I love Saturdays, I mean who doesn’t? But what makes tomorrow being Saturday even better? It’s Farmer’s Market day! If you are wondering what else to add to your list of goodies when you go browse through the market, Lisa Clark, owner of Petunia’s Pies & Pastries, gave me a few suggestions on her favorite Petunia’s items:
“I never tire of the Cowgirl Cookie and the Peanut Butter Crispy Bar. But as of late, my faves include the Peanut Butter & Jelly Blondie, Banana Almond Bundt Cake, Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, Bumble Berry Pie, Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Cream Filled Cupcake, Apple Cinnamon Maple Glazed Donut and Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Cream Pie!”
These all sound amazing (why didn’t I try all of them last week?!) and they all also sound so different. Where does she get her inspiration, I wondered. Lisa filled me in – “I am a bit addicted to Giada and Ina Garten on the Food Network… They all make simple, down home, beautiful comforting food, which is what I strive to do with Petunia’s. What your mom would make, classed up with a the best local ingredients and a healthful twist!”
Lisa also admitted her love of Martha – “Since I was a child, I have had a strange addiction to Martha Stewart. There is something about her and her quirky odd, dry sense of humor with a knack to make even the simplest of desserts or decorative elements absolutely stunning. I know, it’s horrible but I love her.”
I mean really, how adorable is she? Source: Petunia’s Pies & Pastries
I thought this was totally fitting since I think Lisa is definitely Martha Stewart quality (well presumably minus the crazy ordering people around and the insider trading part). Lisa’s desserts are impeccably designed and her display case is always beautifully set up. Plus she has such charm that she could be the next big cooking personality.
Lisa filled me in on some other fun things in Petunia’s future – Lisa recently hired a sous-chef, Keri Harrold formerly of Papa Haydn. With Keri’s help, Petunia’s plans to build its exposure in the high-end wholesale markets, while still producing for the PSU Farmer’s Market every Saturday and custom orders for events, birthdays, and weddings. “Next, we plan to focus on opening our first retail location right here in Portland! When it happens, it’s going to be huge, so watch out! 🙂 “
WOW! Petunia’s is absolutely fabulous and I can’t wait for Lisa to share her treats with the rest of the world! Yum!