I'm a bit behind with blogging as usual, but I'm determined to record the best bits of the summer so that in the cold, dark days of next winter (which I think may have already started!) we have got something to look back on. Last weekend we had a lovely afternoon out at the Loseley Park Food Fair. There were lots of foods available to sample and some interesting things to see, like this patriotic little steam engine. The house and walled garden were being used for a wedding, so a tour of those will have to wait for another day.
We tasted our way around the event, fortunately teenage son did not accompany us, so a locust-like attack on the samples was averted. Here are some of the things we took home:
On the left are some multi-purpose chilli based sauces from chancham .These really taste fresh and have a range of influences and "spicy-ness". They are also good value as they are really concentrated - we used about a quarter of a bottle to make a really delicious vegetable stir fry for two.
The elderflower cordial and preserves on the right were made by Debbie of "Debbie's Homemade Preserves" in her very own kitchen. I'm all for a bit of a dabble in the dark art of chutney making, but hats off to anyone who can juggle three preserving pans simultaneously! Even the thought of sterilising that many jars makes me feel stressed out. To top it all, I think she had one of the prettiest stands at the fair. Very inspirational.
Finally we chatted to a very friendly lady from "Made in Provence" who sell handmade specialities and gifts from Mont Ventoux. ( madeinprovence ) Another beautiful stand, it was so difficult to choose, but I finally plumped for handmade soaps.
Overall, the Food Fair was a good afternoon out - and a rare sunny afternoon this summer!