Meaford resident Jason Whaley has been causing quite a buzz at the Meaford Farmers' Market this summer. What is all the fuss about?
Apple fritters.
It all began quite by accident after attempting to replicate a treat he and his wife had enjoyed at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Initially Whaley searched the internet for recipes to make apple fritters at home, but after some experimentation he developed his own batter recipe which he guards closely. Not even his family is allowed to know his secret.
Once he had the batter mastered, Whaley set about finding the perfect apple which wasn't as easy a task as one might imagine.
“Some apples are too mushy, some too sweet, some too tart, and some too hard,” says Whaley who sources his apples from a local producer.
The final ingredient for his fritters also comes from a local supplier- real maple syrup.
After rave reviews from family and friends, Whaley was encouraged to share his creation with others and decided to begin selling his fritters at the Meaford Farmers' Market.
Since the beginning of June, each Friday afternoon he arrives at the Rotary Harbour Pavilion armed with his ingredients, a deep fryer, and a smile.
Market visitors have delighted in Whaley's creation, and he has quickly become a very popular vendor at the market. Meaford after all is known for it's apple industry, so what better treat to enjoy on a Friday afternoon at the farmers' market?
The success he has found at the market has Whaley looking at other avenues to sell his fritters in hopes of growing what began as a hobby into a larger business. For now though, he is enjoying the experience of being part of the Meaford Farmers' Market which is proving to be an excellent venue to get his product out into the community and establish a following.
“I like it when somebody comes back to me the next week at the market after trying them for the first time the previous week and tells me how much they loved them! Nothing really compares to that,” beams Whaley.
If you are looking to treat yourself to a little something special, stop by the Meaford Farmers' Market on Friday afternoons, and pick up some Fab Fritters.
