After a beautiful, warm and sunny day yesterday, today at The Good Food Affare was unfortunately hit by wind and chill. I knew it was going to be a good day when entering the showgrounds I was hit by a dirt cloud in the face and I was donning major wind-swept hair (and not the good kind).
But the crowds were there, spirits were high and my tastebuds were tingling. After 5 minutes in I had my blonde moment of the day. I got excited by the sight of a large, metal tin shed with “CATTLE” written at the front and I ran in thinking I was going to actually see moo-cows but instead I got coffee machines and a tired looking Geoff Jansz (me thinks he needs a coffee himself). Oops!
At least I was in time for a cooking demonstration with Janelle Bloom of Ready Steady Cook fame who was there, spruiking her new cookbook. Her demonstration was a quick and easy beef stir-fry complete with a wok tutorial and a taste-test.
Tip #1: A map is invaluable. I had no idea where I was going. I just ducked into any odd tent and marquee to escape the wind and hoped for the best.
Next stop was the CWA (Country Women’s Association) shed who were selling teas, scones and cupcakes. Mr S. baulked at the price of $4 for a small scone. Undeterred I ordered a combination for $6 – a cup of English Breakfast tea, a small scone half and a cupcake. The scone was dry but the jam was fantastic. The cupcake didn’t fare so well. I couldn’t peel the cupcake paper off and the bottom was burnt. Plus it was dry and hard like a brick. Oh well.
Escaping the billowing dirt clouds I sat inside the shed-cum-tea room and wondered if anybody would notice if I nicked off with a pot of pink roses and a cupcake stand display.
Tip #2: Bring cash. I didn’t know what part of me expected ATMs there but for some reason it didn’t cross my mind to bring enough money. Maybe I was hoping for ATMs next to the cow shed. Double oops!
The wind picked up, my hair got worse but I was finally at the Bread, Pies and Cake tent. I had just enough cash in my wallet to head over to The Biscuit Tree which sells shortbread and biscotti (just some of my favourite things) – all handmade and run by none other than chocolatesuze!
Castle Hill Showgrounds, NSW
(Enter via Doran Drive off Carrington Road)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey hey too bad we just missed you!! We heard from Suze that you were there only a few moments before we got there! Anyway go the moo moo shed and that scone looks really good (too bad it was dry). Maybe next time then hee hee.
Looks like we could have had an impromptu blogger meet here! Funny how we went to the same show but we all captured different parts of it. I think Sunday would have been even worse than Saturday weather wise-so glad that I didn’t wait until Sunday to go.
thanks for coming dude! it was great to finally meet you in person we ended up leaving around 5.30 because it was just SO cold and no more biscuits hehe
looks great. hopefully next time I’ll get there.S :-)
FFichiban – haha we were like blogger ships passing each other in the night :) But there’s always next time!Lorraine – I thought Saturday was bad but when I saw the dismal Sunday weather I thanked my lucky stars!chocolatesuze – No problems. Thanks for the shortbread! *drool*. Hehe when I left your stall I nearly had frostbite when I stepped outside!Simon Food Favourites – Too bad you missed it (it was nearly a blogger affare!). But there’s always next year and hopefully the weather will be better :)