Fife's bountiful larder

I've been thinking that, as I live in an area over flowing with amazing produce, I should really make the most of it and use it regularly.  I'm all for seasonal produce too - I mean, who eats turnip-like strawberries in January when you can wait until June for the treasure that is the Fife strawberry - juicy, sweet, bright red and to die for: perfection indeed! So, I'm going to begin a series of blog posts highlighting some of, as I perceive it, the wonderful products from the Fife larder.  I'm going to look at the suppliers, how I've used their products and also, sometimes, some of the local ingredients I've been able to forage for or grow myself.  It'll be an ongoing series with posts littered in between my cakes and other activities.  I'm a non meat eater so be warned, veggie recipes and baking only will feature.  I make no apologies, veggie is the way I'm going with special diets thrown in for good measure - be that gluten free, vegan or whatever!

What prompted this then, I hear you ask?!  Simple, a trip to Cupar Farmer's Market on Saturday alongside a weekend spent in my garden and at my allotment, preparing my veggie patches whilst dreaming of the delights I'm going to grow this year.  

Cupar Farmer's market is a joy to visit.  http://www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk/ Stalls over flowing with amazing bounty - from the fruity vinegars of the Little Herb Farm in Pittenweem http://thelittleherbfarm.co.uk/blog/to the jar-ed delights of Trotters Independent  Condiments  http://www.trottersindependent.co.uk/Condiments/Trotters_Independent_Condiments.html and a million and one things beside.  I was inspired.  (And the distinctive smell of Smokies filing the air with their billowing smoke reminds me of home as a bonus!)

A visit to Ardross farm shop http://www.ardrossfarm.co.uk/ simply sealed the deal.  Again, I came home with a basket laden with goodies - Anster cheese, St Andrews Brewing Co beer and Ardross honey to name but a few.  Tea involved purple sprouting broccoli doused in garlicy rapeseed oil, yep bought at the Farmer's Market, and Jersey Royal spuds - not technically grown in Fife but bought from the local Farm shop and a treat non the less!

Things to be enjoyed after a hard day in the garden, digging, weeding and despising raspberry canes which get everywhere if left unchecked.  My seeds are in trays whilst I patiently wait for the magic to begin and I can plant my beetroot, broad beans, salad leaves, cabbages and on and on in the garden.  In the meantime, blog posts will appear as I sample and experiment so watch this space!