Last weekend I ran the final Paddock to Plate tour of Pyrmont Growers Market for the year and stocked up on many Christmas necessities. With my shopping not completely finished, this Saturday I’ll be hitting North Sydney Produce Market to make sure I’m covered. Garlic braids, jams, chutneys and specialty oils are always great gifts!
December is a wonderful time for fresh, beautiful summer produce with peas, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet corn, zucchini flowers, mangoes, peaches and of course cherries being picked in time for the festive season. Herbs are amazing and it’s time to start turning the plentiful herbs into pesto.
Pesto is one of those things that can cost a fortune to buy ready made, yet so simple to 
produce at home. Basil is the more usual herb to use for pesto, yet many other herb and nut combinations can be whizzed together to create vibrant tasty accompaniments to a simple meal. I like blending a huge bunch of fresh mint with a handful of toasted macadamias or pine nuts, grated reggiano with a dash of salt and pepper which I serve alongside tender grilled lamb cutlets.
My farming friends at Field to Feast are having an open day on Sunday, December 18 from 9am to 1pm. I’ll be there helping the children plant seedlings. There will be plenty of farm fresh veg, strawberries, honey, eggs and lots more from the local producers. Come along for the morning, 1440 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa NSW, and take the opportunity to fill your Christmas basket with some regional delights.
simple ingredients
If you can’t make the markets this weekend, Honest to Goodness are having their annual Christmas Market Day at their Artarmon Showroom on Thursday 22nd December, 9am-2pm. Drop by and stock up on your Chrissy baking & festive party goodies!
Christmas…family friends and a little indulgence. In our house at Christmas time, it’s a must to make gifts for friends and family, and my recipe list always includes these coconut truffles my grandmother made every year with my mother. Now I make them with my daughter…a beautiful family tradition. The recipe is simple enough for big kids and small – just five ingredients and away you go!
Betty’s Coconut Truffles recipe here…
Decadant coconut truffles
Cranberry and apple juice is always simmering in a pot on our stove at this time of the year. With a couple of cinnamon quills, a few cloves and a light simmer, the house fills with the beautiful aroma, welcoming our friends and family as they come through the door. You can drink this hot, or over ice, whichever takes your fancy! A splash of rum doesn’t go astray either.
With my Le Cordon Bleu training finally completed, next year is set to be exciting. Essential Ingredient has asked me to teach some cooking classes during the year as well as to continue the Paddock to Plate tours at Pyrmont Growers Market. See you all in 2012!
