Sunday 25 November 2012

Welcome to the December Blog

The December Market will this month be held on the third week, on the 22nd Not the fourth week.

Mr Mrs Gurr have now after 10 years of running this market decided to stand down, we thank them for all the hard work they have put in over the years.

The Market is now run by:Trevor and Vicky Hughes, 01580 200691, info@cranbrookmarket.co.uk

Vicky is the founder of Evelyn's of Sussex, Handmade natural cosmetics, and has been selling this through the Market, and has been involved with the market for several years.


When Ann Gurr approached us, talking about stepping down from the running of the market, we were more than pleased to ask to be accepted to take over.

Several new people have come on board since we started, including Jason and Jo selling Speciality teas and flaverings.www.tboxteas.com

Helen, selling her handmade Marshmallows , these are made in all colours and many different flavours. Mmm very nice. dulcibella@live.co.uk

Lynn, She has a wide verity of cakes all looking and tasting lovely. www.letmebakeit.co.uk


Trevor has now opened up the Cafe, selling teas, coffee, cold drinks, cakes, and bacon sandwiches. This also gives the shoppers a place to sit and enjoy their marketing experience.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Next Market This Saturday

The next market is this Saturday, October 27th. All the usual stall holders will be there, plus we have a new producer selling homemade vegan treats, savoury and sweet, including quiches, cakes & dips. They are called The Fat Carrot and the produce high quality vegan and vegetarian food, specializing in function catering, supper events and farmers markets.


You can find out a bit more about them on their website or facebook page and then pop along on Saturday to sample some of their delicious food.

www.thefatcarrot.co.uk
Tel: 07971 413334

Thursday 18 October 2012

Cranbrook Apple Fair

The next farmers market is on October 27th which is the same day as the annual Cranbrook Apple Fair. If you are around on this day be sure to visit both!


This month, Kate from the Bake and Crafthouse has shared a delicious apple recipe with us and will also be selling these Apple and Honey Muffins at the farmers market, 9-12 in the Vestry Hall.

Apple & Honey Muffins Recipe by Kate Alsanjak

These muffins make a delicious breakfast treat and are perfect for children’s lunch boxes, the apple compote keeps them lovely and moist.


Makes around 10 muffins.

Ingredients
5 tbsp apple compote (dice up your apples and simmer over a low heat with a splash of water until you have a thick mushy sauce)
90 ml sunflower oil
2 free range eggs beaten
3 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g golden caster sugar
200g wholewheat plain flour (or a mixture of wholewheat & white plain flour)
3 tbsp rolled oats
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp sultanas
2 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
Mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame) for the topping

Method
1) Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) and line a muffin tray with paper muffin cases.
2) In a bowl mix together the wet ingredients (apple, sunflower oil, eggs, honey, vanilla ext.) and sugar until well blended.
3) In a separate larger bowl sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon and stir in the oats.
4) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined, the mixture will be quite lumpy.
5) Add the sultanas and nuts in the last few stirs. Be careful not to over mix.
6) Spoon the mixture into muffin cases, filling 3/4 of the way up
7) Sprinkle the tops with the seed mix and bake for 20-25 minutes, the tops should spring back easily when lightly pressed, if not cook for a couple of minutes more and check again.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Fresh Fish at the October Market



Each market Botterells bring fresh fish from nearby Rye Harbour and as winter closes in it's the perfect time to try some new recipes.


Colder waters make for high quality fish and seafood, and as the temperature drops the range available just gets better. At the luxury end of the scale, treat yourself to the very best crab, lobster and oysters and for fish, Dover sole, turbot and halibut are rightly considered the very finest eating by cooks and chefs. But also this month why not try some of the lower cost alternatives as many are at their best. Brill is a real discovery if you haven’t tried it before – a firm white flesh full of clean flavour that only needs simple cooking. Or opt for healthy mackerel and herring, full of valuable Omega 3 fish oils.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

July Market - Saturday 28th

The July farmers market is coming up in jst 10 days time! In spite of the lack of sunshine our producers have been working hard to bring lots of seasonal produce each month.

Lower Ladysden Farm now have lots of fresh raspberries and cherries as well as plenty of strawberries so if you can't make it to pick your own then come and buy some at the market next week.


The bees are not enjoying all the rain but Matthew from Wishfield Honey is working hard to keep them happy and hoping his honey harvest will not be too badly affected.

After a couple of months without bread our usual baker is back this month with a delicious selection of fresh loaves and pastries.



Thursday 21 June 2012

June Market this Saturday

Cranbrook Farmers Market is on again this Saturday, 9-12 in the Vestry Hall. All the usual sellers will be there plus Lower Ladysden Farm with their delicious homegrown strawberries and a new producer, The Versatile Sauce Company.


The Versatile Sauce Company are exactly that! They produce sauces for pasta, as dips, relishes or marinades plus many more imaginative uses.

Bake and Crafthouse have been working on some seasonal Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes and Home Gurr'own Plants will have lots of varieties of tomato plants for sale just in time for Summer.


Tuesday 29 May 2012

May Farmers Market

It was a lovely hot day on Saturday and the market was well attended by locals abnd tourists, all looking for delicious local produce.


They were not dissapointed! In addition to the usual sellers, the market had Lower Ladysden Farm with the first Kent strawberries of the season, gourmet sausage rolls from The Village Butcher and lovely French macarons in unusual summer flavours.

Lower Ladysden Farm is just in Goudhurst so the fruit couldn't be more local!


PYO and ready picked soft fruits from: http: //www.lowerladysden.co.uk/
Gourmet sausage rolls from:  http://www.villagebutcher.co.uk/

Wednesday 2 May 2012

April Farmers Market

It was a busy market on Saturday in spite of the horrible weather, we were all glad to be indoors!


Ann from Home Gurrown has all of her plants coming through for spring now, tomatoes, herbs and lots of bedding plants. Ann sells at a few local farmers markets but you can also buy plants anytime from her honesty stall on Golford Road, near Dulwich Prep School.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Producer Profile - Evelyns of Sussex

Victoria Hughes of Evelyns of Sussex sells a great slection of natural cosmetics at the farmers market including shampoos, moisturisers, deodorants, and creams. All these are handmade from natural ingredients and Victoria is an expert in non-intrusive therapies including massage and aromatherapy and also teaches massage courses.
Tell us a bit about your business.
Evelyns of Sussex is based in Ticehurst where I make my natural cosmetics in small batches for freshness using natural ingredients and essential oils. All my products are Paraben and SLS free, not tested on animals, and are safety certified. I am also a trained massage therapist. I also treat many elderly or physically impaired clients.

Tell us about some of your favourite products.

Evelyns of Sussex Luxury Moisturiser 

A base gel, base Vitamin E creme, nut oils, Wheatgerm, Comfrey oil, Orange flower water, Aloe Vera gel, Sea Buckthorn oil Pomegranate oil. This product can be used all over the body, as a hand and foot cream, and is good for dry skin, spots, wounds and rashes. Also a good one for men as it is unperfumed. It is totally safe on baby skin, aged skin, and can also be used on animals! 

My Rich Rose Cream is a best seller.

With essential oils of Geranium and Rose Absolute. Gorgeous smell, promotes dopamine the happy hormone. Regenerates cell growth, clears broken veins, has an affinity with women, deeply hydrates and nourishes skin. Good for mature dry complexions.

Contact: 
Website: http://www.evelynsofsussex.co.uk/
Email: info@evelynsofsussex.co.uk
Tel: 01580 200691
 

 


Tuesday 10 April 2012

Producer Profile - Lilly Hand Knitting


We have a few regular craft stalls at the Cranbrook Farmers Market and new for 2012 is Lilly Boulton, the designer behind Lilly Hand Knitting, here is her producer profile:

When did you first start knitting?
I started to learn to knit when I was about nine years old, I have always loved creating my own things to wear.



What do you like best about living in Cranbrook?
I moved to Cranbrook from Wales last year and I have quickly settled in the town. Cranbrook is such a friendly and happy town. I have much more time to be creative here and Cranbrook Farmers Market is a great way to meet people and the chance to explain what I do. 

Tell us about the process for developing you own wool and designs.
A friend back in Wales now looks after my herd of Angora goats but I still process and dye the wool myself in a huge range of rainbow colours. 



What do you sell at the market?
My most popular asked for item at the moment is 100% wool hand knitted rainbow coloured socks but I can knit just about anything to order, you can see examples of my work on my website or pop by the farmers market to discuss in person. I also regularly attend the Friday market in Tenterden.

Contact:



Tuesday 27 March 2012

March Farmers Market

The sunshine brought lots of people out and about for the Cranbrook Farmers Market last Saturday, many stalls were empty by the end of the day! Here are some pictures from the day...

Ann Gurr's Herb Plants

Bake and Crafthouse Easter Cupcakes

Beautiful Easter Biscuits

Botterells Fish Stall

Cranbrook Conserves

Fresh Vegetables Outside

Plant Stall Outside

Thursday 22 March 2012

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Producer Profile - Daisy and Polly's Apple Juice

Daisy and Polly's Apple Juice is a relatively new addition to Cranbrook Farmers Market and their juice is just delicious, and very local. We also love their packaging!

Tell us a bit about your produce.
100% apple juice, locally grown and pressed.  Varieties include Bramley, Discovery and Golden Delicious, all from an old orchard based in Hawkhurst.

How long have you been selling at Cranbrook Farmer’s Market?
Approximately 4 months 

What is the best thing about Cranbrook and the local area?
There is a great diversity and agricultural community which makes it a good source of locally produced food. 

Which other markets and fairs do you show at?
Rolvenden and Egerton farmers markets.

What is your busiest time of year as a producer and why?
We are busiest in September and October picking all the apples. We are looking into production possibilities for all sorts of new ideas so watch this space for new products.

Contact details:
Katie Hutton
Tel - 01580 752031/0771 8768523
Address - Pear Tree House, Rye Road, Hawkhurst  TN18 5DA