I am always looking for ways to enhance my cooking. Working on my technique is one way, and another is by repeatedly testing my recipes. By far, the simplest means I have found to improve my dishes is to use the finest local and fresh ingredients. Fortunately in Windsor, farmers markets have been a fixture for about 100 years and there are now two locations for me to choose from.

The Windsor Market brings comforting memories to me. As a child I can remember heading to the old downtown location and walking into a dimly lit structure. I was eager to help choose the fresh produce while scoping out a treat for myself; if I was lucky it would be a giant chocolate chip cookie. Now as an adult I enjoy visiting the Market Square, in the location it has been held for the last 10 years, while I search for the freshest eggs and ripest tomatoes. The Market Square’s ambition is to allow their customers to buy “fresh produce directly from the grower,” which includes more than 40 vendors.

The last two summers have given me another place to peruse local foodstuffs and newly-picked fruits and vegetables. The Downtown Market is located in the city centre which is rich in “ethnicity and diversity, where there is always something new to experience.” It is open from June to October and while there are fewer vendors than in the Market Square, it is a convenient location that provides a variety of local and high-quality foods.

When I am stumped as to what to make for an upcoming dinner party, I try to let the seasonal food displayed at both markets inspire me. I’ll head in early on a Saturday morning and work my way through the people bustling around, exchanging their money for fragrant muskmelons and golden pastries.

I often start by grabbing a bouquet of brightly-coloured Gerberas from Oak Farms while I make my way to the Far Flung Foods to grab a hunk of some Ontario cheese. Organic meat is available, as well as homemade sausage and fresh fish. I love perusing the shelves of the Oriental Market. I may grab some banana leaves or dried mushrooms and try those out. Italian and Middle Eastern kiosks with fresh pasta and sauces or crispy falafel are also on hand.

My favourite part of shopping at the market is always saved for the end. I stop at a pizza and Lebanese food vendor and grab a large container of nutty lentils and rice with crispy onions, as well as a slice of gorgeous spinach pizza. The pizza rarely makes it on the short drive home.

Danielle is a food lover who believes that Windsor, Ontario makes some of the best pizza in Canada. She blogs at maplesyrupandpoutine.blogspot.com.