Katherine Chernov

Week 3 - 52 weeks without the supermarket

A good part of this weekend was spent at the original Ballendella Farm. This was the farm of many happy childhood summers. It was the farm pioneered by my great grand parents - Harold & Lillian Waterman, early 1900's. This is the veranda we sat on during hot summer afternoons, drinking Aunty Olive's gorgeous, thirst quenching Lemon Cordial - the same popular cordial we make today. Blood Orange season is almost upon us and we'll have plenty of this much sought - after, ruby red favourite. I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with some dairy farmers while in the area. Many family run dairies in the region are generational. Some are only just breaking even, while others are running at a loss. They all work 7 days a week, and they all face a level of uncertainty that is difficult for most city folk to imagine. I stopped in at a few farms and was lucky enough to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables picked straight from garden beds, herbs, freshly laid eggs, honey, nuts, meat, cheese and much more. I find the current debate on "illegal raw milk" quite intriguing - we drank this during childhood, and never got sick !! It's been a weekend of reflection. Have a great week ! K

A good part of this weekend was spent at the original Ballendella Farm. This was the farm of many happy childhood summers. It was the farm pioneered by my great grand parents - Harold & Lillian Waterman, early 1900's. This is the veranda we sat on during hot summer afternoons, drinking Aunty Olive's gorgeous, thirst quenching Lemon Cordial - the same popular cordial we make today. Blood Orange season is almost upon us and we'll have plenty of this much sought - after, ruby red favourite.

I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with some dairy farmers while in the area. Many family run dairies in the region are generational. Some are only just breaking even, while others are running at a loss. They all work 7 days a week, and they all face a level of uncertainty that is difficult for most city folk to imagine.

I stopped in at a few farms and was lucky enough to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables picked straight from garden beds, herbs, freshly laid eggs, honey, nuts, meat, cheese and much more. I find the current debate on "illegal raw milk" quite intriguing - we drank this during childhood, and never got sick !!

It's been a weekend of reflection.

Have a great week !

K

Week 2 - 52 weeks without a supermarket

It's been another blissful week without the supermarket ! This shot was taken on an early morning foray to the Queen Vic market, in between deliveries. Considered decisions can be made in the peace and quiet of an early morning shop. Gleaming counters boast wide selections of the best in cheeses, meats, dairy, honey, nuts and seeds, dips, spices and much more. Handcrafted artisan products are in great abundance. This is a peaceful space free of trolley rage, where car parking is free from Sunday to Friday, between 6 - 10 am. It's well worth the trip. The market itself, is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This is an ideal place to stock up on weekly snacks. A variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruits can be combined to make your own trail mix packs. Look out for a recipe on our Facebook page for "Birdseed Bar". This quick and easy recipe will make a good supply of scrumptious, refined sugar free, muesli type bars. It's probably a little too early to make a definitive comment, but so far, the weekly food shop costs are down by 20 - 30 %. Other (significant) benefits include - stress / cost free parking, no "jamming" trolley wheels, no depressing queues under harsh fluorescent lighting that lead to self serve registers that repeatedly announce "assistance required" and no elevator music ! What's not to love ? Have a great week ! K  

It's been another blissful week without the supermarket !

This shot was taken on an early morning foray to the Queen Vic market, in between deliveries. Considered decisions can be made in the peace and quiet of an early morning shop. Gleaming counters boast wide selections of the best in cheeses, meats, dairy, honey, nuts and seeds, dips, spices and much more. Handcrafted artisan products are in great abundance. This is a peaceful space free of trolley rage, where car parking is free from Sunday to Friday, between 6 - 10 am. It's well worth the trip. The market itself, is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

This is an ideal place to stock up on weekly snacks. A variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruits can be combined to make your own trail mix packs. Look out for a recipe on our Facebook page for "Birdseed Bar". This quick and easy recipe will make a good supply of scrumptious, refined sugar free, muesli type bars.

It's probably a little too early to make a definitive comment, but so far, the weekly food shop costs are down by 20 - 30 %. Other (significant) benefits include - stress / cost free parking, no "jamming" trolley wheels, no depressing queues under harsh fluorescent lighting that lead to self serve registers that repeatedly announce "assistance required" and no elevator music !

What's not to love ? Have a great week !

K

 

Week 1 - no supermarket for 52 weeks

July 2nd - Sunny Fresh and Crisp: A perfect winter morning for a Farmer's Market. The St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market is held on the first Saturday of every month.  Located behind Melbourne's famous (some might say "infamous") Acland St., the market has a fantastic array of fresh fruit & vegetables, meat, chicken, gourmet cheeses, nuts, coffee, condiments, sweet treats and more.  Moreover, its all Victorian grown! This morning's shopping adventure started with a large amount of citrus - lemons, oranges, tangelos and limes. This was followed by a visit to the fine folks at Pacdon Park who produce the most delectible hams, english style sausages, bacon and an ominous looking haggis which I must confess I have thus far been too timid to try!  (Sadly I am still a little of a culinary wimp!) This was followed by more fruit and veg, all of it fresh and bursting with flavour, delectable beef from the wonderful Warialda Belted Galloway Beef, some gorgeously creamy Artisan blue cheese from Locheilan, Schulz organic greek yogurt and because I was in the mood for an indulgence some organic hazelnut chocolate from my friends at Cocoa Rhapsody. Even when I'm not actually working in a weekend market I can't imagine being anywhere else. I have so many talented friends making amazing products - and coast to coast our country is rich with similar talent. Now home from the market I should launch myself into making some warming winter fare for the coming week. Better ingredients, better life !

July 2nd - Sunny Fresh and Crisp: A perfect winter morning for a Farmer's Market.

The St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market is held on the first Saturday of every month.  Located behind Melbourne's famous (some might say "infamous") Acland St., the market has a fantastic array of fresh fruit & vegetables, meat, chicken, gourmet cheeses, nuts, coffee, condiments, sweet treats and more.  Moreover, its all Victorian grown!

This morning's shopping adventure started with a large amount of citrus - lemons, oranges, tangelos and limes. This was followed by a visit to the fine folks at Pacdon Park who produce the most delectible hams, english style sausages, bacon and an ominous looking haggis which I must confess I have thus far been too timid to try!  (Sadly I am still a little of a culinary wimp!) This was followed by more fruit and veg, all of it fresh and bursting with flavour, delectable beef from the wonderful Warialda Belted Galloway Beef, some gorgeously creamy Artisan blue cheese from Locheilan, Schulz organic greek yogurt and because I was in the mood for an indulgence some organic hazelnut chocolate from my friends at Cocoa Rhapsody.

Even when I'm not actually working in a weekend market I can't imagine being anywhere else. I have so many talented friends making amazing products - and coast to coast our country is rich with similar talent.

Now home from the market I should launch myself into making some warming winter fare for the coming week.

Better ingredients, better life !

52 weeks without a supermarket.

July 1st This idea has been brewing for a while inspired in part by the alarming treatment of Australian dairy farmers by the major supermarket conglomerates.  With a family history rooted on the land and an awareness of the extent to which those who produce our food struggle, I decided that it was time to do something. Australia is blessed with an abundance of high quality produce, equal to if not superior to that produced by countries celebrated in popular culture as paragons of food quality.  Despite this, in recent years so many of our farmers have been caught in a deepening crisis where the vaguaries of the Australian climate has merged with the market power of big supermarkets and a flood of cheaper imports to drive a growing number of agribusinesses to the wall.  I've seen first hand how tough it is to make a living from agricultural existence. Because every dollar spent by consumers makes a statement it's important to spend wisely and make careful choices. In Australia, as in any market economy,  spending has an impact. It is for this reason that I have decided to not shop at a major supermarket chain for the next 52 weeks. Let me clarify - by the term 'major supermarket chain' I am not referring to the independents or family run businesses. Rather, I am referring to the two large supermarket chains which collectively dominate the food and grocery retail sector. Despite beginning this initiative on the eve of a Federal election, this is not political. Everybody needs food. So we need to support the people who produce it. Each week I'll be blogging about seasonal produce, any challenges in finding specific products, the discovery of new products, the exciting food world that is Melbourne's array of farmer's markets and more. If this makes a handful of people stop and think about spending choices, then I'll be happy ! First stop this weekend.......St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market, located behind Acland St, Saturday July 2nd. (This will be a rare day off for me.) Looking forward to seeing what's available. Have a great weekend !

July 1st

This idea has been brewing for a while inspired in part by the alarming treatment of Australian dairy farmers by the major supermarket conglomerates.  With a family history rooted on the land and an awareness of the extent to which those who produce our food struggle, I decided that it was time to do something.

Australia is blessed with an abundance of high quality produce, equal to if not superior to that produced by countries celebrated in popular culture as paragons of food quality.  Despite this, in recent years so many of our farmers have been caught in a deepening crisis where the vaguaries of the Australian climate has merged with the market power of big supermarkets and a flood of cheaper imports to drive a growing number of agribusinesses to the wall.  I've seen first hand how tough it is to make a living from agricultural existence.

Because every dollar spent by consumers makes a statement it's important to spend wisely and make careful choices. In Australia, as in any market economy,  spending has an impact. It is for this reason that I have decided to not shop at a major supermarket chain for the next 52 weeks. Let me clarify - by the term 'major supermarket chain' I am not referring to the independents or family run businesses. Rather, I am referring to the two large supermarket chains which collectively dominate the food and grocery retail sector.

Despite beginning this initiative on the eve of a Federal election, this is not political. Everybody needs food. So we need to support the people who produce it.

Each week I'll be blogging about seasonal produce, any challenges in finding specific products, the discovery of new products, the exciting food world that is Melbourne's array of farmer's markets and more. If this makes a handful of people stop and think about spending choices, then I'll be happy !

First stop this weekend.......St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market, located behind Acland St, Saturday July 2nd. (This will be a rare day off for me.) Looking forward to seeing what's available.

Have a great weekend !

Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show

It's been a fantastic three days at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show. Many thanks to all who stopped by, sampled and purchased. Our recently released Rhubarb & Juniper Jam was very well received. This gorgeous new condiment pairs delightfully with game, terrines, pates and white meats with the juniper adding an intriguing citrus and pine dimension. It can also be used on toast or pancakes for an unforgettable breakfast. The velvety texture of the rhubarb makes this a delectable, and not to be missed, pantry item. Orders may be placed via our Contact page. Thank you for all the appreciative comments on our literary theme and our wall of thought provoking quotes. Tis the season for wine, cheese, good food and books !

It's been a fantastic three days at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show.

Many thanks to all who stopped by, sampled and purchased. Our recently released Rhubarb & Juniper Jam was very well received. This gorgeous new condiment pairs delightfully with game, terrines, pates and white meats with the juniper adding an intriguing citrus and pine dimension. It can also be used on toast or pancakes for an unforgettable breakfast. The velvety texture of the rhubarb makes this a delectable, and not to be missed, pantry item. Orders may be placed via our Contact page.

Thank you for all the appreciative comments on our literary theme and our wall of thought provoking quotes. Tis the season for wine, cheese, good food and books !

Events

Where is this year going ??

Our large events kicked off this year with Adelaide's huge design market known as "Bowerbird".

This three day event is held twice yearly and is brimming with beautifully curated products and design. It is held in one of the large pavilions in the Adelaide Showgrounds. It was a real treat to be there. It would definitely be worth flying over for the November Bowerbird to do all your Christmas shopping !

Counting down now to our next event....Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show, June 3 - 5th Exhibition & Convention Centre.

 

 

Juicy Green Goodness

This glass of green deliciousness is so quick and easy and perfect on a warm summer morning. 

2 Granny Smith apples, cut into chunks

1 stick celery

large handful of baby spinach leaves

few mint leaves, plus extra mint for garnish

juice of 1 lemon

juice of 1 lime

Push  apple pieces and celery stick through a juicer, with spinach and mint leaves wedged between. Add lemon and lime juice and garnish with extra mint….enjoy.

A great start to any day !

 

Beetroot Sashimi Bowl

This beautiful and colourful salad is perfect for the hot summer weather - and so quick and easy to put together. This combination came about with the basic ingredients on hand along with some local Japanese take away - it works brilliantly. So fresh and bursting with incredible flavours !

Beetroot Salad

1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked

handful of pepitas and pine nuts, toasted

2 medium beetroot, peeled and grated

1 carrot, peeled, grated 

handful of baby spinach

1 avocado, cubed

Dressing

juice of 2 limes

dash of shoyu and mirin

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp of honey

1 tbsp black sesame seeds

handful of chopped mint, parsley and coriander

To serve: sashimi slices, salad or spring onion finely chopped, side dish of shoyu for dipping the sashimi, pickled ginger

Cook quinoa according to instructions, set aside to cool.

Mix the quinoa, beetroot, carrot and spinach. Scatter over the toasted pepitas and pine nuts. Mix dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Add a pinch of salt, if required. Arrange sashimi slices and avocado on one side of the bowl. Add some freshly cracked pepper to taste.

This salad is gorgeous on its own, or served with some barbecued seafood.

So healthy & so delicious !! Enjoy !

 

 

Summer Fruit

  We have great produce here in Victoria. There is so much lovely fruit in the MBK kitchen at the moment, so we decided to share some favourite poached fruit recipes. Poached Stone Fruits with Vanilla Apricots, nectarines, peaches - halved, stones removed Place fruit into a pan and scatter with sugar, to taste. Add water so that fruit is barely covered. Add 1 vanilla bean*- split, with seeds scraped into pan. Poach on a gentle heat until fruit softens. Spoon into large jars and refrigerate. This can be kept in the fridge, easily for a week. Great for breakfast or a snack and delicious with yogurt. Using the same method, we also love - Plum & Cinnamon, Apple & Rhubarb with Star Anise (pictured on the left), Mango & Saffron, Apricot & Cardamom…..try some of these. They are so easy and delicious in summer. *Vanilla bean or paste can be used. We love Tahitian or Madagascan Vanilla. Available from gourmet goods stores.

 

We have great produce here in Victoria. There is so much lovely fruit in the MBK kitchen at the moment, so we decided to share some favourite poached fruit recipes.

Poached Stone Fruits with Vanilla

Apricots, nectarines, peaches - halved, stones removed

Place fruit into a pan and scatter with sugar, to taste. Add water so that fruit is barely covered. Add 1 vanilla bean*- split, with seeds scraped into pan. Poach on a gentle heat until fruit softens. Spoon into large jars and refrigerate.

This can be kept in the fridge, easily for a week. Great for breakfast or a snack and delicious with yogurt.

Using the same method, we also love - Plum & Cinnamon, Apple & Rhubarb with Star Anise (pictured on the left), Mango & Saffron, Apricot & Cardamom…..try some of these. They are so easy and delicious in summer.

*Vanilla bean or paste can be used. We love Tahitian or Madagascan Vanilla. Available from gourmet goods stores.