I love to visit out of the way grocery stores/markets that I have never been to before, especially if they specialize in something unique. I recently heard about a neighborhood market in Redlands, CA that had been there since 1930. I thought I had better check it out.

The place is called Gerrards and it truly does sit in a beautiful old neighborhood full of vintage Craftsman style homes. It’s a charming area. They are a small market that specializes in British items, an old school butcher and what I was looking forward to, their special Veggie Burgers made in the store. Gerrards has a really fun selection of specialty candies like Cadbury’s Flake, Cherry Ripe, Crunchie and Boost candy bars. I had never heard of them, but my friend from Australia, who made the trek to the store with me, had grown up with these candies. She called them “lollies”? They also had a lot of jams, teas, chutneys and a zillion condiments that you don’t see in a regular grocery.

The deli food looked super fresh with items like mac n cheese, mexican casseroles, home made salsas and guacamole. They are known for their butcher and the meat did look really fresh. My friend and I both purchased ready-made items like meatloaf, feta stuffed chicken breasts and stuffed mushrooms. I love being able to get really good, fresh meals that have been made in advance that you can freeze. It’s convenience without being processed.

If you live in the Inland Empire, or travel between the coast and the desert, Gerrards is worth the jump off the freeway. Even though this would probably not be the only market where I would shop if I lived in the neighborhood, I would certainly be in there a few times a week. Unique food items, good quality, great service and an atmosphere of another time. I liked the nostalgic feeling I got while shopping there. Definitely worth the trip.

Ethnic Markets, Farmers Market, Browsing Cookbooks, Travel, Eating Out, Eating In, Flow, Aromas, Making Lists, Friends, Family, Relationships, Life, Holidays, Everyday, Spice, Quiet Dinners,Dinner Parties, Imbibe, Music, Nourishment, Indulgence, Beauty, Simplicity, Flavor, Fun, Learning, Growing, Giving, Good Feelings, Stories, Fresh, Organic, Gourmet Market, Neighborhood Market, Modern, Old Fashioned, Creative Thinking, Over The Top, Down to Earth, Outdoors, Indoors, Now, Gratitude, Inspiration, Love.

These are some of my Inspired Ingredients for living a full life, always evolving, always changing, sometimes challenging but never boring! What are yours?

Playing in the kitchen and creating the life that I want to live everyday are my passions. I have realized over time how relaxing it is to be immersed in the kitchen, a home project, spending time outdoors or traveling. I love to cook. I especially like the planning process of cooking, searching books, shopping, the preparation. Most people hate to grocery shop, but I find the experience completely pleasurable when I can find a great market with the best ingredients you can buy, quality food products and amazing atmosphere. I share my hobby with my husband TK, who has his own business, TK Smith Design and Fabrication. It’s not that I’m a great cook, I’m certainly not a chef, so this site is not about me giving expert advise, there are plenty of resources for that! I know how people are if they’re expecting professional advise from a chef! Please be kind! Cooking is my hobby, not my profession.

At Inspired Ingredients, we’ll shop in interesting markets, share stories and recipes, (hopefully yours!) travel, hang out with friends, entertain, stay in, and look at what makes everyday life the good life. At times we’ll talk to experts, and at other times we’ll talk to friends, neighbors, grandmothers. I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll come by often and share your ideas too!

Jill

Welcome to Inspired Ingredients!