For the past several weeks at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market, there has been one prevailing question from market guests, “Where is that delicious smell coming from?”
The answer? Straight from the kettle of D’s Nuts, new vendors to the market season with their cinnamon roasted almonds, roasted directly on site.
When purchasing cones of the sweet, nutty nourishment — hey, they’re high in protein! — market guests are likely to spot some familiar faces. Co-owners Josiah Shearing and Teresa Bentley are already enmeshed in the market community.
Market goers may recognize Bentley from her other market business, Wicked Brooms, known for high quality, hand-crafted brooms. Shearing has gotten to know market goers as he supported children’s book author, Mary B. Truly, as a vendor at the market this season.
The idea was originally inspired by Bentley’s time spent vending across the country on the Renaissance Fair circuit. As a burgeoning entrepreneur, Shearing had been observing the experience of Sequim’s market vendors and realized that the venue was ideal for bringing their sweet idea to downtown Sequim on Saturdays.
Together, Bentley and Shearing launched their market business to a highly receptive crowd of Sequim’s finest sweet teeth.
“It’s an exciting new venture,” Bentley said.
The confection is delightfully simple. Bentley and Shearing alchemize five ingredients: organic sugar, organic cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, nuts, and water. The result is a sweet treat for those of all ages and a heavenly aroma that greets eager market guests.
Josiah Shearing transfers almonds from the kettle to a cooling space. Photo by Emma Jane “EJ” Garcia
“We have a lot of people who say the smell in the air was intoxicating from the parking lot,” Shearing said. “They get out of the car and they can immediately smell it!”
The snack sized cone of this craft candy is excellent for munching as you peruse the other farmers’ and artisans’ booths at the market. Knowing that just a taste is simply not enough, D’s Nuts also offers larger sizes for sharing and home enjoyment.
Market guests utilizing SNAP funds can purchase these delectable goodies to-go as well.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to interact with people and share the community,” Shearing said. “We just can’t not have fun with this business. What’s better than that?”
D’s Nuts are at the Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market every Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each Saturday through October.
Visit your community market at Sequim City Hall Plaza at North Sequim Avenue and West Cedar Street, and at Centennial Place at the Sequim Avenue and Washington Street intersection.
Want more market updates? Be sure to tune in every Friday at 4 p.m. to KSQM 91.5 FM for the live radio “Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market Hour.”
Emma Jane “EJ” Garcia is the Market Manager for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.
