat” outside under construction that will be a fish-n-chip shop opening this summer.
Masstown Market is a must-stop destination – whether you are stopping for a quick break on a road trip, taking a day-trip to central Nova Scotia (Sugar Moon Farm, Jost Vineyards and Masstown Market make a great “culinary inspired” day trip) or going to pick-up your weekly groceries. Although I have been four times in the last two weeks, I am already looking forward to my next visit – hopefully I will see you there!
Who doesn’t love that cinnamon-rolls-in-the-oven aroma! Just a small note about rolling the dough. 1/4″ is about 6 mm…NOT 6 cm as written.
Thanks for your comment! We have made this change to the recipe. 6cm would be pretty thick! 🙂
no yeast??? how do they rise?
This is actually no-yeast version of a cinnamon roll recipe. This recipe include baking powder which will help the dough rise.
is the half cup milk powder dry or wet???
The milk powder is mixed in with the dry ingredients.
I used regular milk in the amount of the water needed instead of the water and powdered milk. Simply Scrumptious!
Thanks for the suggestion. Glad that the recipe worked out for you!