Old is timeless

I don't know what the attraction is, but I have always liked old things. Perhaps it is the untold story that lingers within the object. I like old houses, old kitchen items, old cars and old books. In fact, I much prefer old to anything new. To me old things provide comfort. They are well worn and used. There is a history to something that has scratches, dings and torn pages. Anything that appears to seen many a day is just my cup of tea.


The old items I have collected at various places are some of my most cherished. My great grandma's quilts, generations of family silver, recipes handed down from various people, old plates from car boot sales in England and the list goes on.

I have many collections of older things that I have started and some that I would like to start. The list is endless. Old linens, antique pie tins, belik china, pie flutes.

In the meantime, everytime I use the hand-embroidered linen that I aquired from my grandparent's closet, I will wonder how many other tables it was laid across. A reminder of my Grandma is seen in every stitch so lovingly crocheted into blankets. My Aunt Kathee is renown for her garage sale skills and has loads of collectibles. Perhaps I should plan a trip to Vancouver soon as I hear she is on the verge of decluttering.


For now, I guess I better take my "old" self to the kitchen and wish that my skin had the patina of aged furniture.

Deliveries will be on Sunday from 9a.m. - 11a.m.

We will be at the Farmers Market with baked good which will feature Strawberries, cherries and blueberries

Menu

Savory

Chicken and Blue Cheese Pie (10 inch Pie) $25 or $5/serving

chicken breast, zucchini, mushrooms, blue cheese, mascarpone cheese

Baked Ziti with spicy pork Full Tray $25 or $5/serving

pancetta, pork shoulder, hot Italian sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, tomato

Vegetable Strudel $5/serving

carrots, green beans, broccoli florets, leeks, sweetcorn, cheese, basil

Goat Cheese, Zucchini and Mint Tart in a cheese crust $4/serving

Goat Cheese, zucchini, fresh mint, parm cheese

Salad

Sesame chicken salad with ginger lime dressing $7/quart

Breakfast

Fresh Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls $3/cinnamon roll or $12/Tray (12 in a tray)Strawberries, cinnamon, yeast, milk

Dessert

Lemon semolina cake with strawberry jam $4/slice

lemon, semolina, strawberry jam

Cherry-mascarpone tart $4/tart

fresh cherries, mascarpone shortcrust pastry

Blueberry trifle $5/trifle

elderflower cordial, blueberry conserve, custard, blueberries, pistachios

Cookies

Blueberry and almond cookies $5/bag 8 cookies

Ice Cream

Strawberry and Sage Ice Cream $5/quart

Mothers Day

Mother's Day is approaching, and I can barely remember the days when I wasn't a Mother. By some standards, I was little late in the game when I decided to have kids. Then, once I decided, I didn't stop for some years. What those years produced where 4 kids. Four kids who took my once sane and somewhat organized world and turned it around. It doesn't seem possible that there were days in my life that didn't involve juggling a variety of jobs. Each day I run the gambit from being a doctor, a referee, a teacher, a homemaker, a volunteer, a taxi driver to a cook. I never thought being a Mom could be so exhausting, challenging and fulfilling. I can't remember my life before kids and I am not sure I really need to. The kids fill my days with love, craziness and happiness. I can't imagine a day going by where I don't get the latest piece of art work to cover my fridge, or see my daughter and her friends latest dance moves. Somehow, being a Mom after 11 years still excites me. I look forward to each adventure my children bring my way. To all the Mom's and Mr. Mom's that I know - keep up the good work! Happy Mother's Day!

And to my very special Mom. Thanks for all you do, you are simply the very best!

Savory
Bacon wrapped meatloaf with brown sugar ketchup 6 mini loafs $25 or $5/serving
Chili sauce, cider vinegar, onion, garlic, thyme, Dijon, buttermilk, parsley, bacon, ground beef, ground pork

Spring vegetables and chicken stew $5/serving or $25 for (9x13 pan)
Pancetta, peas, red pesto sauce, small potatoes, fennel and green beans

Chorizo potato cakes with spicy beans $5 for 2 cakes
potatoes, chorizo, onion, tomatoes, chilli's

Zucchini, shitake and ricotta bake $5/serving or $20 (9x13 pan)
Mushrooms, zucchini, garlic, red chillies, carrot, tomatoes, ricotta

Salad
Avocado, Quinoa and Bean salad $5/quart
avocado, quinoa, green beans, garlic, radishes, basil, cumin

Breakfast
Buttermilk Biscuits with sawmill gravy (on the side) $4 for 2 biscuits with gravy
Homemade biscuits with sausage, milk, flour

Rosewater Scones with Strawberry Butter $3/scone
Fresh strawberries, rosewater, milk, vanilla, butter

Mini Ham Quiches $3

Sweets
Pavlova with lime cream with mango $4/serving


White Chocolate Almond Bars $3/bar
Sweet and Rich these have almond paste, all natural almond extract, sliced almonds, white chocolate drizzled on top.

Honey Rice Pudding with Pear and Jam $5/serving
Strawberry Jam, Rice, Pear

Strawberry cream cookies 6 cookies $4
Fresh strawberry cookies filled with strawberry cream

Deliver Sunday from 9-11am

Start of the Season

Where did the off season go? It went by quick! I am excited to start the new season, though. Lots of events and lots of things to do! The first event will be at Mankas Corners on Saturday, May 1st. Next week the Farmers Market starts, yeah! I will be in Vacaville at the Market every Saturday morning. from 9am-Noon. I am looking forward to seeing all of you.

Pick up will be Sunday 9am-11am as I will be at Mankas Corners on Saturday from 10am-4pm. Come and see us, if you get a chance!

Savory
Coq au vin $25 pan or $5/serving
red wine, shallots, whole chicken pieces, carrots, celery, garlic, pancetta, mushrooms, chicken stock

Bobotie Casserole $25 or $5/serving
minced beef, onion, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, dried apricots, apples, raisins, almonds, lemon zest

Chard , artichoke hearts and blue cheese tart - Whole Tart $12 or $4/piece
puff pastry , chard, eggs, Parmesan, artichoke hears, blue cheese

Oaxacan Flatbread Pizza (4 pieces) $6
Spinach, mozzarella, mature cheddar, tomatoes, basil, tarragon and coriander, arugula. Served with guacamole on the side.

Salad
Lentil salad with feta, mint and semi-dried tomatoes - $6/quart
garlic, lentils, vegetable stock, feta, chopped semi dried tomatoes, lemon juice

Sweet
Nutty walnut, coconut and apple crumble $5/serving
walnuts, coconut, rolled oats, muscovado sugar, apple juice, green apples, red apples, cinnamon, nutmeg

Banana and Cardamom Tarte Tatin $5/piece

Triple Chocolate Parfait $4
White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet chocolate

Tiramsu cream cookies - $5 for 8 cookies

Breakfast
Zucchini, carrot and apple muffins $4/2 muffins

Cupcake
Coconut Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting and Topped with Raspberries $3/cupcake

Daring Bakers - Chocolate Steamed Pudding with Cacao Nibs, Tart Cherries and Orange Zest

The April 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Esther of The Lilac Kitchen. She challenged everyone to make a traditional British pudding using, if possible, a very traditional British ingredient: suet

I love steamed puddings! They remind me of home (I grew up in England). I used Atora (vegetarian suet) in the pudding. The pudding wasn't as moist as other puddings I have made, perhaps because of the vegetarian suet,but was still very good. I topped the pudding with a vanilla bean custard.

Thanks for a great challenge Esther!

My Garden

Truth be told, I am a terrible in the garden. I don't remember to water, don't like to weed, and in general do not have a green thumb. I do, however, enjoy looking at a beautiful garden. I enjoy my herbs, roses and love when the lavender fills the garden. My kitchen at the house looks on to the backyard and this time of year the garden is starting to take shape. Thanks goodness I have two gardener's at the house to keep things looking good. My husband is an avid gardener. He really gets satisfaction from starting seeds, watching things grow and then harvesting it. My other gardener is my 10 year old son. You know he has a passion for it when he asks you to buy him a blueberry plant for almost a year. Yes, we finally got him one and I can't wait to start see the fruits of his labors.

The above pictures are from the backyard. Lavender, basil, beans and a recently purchased azalea.

Menu
Savory
Eggplant stuffed with Moussaka - $5/serving or $25tray Eggplant stuffed with lamb, onions, cheese

Arroz Con Pollo - $5/serving or$25/tray A Latin version with chicken, onion, adobo seasoning, cilantro, peas, carrots, green beans, bell peppers and olives and rice

Vegetarian

Spring Greens with marscapone pastry $4/pie Spinach, peas, potatoes, feta, marscapone, spring onions

Leek Cannelloni with lemon, thyme and provolone piccante $5/serving or $25/tray a cheese and tomato sauce with cannelloni filled with leeks, garlic, lemon, thyme, ricotta cheese.

Breakfast

Rhubarb Bread with a crumble topping $3 Similar to banana nut bread but with fresh rhubarb (which is in season right now) and a sweet topping

Chocolate Cherry Rolls $3 for 2 These are plump, ready rolls with dried cherries, bittersweet chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Sweets

Peanut Butter - Fudge Cheesecake - $5/piece Homemade Oreo Cookies for the base, a layer of fudge with peanut butter cups, peanut butter cheesecake filling and topped with chocolate gananche.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Non-Fat Cream Cheese Frosting - $3/cupcake
Old fashioned banana cupcakes with sweet frosting

Steamed Suet Pudding with banana and toffee $4/serving
This is an old fashioned British dessert topped with custard and toffee sauce

Mound Bars - $4/ bar
Named for the Candy Bar these bars are gooey and good with coconut, bittersweet chocolate chips and nuts.

Dulche De Leche Bread Pudding with Pears - $4

Salad

Quinoa, spinach and shitake salad - $5/quart

Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream $5/pint Of course, I had to change the traditional one. How about Strawberry Ice Cream with homemade chocolate cookies crumbled in.

Deliveries 9-11am on Saturday. See you then!

I have been waiting patiently for some sign of Spring. I have been longing for the fruit and vegetables that come with the longer days. Finally, a glimpse of the things to come. The strawberry stands have opened up around us! Now anyone who has heard me get on my soap box about early season strawberries, knows that I find them too watery at the beginning of the season and not flavorful enough at the end of the season. But what the heck, I will break my own rule and buy some

early season strawberries and use them this week because I am tired of waiting for all the good things Spring brings.

Savory

Chili Chicken Pie with a sour cream pastry crust $5/serving or $25/large pie

chicken thighs, chili paste, carrots, leeks, celery, coriander, cinnamon, tarragon, green olives

non-fat sour cream

Sausage and fennel ragu with whole wheat gnocchi $5/serving or $25 9x13 tray

fennel seeds, chili flakes, ragu, red onions, garlic and Italian sausage

Vegetarian

Zucchini and Taleggio(cheese) Tart with polenta pastry - $4/serving or $12 whole tart

Herbed Risotto with cauliflower - $5/serving

Onions, garlic, thyme, vegetable stock, flatleaf parsley, risotto

Breakfast

Cinnamon Raisin Twists - $3 for 2 twists 12 twist for $15

Glazed with drizzle icing

Low Fat Chocolate Doughnuts - $3/2 doughnuts

Baked not fried

Salad

Gingered Almond Broccoli salad with cellophane noodles - $5/quart
Fresh ginger, garlic, spring onions, shitake mushrooms, broccoli, mirin, lettuce, almonds, coriander.

Sweets

Empanada Cake $5/piece

Oaxaca (like mozzarella) cheese, guava paste, puff pastry, dulce de leche.

Rhubarb Cream Pastie - $4/pastie

rhubarb, saffron, orange juice, honey, cream

Strawberry Coconut Trifle - Vegan - $5/trifle

Honeycomb Bars - $3/bar

dried cherries, candied Orange peel, honey and almonds.

Vegan filled Cupcake (take on hostess cupcake) $3/cupcake or 5 cupcake for $12
I have been wanting to try a vegan cupcake for awhile. This is a simple adaptation from a bakery in New York called Babycakes. Made with agave nectar

Ice Cream $5

Cinnamon/Pecan Ice Cream

Deliveries Saturday 9am - 11am

Happy Easter!

Peeps cupcakes made for the kids!

Happy Spring Everyone! I just wish it felt more like Spring. Where did the sunshine go? I am anxiously awaiting its return. I have started to prepare for the upcoming Farmers Market with a new look for our booth. I have also decided to refine and change how and what we serve at the Market slightly. I will keep you posted with upcoming changes. It is my hope, that the goods we sell will be able to serve both the customers that like to come to the market for the same thing every week and those who like to get something different each time. Of course, I hope to keep everything as organic and fresh as possible. I am also hoping to start serving fresh coffee (which means making it at the market). I have looked at lots of options for this and am still in the process of deciding. Watch this space!

Here is the menu for the week

Savory

Salmon Tacos (tray of 12 tacos) $25 or $5/serving

Grilled Salmon, pickled onions, chipolte mayonnaise, jicama salad salsa

Italian Easter Pie

Italian sausage, prosciutto, mortadello, ham, ricotta in a pastry with lemon zest. Whole pie $25 Small Pie $5

Scotch Eggs $4/egg

Hard eggs, covered in sausage with a spiced bread crumb. A favorite in England!

Onion, Walnut and Mushroom Tarte Tatin - Whole Tart $15 or $4/serving

Torta Pasquillina $4/serving

This is a Torte with spinach, artichoke, ricotta and eggs.

Breakfast

Hot Cross Buns $2/bun or $10 for 8

A Easter Favorite

Lemon, Raspberry French Toast Strata $4/serving or $12/pan

Slightly Sweet and Tangy Bread Pudding for Breakfast

Side

Gruyere and Rosemary Cake $3/piece

This is between a Spanish tortilla and a cake. Great with a Easter drink.

Sweet

Pear and Cardamon mini tart - $4/tart

Pear and Cracked Cardamon on puff pastry

Blueberry Angel Food Cake Rolls - Whole Roll $12 or $4 piece

Angle food cake and blueberry filling, rolled and sliced

Carrot and Ginger Layered Cake with Orange Frosting - Whole Cake $22 or $5/piece

Lime Shortbread Cookies with white chocolate and almonds - 6 cookies $3

Homemade Carmel Corn $4/bag

This is a nice gift for Easter.

Ice Cream

Ice Cream

Brown Sugar Banana Ice Cream

Dark Chocolate ice Cream with Coco Nibs

*A scoop of each for a really great dessert!

Deliveries Saturday Morning. 9-11a.m.