Libby: This bunch of peonies was an absolute steal at $6 for six stems. I've seen them for as much as $5 a stem - too expensive for something that lasts for a matter of days. I bought these gorgeous peonies from the Hill Street Farmers Market in Thorndon. The stall holder explained the recent warm weather had led to a Hill Street Farmers Market glut of peonies so they were selling them cheaply and they are super-sensitive to warmth: my bunch grew from tight wee buds to blooms the size of saucers overnight!
Becs: I have been enjoying the strawberry season. Prices in Christchurch have finally come down, so at $1.39 a punnet from the local fruit and vege shop they have been on the menu this week. My strawberry patches are gearing up production too. The latest Dish magazine has some delicious strawberry recipes in it. So far I have made the strawberry and hazelnut meringues with crushed strawberry cream, and the roasted strawberry and rhubarb compote, both were winners. Next up = strawberry and vanilla brioche.
I must get back to Hill St Market, I would have loved to get those peonies! I was in Berlin when they came into the markets there, in time for Whitsunday. It's called "Pfingst" in German, lovely word, so peonies are "Pfingstrosen", everyone buys them - we got 20 for 10 euros, in those tight buds that open so magically. Brilliant strawberry photo!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a fruit eater, but I have a soft spot for strawberries. They were 2 punnets for $3 at my local asian grocery store and they were great strawberries too! At this price I can afford to cook experimentally with them. I'm seriously considering strawberries with pork for dinner tonight...
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