A new season means new produce @ Ramsgate Foodies Market

Over the past few months I have become a regular at Ramsgate Foodies Market on a Saturday morning.  I love getting up early and making my way down to the markets for fresh produce, tasty treats and a chat with the lovely stall owners.

 

I often spend 2 hours or more shopping and when I say shopping I mean talking and exploring....I could do my shopping my 15 minutes if I raced through!  I'm not complaining.  I really love the feel of the community spirit at these markets.

 

Since my last post on Ramsgate Foodies Markets, the season has changed, which means new seasonal produce is being sold.

 

A few of my regulars stalls where I stop to have a chat are testing out new products too using the fresh seasonal produce on offer. I always stop off at Pochito for a freshly baked Chilien Empanada. 

 

 

I have to say, the 'new' prawn in white wine and cheese sauce has become a must have but if you are a traditionalist you can't go wrong with the beef or even the spinach and ricotta.  Either way, these are the best street snack you can have.  Served hot and crispy straight from the oven, they definitely hit the spot!

 

 

 

 

There are some other treats on offer too.  If you like a little sweet pastry the calzones rotos (which means torn undies) are delicious sprinkled with icing sugar.  Grab a coffee over at Columbian Connection and you have a fabulous little breakfast.  Sit on the grass and soak in the atmosphere.

 

However, there was one new item that has intrigued me and it's Humitas.  A fresh corn tamale!

Fresh corn, onion and basil they are wrapped in corn husks and steamed.  They may not look as appetising as they taste...but delve into a steaming envelope and you won't be disappointed.

 

 

A new comer to the markets is Ferment It.  I am a bit naïve when it comes to the benefits of fermented food.  The food trend at the moment is all about preserving and fermentation, everyone seems to be doing it or eating it.  Is it a fad or a passing trend?  Who really knows.  Saying that, fermentation and preservation has been around for hundreds of years, it is not 'new' and there is a big following.  After chatting about it, I come to learn that there is a lot of health benefits surrounding fermented foods and after doing some more research, I'm intrigued.  It's not just about preserving food for long winter months or shelf life....in fact there is a string of health benefits that can come from it.  Check out Ferment It's website for more details.

 

Some of the benefits of eating raw fermented food is that it has live (good) bacteria and is packed with pre- and probiotics that are good for the gut.  It aids digestion and can strengthen the immune system (to name but only a few benefits).

 

Ferment it uses raw, organic fruits and vegetables blended with herbs and spices and special blends of salts.  Not only is Kimichi and sauerkraut very good (which both are probably the most known fermented food around) Ferment it also do Mango, Lime and Chilli, a Beetroot, Apple and Inca Berry as well as a few other products.

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about it Ferment It do offer workshops and information can be found from their website.  I'm keen to learn more.

 

Over at River Kitchen, where I have to make a stop every visit, you can grab a Guinness Brownie, a Munchie (think crunchie but with maple syrup) along with raspberry sauce, lemon curd and the most amazing salted caramel sauce known to man!  There is a hint of Ireland in these products.  John has used some of his mum's recipes (sent over to him) for inspiration.

 

 

 

By the way, you can now by the Salted Caramel Sauce at Harris Farm Markets.

 

Raised free range and following a organic principle and practices Isis River Farms butchers offers some fabulous, flavoursome meats,  Lamb, beef and pork along with sausages, it's all on offer at the markets.  I've recently purchased the lamb to roast and it was perfect and succulent.

 

Don't forget to swing by the greengrocers for your in season fruit and veggies.  There is plenty of colourful, freshly picked produce to choose from.  There is a certified organic stall as well as a couple of chemical free stalls.  Both offer fabulous fresh produce.

 

Another new come is Backa Gourmet Foods.  Based in Queensland, their fermented meat products are reaching far and wide.  Backa's products are made with local ingredients and have no gluten or preservatives.  They have an array of fermented meat products which all taste wonderful. 

Not only is there hot and mild chorizos and pepperoni there is plenty of other types of sausage.

 

I'm in love with the Cacciatore with it's pepper dusted outerskin. 

 

and the liverwurst is worth a big mention.  Smooth and creamy this was a delight to munch on with crackers. This was hidden away in the cooler so if it's not out on display just ask!

 

 

the guys are super friendly and are very passionate about their meats and are happy to discuss.

 

For the sweet tooth there are plenty of options to and they cater for everyone.  Coco and Bean is made with the finest ingredients and Love (which should always be included in baking).

 

The macaroons are light and crispy and packed full of flavour as is their fluffy meringues. 

 

 I had to take a moment to take in the gorgeous sweet treats on offer at Cream Fork.  Specialising in paleo, raw, vegan, gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free and dairy free these wonderful goodies are absolutely amazing. Who says eating sweets can be unhealthy?!

 

 

Not only delicious but oh so pretty!

 

Recent newcomer to Ramsgate is Miss Bowerbird.  Not food related but so worth the mention, Bowerbird's cute little caravan is packed with collections to furnish your home.  Vintage and handmade these little trinkets are beautiful and make the perfect gifts (or for your own home). 

 

The Sweet Orange and Chilli pepper candles grab my attention and they smell so divine that I do WANT TO EAT IT! 

 

There is some seriously awesome gifts here.

 

If you know me personally you will know that I am a Pukara Estate fanatic.  I think I have a bottle of nearly every balsamic vinegar and half as many oils. I can never pass up a taste test and on one recent visit I purchased 2 bottles of their limited edition Verjuice. 

 

Herbisaurus is bringing you some tasty vegan comfort foods to you.  Everything from vegan patties, sausages, pies and sausage rolls. It's a cruelty free vegan butcher shop.

 

In all honesty, I am a meat eater and have never considered going vegetarian or vegan, however I am becoming more aware of the background and ethical side of where my protein is raised and how it's raised.  I am interested in learning on how to eat more plant based foods with a good source of protein and how to prepare these plants and grains in a way that is delicious and nutritious.  As I need to follow a high protein/low carb diet I am always searching for new ways of getting my protein.  Herbisaurus, just might be my answer!

Also if you live locally the team will deliver your orders!

 

Over at Little Riv Wholesale there is lots of great fresh citrus and fruits on offer.

 

The organic naturally sundried mix is a fabulous accompaniment for a cheese platter, a snack/trail mix or even just as a display for the coffee table (although an edible display!).  As I'm chatting I keep delving in for treats.  The dried pears are stunning.

 

 

All the produce here has been grown and made in the Riverland area in South Australia.  They also supply some native Australian produce in the way of oils and balsamic vinegars.

After another hot busy morning in the markets what better way to cool off than an iceblock.  Madame Pop's all natural ice pops are a winner.  This here is a watermelon, hibiscus, lemong and lime pop but the beauty is that the pops are seasonal and always/forever changing.  Madame Pop knows her stuff!

 

 

If you haven't been to Ramsgate Foodies Market I can't express enough how good these markets are and recommend a visit.  The high quality produce, the community spirit and the friendly nature of these markets is inspirign and I can't wait to see what else is coming to the markets over the coming months.  If you are a regular, well I don't think I need to say more, because I'm sure you will agree how awesome it is!

 

So who's coming to the markets.........

Hunter Valley Weekend Getaway - Welcome to the Vineyards

Seeing that Easter and ANZAC Day fell in the same week  I took an extra day leave and headed up headed north for a weekend retreat in the Hunter Valley.

Road Trip!

We were on the road early and made great time up the M1 (formerly the F3) and hit Cessnock at around 10 o'clock.  In need of sustenance (and to prepare our tums for an afternoon of wine tasting) we found Mama's cafe for some brunch.

No need to eat breakfast, we went straight to the lunch time offerings even though it was so early in the day.  Mr C had the beef lasagna (he has been craving this for a couple of weeks now) and I opted for the special of the day which was chicken schnitzel covered in a creamy prawn sauce.  Both dishes are served with salad and chips.  Order and pay inside and they will bring it out to you if you are sitting road side.  This gave us a chance to people watch on the main street of Cessnock - it was interesting!

Mr C washed his meal down with an Iced Choc too.

I had to have a small sip or two.

 

beef lasagna and chicken schnitty with creamy prawn sauce

 

I was VERY happy with my schnitty and prawn sauce.  A huge slab of crumbed moist chicken topped with a creamy (think hollandaise) prawn sauce loaded with shallots.  The side salad was also a good one full of onion, carrot, cucumber, red capsicum, green leaves and beetroot dressed with a honey mustard dressing.  Very decent meals.  The lasagna was $15 and the special was $17.  Good value I reckon.

Bellies full we were ready for some wine tasting!

Driving towards Pokolbin we decided before checking in to our Hotel we would stop at Peterson House first (saving us doubling back later in the day). 

Petersons House

 

life is flat without bubbles merchandise

 

It's only 11am and it's already buzzing, so I asked a member of staff if it was possible to do a private members tasting (I forgot to book in advance).  Luckily they were able to accommodate and for the next 2 hours (yes 2 hours) we sat out on the back veranda overlooking the dam and sipping on member only tasting bubbles and sparkles.

Life's Flat Without Bubbles

 

Half way through we were given  a little light refreshment in the way of a plate of cheese, crackers and house made quince paste.  Delicious paired with a sparkling red or two.  The quince paste is smooth and runnier than I expected but is great smeared on a cracker with a chunk of cheese (which I failed to asked what it was!)

eat all the cheese and quince paste

 

I have to say I am a big fan of Peterson House sparkling reds.

which drop is your fav?

Our tasting ended with a small warmed glass of Muscat.  A delicious, mellow, smooth fortified wine.  It was velvety smooth and the aroma was wonderful.  Although I'm expecting my first member pack in June we did purchase a few bottles including a 2013 sparkling botryitis and a bottle of that muscat!

 

ching ching darlings

 

 

Next time I am coming here for breakfast.  It looks absolutely delicious.  Even Mr C who is not a bubbles drinker loved it (and I may have converted him on the sparkly reds!)

  

After a quick check in and freshen up at Leisure Inn at Pokolbin we caught a taxi out to Piggs Peak Estate with the idea of walking down the road back towards Blue Tongue Brewery to meet with friends later in the day.  I have been to the Hunter Valley a few times over the years, but this was the first weekend where I was actually getting to appreciate the wines a little more (aka not a hens weekend or dance weekend which is not wine focused AS SUCH).  When we arrived at our first winery we realised how much distance there actually is in the countryside.  Big mistake....our destination wasn't as close as we first thought and now way am I walking that far carrying wine, so we had to come up with Plan B (which sort of just came our way).

 

Piggs Peak Winery has a reputation of making unique wines made from old vineyards with a good reputation. 

 

The wines are described as gutsy reds but I will admit I was not impressed with the wines (but hey, I am also not a wine buff and haven't maybe developed a palate enough to make the judgement)  so who am I to judge? Everyones palate is different.  However we did like the 2012 Boer Doe Cabernet Merlot and purchased a bottle to take home.  One thing that we did note at this winery was the little midge flies.  They are everywhere and a particular problem in the Hunter Valley at this time of year.

 

here piggy, piggy, piggy

 

tasting a boer doe that was very good

Now this is where we had to rethink our Plan B.  Walking all the way was going to be an issue and spending $30 in a taxi to get to the winery was expensive, so we thought while we were in the area we should pop next door and try Tintilla Estate (and make that taxi ride worth it!). Not only good wines but olives (grown on the estate) and jam products.  Why not?

It's such a lovely day to walk through the vineyards.

welcome to wine country

olives

 

Lots of taste testings of punchy, lemony olives and some jams, but for some strange reason I was drawn to the wines.  While tasting I turned around and realised my friends had arrived and were tasting the olives.  They had decided to do a few wineries in the afternoon too before meeting later.  So we all hung out together for the rest of the afternoon.

 

 

 

Just for a friend of ours we really liked this wine and we bought a bottle in her honour.  A good Merlot

wine for our hussy

 

Going for a little drive along Hermitage Road, Mr A decided to head on down Old North Rd and we came across Travertine Wines.  Looking newly opened we decided to pop in.  The winery has been around for many years, it was just a new cellar door.  Airy, light and a really lovely space it 's going to be fabulous when finished. 

catching up with friends in the vines is a great past time

 

Lynn was very friendly and loved chatting about the vineyards and their wines.  I am liking what I'm tasting and Travertine prices are fabulous!  We end the tasting with the stickies and fortifieds (again drawn to them when I visit the Hunter Valley). 

 

We had a wonder sip of the NV Apera which has been matured in oak for 10 years and is derived from red grapes.  It's like honey....now I just need a fire place to relax by.

NV Apera

 

We felt so comfortable and welcomed and Miss J thought it would be okay to help herself - this 2009 Shiraz just happens to be a cracker of a red and also on sale if you buy by the case - let's just say there were 3 cases purchased between us.  Of course we had to taste for ourselves (a few times) for research purposes before purchasing LOL!

Go and check them out and say hi.  Hopefully within the next few weeks they will have completed their building and fitting it out with a fire place and a big central table inside.  You will be able to buy a glass (or bottle) of wine and a cheese plate and sit out on their decking overlooking the vineyards.

Last stop before heading to dinner and (more) drinks was Mistletoe Wines.  Now this was a winery that wasn't on our radar, however Miss J convinced us to visit for their superb reds.  She wasn't wrong!  Some very smooth, tasty wines and we walked away with a bottle of 2009 Hilltops Cabernet.

Our last stop for the evening was Blue Tongue Brewery (part of the Hunter Valley Resort).  Our friends dropped us off before heading back to their hotel to drop the car off and come back.  Mr C and I decided that we should do some more tastings....but with beer this time.  Blue Tongue offer to beer flight tastings.  The first one being a flight of the Blue Tongue range and the other is a featured 'guest brewer' beer flight which is Matilda Bay (at the moment).  Of course we go with the Blue Tongue. 

We are given a tasting sheet and advised to start from light to dark.  I just love the paddles the glasses come in.  Tip/Hint: When you return the paddle after tasting you will get a middie of your favourite beer. (also deters peoples stealing the beer flights!)

 

Ginger beer to a Black Ale - the palate range of Blue Tongue

So we have from front to back -  Blue Tongue Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Premium Lager, Pale Ale, Premium Light, Original Pilsener, and the Black Ale.

beer flight

 

Big fan of the ginger beer - it's got a good spicy kick to it.  Not a fan of the Pale Ale.  The Premium Light is a good back up and surprisingly I'm partial to the Black Ale.

 

I stuck with the ginger beer.  It's very refreshing, spicy and not overly fizzy (and yes it's alcoholic).

 

We were starving by this time to - it's been a long time since breakfast and cheeses.  Our friends arrive and we take a few minutes pondering the menu of  San Martino Bites Pizza & Pasta, which is the restaurant/cafe on site.  Not only is there pizza and pasta but a small bites and main courses.  However, we are cold and hungry and carb load with the pasta and pizza.

 

Mr C and I shared the Mussels in Sicilian Tomato Sauce with Fettuccine. 

 

mussels

 

3 Pigs pizza, which had bacon, ham and pork belly in an Asian honey BBQ sauce.  This was meaty and good but a little on the sweeter side.  I liked it...Mr C not so much.

 

and a garlic cheese pizza

 

 

My friends opted for the creamy chicken mushroom bacon fettuccini.  They agreed that it was all good. 

the dish of the meal

 

 

Slow Braised Tuscan Style Lamb shoulder with Potato Gnocchi
 

gnocchi

 

Overall the blue Tongue Brewery is a great little place for beer tasting, unwinding and relaxing.  I personally feel it would be better during the day.  It's very quiet at night time in the Hunter Valley.  The food was okay.  However saying that, it had been a long day, we were getting cold and tired and weren't really feeling the it.  Perhaps another chance to revisit another day.