Holiday Markets

Want to deck the halls but hate crowded malls? Select New York Greenmarket locations transform right before Thanksgiving, adding booths full of gifts and edible goodies.

Seek out similar holiday markets in your area to find last-minute gifts.

Salmon Sliders

All things purple catch my eye. So did a gigantic $2.00 bunch of carrots at the Mccarren Park Greenmarket. I bought them to add to Shrimp Fried Rice, but before making that dish I ate some as garnish on a salmon slider. The taste of raw, purple carrots reminds me of red cabbage.

I added bits of the leafy tops as a lettuce substitute. These sliders are cool and filling enough without feeling heavy. They provide a quick and easy no-cook dish, perfect after a day of running errands.

For this recipe the quantities are up to you. I used only Trader Joe's products, except for the veggies. Smoked salmon and pane italiano, cut into four squares. Any Italian bread bursting with olive oil will do. Dress it with tartar sauce. Enjoy!

McCarren Park Greenmarket, Brooklyn

I'm having coupon withdrawal. Most of the stores I encounter in NYC are actually tiny markets, not the mega grocery stores abundant in Atlanta. The larger grocers sell items for much more, it seems, than the smaller businesses. These inflated prices cancel out the benefit of using a discount. Trader Joe's has become my stumping ground. Even so, its produce isn't always the freshest. Thank goodness for NYC's network of Greenmarkets.

The McCarren Park location sells fruits and vegetables that make grocery store selections look like ugly ducklings. And, as expected, this farmer's market boasts a wider variety of produce, which usually costs less. Booths also offer honey and related products, maple syrup, cheese, ice cream and milk, herb seedlings, eggs and meat.

I bought purple carrots, cucumbers, potatoes and chocolate milk for $5.50. But I skipped green beans and a basil plant, buying both at Trader Joe's for a savings of over 50%. I snacked on the carrots then shredded them to garnish Salmon Sliders (even using the leaves) and I added some to Shrimp Fried Rice. I boiled the potatoes too long but still paired them with Coconut Curry. Despite the soft texture caused by overcooking, they possessed a buttery appearance and depth of flavor.

A word of warning if even the smallest dog ignites fear in you. Many visitors stroll over from the dog park section with their pets in tow. Though tinier than Union Square's market, McCarren offers plenty of choice without the massive Manhattan crowds.