From Silvia - Gluten Free Cuisine

Gluten Free Cuisine has been a part of (and more importantly) a firm favourite of our markets for many years.  What first inspired you to start experimenting with recipes that were gluten free but still yummy at the same time

My daughter was diagnosed with an intolerance to preservatives, all those years ago now, and we began a journey of creating "loved" foods with NO added preservatives (or "no numbers" as we like to put it), thickeners or additives.  With a background in research, it was not long before we recognised there was a need for great tasting QUALITY foods that could be made readily available to the many with special dietary requirements, intolerances, or simply wanted to eat well with and enjoying great tasting foods!

You have a few "signature" pieces (eg: lemon meringue pie being top of the pops).  As you do 3 of our markets (Hornsby on Thursdays, Orange Grove on Saturdays and Frenchs Forest on Sundays), is there a particular favourite per location or are they as equally popular no matter which postcode you are at

Good question!  We seem to sell across the range pretty much throughout the year at every market we do.  Over the years we have built a fantastic relationship with our customers and we are a weekly "one stop shop" for many - across our Freshly Baked Artisan Organic Breads (all soy free, dairy free, canola free, animal fat free)

Savoury offerings such as Handmade Fresh Pasta, Classic Pesto and of course our Sweet Treats.

Actually our range has evolved based on our customer waitlist, including more dairy free options, larger celebration cakes and the latest offerings are our NUT FREE Organic Banana Bread & Cookies: All Gluten Free!

There is no denying market life can be trying at times, particularly when the weather doesn't play nicely; yet you are always there with a smile, rain, hail or shine, which not only do we appreciate but we KNOW your customers do as well.  What has been one of the more memorable experiences of market life for you

We have so many memorable moments & experiences: all so special in their own ways. We received a text from a customer just before Easter last year saying his wife was going in to labour and had requested our GF (gluten free) DF (dairy free) Hot Cross Buns and please save him one, he was on the way!

Over the years, it has been our privilege to be part of families as they prepare to welcome precious new borns with weekly Lamingtons to help them on the way, then of course we get to create Special Celebration Cakes.  

We have created Signature Wedding Cakes and  that Special Birthday Cake for the 90 years young whose special request is the Lemon Meringue (of course!), and for it to be large enough for her 90 guests!!!

We get called upon for that Bespoke Catering that meets special dietary requirements and more frequently provide GF (gluten free) WF (wheat free) NF (nut free) treats for the school lunch boxes!

From your personal stance, what is it about markets like ours that play a pivotal role in the local community

We love that our customers are able to purchase products from us that are literally hours from leaving the oven.  It is so special to get to know our customers who eat our food, to hear their stories, their sincere appreciation for what we make and to know we can really make a difference.  Our customers in turn love to hear our stories too.

The pivotal role in the local community (as you put it) is that markets provide for that quintessential experience of what nurtures people socially, and communities economically and all this whilst providing produce straight from the producers.

How would you sum up the world of Gluten Free Cuisine in 5 words

Dedicated Gluten Free for Everyone!

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Fantastic story behind a firmly entrenched, much loved and ever evolving producer of all things Gluten Free.  Swing by and say a massive "Hi" to Sylvia and her team every Sunday and trust us, from what we have seen..the sweet treats are getting more delicious by the week!

Muchos

Nolita

latteria espresso

Benji

Tiffany

Ilona

Eat Me Chutneys

What's the story behind the delicious Eat Me Chutneys

Eat Me Chutneys is a mother (Jaya The Amazing Chutney Queen) and son (Ankit The Annoying French Trained Chef) team.

Jaya: enjoying meals with family and friends, sitting around the table, discussing food and exchanging recipes has been followed through generations in our family - jazzing up the meal with chutneys and pickles just made the whole environment is so exciting - the sounds of Ooh, Ahh, Yumm! just used to fill the air.

Ankit: so one night we suggested that Mum should share her phenomenal recipes with the Sydney community and start at a farmers market and I could throw my French training to it. And so the socially good jars were born embodied by the thought of doing well for the community, supporting local farmers and of course sharing some lip smacking chutneys and pickles along the way.

Jaya:  preservation has been the essence of lour life - grandmothers used to plan, all the kids helped in cleaning and preparing vegetables, mums and aunties helping in sterilising and the cooking process.  Grandmas keeping a close eye - no one was allowed to touch their hair or face or scratch their noses.  It was a very clean process.  

These were the pleasures of living in an extended family: we ate together, played together, cleaned together, preserved together and laughed together.  Preservation is the key to bringing families and communities together.  It brings out the sharing, caring and social abilities in people.  This is what I saw growing up in my extended family.

Ankit: ah the name....well whenever I open the fridge and see a jar of tamarind chutney, the jar literally stares back at me and yells out "don't just stare at me...Eat Me".

Your range is incredibly with literally one to suit every taste (and even the non-chutney'ers now being converts!) with the most amazing achievement being the first Certified Fair Trade Chutneys to be had in Australia & New Zealand.  Having this mantle must not only be incredibly satisfying but the ultimate positive reinforcement that you have a good product!  How did this come about

Jaya: the story continues....we were born out of the that we want to be socially good jars first and business second.  As children living in an extended family we saw our parents and grandparents supporting our less fortunate relatives and paying fees for children in our neighbourhood.  We grew up with very strong morals, empathy and giving and helping others was instilled in us right from a very young age and so couldn't view the world any differently.

Ankit: using Fair Trade ingredients just seemed right as we support and communicate directly with the farmers/cooperatives.  Our chutneys are the first and only Fair Trade certified chutneys across Australia and New Zealand.

Jaya: understanding the ethos and workings of Fair Trade, understanding the Fair Trade supply chain, the right suppliers, ensuring a proper audit mechanism is in place, made the process challenging but the Fair Trade team were ever so helpful. However, knowing our decision would eventually help a farmer across the world made it all the more rewarding.  Sure, the costs go up, but the joy of supporting someone out there, who really deserves it, is extremely satisfying.

The Fair Trade logo will shine on our jars very soon!

Your start at Frenchs Forest Market was spectacular and seems to be going from strength to strength.  What is is about market life that keeps it tangible for you

Jaya: preservation and living in tribes evokes deep rooted, almost primeval feelings of self-sufficiency and survival, of gatherer and hunter, of community and societal bond, for this is how our ancestors stayed alive.

I've only ever taught primary school children all my life.  The thought of running a business was daunting enough but being in the public eye was just a crazy thought at first.  But right from our very first market, the amazing feeling of family has made us feel so welcome.

We've made great friends with our customers and other stallies with whom we barter our jars for food.  The great feedback from people at Frenchs Forest has given us such an incentive that now our profile includes a range of unique pickles and chutneys.  

And we will soon be introducing two Christmas chutneys!!! YAY!!!

Do you have a personal favourite amongst your chutneys and why

Jaya:  oh gosh...where do I start!  My personal favourite is the tamarind and fig as it brings back the happy old memories of fun times, eating together as a big family. Move aside honey soy chicken wings and welcome tamarind chicken wings - perfect for a quick BBQ meal to feed 3 boys in the family.  

And to look at (of course it tastes amazing too..especially with a bowl of vanilla ice cream) is rhubarb and ginger.

Its amazing rich colour just brightens my day and is a mighty fine and funky addition to toasted granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit.  But my new favourite could just become the Christmas chutney....it's coming sooon!

Ankit: my absolute personal favourite is eggplant pickle - works a treat on anything. No lunch in the fridge?  No worries!  I just boil some rice and mix in the eggplant pickle.  Done!  Bread, ham slices, eggplant pickle and happy me!

As a stallie, what is it about markets like Frenchs Forest, that form an important part of the local foodie community

Jaya: the farmers market is just a fantastic concept.  It's like running a big social enterprise where everyone involved is benefiting from it.  The farmers are able to get the right price for their hard work and the consumers are happy to get organic and other fresh produce.  There is a lot of honest and good sharing of information by the stallies on how they source their ingredients, where their farms are, their secret recipes, but above all a lot of appreciation and respect for what each one is doing.

Ankit: and Mum has made very good friends with Peter & Stephanie, a lovely couple who live down the road from the markets.  They enjoy pickling too and are always giving us samples of their experiments, advising us on different flavour combinations and sharing their recipes.

Jaya:  there is so much to learn at these markets, especially different ranges of foods which may not be generally available outside (a market environment).  You can hear a lot of talk about healthy eating, cooking ideas, recycling, food wastage - so much to learn.

It's very encouraging to see more and more people becoming part of the foodie community at the markets.

Go Team Markets!

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Insightful and enlightening and with interviews like this, we love learning just that little bit more about our stallies.

Massive thank you to Jaya & Ankit for letting us share just a little bit of their chutney world and if you're a fan as we are, we are SO looking forward to seeing these mysterious Christmas chutneys!

Can you believe it??? It's THAT time again!

Simon

aimee

Bangalow Cheese

Eri

Bec

Balles Bazaar

Audrey talks Gourmandise de Paris

From ham & cheese crêpes or galette to mouth watering quiches, Gourmandise de Paris now has an almost ritualistic following where it's a Sunday "must have". How satisfying is this for you

I am absolutely thrilled with it.  To start with it wasn't easy but as people got to know us and us working incredibly hard at providing good products, we are really proud of what we have achieved since starting.

How long does it take to set up stall each market

All up it takes about an hour

With samples, come smiles and with smiles which in turn results in purchases...as a chef how does that make you feel

Everyone who tastes our products really enjoy them. We've had people tell us that they love it and want to know more about how we make them and are above surprised when they learn that I am the chef!

You have created little corner of Paris that seems to draw people in.  Was this deliberately planned or did it come from observing customers seeking somewhere to sit and truly enjoy your French culinary creations

It just simply seemed to "fit" with what we were wanting to do.  Because some of our food is not take away, and needs plates and cutlery, it seemed a shame to not have a nice place to sit, chill, enjoy and eat.

For anyone who has NOT yet found Frenchs Forest Market, how would you sum up the fabulousness of it to them

Frenchs Forest Market has a lot to offer from things for the kids to do (jumping castles, dancing to the music, trying new foods), really nice fresh fruit and vegetable, cheeses and of course some FABULOUS French food.  For me it's interesting, it's friendly and it's relaxing.

To anyone who hasn't been yet, I would absolutely recommend that they come, have a look and enjoy it!

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We thank Audrey and her amazing team giving us a little French Quarter every Sunday and if you haven't found them yet the clue is in the "Quarter".  

So find them, take a load off, eat some sensationally amazing French cuisine and simply enjoy "being".

We looooove it!

twysden

Eri

studio2103

ekfairy

bec

5 Questions with LIzzee and One Tiny Bite

When did you first discover and became art of the now infamous Sunday experience aka Frenchs Forest Markets

I discovered Frenchs Forest Markets late September this year.  Being the middle of Spring, the weather was perfect, also the seasonal fruit & veg were bright and delicious!  I love the energy - it was really buzzing!

Someone was collecting signatures for a petition.  Someone else was playing music. Children were everywhere, sampling fresh produce, talking to farmers.  Friends and acquaintances stop to chat.  It was a very wonderful experience.

Can you tell us a little bit about One Tiny Bite Soldiers and how you first became involved with it

One Tiny Bit is a team of "Soldiers" who report on the latest health news from Australia and around the world, as well as tips and information to help you improve your health and wellbeing.

It was founded and created by Lisa Brown, Author of "One Tiny Bite At A Time".  Lisa is an amazing, inspirational lady who shares her story on dealing with Multiple Sclerosis in her pursuit for a fabulous life.  One Tiny Bite is actively involved in raising awareness about the disease and stem cell therapy.  We have a tremendous enthusiasm about the potential stem cell therapy which Lisa received in Panama City twice.

I accompanied Lisa on her second trip to Panama City recently, not only as her support for stem cell therapy but also as One Tiny Bite's "On Tour" Reporter.  I was responsible for recording, documenting and blogging events with a strong focus on building community support and sharing the experience to achieve a loyal and dedicated following.  I now continue to work as a One Tiny Bite Soldier.

Lizzee & Lisa downing a Big Green Monster at Frenchs Forest Market

(please feel free to check out our "being well, hug and tell website "here" or via our facebook page "here")

Do you have a fave stallie and if so, who and why

My fave stallie is Ready 2 Plant Organics.  They have an amazing range of organic fruit & veg, smoothies, herbs and more!

read our interview with Bec and Ready 2 Plant Organics "here"

I had their famous "Big Green Monster" green smoothie, which is dairy and gluten free as well as 100% organic....it's delicious!

What is one of your all time recipes made using produce bought at market

I have access to many fantastic, healthy recipes through my job with One Tiny Bite. Lisa is a fabulous cook and I upload her recipes to our website weekly.  I like the recipe below because it's easy, super healthy, uses only organic ingredients from the markets, and it also incorporates my love for juicing!

I'm a big juicing fan because it's enormously beneficial for your health.  It supercharges your nutrient intake by providing your body with pure micro nutrients, vitamins and enzymes - with none of the bad stuff that constitutes processed food.

By putting the most nutritious fuel into your system as possible, you can kick start your metabolism and give your body a break form all the strange chemicals you've been challenging it to process until now.

Juice Recipe: Magic Green Potion

• 2 bunches of kale
• 1/2 bunch of celery
• 1 bunch silver beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 apple

But wait.....have a look at what can happen next!  All the leftover pulp that usually serves no purpose can be put in a freezer bag, then make the decision to add a little bit of it in everything you cook.  It is still rich in fibre and magic stuff after it's been juiced.

Recipe: Organic Chicken Superfood Balls

In a bowl add:

• 500 organic chicken (minced)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of nuts (cashews, walnuts, macadamia)
• 100g (1/2 a box) Amaranth seed
• 1 mashed avocado
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• season with chilli flakes, tumeric powder and salt
• Add 1 cup of the "magic green potion" pulp

Method:

• Roll the balls and gently fry in coconut oil in a fry pan
• Move them around a little so they don't stick
• Serve with salad or vegetables

From your stance, what is important about shopping at markets like ours and how do they form an integral part of the community

Markets like Frenchs Forest not only offer consumers the opportunity to eat fresh, locally grown food, they also provide the opportunity for the producers and consumers to get to know each other on a personal level.

There's a lot more going on in them than the exchange of money for food.  One sociologist calculated that people have 10 times as many conversations at the markets than they do in the supermarket.

Socially as well as sensually, the markets offer a remarkably rich and appealing environment.  Someone buying food may be acting not just as a consumer but also as a neighbour, a citizen, a parent, a cook.  In many cities and towns markets have taken on the function of a lively new public square.

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And this is exactly why we love doing interviews with people like Lizzee.  Educational, insightful, inspiring are a only few adjectives that spring to mind when reading.

We thank Lizzee for being a One Tiny Bite Soldier and for taking part in our blog.  We love Lisa for sharing her world via her website (remember you can see and read more "here") and hopefully triggering something in all of us to not only follow her on her quest for goodness but most importantly making a conscious choice of making organic not merely a weekly shopping event but incorporating it in to your everyday life.

5 minutes with Aimee

When did you first discover Frenchs Forest Market and what is it that keeps you coming back

I first discovered Frenchs Forest Market when I moved over from Perth.  As a Health Coach it is important for both myself and my clients to have access to fresh, high quality organic produce and to follow the pathway from farm to market.

I especially love the atmosphere, the community spirit and the coming together of people who truly care about what they are putting into their bodies.  

I also appreciate the time, effort and love that all the stallholders express each week. Their smiles, knowledge and eagerness to share their produce with customers is awesome.

Can you describe in layman's terms the definitions of "super food", "living food" and "super herbs" and how they can play a pivotal role in our overall wellbeing

Superfoods are foods that pack an extra nutritional punch.  They have a dozen or more distinguishing qualities that give them magical qualities and an ability to nourish us at a deeper level.  These are foods that supercharge our health.

Living foods are foods in their natural unprocessed, unheated from.  Foods of the Earth, that are not cooked,  modified or nutritionally deficient through processing.

Living (or raw) foods are foods the way nature intended.  When we increase our intake of these foods, we too become more alive - our ability to digest and process our foods is enhanced, because we're eating our food the way nature intended.  Living food include fruits, vegetables, grasses, seeds, sea vegetables, nuts and sprouts.

Superherbs are plants that are safe to take as a tonic, to help us maintain and prevent disease.  No longer do we need to wait until we get ill to "fix" the problem.  By incorporating Superherbs into our daily diet, by taking medicine as food, we are able to ensure we never get sick.

If you had to choose a particular stall that you simply can't not go by without purchasing something, which would it be and why

My favourite stall is Superfeast.  It is the one stop Superfood shop!

Mason Tyler has a wealth of knowledge in regards to Superfoods, Superherbs and Living Foods and is always happy to answer any questions related to health and wellbeing.

From your point of view, why is it essential for markets such as Frenchs Forest to keep on keeping on

Markets such as Frenchs Forest help consumers maintain a true connection to the land. They allow children to see where food comes from, how it's grown and how it should look, with the absence of artificial lighting, bright packaging and fancy marketing.

Markets also help farmers to discover what their customers are looking for and provide them with cheaper prices as they are dealing without the middle man.

It's a win/win.  It also keeps large industries from being able to monopolise our food supply.

If you could sum up the overall experience of not only shopping at Frenchs Forest but also making it a constant in our lives in on paragraph, what would it be

A day spent at Frenchs Forest Market is the best Sunday ever.  With such a variety of produce to experiment with, amazing people to visit and friendly faces to chat with, it is one of the best ways I like to spend my weekend.  I always come home with my staples: biodynamic berries, raw honey, superfoods, kombucha, freshly picked mushrooms, fresh organic produce and something else I didn't expect to buy!

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And with that we say thank you to Aimee for not only sharing some of her love, but also explaining the "mystery" behind the Superfood, Living Food, Superherbs.  Keep your eyes open cause we will be doing a feature with Aimee very soon which will go in to more detail about these and so much more!

Sharing a little bit of Frenchs Forest love with Inge

When did you discover Frenchs Forest Markets

I researched organic markets before we even moved to the Northern Beaches, so I would say about 5 years ago.

From shopper to stallie: was that a difficult transition

Hmmmmm...not really!  I still did all my shopping, even when I was a stallie.  There is such a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst the stallies and I loved being part of that!

Ask the Cappuccino Afloat crew if they miss our weekly dance sessions!  Dancing to funky music towards the end of market day....GREAT FUN!

Cappuccino Afloat

The masses obviously loved your fantastic gluten free goodies (ourselves included!). How long from start to finish would it take to prepare for market day

The would start at 4am with us packing the car to get to market.  It required careful and strategic planning to fit it all in!

By the time we got back home and unpacked it would be around 3pm.  So the whole day would amount to 11 hours!

Although now retired from a market life as a marketeer, you obviously still enjoy coming up and having a wander, buying organic goodies and catching up with people. What is it about these markets that attracts folk, from your point of view

The vibe, the vibe, the vibe! It's SO much fun!  

I still really enjoy catching up with our stallie mates!

Can you sum up this infamous "vibe" of the Sunday Institution known as Frenchs Forest Markets

Amazing range of organic and interesting foods that you just can't get anywhere else. I've always loved going to these markets.

The feeling that even though you don't personally know the others shoppers, you are having a shared experience.

Plus I often just talk to random people about what we're buying...it's more like the European way of village living.

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With that we thank the lovely Inge not only sharing some time with us, but giving us just that little bit more of an insight in to the stallie world as well as the shopper world at Frenchs Forest Markets!

 bet you didn't realise they had won had the Gourmet Gluten Free award!

TOLD you their products were yum, and we are thankful we got to sample and share before they became "citizens" once more!!