My Supermarket is for the Birds

When I lived in Mammoth Lakes all my grocery shopping was done at Vons. It was the only supermarket in town.  Despite the lack of competition, it was an excellent store- perhaps the best supermarket of my experiences.

When I moved to Carlsbad, I had more choices.  The closest supermarket to me is Ralphs in Poinsettia Village.  On one of my first visits I had just put my groceries in the trunk and pulled out of my parking space.  Another car pulled out just ahead of me.  I followed it to the exit but the car barely inched down the aisle.  When I got to the end of the aisle to turn onto the street I found out why.  Ahead of the front car was a duck walking down the center of the aisle with no concern he was holding up traffic.  On later trips to the market I discovered more and more ducks.

I guess my supermarket is for the birds,.  

However this store has something else that is special.  It is their cheese section.  The counter is in a U shape to enable trained employees to assist.  They advise customers of cheese selections and  pairings.  I was told (at least in this location) they send these employees to New York to be educated in cheese selections and pairings.  Since I found this out I have given up going to the specialty cheese shops for cheese.

The caramel sauce by Fat Toad Farm has become one of my favorites.  It is not only great on cheese and crackers but I have a new recipe for an apple tart.  I make the base from frozen puff pastry dough.  I thaw the dough and roll it thin- then cut it into circles about 6 inches in diameter.  Placed on a baking sheet, I cut a mild apple into slices with the peel on and bake it.  Before serving I place a small scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with Fat Toad Farm caramel sauce on top.