The Rewards of Buying Local......A Delicious Lunch for Two!

 It is especially important at this time of year when the post Christmas slump is upon us that we make it our business to get out and support our artisan producers at the local farmers market. You will be surprised at the range of local produce that is available even in the depths of winter! when you may think that little is growing, and we should by rights encourage and support these people and commend them for the hours they put in standing about in the cold plying their lovingly handmade wares!

I have the convenience of having two artisan markets nearby, one is literally only a ten minute walk from my home at Harry's Restaurant in Bridgend county Donegal, the other is a short drive away, Letterkenny Artisan Market in Letterkenny also in county Donegal, both are held weekly on a Saturday......get their early!

(There is also the Walled City Market in Derry on the Guildhall square held on the first Saturday of every month beginning on the first Saturday in February)

My market trip was a bit later this morning as I had to work, so it was almost one by the time I got to Harry's. Their fishmonger in residence with the latest fresh catch from Greencastle, had only a few items left.......some delicious mussels, monk-fish, a little squid and some haddock and cod.....I opted for some naturally smoked cod which will find it's way onto our dinner plates tonight!
see recipe HERE!

As I had invited a friend to my home for lunch, I chose a 'tarte au citron'...the real deal and loaded with lemon! and some delightful little savory bakes from 'Carlan Foods' who are based in Kerrykeel county Donegal....quite a long drive for these people!

The pastry, similar to a pizza dough, made with the addition of olive oil and turmeric for flavour and colour, was filled with potatoes and vegetables and flavored with wonderful Indian spices.......delish!


I served the little pies hot with a mixed leaf and carrot ribbon salad and some balsamic pickled red onion and cucumber.......home pickled vegetables are fab by the way!

Sadly the baker...Scarpello & Co, who make wonderful artisan breads in their wood fired oven at Newtoncunningham, were sold out and I had to wander off home minus my sourdough....still there is always next week and, as they have informed me, I can put in an advanced order and they will have it waiting for me! Hooray!