Chocolate Covered Macaroons, Zucchini Pizza and More: the Uptown Farmer's Market is Back

Choosing which pastry to get at the Gina's bakery stand at the uptown farmer's market on Hudson and 12th Streets is difficult. But, with the help of samples and the recommendation from Julie Albano, you'll get there. 

Julie's recommendation: Hand crafted coconut macaroons, dipped in dark Belgian chocolate. "It's really decadent," said Albano, 22. 

Editor's recommendation: the banana-Belgian chocolate bread pudding, made from brioche bread. "That's actually my second favorite," Albano said, as she handed me a sample. 

Popular demand: One of the most popular items on the table was the zucchini pizza (so popular even, Gina's ran out of samples). Made from zucchini, parmesan, salt and pepper on top of home made pizza dough. Just put it in the oven on 350º. 

The day was going well. It's the second year Gina's bakery is participating in the uptown farmer's market. The Montclair bakery will only be selling its stuff uptown on Thursdays (and not downtown on Tuesdays), because it's a bit of a shlep from Montclair, according to Albano. The store is opening a location in Millburn, too, Albano said. It's the first year Albano is working the farmer's market. 

"It was slow at first, but it's picking up," she said. "It's nice to be in the open air."