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!

Ta da......

Ilse

Chelsie

Astrid

Rachel

Double Bay CC

Double Bay Social Hub

JD

Liv

Edge Wellness

Kathie

Shout it from the top!

keiko

nate

Double Bay Chamber of Commerce

James

@rubyreds

@a_is_for

@sunflowerssavedmylife

Sharing some Double Bay Kid Friendly Love with Krisztina

When did you first discover the wonders of Double Bay Markets

I think the first time I went to Double Bay market was after reading about it on "Ella's List" (programme recommendations for Mothers with young kids) around November 2012.

Although initially my daughter was too small to enjoy the market, I found it a lovely way to spend a chunk of my Thursdays.

Now my daughter loves it as much as I do, especially the animals

and the jumping castle

Who is your favourite stallie and why

My favourite stallie changes by the week!  At this moment, it definitely has to be the French Crepe place.  I had THE most delicious breakfast there last week: bacon, egg and cheese crepe.

The freshness  of the ingredients, great service and value for money are key factors to win me over...and the Crepe stall certainly has it all!

From your personal point of view, why do you think markets like ours are not only a great way to spend a Thursday, but a great place to pick up your weekly shopping

If you're into fresh, organic and often one-of-a-kind types of groceries, then Double Bay Market is a great place not just to hang out, but to also get your grocery shopping done.

Might not be the cheapest, but you'll get your money's worth.

Do you have a 'must buy, can't do without' purchase and if so, what and why

Coffee....I don't think I've ever visited the market without grabbing a coffee.  Again, great taste and service and also very convenient that I don't have to detour and find a coffee shop.

How would you sum up the world of Double Bay Markets in 5 words

Lovely, child-friendly and great for Mummies

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Couldn't agree more!  And Krisztina we thank you for summing up exactly what Double Bay Markets is all about and sharing some time with us for this article and more time at markets!

So spread the news: Double Bay Market is THE family friendly, kid friendly and Mummy-chillout zone to be on a Thursday (and you can also get some seriously good grocery shopping here while you're at it!)

Hands Across The Andes

As you know we are firm supporters of Fair Trade and Double Bay Market is fortunate enough to have Hands Across The Andes as a trader at our markets.

Their products are stunningly colourful, appeal to big kids and little kids alike and have a range as high and as wide as the mountain range they are named after.

So we thought why not share a bit of what Hands Across the Andes' (or HATA) story is about and gain some insight in to Fair Trade and the important role it plays.

For those who may not have heard of Hands Across the Andes, can you give us a little bit of background and history as to how it came in to being and your involvement with them

Hands Across the Andes was established in October 2010 to create a sustainable market for Peruvian handcrafts in Australia.  It was founded by us [Phil Pittman and Gilda Salazar-Leon (Gigi)] to promote the artisans' skills and ensure they receive a fair price for their products.

Hands Across the Andes (HATA) is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand.

Gigi's Story

Gigi is a professional artisan and business owner with 14 years experience in the industry.  Over several years she learned to appreciate colour and composition by working alongside experienced artisans.  She loves the quality of Peruvian natural fibres and the way in which artisans create beautiful products from them.  Gigi wanted to promote her knowledge of Peruvian handicrafts by bringing them to the international market.

During her time in the industry, she noticed the effort invested by the artisans came with very little financial return.  She felt she could help them by advising them on not only how to design and present their products, but obtain a better financial return for all their hard work.

Gigi is driven by a strong social conscience and not only wants to help the women and children who create these beautiful pieces with limited resources, but more importantly guide them in to making choices which will enable them to continue production in a positive and financially viable way.

She believes that HATA can become the vehicle that allows her to support her fellow Peruvians.

Phil's Story

After spending a substantial amount of  time in Peru, which included visiting Gigi's artisan store (located in the Indian Market which is part of Miraflores tourist district in Lima) he began to notice how tourists were completely unaware of the negative impact their bartering had upon the livelihoods of those local stallholders (ie. the artisans).

While many tourists don't think twice about haggling for a "better deal", the knock-on effect to the stallholders and their community is enormous.  It could mean literally mean the difference to the family eating a meal or not.  Given there are literally hundreds of stallholders at these markets, the prices are already competitive so that additional barter really can impact in ways the ordinary person may not fully appreciate.

While visiting the homes of the local artists with Gigi, Phil observed the difficult conditions that they had to contend with, most especially the length of time and skills involved in creating a single item.

Inspired and determined to do something that was "right" for these wonderfully creative people, ie. finding a path so that they received a fair income for all their skill and effort. 

As HATA is Fair Trade, where do you source most of your items from

HATA source our baby alpaca, silk & merino wool garments and accessories from family operated business in Peru.

The key criteria we use to select businesses we work with includes the quality of skill and ensure that all products are produced under Fair Trade principles.

What makes buying Fair Trade so important

The knowledge that you are buying an item that was sourced from an artisan who is receiving appropriate financial recognition for their time and skills.  This then enables them to control their own future and improve not only their working conditions but also their quality of living standards not just for for themselves but for their families and communities.

Buying Fair Trade products also enhances the buyer's understanding of who and where the items were made which is not usually available if buying retail; from that it hopefully garners a deeper appreciation and understanding of time taken and skill required to produce such pieces.

What is one of the more satisfying aspects of selling Fair Trade at Market

Market life allows us to take the time to get to know the shoppers on a more personal level, so they become more like friends.  We especially love it when the children come up and start asking questions, like where do the dolls come from or what animal is that "big one", where one little girl tried to feed him so he wouldn't get hungry!

Initially it's the children who are attracted to all the bright colours and when their parents come to have a look, that's when the magic starts to happen.

If you could sum up the world of HATA in one paragraph what would it be

Increasing the economic value of artisan skills and creating mutually beneficial cultural and economic exchanges

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So keep your eye out for that Llama at our markets cause it is a sure sign that HATA is in town.  We thank Phil and Gigi for sharing their story with us, for their tireless work and to enlighten us all about not only Fair Trade but why it has become an integral part of theirs and our lives.

ps: click "here" to read more about HATA

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!

Sharing the love with Jasmine

How long have you been a fan/shopper of Double Bay Market

I have been a fan for over 2 years.  I live right next door to the markets and every Thursday I wake up with a smile on my face because I am near the adorable farm animals, friendly people and beautiful market stalls filled with freshly made food! :)

What is it about these markets, in your opinion, that makes it not only a great place to shop, but also to hang and chillout on a Thursday

Well, in my opinion not only is Double Bay Market a great place for everyone, it also has a sense of serenity to it that is almost homely.  The vibe is relaxing and I recommend that anyone who wants a nice day out with the kids, friends or even by themselves should visit these markets.

Do you have a favourite stallie

Oh goodness no!  I can't choose with so many beautiful stalls!

Is there an absolute must-buy or fave recipe you make using produce from our markets

There is a brownie filled with walnuts I tried, which was freshly made and after one bite I literally almost died of happiness (we are sure Pastry Ninja will LOVE hearing how this made Jasmine's day!)

What 5 words would you use to encourage anyone who might need to take time, breath and enjoy life on a Thursday: aka Double Bay Market

Peaceful

Welcoming

Homely

Appetising

Idyllic

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Wish we could say we didn't agree but obviously we can't!  Massive round of applause to Jasmine for not only loving our markets but sharing it with us and her wonderful photo of her much beloved Pastry Ninja brownie!

Brasserie Bread a blog with a difference

The institution known as Brasserie Bread with its infamous Jess at the helm.  This piece will contain photos, some important information from the Bakery and a pinch of our input...a little something that's just a little bit different but a whole lotta Double Bay.

Brasserie Bread has had an incredibly long association with Organic Food Markets.  Can you enlighten us as to how this "introduction" came to be

Brasserie Bread has been actively involved in farmer's markets in Sydney for the past 7 years.  It's a very important part of our wholesale business.

Farmer's Market shoppers also share their experience with lots of other people, both good and bad!  This certainly keeps us on our toes and gives us invaluable insight for future product development.

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Rain, hail or shine Jess is at market and set up in a flash for he knows his every loyal customers will be there as they race by on their way to work, or come to pick up an order placed the week previously.  With seriously yummies such as

and this

is it any wonder he is popular with young and old alike!

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Your bread is known for winning many medals at many Easter Shows which is a testament as to how good your products are. What would be your best seller at any given time


Definitely our organic sourdough which is made with organic unbleached flour, Murray River salt and our 18 year old sourdough starter.

Our Quinoa & Soya Sourdough also have a big following.  It's packed with nutritious soya beans and five seeds including quinoa.

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Do Brasserie Bread deliver to market sites or does the stallie collect from the bakery (which would then mean an extra early start for the stallies for sure!)

They pick up from our Banksmeadow Bakery

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Which then puts Jess in to the "legend" status given the need to not only get to the bakery for pick up but get back to market and have stall set up before start of trade! HUGE by anyone's standards.

And as such, he deserves a legendary photo so we now present to you the man behind the Double Bay Market Brasserie Bread.......

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How would you sum up the world of Brasserie Bread in 5 words

Honouring traditions of artisan baking

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Massive thank you to Brasserie Bread for giving us a little bit of artisan insight and whatever you do, make sure you swing by Double Bay Market to sample their award winning bread and maybe pick up a couple more items "just in case".