Oh hi October…where did you come from? It feels like I am back on the autobarn in Germany – I see a month in my rearview mirror, then suddenly it is right beside me and then in a heart beat it is off in the distance again. Am I travelling at 180 kilometres an hour and time is travelling at over 300 kilometres an hour? Will time ever seem to slow down or does it just continue to get faster as we get older?

As you know, I’m joining link ups this year and this link up is hosted by Celia’s from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial.

In my October kitchen….

I’ve been munching on beautiful Spring asparagus. I was sent out a lovely couple of bunches from the Australian Asparagus Council {and the most beautiful tea towel – I’m a sucker for a bright tea towel}. Now, I think the spears just need to be steamed and enjoyed – but the Australian Asparagus Council provided me with some awesome recipes to use the tender Australian spears in. I think my favourite recipe would have to be the asparagus and sweet corn fritters which we enjoyed for lunch. And my favourite recipe using asparagus would have to be my Mexican style fish and chips.

In my October kitchen…

I found these gluten free almond macaroons, from Mother Meg’s, in Ainslie IGA and knew that they had to come home with me. Selecting only the best Australian ingredients ~  together with traditional baking techniques, no added preservatives and stylish packaging, Mother Meg’s strive to be regarded as the premium brand in their class. I can confirm that their product is outstanding and the perfect little gluten free treat {for when little ones have gone to bed – because who wants to share?}. I have a simple little ice cream sundae recipe, using Mother Meg’s gluten free almond macaroons, that I am going to share with you in the upcoming weeks – so stay tuned!

 

In my October kitchen…

I’ve enjoyed these delicious juices from The Fix. Haven’t heard of ‘The Fix’ ? Well, it is Canberra’s first cold pressed juice company run by the beautiful Jovan and Lucianne {like have you seen better headshots?}. I first wrapped my lips around one of these babies when I was enjoying a lunch out at 80/20 in Braddon and I have been hooked ever since. I picked up these juices from Ainslie IGA {after a beautiful morning at Paint & Play} and have been enjoying them on ice as the weather warms up.

In my October kitchen…

I have enjoyed a square or two each night of this delicious dark chocolate that I also picked up at my local IGA. Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that real dark chocolate can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease. I actually really like dark chocolate {like more then milk or white chocolate} and have decided that I will no longer purchase ‘sugary chocolate’ for my household.

In my October kitchen…

We have made our way through an egg or two {ok, maybe more then a dozen} from Cuppacumbalong. I picked up two dozen from the Southside Farmers Market the other weekend and the boys have been busy demolishing boiled eggs for breakfast each morning. Cuppacumbalong describe their eggs as ‘beyond organic’ – they pride themselves on their small sustainable permaculture. Their stall also sells a delicious Spanish sourdough that is not to be missed!

In my October kitchen…

I’ll be boiling up pots and pots of delicious pasta from Sue from ‘Dish it Up’. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Sue’s amazing pasta then you’re missing out. Dish it up makes fresh gourmet pastas and mediterranean cuisine using bio dynamic free range eggs and all things natural – nothing artificial, no preservatives and no canola oil. She has developed an award winning grain free – naturally gluten free – pasta that doesn’t contain any soy flour {like many commercially made gluten free pastas}. If you’re able to track her down at the Southside Farmers Market then I highly recommend the garlic and the chili pasta.

 

In my October kitchen…

I’m filling my fridge with these awesome beef sausages from ANDO Organics. As soon as the weather warms up, I love to BBQ and eat outside. ANDO Organics have a great range of locally grown organic lamb and beef – I really am enjoying their lamb steaks at the moment {5 minutes in the pan with a little olive oil, chili, parsley and lemon} . Now, whilst there is nothing wrong with the simple snag, some times I like to make my BBQ a little fancier – so here are some of my favourite BBQ recipes: Lebanese BBQ chicken, lamb kofta and saltimbocca skewers.

What new things have you picked up and tried lately? Have you been to your local Farmers Markets lately? Do you purchase organic produce? Do you purchase new brands or do you stick with what you have tried and tested? Anything interesting happening with you and your family in October?