GOODS from Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver, BC | A canopy of oranges, reds, and yellows crunches under foot, sweaters and scarves are winning the battle for closet supremacy, and the only thing that seems to offer solace in these months after summer is pumpkin spice. It must be fall. With crisp autumn air reminding us that winter is just over the horizon, the natural reaction is to seek comfort in everything we do – especially when it comes to food. At least that’s our story and we’re sticking our forks into it.

And in a search for comfort food, we can’t think of a better place to begin than the Granville Island Public Market. Inside, signs of the season are everywhere just waiting to be shared. From seasonal produce, baked goods, and soups, to stewing meats, seafood, and more, all the ingredients for your next fall favourite are easily uncovered with just a few simple questions to any of the market’s experts. Here are a few of the recipes we gathered from our most recent trip to help get you started:

Zara’s Fennel Sausage Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Casarecce Pasta

First up is Loris of Zara’s Deli with a dish that comforts like hug from Nonna. Prepared using Zara’s fennel sausages, house-made plum tomato sauce, and fresh Casarecce pasta (those are the ones that look like rolled tubes with a twist), it has a depth of flavour that highlights the advantages of using quality ingredients made from scratch.

Expert tip: “For an extra hit of flavour, you can drizzle some amazing extra virgin olive oil on the finished plate.” – Loris | Get the recipe

Seafood City Chow-dah

Next is a classic bowl of comfort from Brian at Seafood City, which really showcases all that the market can offer. Using white wine or sake (both easy to find here), lots of fresh seafood (Brian’s specialty), bacon, veggies, fresh herbs, and other seasonings, it’s a rich and hearty meal that’s best enjoyed on the coast.

Expert tip: “Fresh seafood makes for the best chowder, but you don’t always have to go straight for a fillet. Often we’ll have off-cuts of fish like halibut and salmon that are available for less, so just ask!” – Brian | Get the recipe

Tex-Mex Slow-Cooker Chicken

Finally, we popped over to John at The Grainry and got a recipe for all the slow-cooker fans out there. This Tex-Mex-seasoned chicken comes out tender and full-flavoured and with only three ingredients and three steps, you don’t have to be a chef to prepare it. Since it takes 8 hours, we suggest making it on a weekend so it will be ready to go for the week.

Expert tip: “If you have a little extra time and you like to experiment, try making your own taco seasoning. The basic mix includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper, but don’t be afraid to play with the ratios and even other spices as you like.” – John | Get the recipe

If you’re like us, you can’t wait to try a new recipe at home. For those who would rather skip the recipe altogether and go straight for the delicious first bite there are lots of prepared options as well. L’Epicerie, for one, is a haven for the cooking-averse with juicy, full rotisserie chickens and a changing menu of other hot meals and sides ready to grab and go. For that wrapped-in-warmth feeling, The Stock Market is always a good bet with an array of pre-packaged homemade soups and stews. And, over at À la mode you’ll find a freezer full of ready-to-bake quiches and pies to make your home smell like you’ve been cooking all day when all you actually did was turn on the oven.

Whether you prepare it yourself or enjoy someone else’s cooking, there’s nothing like comfort food  – and a trip to Granville Island – to leave you feeling full in the most wonderful way.

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