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25.01.2022 Bendigo gets it groove on, again Groovy, baby yes, the 60s are back in a big way with the Bendigo Art Gallery hosting the Mary Quant exhibition until the 11th of July The 60s heralded the mini skirt and the Mini Cooper car; it was Brit power at it’s best with a decade of fabulous fashion, music, and fun. It was a time when more women were joining the workforce and this meant there were more short cuts with food, it really was the era of Spam (not the email kind, the sort th...at came in a can !) If you’re looking to celebrate the Mary Quant exhibition than yeah, baby it’s time to get a bit inventive in the kitchen. A typical 60s party might start with some hors d’oeuvres such as shrimp and feta cucumber rounds, or cheese and pineapple on toothpicks! The cocktail sausage on a stick was also a crowd pleaser. Devilled eggs and Angels on horseback appeared on the menu and who could go past the classic prawn cocktail. Chicken a la King a creamy chicken dish with sherry, mushrooms and peas served with rice or perhaps in vol au vent cases was the main event. Ending on a sweet note also meant a bit of flair who could forget the lighting on the Bombe Alaska! Visit the Mary Quant exhibition and then enjoy a Quant-inspired food experience thanks to one of our members. Alium Dining can kick the night off with its Quant-essential cocktail featuring Tia's Pink Gin, Kumquat Crush, Lime and Thyme syrups and fresh lime juice. If a cuppa is more your style, then Tea Associates "Blue Skye Tea Blend made with Butterfly Pea Flowers and Lemon myrtle might be your cup of tea. Kerry From Tea Associates has limited edition tea cases for sale at the moment that include this special blend. If you have a sweet tooth book a table at The Woodhouse for a colourful Quant inspired dessert with roasted strawberries, lemon curd, raspberry coulis, pistachio pavlova, mango pearls, sponge, verjuice jelly, lemon balm, white choc soil and yogurt ice cream. Yum! or perhaps the Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates chocolate tasting plate will hit the spot? Served with your choice of coffee , tea or hot chocolate, the tasting plate features chocolates that represent bold colours, flavours and shapes The 60s comes back to life in Bendigo yeah baby! See more

25.01.2022 BENDIGO COMMUMITY FARMERS MARKET HAS A NEW HOME COME AND SAY HELLO THIS WEEKEND

24.01.2022 We love a Christmas raffle !! Hurry in to The Epicurean Deli to go into the draw to win a Hamper

24.01.2022 ** SHOPPING LIST Saturday 14th November 2020 ** Find us at the Bendigo Pony Club, corner Breen Street and Belle Vue Road ENTER VIA BREEN STREET from 9am 1...pm Fill your empty eskys with: >> Fresh fruit & veg Organic vegetables, salad and herbs from Huntly Organics New Season’s apples and pears from Pollards Orchard Seasonal fruit and vegetables from Stacey’s Avocados, mandarins and lemons from Crossie’s Cardos Garlic and pantry friendly value-add garlic products from Harmony Garlic Foraged mushrooms, black garlic, fennel pollen and seedlings from Mushrooms Anonymous New season’s citrus in multiple varieties from Kingfisher Citrus Microgreens from Microsprout Gourmet mushrooms and Grow-You-Own kits from So Mush Goodness Microgreens and vegan ready-made-foods by Farmer Girl We welcome back KNM Berries & Fruit with warmer weather fruits and vegetables Summer stone fruits return! Grown by Alkira Organics Carly Torr stone fruit Spring Creek Organics make their Bendigo market return since February! >> Meat/Fish Fresh fish oysters and seafood from John the Oyster Bloke Award-winning beyond free-range pork from McIvor Farm Foods Pastured raised chicken from Yapunyah Meadow Grazed Chickens Award-winning grass-fed beef from Warialda Belted Galloway Beef >> Value Add/Specialty, Savoury Certified organic extra virgin olive oil, olives, preserves and soaps by Salute Oliva Pink Muesli say no more! Look out for Marita’s limited-edition Christmas muesli! Local honey from Dawson’s Honey Olives and extra virgin olive oils, including flavoured oils, from Gough’s Range Olives Local honey, including creamed honey and honey-filled handmade chocolates from Collins Honey Fresh pasta in varying flavours and hand-rolled gnocchi from The Good Life Farm Co New season extra virgin olive oil, infused oils, table olives and tapenades from Barfold Olives Pickles, preserves, jams, sauces and seasonings from Vintage Kitchen Preserves Third generation makers of gnocchi, pasta and pasta sauces by Alberto’s Delicacies Pro-biotic dips, pesto and beverages from Gorgeous George Probiotics A range of nut pastes and spice rub mixes from Nut Fusion Extra virgin olive oils, flavoured oils, table olives, vinegars and preserves from Bridgeward Grove Olives We welcome back Amanda who is Olive Branch Preserves bringing her range of jams, pickles and preserves! Dried and pickled locally grown fresh Chillies and Peppers from Red Dog Chillies Handmade arancini filled with locally grown goodness by Arancini 4 All >> Specialty, Sweet Peanut, cashew and macadamia nut brittles, including vegan brittle from Bendigo Brittle Macarons by Flavour + Heart Puddings, pud balls, chocolate pebbles and sauces by Pud For All Seasons >> Bread, grains, nuts, seeds Sourdough and semi-sourdough breads from The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery & Café New season walnuts, walnut oil and walnut flour from Husk & Harvest Pistachios of varying varieties from Hi-Fye Pistachios Australia’s only 100% Australian pumpkin seed products such as seeds and oils as well as other nut oils by Australian Pumpkin Seed Co Victorian grown organic stone-ground flour from Wimmera Flour Breads, loaves and Turkish breads from La Dolce Vita Bakery >> Eggs Pasture raised eggs from The Good Life Farm Co Free range eggs from Bendigo’s Golden Yolk Eggs Pasture-raised duck eggs from Delra Farm >> Dairy Handcrafted cheese from Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese Farmhouse goat cheese from Holy Goat Cheese Milk, yoghurt and cheese from Bethune Lane Dairy >> Beverages Premium quality, single vineyard wines from Peerick Wines ‘Rich Ripe Reds’ Shiraz from Black Estate Vineyard Biodynamic Shiraz, Cab/Sav, Sangiovese & Sparkling Shiraz by Avonmore Estate Wines, spritzes and fortified wines from Callipari Wines Non-alcoholic herbal drinks for when you don't want to drink alcohol or for when you have drunk too much! By Three Goannas Shiraz, Carmenere and Grenache by Humis Vineyard Crisp ciders perfect for the warmer weather from Darraweit Valley Cider A range of craft beers from Shedshaker Brewing Honey mead from Wondermazing Bees Craft beers from Victoria’s oldest National Trust listed country pub; Tooborac Brewery Award winning Gins from Big Tree Distillery Cordials, bitters, vinegars and shrubs from Big Harvest Moon Welcome newcomer Gilles who is the talent behind Maidenii vermouth and Maison Lapalus wines Wines reflecting the characteristics of Heathcote’s Cambrian soils from Armstead Estate >> Ready-Made-Foods to Takeaway, Takeaway Coffee Dumplings and spring rolls from Taste of the Orient Mother Bean Coffee Market Fresh Gozleme say no more! Vegan foods by Flower Power Soul Food Brew 2 U Coffee Van Egg and bacon rolls by The Good Life Farm Co >> Other Flower arrangements and individual proteas from Proteas Direct Eucalyptus products from Hartlands Eucalyptus Farm Organic skin care & household cleaning products from Chiron Organic Health Seedlings grown from seed with no chemicals or sprays by Seasonal Seedlings

23.01.2022 Say hello to Karen Kelly and the team from PUD FOR ALL SEASONS. The basic ingredients for Karen's award-winning business came together 19 years ago when Karen's Grandma taught Karen how to make puddings for the family. One Christmas, a friend asked Karen to make something "Christmassy " to sell at her Buda Historic Home fundraising event. Karen suggested puddings and her pudding business has steadily grown from there. Karen and her husband, Gerard, moved from the corporate wo...Continue reading

22.01.2022 Great News !! The next Saturday market will be held on Saturday 13th of June in their new location. You can still shop at the weekly Thursday market outside the Good Loaf Bakery Follow the Bendigo Community Farmers Market facebook page to keep up to date with lists of local producers ... See you there

22.01.2022 Still looking for the perfect gift for dad What about a delicious Father's Day Hamper, made with love by Food Fossickers :) Choose between our Beer & Snacks for $80 OR Family Breakfast for $75! Beer & Snacks Hamper include: - 4 Cans Palling Bros Brewery’s Beer (Dads Choice of Lager, Mid Strength,Pale Ale, IPA, Golden Ale or Choc Porter) - The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery & Cafe Gourmet Beef and Moroccan Lamb Pies... - Bendigo Brittle - Chocolate covered Pud balls from Pud For all Seasons - McIvor Farm Foods Pork Salami - Bridgeward Grove Olives and Art Farm Gate Olives - Michel's Fine Biscuit Co. Castlemaine & Castlemaine Fine Biscuit Co.Olive Oil Crackers - Collins Honey Creamed Honey Chocolates Family Breakfast HamperInclude (Serves 4): - Pink Muesli - McIvor Farm Foods Pork Chorizo - The Good Life Farm Co Eggs - Masons of Bendigo Sourdough - Collins Honey - Mister Grimsby Coffee - Teaporium Bush Tea Blend - Tea Associates Tea Pre-order open now! You have to order by Midnight Wednesday, September 2. Simply message us here and we can give you more details. Your hamper will be ready to be collected on Saturday, September 5 between 2 to 4.30pm at Hoo-gah.

22.01.2022 Well done to Mandurang Valley Wines, Sutton Grange Winery, Blackjack Wines, Balgownie Estate Bendigo and Killiecrankie Wines. To learn more about our local wine region or to plan your next cellar door trail visit www.bendigowines.org.au

21.01.2022 Say hello to Kerry McCuskey of Tea Associates Kerry is super excited to announce the release of three new products to her range of hand blended bespoke teas. Kerry’s artisan teas are lovingly blended in Bendigo using Kerry’s own recipes. Relax and restore after a long day with new Bedtime Bouquet. This stunning blend of lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, valerian, lindren, rose petals, rose hip, lemongrass and chamomile will put your mind and body at peace. Parisian Gre...y is a new twist on a delicious blend of black tea with blue cornflowers, orange peel, rose petals and rosehip shells. And last but not least, Bendigo Awakenings is a blend of black teas from Sri Lanka, India and China, making it a popular ‘pick me up’ tea. Kerry had been brewing the idea to start her own tea company for over 10 years. Her obsession with teas began as a young girl and every part of the Tea Associates journey has been carefully considered. In Feb 2020, Tea associates was successfully launched at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne. Tea Associates teas are as organic as they can be! Kerry is passionate about the environment and is adamant that her products should have biodegradable packaging with refillable or repurposed tins. Tea associates has partnered with 15.trees, an initiative to support businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change through sponsoring Australian community tree planting projects. A tree will be planted for every Tea Associates order over $60 In July 2020, Kerry decided to retire from the corporate world and live her dream through Tea Associates. You can find Tea Associates tea at Indulge chocolates, Café Essence , the Great Stupa of Bendigo, Bluebird Patisserie and Artocracy in Brunswick or order directly via the online store at www.teaassociates.com.au . Why not visit the Tea Associates stall at the Trove Market Bendigo on Sunday the 6th of December or look out for the new Pop up shop in the Bendigo Bank Centre on Mitchel St, Bendigo to see the entire range of Tea blends and Christmas Gift Tea packs To become a stockist, contact Kerry on 0478 293 617

21.01.2022 Say hello to Marita and Miguel Valenzuela from Award winning beetroot muesli company PINK MUESLI Whether it's the crunch of Pink Muesli's Citrus and Ginger blend sprinkled through a summer salad or the sweet spice of their Christmas Special Pear and Pistachio mix served with ice cream, Pink Muesli is no longer just for breakfast. Hand made in Blampied, Pink Muesli is the first and only vegetable based muesli in Australia. Marita has been passionate about eating wholefoods and... making her own granola blends since the 1980's but it was a health scare 7 years ago that inspired her to take her son, Miguel , advice and try beetroot therapy. Miguel, a keen nutritionist, urged his mother to incorporate more beetroot into her diet to improve blood flow and overcome her high blood pressure issues. Marita found that the addition of beetroot to her diet really worked to improve her health. At first, Marita found that cooking the beetroot faded its vibrant colour so she experimented with a dehydrator and ....it worked. A year later, Pink Muesli was born. It all snowballed from there and quickly grew by word of mouth. Miguel joined Marita on a full-time basis 3 years ago to take over production and advise on the nutritional aspects of their products. Marita's food philosophy is simple - " Let food be your medicine ". Marita estimates that 70 -90% of the ingredients used in Pink Muesli are sourced from local organic farms, including the raw organic beetroot which makes this muesli so nutritionally superior. Pink Muesli won their first accolade from the Australian Food Awards in 2016, a silver medal for their Citrus and Ginger blend. Their second medal in 2017 was won for the Dark Cacao and Strawberry blend and then in 2019 the Citrus and Ginger blend was awarded again with a prestigious gold medal. Marita regularly posts new recipes and menu ideas on her Facebook and Instagram page and encourages local food lovers to put Pink Muesli on their "essentials " shopping list. You can follow Pink Muesli's social media page to keep up to date with their next Farmers Market appearances. Pink Muesli can be ordered online at www.pinkmuesli.com and on the viccountrymarket.com.au website which currently offers free delivery in Victoria. In fact , many of Marita's loyal customers order their favourite blends in bulk to avoid ever having to go without To become a stockist contact [email protected]

21.01.2022 Stay tuned! #foodfossickers #explorebendigo #castlemaineandmaldonsurrounds #heathcotetowncrier #bebendigo #regionalvictoria #fathersdaygifts #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal @mcivorfarmfoods @pinkmuesli @pallingbrosbrewery @pudforallseasons @teaporium.com.au @teaassociates_bendigo @masons_of_bendigo @michelsfinebiscuitco @bridgeward_grove @mistergrimsbycoffee

21.01.2022 We love to hear from our local producers. Call in to the cellar door at Henry of Harcourt, 219 Reservoir Rd, Harcourt to taste real ciders the way they ought to taste . Cellar door open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Weekends. Ask about the Dry Ginger Cider made from apples grown in the Henry family orchard and locally grown ginger

20.01.2022 Say hello to Michel from Michel's Fine biscuit Co. Castlemaine & Castlemaine Fine Biscuit Co. Michel has always enjoyed baking. It all started at home with her mother and an old sunbeam mixer. She has fond memories of baking with her Mum as a child. When her Mum upgraded to a Kenwood mixer she thought it was the bees knees! Michel loved that mixer so much it was the first kitchen item she bought when she moved out of home. It lasted about 30 years which was remarkable consid...Continue reading

17.01.2022 The City of Greater Bendigo has launched their new Food Systems strategy for 2020-2030 . Find out what it means for your community ...

17.01.2022 Another interesting read !! Thanks to Masons of Bendigo for showcasing our local producers

17.01.2022 Heathcote is the place to be this Saturday and Sunday !! 20 wineries will be taking part in the SUMMER OF CELLAR DOORS event this weekend. With live music at selected venues and a variety of wine tastings head to www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au to plan your weekend wine tour.

16.01.2022 Say hello to David and Jayne Lawson of BLACK WALLABY WINES An exciting new label to the @bendigo_region_wines group, David and Jayne produce low intervention Shiraz, Roe, Sparkling Roe and a Viognier/Marsanne blend called the "Albino" named for the elusive white wallabies that graze along the banks of the Loddon River near their family farm at Bridgewater North. Dave's story didnt begin with a classic wine education, nor with a gradual return to the family winery. He was ...thrust into winemaking when his father, Jim , planted a vineyard in 1997 as a retirement plan. Still living at home at the time, Dave helped his father establish the vineyard and quickly realised he had a passion for viticulture and winemaking. Today, Black Wallaby Wines is still a family affair with Dave as the winemaker, Jayne managing marketing and sales and Dave's father , Jim, working alongside them.Their young children love being out in the vineyard amongst the vines and perhaps they'll be the next generation of winemakers. Dave and Jayne both grew up in farming families who instilled in them a strong work ethic and a love for working on the land together as a family. Ensuring the survival of a farm through challenges like drought, frosts and floods has been something they have both seen modelled to them while growing up. "There's an undying love and passion you have as a farmer to produce something really special from the land you work ". David and Jayne both have a solid passion for sustainable farming and for producing a quality product. Black Wallaby Wines are still open for business during the coronavirus pandemic with a unique drive through cellar door at the farm plus free local delivery. You can place an order by calling 0448 917 093 . Dave and Jayne are also excited to be a part of " The Loddon Shed " , an online store showcasing the best of the loddon region ( www.theloddonshed.com.au) Wines can be ordered by the box and delivered to your door Australia wide. To learn more about Black Wallaby Wines visit www.blackwallabywines.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram

15.01.2022 Friday 27th of November is the last chance to join Bendigo Winegrowers for the Bendigo Heritage Uncorked series. Head to www.bendigowine.org.au/events/bendigo-uncorked-week to order your 3 bottles of local handcrafted wines and secure your tickets to the online virtual tastings Wineries featured in this event include : ... Peter Fyffe, Glenwillow Wines, Sparkling Shiraz 2017 Melanie Chester, Sutton Grange Winery, Fairbank Rosé 2019 Andrew Simpson, Newbridge Wines, Shiraz 2017 See more

13.01.2022 Make plans for the weekend ....

12.01.2022 Still looking for the perfect gift for mum for Mother's Day? Get her this to show how much you care! The Food Fossickers Mother's Day gift bag includes: Bottle GilGraves Rosè; Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolate; Pud for all Seasons Pebbles x2; Michel’s Fine Biscuits Olive Oil Crackers; Bridgeward Grove Olives; Simply Green Tomatoes, Paste and Salad Dressing; B & B Basil’s edible flowers and zucchini flowers; Camel Milk Co Hand Cream; Collins Honey Lip Balm and Teaporium High Cha...i Tea Please note each bag is specially crafted so flavours may vary. Valued at over $130 and you can get it for $98! How to order? Pre-Pay by Wednesday 6th @ 8pm Collect Friday 8th May @ Hoo-Gah between 3pm to 5.30pm. Please bring I.D. Payment to BSB: 633 000 Account Number: 150105484 Please place full name in description and email a copy of your receipt to: [email protected]

11.01.2022 Orders close TONIGHT midnight! Don’t miss out! Spoil Dad and support our locals this Father’s Day!

11.01.2022 Clink on the link to read Salute Oliva's latest interview with ABC News Reporter Edan Hynninen.

10.01.2022 Say hello to Carmel from SPRINGMOUNT FINE FOODS. Created by husband and wife team Carmel and Brett Masterson in 2015, Springmount Fine Foods are a small artisan producer of award winning gourmet food products located in the Daylesford region. Springmount Fine Foods was created with a passion for living off the land, a love of fine food and most of all, a curiosity about the largely unheard of product, Black Garlic.... After hearing about this unique product in 2010 on an episode of MasterChef, Carmel and Brett did some research and discovered that black garlic is created in a process that involves slow cooking garlic in an oven for 40 days. During those 40 days the natural sugars break down to produce a jet black sweet and sticky delicacy, similar to a dried fruit. Obviously they weren't able to dedicate their home oven to a 40 day trial at first but their curiosity grew until 2014 when Carmel decided to quit her job, buy a separate oven and begin making black garlic in earnest. By 2017 their story had come full circle when MasterChef began buying in their black garlic to stock the Masterchef pantry. Over the past 5 years, Springmount Fine Foods have diversified into making a range of garlic sauces and vinaigrettes, fruit pastes and a variety of gourmet "pearls" they supply to the hospitality industry. Carmel and Brett have a paddock to plate philosophy, sustainably growing a number of ingredients used in their products on their family farm. However, their main crop is garlic and they plant approximately 25,000 heads annually to be crafted into their garlic products Black garlic has become a popular ingredient for chefs all around the world, including some of the top restaurants in Melbourne, Daylesford and Central Victoria. The flavour is sweet, yet savoury, with a rich earthiness that pairs beautifully with egg, mushrooms, tomatoes, roasted pork, salmon, basil, parsley, truffles and cheese. It can even be used in desserts when matched with dark chocolate. Carmel's favourite way to serve black garlic is sliced thinly and balanced on a generous slice of good blue vein cheese and a cracker.....but come to think of it .....who needs the cheese and cracker ? To order Springmount Fine Foods gourmet products or to find your nearest stockist visit www.springmountfinefoods.com.au. From now until the end of August , you can also take advantage of free delivery across Victoria when you order from the Victorian Country market website www.viccountrymarket.com.au To become a stockist contact Carmel via email at [email protected]

10.01.2022 Food Fossickers proudly presents our Fathers Day Hampers. Choose between our Beer & Snacks for $80 OR Family Breakfast for $75! Beer & Snacks includes: 4 Cans Palling Bro’s Beer (Dads Choice of Lager, Mid Strength,Pale Ale, IPA, Golden Ale or Choc Porter) The Good Loaf Gourmet Beef and Moroccan Lamb Pies Bendigo Brittle... Chocolate covered Pud balls McIvor Farm Pork Salami Bridgeward Grove Olives Michels Fine Biscuits Olive Oil Crackers Collins Honey Creamed Honey Chocolates Family Breakfast Includes enough for 4: Pink Muesli McIvor Farm Pork Chorizo The Good Life Farm Co. Eggs Masons of Bendigo Sourdough Collins Honey Mister Grimbsy Coffee Teaporium Bush Tea Blend Tea Associates Tea PRE ORDER BY WEDNESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER MIDNIGHT FOR COLLECTION SATURDAY 5th 2pm-4:30pm at Hoo-Gah Payment to BSB: 633 000 Account Number: 150105484 Please place full name in description and email a copy of your receipt to: [email protected] with contact number. Please include beer selections in email if purchasing Beer & Snacks Hamper. @teaassociates_bendigo @masons_of_bendigo @collins_honey @mcivorfarmfoods @michelsfinebiscuitco @pudforallseasons @pallingbrosbrewery @pinkmuesli @thegoodloafbakery @mistergrimsbycoffee @thegoodlifefarmco @teaporium.com.au @bendigobrittle @bridgeward_grove #fathersday #staysafe #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #discoverbendigo #lovebendigo #castlemaineandmaldonsurrounds #explorebendigo #foodiedad #bebendigo #heathcote #cityofgastronomy #bendigobusinesses #bendigotalks #regionalvictoria #centralvictoria

09.01.2022 EOI Growing Innovation in Gastronomy - https://mailchi.mp/dfd/eoi-growing-innovation-in-gastronomy

09.01.2022 Say hello to Sarah, President of the Food Fossickers Network. Food Fossickers is a not for profit organization created to celebrate the richness and diversity of our local food industry and to promote our network of growers, producers, retailers and eateries to the lovers of fine food from the Bendigo region, recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Sarah joined the Food Fossickers in 2018 and accepted her nomination to become President in 2019. Sarah spent her childhood o...n a vineyard in the King Valley in North East Victoria. After studying Natural Resources Education at Latrobe Uni in Bendigo Sarah travelled and worked overseas, spending the majority of her time on the Isle of Skye. While there, she worked in a family run hunting lodge and restaurant that prided itself on supplying local produce. Sarah has spent many years working in the hospitality industry. She is currently part of the front of house team at Masons of Bendigo where she continues to grow her passion for supporting local producers and venues. She is often found inventing new cocktails around local and seasonal produce. Food Fossickers are passionate about food and the role it plays in creating a healthy and vibrant community. You can visit our website www.foodfossickers.com.au to learn more about our members and check out upcoming food events or follow our socials, on Facebook and Instagram, to find out about new products and special deals our members have on offer. Fancy a sample of gourmet foods from our members? Order your Beer and Snacks hamper from the Food Fossickers stall on the @viccountrymarket website. If you are interested in becoming a member or supporting our network contact our team at [email protected]

08.01.2022 Find our Beer and Snacks hamper on Vic Country Market! With FREE DELIVERY around Victoria! Perfect for that lazy afternoon or for that hard to buy for person, all while supporting our amazing members! With only 5 weeks till Christmas I know where I will be doing my shopping! https://viccountrymarket.com.au/sta/food-fossickers-bendigo Photo credit Nicole Cleary Photography

08.01.2022 You won’t be able to take Mum out this Mother’s Day but with this gift bag she won’t even miss it! A bit sweet, a bit savoury and a bit of luxury all gift wrapped! The best part is it can all be organised from your couch! What more could Mum want! Payment details below!

08.01.2022 A huge thank you to Annette and the team at Harcourt Produce & General Store for hosting our networking event last night and putting on such a delicious feast for us. We appreciate the time put into making your own house smoked salmon for us to enjoy and sharing your love of great cheese, wine and local produce Also , thanks to Sally Beer , Agribusiness Support Officer at City of Greater Bendigo, for explaining the process behind creating our regions new gastronomy guide . Th...is interactive online map allows users to explore Central Victoria's leading food and beverage experiences, custom build your own gourmet food trail or discover the many existing trails. The map also includes details of our local farmers markets and lists hands-on workshops you may like to join. It's well worth the time to visit the guide and learn more about what's on offer in our region . Head to www.bendigogastronomy.com.au to plan your next food adventure.

06.01.2022 How exciting !! Join this Live streaming event beginning on the 23rd of Oct. Head to www.bendigowines.org.au to book your ticket now.

06.01.2022 Congratulations to Warialda Belted Galloway Beef and McIvor Farm Pork , both nominated as State finalists in this years Delicious awards

05.01.2022 Mark it on your calendar !!

04.01.2022 Calling all food lovers in Harcourt and surrounds Join us for our next networking event in Harcourt on the 19th of April Places are limited , confirm your attendance by texting 0424 060 281 before midday on Wednesday the 14th See you there !!

03.01.2022 Did you know ..?? Bendigo Foodshare currently has a Grow a Row, Pick a Branch program that encourages local home gardeners and market farmers from across Central Victoria to plant extra crops in their gardens or harvest their excess fruit and vegetables to share with Bendigo Foodshare, who will redistribute it as food relief amongst those in our community doing it tough. Bridget Bentley Manager of Bendigo Foodshare, recently attended our networking event in Harcourt to tel...l us about the importance of creating access to fresh fruits and veggies to all members of our community, but particularly those that may have fallen on tough times. The diminishing ability of low-income families to pay for healthy food is consigning the least well-off in our community to a greater risk of diet-related illness, such as obesity and diabetes, as well as widening health inequalities. Joining the Grow a Row, Pick a Branch program is meant to be fun, so why not encourage your neighbours, friends, workmates or community groups to Grow a Row or Pick a Branch too. We asked Food Fossicker members Carmel and Brett of Springmount Fine Foods for their expert tips on how to grow healthy garlic. Springmount Fine Foods plant over 25000 garlic cloves on their farm each year to create a range of Black garlic sauces and dressings. What is Black garlic I hear you ask ? Black garlic is actually raw garlic that has been slow roasted in a specially designed oven for 40 days. During those 40 days the natural sugars break down to produce a jet black sweet and sticky delicacy, similar to a dried fruit. The flavour is sweet, yet savoury, with a rich earthiness that pairs beautifully with egg, mushrooms, tomatoes, roasted pork, salmon, basil, parsley, truffles and cheese. It can even be used in desserts when matched with dark chocolate. Visit the online store at www.Springmountfinefoods.com.au to try black garlic for yourself. Here are Brett and Carmel’s top 5 tips 1 - Choose a place in the garden that has full sun 2 - Make sure the site has good drainage. as garlic doesn’t like to grow in waterlogged soil 3 - Before planting, turn your soil over thoroughly and add well aged compost to provide a nutrient rich environment for your garlic bulbs to grow. 4 - Plant each garlic clove twice the depth of the garlic clove and approx. 15cm apart. 5 - Harvest your garlic in around 9 months time when the outer leaves have dried but the inner leaves are still green To learn more about the Grow a Row, Pick a Branch program or to make a donation to the Hungry for Change Appeal this weekend visit www.bendigofoodshare.org.au/grow-cook-share

03.01.2022 BENDIGO BRITTLE - ITS GOLD FOR YOUR GOB Central Victorian confectionary business @bendigobrittle is expanding its range of sweet, nutty treats with the launch of a new Cashew Brittle . The new addition increases the brittle range, which was launched in 2016 , to now offer packs of Cashew Brittle, Praline Peanut Brittle, Macadamia Brittle and Vegan Peanut Brittle.... Bendigo Brittle was born when PR executive Greta Donaldson returned to her hometown in 2015 to be closer to her family after 20 years of working in Melbourne with high profile clients across media, entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle brands. She was inspired to establish the business after whipping up a batch of peanut brittle for a family Christmas using a recipe created by her late grandmother , Norma Roulston, from Toolleen near Elmore. " I come from a long line of great cooks, but they would all be laughing in their graves at my success" Greta says. " I burn toast ! I was never kitchen bound, although I do like cooking ". This began to change as Greta tinkered with her grandmother's recipe to create a finer, more brittle sweet and salty treat. Bendigo Brittle has now established a strong following as Greta, and a small team of employees, offer her treats from her distinctive cart at artisan and farmers markets around Central Victoria. To meet growing demand Greta recently relocated to a new custom designed commercial kitchen , but it remains a family enterprise with Greta cooking alongside her mother Shirley and her niece Mikala. Throughout the process , Greta has been determined to build and maintain a high quality brand, sourcing the best local ingredients and supporting local businesses wherever possible. "Its an exciting time to live and work in regional Victoria " she says ." I can't wait to get to market to see what our customers think of our new Cashew Brittle. In a time of global upheaval, I am delighted that Bendigo Brittle is one small thing that is and can become a constant - a small moment of pleasure in people's daily lives. That in itself makes everything worthwhile" For more information about Bendigo Brittle products contact Greta on 0427 658 638 or email [email protected]

03.01.2022 Tis the season to pop the cork and say hello to Ken and Kaye of GilGraves Wines. Celebrate this summer with a glass of GilGraves minimal intervention wine. Just a stone throw from nearby Axedale, half way between Bendigo and Heathcote, Ken and Kaye purchased their 50 acre farm as part of Ken’s retirement plan from his law practice. The couple had always had an appreciation of good wine and after 30 years as a Lawyer, Ken was ready for a change. The two live by the motto that... Life is not a dress rehearsal so, in 2010, they took the leap and started planting a vineyard. At first their friends thought they were slightly mad but after a lot of hard work they now have a flourishing vineyard and family friendly farm stay accommodation and are enjoying every moment of the journey. GilGraves currently have 5 wines to enjoy: A Rosé - featuring hints of baked quince, rosemary spice, strawberry and dried apple . A Viognier - with bright natural acid and honeysuckle fruit flavours. A Sangiovese - fine boned and fragrant with ripe cherry fruit flavour and subtle spice A 2019 Field Blend of Shiraz, Malbec and Sangiovese with notes of dried raspberry, blood plum and gentle tannins And a new release this year a light red called "Carbonic Shiraz". Served chilled, this style of wine is a great choice for the summer months. Ken and Kaye believe that mother nature is the author of all wine. All their wines reflect the terroir of the vineyard which grew the grapes. Nothing is added to the wines except minimal sulphur prior to bottling GilGraves wines can be purchased online at www.gilgraves.com.au or in Bendigo at the Hop Supply Bottle Shop, 137 McCrae Street, Bendigo. You can also order GilGraves Wines through the Victorian Country Market website ( www.viccountrymarket.com.au ) and receive free delivery across Victoria. Ken and Kaye are having so much fun honing their skills in the vineyard that its now become a fulltime affair so much for a quiet retirement!! To become a stockist contact Gilgraves via email at [email protected]

01.01.2022 Say Hello to Jason and Belinda from McIvor Farm Foods. 10 years ago, Jason and Belinda started off with 5 sows and 1 Berkshire boar on a corner of the original Hagan family farm that Jason grew up on in Tooborac. With farming in his blood, Jason chose to pursue Farm Business Management professionally upon leaving school. He has since travelled across Australia working and managing farm operations of varying scales and methodologies, building expertise across cropping, livesto...ck and outdoor bred piggeries. Jason is passionate about working with and learning from the industries best and seeks to leave a thriving legacy for future generations Belinda Hagan gained an insight into animal nutrition during her time studying at Latrobe Uni in Bundoora. She studied Agricultural Science which lead to an honors thesis on The effect of water intake in piglets and suckling frequency . Belinda has been involved in all aspects of developing McIvor Farm and has been the prominent force behind the business’ growth. She enjoys being hands on in the paddocks and loves the customer interaction at Farmers Markets. Belinda believes in supporting local and is so proud when her children can sit at the dinner table and ramble off the names of all the producers on their plate. The philosophy behind their farming and pork production is regenerative, respectful and holistic. With the combination of keyline, cell-grazing, holistic farm management, pasture cropping and permaculture, Jason and Belinda have built McIvor Farm from the ground up. Together, Jason and Belinda are focused on creating a great life for their family, connecting with the local food community and building a legacy for their 2 kids, Hannah and Eric. With Christmas just around the corner, sales of Christmas hams are in full swing. McIvor Farm Foods offer free-range half leg or full leg naturally cured and traditionally cured Christmas hams on the bone. They specialize in naturally cured ham using naturally occurring nitrates derived from celery. The resulting ham is delicious and has a slightly different texture to traditionally cured hams made with synthetic nitrates. McIvor Farm endeavour to teach their customers about the difference between the two curing styles. Also on offer for your Christmas feast, large rolled and seasoned Porchetta roasts are available to order via their website You will find Jason and Belinda at the Bendigo Farmers Market, held every second Saturday of the month or you can take a country drive to their Farm gate Shop located at 2820 Lancefield Tooborac Rd, Tooborac. (open every Friday from 10am to 2pm) McIvor Farm Foods feel the movement for local food is growing and are very excited for their next 10 years on the farm. Subscribe to their regular newsletter via their website, www.mcivorfarmfoods.com.au , to be the first to hear about upcoming events, workshops and current products at their Farmgate.

01.01.2022 Mother’s Day gift bag orders close at 8pm TONIGHT! Get in quick to avoid disappointment! How do you get your hands on a gift bag? Pre-Pay by Wednesday 6th @ 8pm... Collect Friday 8th May @ Hoo-Gah between 3pm to 5.30pm. Please bring I.D. Payment to BSB: 633 000 Account Number: 150105484 Please place full name in description and email a copy of your receipt to: [email protected]