handmade Christmas

This is my loot from Finders Keepers last Friday

My family have been doing kris kringle Christmas for the last few years (partners are included as well). This year hubby and I got boys so for their presents, I've been eyeing these handmade neck ties from Marcello Neckwear. Not to worry they don't read my blog, well not that I know of anyway. I love the tie made out of the vintage liberty print! team this with a white shirt and grey vest for a wedding perhaps. The checked one reminds me of the intended recipient so much, very hipster LOL. For myself, I got a couple of laser cut perspex brooches from A Skulk of Foxes, a pack of Ten to Sen washi tape and some Christmas cards. That 'craft is the new black' badge is a gift from my sister's craftsy workmate. There were so so many more cute. pretty. eclectic handmade things that I wanted but I had to be kind to my purse. I really enjoyed the market but I gotta say I've never seen so many trendy hipster-type people concentrated in one place LOL. I'll definitely be back next year!

Cobbitty Village Markets

Approaching every first Saturday of the month I find myself thinking who can I invite along to Cobbity Market? lol it's no surprise that I love markets but Cobbitty has a special place in my heart. It just has that air of countryside goodness. Below are some photos I took using iPhone hipstamatic app when I was out at Cobbitty with Jacinta last Saturday. There are a few 'vintage' stalls that I frequent for sewing supplies/old housewares and don't forget about the herb man! he has the most luscious herbs (my oregano is still thriving!). So who wants to come with me next month?

Warwick Farm Trackside Market

One of my favourite things about living in the South West is the food! it is amazingly fresh AND cheap. Recently a friend told me about a farmers market nearby - the Warwick Farm Trackside Market so hubby and I got up real early to go check it out last Saturday. We needed to buy some potatoes to make clam chowder and was pleasantly surprised by all the different varieties on offer.

We also bought spinach, leek, broccoli and carrots. The carrots in particular were really fresh, so fresh their little roots are still attached!

As I was taking these shots, a nice man came up to me and asked if he could help me with anything. It took me a few minutes to realise what he meant. I said I was nobody official, just someone who likes taking photos of food lol. The morning at the market was topped off with some yummy gozleme. We'll definitely be back! it's so close to home and opens early every Saturday.

Market on this Fri & Sat!

Rhubarb & apple sponge pudding

On the Labour Day long weekend, we went with a few friends out to Cobbity to taste wine. On the way there we stopped by the Cobbity Village Markets to have a wander. That's when I discovered my love for country markets! There were so many stalls selling craft, fresh organic produce, gourmet food and one antique stall. We scored an antique key holder, a jar of chutney, various organic veggies as well as an orange and hazelnut loaf (above).

If you noticed in our loot there is a bunch of ruby red rhubarb. Even though I'm a big fan of rhubarb I've never baked with it before. So feeling adventurous and inspired by the countryside I decided to finally try it out. Nothing fancy just an easy rhubarb and apple sponge pudding. To my surprise it is not as difficult to bake with rhubarb as I previously thought.

chopped rhubarb and apple coated in sugar ready to be baked

I got the recipe from a Sydney Markets brochure:
Preheat oven to 180 degree C. Combine 350g trimmed chopped rhubarb, 2 peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples (I used Pink Lady) and 1/4 cup castor sugar in a greased 6-cup shallow baking dish. Using electric beaters, beat 125g butter, 1/2 cup castor sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until light and creamy. Beat in eggs (you'll need 2) one at a time. Fold in 3/4 cup sifted self-raising flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Spoon batter over rhubrab and apple. Bake for about 55 min until golden (if top browns cover with a sheet of foil). Serve warm with ice cream.

Result: mmm so delicious!