The Sweet Journey: From Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Finds to Your Ultimate Pie Party

There’s something truly magical about a farmers’ market, especially when it comes to discovering local culinary treasures. Tonight, I unearthed a memory, quite literally, from the depths of my freezer: a small, perfectly crafted pie. This wasn’t just any pie; it was a testament to a delightful summer adventure at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.

A Slice of Saskatchewan: The Allure of Market Pies

The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is an experience for the senses. Imagine stepping into a bustling hub of local produce, artisanal crafts, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goods. My visit earlier this summer was a full immersion into this vibrant atmosphere. What truly captivated me, however, was the sheer abundance of handmade pies. Row after row, stall after stall, you’d find a delightful array of “granny-types”—and I use that term with the utmost affection and respect, as it evokes the warmth and comfort of cherished grandmothers and their timeless baking skills—presenting their lovingly made creations. These were not mass-produced desserts; each pie was a work of art, a piece of culinary heritage.

Flavors of the Prairies: More Than Just Pie

The variety was astounding: classic cherry, crisp apple, sweet strawberry, tart rhubarb, and, of course, the quintessential Saskatoon berry. There were even intriguing raisin pies, a nod to traditional prairie baking. I felt like I had stumbled into pie heaven. The challenge, however, was being a hotel guest with a flight home the next day. What was one to do with a dozen pies? I exercised admirable (or perhaps regrettable) restraint and settled for a few, carefully wrapping them and tucking them into my carry-on bag for the journey home, knowing they would find their rightful place in my freezer. And honestly, who could resist? Especially when each of these delicious, labor-of-love pies cost a mere $3.

The pie I chose to resurrect tonight was a wonderful rhubarb-Saskatoon blend. Can you get any more Canadian than that? The tartness of the rhubarb perfectly complemented the unique, sweet-tart flavor of the Saskatoon berries, encased in a flaky, golden crust. It was a true taste of the Canadian prairies, a reminder of summer’s bounty preserved for a cooler evening.

A Heartwarming Family Dinner: Reheating Memories

My evening plans originally involved baking date squares for a CBC segment the next day. However, my dad was coming over for dinner, and knowing his penchant for anything sweet, I decided to safeguard the date squares. Instead, I unwrapped the rhubarb-Saskatoon pie, placed it in a pan, and slid it into the oven alongside our main course. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it reheated was heavenly, promising a dessert that was both comforting and deliciously simple.

Fresh Flavors from the Okanagan and Local Delights

Dinner itself was a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, many courtesy of my friend A. She had recently returned from the Okanagan Valley, bringing with her a treasure trove of produce: luscious peaches, juicy nectarines, sweet yellow plums, and a bounty of incredibly sweet onions and ripe tomatoes. We combined these Okanagan gems with fresh (though slightly wilted) basil, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a vibrant, flavorful salad.

My dad, whom I adore, couldn’t resist a playful jab, declaring the salad “wasn’t authentic” because it lacked his preferred Kraft Zesty Italian dressing. It’s a generational quirk I’ve come to appreciate—the idea of “authentic” shifting from traditional ingredients to familiar, comforting flavors. It sparked a good-natured debate about food preferences and the joy of home cooking versus store-bought convenience, highlighting how our personal history often shapes our culinary tastes.

Alongside the salad, we enjoyed sweet corn on the cob and crisp radishes, simple accompaniments that let the main dish shine. The stars of the plate, however, were the grilled Portobello mushrooms. These substantial fungi were generously stuffed with flavourful Spolumbos sausage, a local favorite from the butcher department at Co-op. Grilling them added a smoky depth that perfectly complemented the rich, savory sausage filling, making for a hearty and satisfying main course.

The Grand Finale: A Perfect Pie Moment

But throughout dinner, my mind kept drifting to the “finish line”: that beautiful pie cooling on the counter. There’s a special kind of anticipation when you know a delicious homemade dessert awaits. When it had cooled to a perfect warm temperature, we dove in, foregoing plates and forks for the simple, unadulterated pleasure of eating big wedges of pie with our hands. The pastry was tender and flaky, yielding to reveal the sweet-tart fruit filling. It was pure comfort, a perfect end to a lovely meal. In that moment, with the warmth of family and the deliciousness of the pie, I hardly missed the ice cream. It was a dessert that truly stood on its own, a testament to the simple perfection of a well-made pie.

Let’s Have a Pie Party!

All this pie talk has sparked an idea! It’s been far too long since our last get-together, that wonderful potluck back in the spring. Can you believe it’s been that long? I’ve been meaning to host another gathering, and what better theme than pie? I’m envisioning a delightful “pie party”! What do you think?

This time, I promise to give Mike a proper heads-up about the guests arriving, and I’ll definitely try not to be in the shower when everyone shows up! (A lesson learned from previous impromptu gatherings, for sure.)

Your Invitation to a Sweet Potluck

As with our last potluck, everyone is absolutely welcome. Simply leave a comment below or send me a message, and I’ll make sure to get in touch with all the details. And here’s the fun part: if you’re inclined, you could bring your favorite pie! Yes, it’ll be a glorious pie potluck! Imagine the incredible array of flavors and styles—from classic apple to adventurous berry blends, savory quiches to decadent cream pies. It’s a fantastic way to sample a little bit of everything and share our collective love for this timeless dessert.

To ensure everyone can take home a taste of the party, I’ll make sure to have plenty of take-out containers on hand. That way, we can all enjoy “doggy bags” filled with a selection of delicious pies to savor later. The goal is simply to gather, share good company, and enjoy some fantastic food. There’s absolutely no pressure to bring a pie if you’d prefer just to come and enjoy the company and the sweet treats.

Save the Date: September 10th!

So, if you’re eager to join the ultimate pie party, please let me know! I would absolutely love to hang out, catch up, and indulge in copious amounts of pie. Of course, we’ll have plenty of coffee and tea brewing to complement our desserts. And perhaps something a little bubbly to celebrate! Is it too late for mojitos? Do they even pair with pie? We can experiment!

I’m tentatively thinking of hosting this sweet soirée next Saturday, September 10th. There’s no time like the present—or sometime in the next two weeks—to gather friends and share the joy of good food and great company. I can’t wait to hear from you and share a slice (or several!) of happiness.