The River Kitchen talks baking

Baking: we love it, you love it, and your fan base at market loves it!  What was the impetus to bite the bullet, follow your passion and turn that dream in to a reality

I was made redundant after working in IT for a big bank for 10 years and I chose to be a stay at home Dad to spend time with my young boys.  That gave me a lot of time to think about what I would really like to do and also cook for my family.

I have always loved to cook and with the encouragement of my family and friends, I decided to take the leap....and I am very happy that I have. 

The take home soda bread mix is not only a sensational concept but hopefully ignites the creative cook within, after all there is nothing more intoxicating nor inviting than the smell of freshly baked bread.  How long did it take you to perfect the dry recipe to that point of "yep, Granny would be proud"

I did try a few variations and combinations before settling on the current recipe. There was a lot of trial and error and quite a lot of bread baked!

It is amazing to see the difference a slight change in weight or ingredients makes to the finished loaf.  I feel now that I have a product that delivers every time. 

With winter upon us, now is the perfect time to bake your own loaf at home; it not only warms the home but the soul too...plus people are always impressed if you bake your own bread (even with a little help).

What inspires you to create 

I really love to cook and naturally want to try new things.  My Mum is probably my biggest inspiration.  She is constantly sending recipes over for me to try.  I really like to look to the past for ideas and love to make the old new again.

Just recently my home town Dingle (in Ireland) was voted the Top Foodie Town of Ireland 2014...I am very proud and hope to fly the flag for them down here in Sydney.

In a relatively short period of time you have proven to be a hit with both the big and little kids at market.  What is it about market life that appeals and helps you in your quest to provide perfection

The market is a great place for fresh produce and handmade food.  Everyone is passionate about great food and what they are able to create with the amazing produce available in Australia.

The customer gets to meet the producer/maker of the goods and is able to ask questions, which I am more than happy to answer.  I love to meet people and share my passion.

There is also good camaraderie with the other stall holders and I source as much ingredients from them as possible.

How would you sum up the world of The River Kitchen in 5 words

Simple but delicious baked goodness

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And we can personally attest to the deliciousness of EVERYTHING via our Double Bay Market taste-ometer rating which in all honesty has far to many +'s to put in one blog. So our advice is to get down, have a sample of his fantastic range which includes gluten free's, sauces and biscuits, along with the bake it yourself soda bread and we believe that you too will be thoroughly converted and will wonder why you hadn't tried it before!

we simply couldn't NOT include a photo of these babies!

Yummy Scrummy Cupcakes in Eden

What is the delicious history behind the phenomena known as Cupcakes in Eden

I fell in love with baking in Scotland 6 years ago when I cooked for a Scottish family in a 600 year old house.

It was a very magical time for me, not only was I living in a beautiful land, but I was also baking daily.

I'm not sure exactly when I became absolutely obsessed with cupcakes, but I started working towards opening a cupcake shop when I got back to Australia.

To me cupcakes are the ultimate temptation. They are the perfect size, adorable to look at, taste amazing and can invoke memories of your childhood.

The name Cupcakes in Eden came about because we loving using organic and natural flavours, and just like the apple in the Garden of Eden, you will be tempted!

Your cupcakes are totally cute, sinful and yummy.  Where do you draw your inspiration from

Everywhere!  I have a little notebook of flavours that I add to all the time.  My last idea came about the other day while walking through Hyde Park: a summery fresh flavour of watermelon and mint.

I love thinking about all the yummy flavours and combinations that would make an amazing new cupcake.  I also get inspiration from our Facebook fans who send in delicious suggestions.

You have now experienced the delights of the not so fabulous weather at market, and it was an absolutely sensational debut despite the weather.  How much times goes in to planning, baking and then selecting which little beauties are taken to market so as to go in to many delightfully receiving mouths

A fair amount of work goes in to prepping for market.  I select which flavours I will use well before the day.  We have a rotating flavour board and introduce new flavours each month.

We also do special event flavours, like the upcoming one for Father's Day!  Baking 6 flavours for the markets takes around 7 hours, add to that the preparation, transportation and set up...but it's worth it!

What makes market life tangible for you

I love market life!  Seeing all the local people out and out about meeting up with each other.  And it's great supporting other local producers who are also up for a good chat throughout the day.  

Local markets have a real sense of community.

How would you sum up the world of Cupcakes in Eden in 5 words

Delicious nature in a cupcake

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Beautiful person, beautiful cupcakes, many, many, MANY discoveries to be made and thankfully you can go on your own cupcake treasure hunt each Thursday!

MASSIVE thank you to Cupcakes in Eden for sharing time and some photos with us for our Double Bay Market blogspot!

5 Questions with Pastry Ninja

How did Pastry Ninja come in to being

Pastry Ninja came about in 2008. I had just moved into a property a few doors down from Marrickville Market in Addison Road.  This was the beginning.

Once I saw the market I wanted to become part of it!

The name was thought out on a rainy day, sitting at home mid July 2008.

I had a few names on paper and someone just commented about me working like a Ninja and that was that...Pastry Ninja was born.

You have "just the right size" in the tartlettes where for it would be a "get your own. THIS is mine!".  Was this a deliberate choice or was it more of a learning from the customer type evolution

Yes the tart size are just the right size.

Melissa and I just both chose the same tart case to go with it. But yes, we were thinking it was the perfect size for one (person)

What would be your best seller at market

The best seller is definitely the Lemon Meringue Pie

Now firm faves amongst the Double Bay Market community, what role does market life take in the life of the Pastry Ninja

Market life is our life.  We participate in 6 markets around Sydney every week.  So right now it is 100% of Pastry Ninja's life.....well maybe 99%

How would you sum up life at Double Bay Market in 5 words

Charming, relaxing, Jim (manager), quaint, romantic

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Having personally tasted just about every item the Ninja's have on offer we can attest to their yumminess and more importantly suggest you get yourselves to Double Bay Market to sample some yourselves. 

The Pastry Ninja can also be found at our Frenchs Forest Market (Sundays) and our Marrickville Markets (Sundays) so no excuse not to seek them out!