We have aways talked about flowers and chocolates as a tradition for Mother’s Day, a lovely
gift to be sure. But why not whip around the farmers’ market instead, and put together a simple
but elegant little feast, an experience not a thing, just for her? Here’s a 3-course meal inspiration
that’s quick and easy yet simply delicious – and please feel free to share your ideas too!
Where better to start than with Noel Baggaley’s oyster shots, from Brunswick Seed Oysters, a
mouthful of plump briny oysters suspended in a spicy liquid of Noel’s own devising, a luxe virgin
Mary – although six would be better than one!
For the main course how about smoked fish pasta? You can pick up your fresh egg pappardelle
from either Woodland Valley Farm or Gourmet Pasta, then head to The Bay Smokehouse for
smoked mullet: this will be the foundation for your main course. Smoked fish pasta: onion
softened in olive oil (from Grumpy Grandmas), capers then white wine, creme fraiche (from Deb
Allard’s Cheeses Loves You) brought to a gentle bubble then the flaked fish added, simmered,
folded through the silky strands of drained pasta, reduced till glossy, adorned with parsley and
lemon rind (Rancho’s for lemons, herbs from Iona herbs, Summit Farm, Kennedy Lane, Organic Forrest). Serve this with mixed leaves (Gourmet Salad Hut, Summit Farm, Organic Forrest,
Wiccawood Farm), to go alongside, and a breadstick from either Scratch Patisserie or Crabbes
Creek Woodfired, slathered with Deb’s cultured butter perhaps(Cheeses Loves You) – this is a
special occasion after all!
For the dessert I couldn’t help but be inspired by those huge and glorious autumnal Gala
apples (coztanzo apples or McMahons), three to a kilo, to be layered into a lemony Sicilian Apple Cake along with Marsala-
steeped raisins, eggy batter, roast walnuts and topped with cinnamony pine nuts, baked till gold.
Why not accompany it all with a pretty bunch of chemical-free flowers(Summit Farms, Organic
Forrest, Glenyce Creighton &JRA), all in honour of the person to whom we owe our very
existence. Happy Mothers Day!
