Holiday Guide
November 29, 2012
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This holiday season, give the gift of good food while supporting local farmers and food artisans. As the days turn cold and rainy, farmers market vendors count on loyal customers like you to help sustain their businesses year-round. At the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, you'll find the makings for wholesome winter feasts, along with unique gifts that nourish the body, the earth, and the local community.
We've collected some gift and menu ideas, shopping tips, and recipes to inspire you. Thank you for supporting the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market season after season. Happy holidays from CUESA!
Winter Holiday Schedule
Our market will be closed on Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25) and New Year’s Day (Tuesday, January 1). Except for those dates, our regular market schedule continues throughout the season (Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm).
Holiday Gift Ideas
We've compiled some gift ideas from our farmers and artisans, perfect for goodie baskets, stocking stuffers, and host or hostess gifts. Check out CUESA's Holiday Gift Guide.
We also have Ferry Plaza Farmers Market canvas bags, aprons, and posters for purchase at the Information Booth on Saturday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
For that special someone who is passionate about good food but doesn't want more stuff, consider making a donation to CUESA on their behalf to support our local food system.
Can't Decide? We've Got the Perfect Gift
Delight your friends and family by letting them choose their own delicious gift with Farmers Market Gift Coins. Gift coins work like a gift certificate, have no expiration date, and can be redeemed at any Ferry Plaza Farmers Market stand. They are conveniently pre-packaged in $25 boxes and $10 bags, but they are available in any amount.
Market coins also make great corporate gifts. Purchase them at the CUESA Info Booth, or order by emailing us or calling 415.291.3276 x103. Learn more.
Seasonal Decorations and Treats
The winter farmers market offers many seasonal specialties to make your holiday celebrations festive:
Double K Christmas Tree Farm will be at the market on December 1 and 8 with their award-winning, sustainably grown trees. To reserve a tree, place your order today.- Deck the halls with locally and sustainably grown holiday wreaths, garlands, and bouquets from Cypress Flower Farm, Devoto Gardens, Double K Christmas Tree Farm, and Thomas Farm.
- Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal products such as "Happy Honeykah" Honey from Marshall's Farm Natural Honey, Christmas cake from June Taylor Company, soy nog from Hodo Soy Beanery, Christmas hams from 4505 Meats, and candied nuts in flavors like egg nog and pumpkin pie from G. L. Alfieri.
- For Hannukah latkes, stock up on potatoes at Little Organic Farm and and apple sauce at Hidden Star Orchards. Look for special offerings from Wise Sons Deli.
- Persimmons, apples, citrus, dried fruit, cheese, nuts, and artisanal products like pickles and jam are perfect for party platters.
Shop with Ease
Plan your trip. The market is easily accessible by public transit and bike. If you’re driving, be sure to take advantage of our convenient validated parking options (PDF). Golden Gateway Garage at 250 Clay Street (map) offers $3 all-day parking on Saturdays with validation, available at the information booth.
Drop off your goodies and keep shopping. Veggie Valet is a free service that allows you to drop off your farmers market purchases and either continue shopping or grab your car for curbside pickup. The Veggie Valet is open until 1 pm. Check in at the Information Booth.
Pay with credit card or cash. A growing number of sellers now take plastic. View a current list. You can also use your credit card at the Information Booth to purchase wooden farmers market coins, which can be used throughout the market like cash. Gift coins also make a great gift. ATMs are available inside the Ferry Building.
Holiday Recipes
Celebrate the winter holidays with these seasonally inspired offerings from the CUESA recipe archive.
Party Bites
Kale Chips
Citrus Cured Steelhead and Roe with Blood Orange Olives & Tarragon Aioli
Baked Oysters with Mushroom Ragout and Aioli
Gougeres
Yuba Rolls with Black Chanterelles and Anise Scented Butternut Squash with Chili Dipping Sauce
Pear and Feta Bites
Shrimp and Pork Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Stuffed Mushroom Pintxos
Fennel Sausage Crostini
Festive Cocktails
Winter White Sangria
Emperor's Cure
Kentucky Pilgrim
Lady Madonna
Sao Paolo Sun
Invierno Fresca
Easy Weekday Winter Dinners and Holiday Fare
Pasta con Funghi Misti
Dungeness Crab and Wild Nettle Frittata
Grilled Cheese and Swiss Chard Sandwich
Crunchy Winter Salad
Crustless Veggie Quiche
Thai Curry Root Vegetable Stew
Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Grilled Skirt Steak Sandwiches
Mapo Dofu
The World's Best Latkes
Soup's On
Curried Carrot Soup
Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Leek St. Benoit Yogurt Cheese
Somewhat Tarascan Bean Soup
Roasted Garlic and Almond Soup
Spinach Meatball Market Minestrone
Ribollita
Decadent Desserts
Kara’s Chocolate Cupcakes with Candied Walnut Cream Cheese
Very Tangy Lemon Bars
Bourbon Black Walnut Sundae
Tipsy Chocolate Date Nut Gems
Champagne Citrus Compote

