First Stop, Red Hill Market
I cannot think of a better way to start the new year than by visiting a Market. First thing Saturday morning, Ben and I walked the 20 minutes it takes to get to the Red Hill Showgrounds, and by the time we arrived our tummies were grumbling. My first meal of 2011 would be Poffertjes, and that sounded simply fabulous to me.
The Poffertjes stand is conveniently (and cleverly) located at the front entrance to the market, so naturally we headed there first.
They're just delightful - warm, soft pillows, which are super fluffy, slathered in gooey butter and dusted with icing sugar. A sticky drizzle of maple syrup adds a nice touch of sweetness. We went back for more.
Next we purchased some Corn on the cob. For $5 a cob it is quite ridiculously expensive. It is lovely, juicy corn, however it never used to be so pricey. I feel like an old man swearing at "kids these days", but seriously, times have changed...
Ben visited his usual Satay stand. They were lovely, full of ginger, like always.
I bought a cupcake. I always walk past this stand and "oooh" and "ahhh" at all the pretty cakes. This time I bought one. After much indecisive back-and-forth, trying to decide on a flavour - "do I want white chococolate and raspberry? Or perhaps fudge brownie?" - I decided on a Rose Blossom Cupcake.
It was a vanilla base with a soft, baby-pink tinted icing. The icing tasted more of marshmallow than rose water. I was hoping for a stronger flavour like that in turkish delight. Despite not being a huge marshmallow fan, I enjoyed this cupcake. A few bites were enough though - it was very sweet. Naturally I got it all over my face.
The Italian Doughnuts were a little disappointing this time. Perhaps I built up their brilliance in my head and hence had unrealistic expectations. Either way, they've been knocked off their podium and Poffertjes are officially my new favourite market food. We bought some doughnuts home for Jackson, as he adores them. The cinnamon sugar combined with the hot, fried dough really is quite delicious.
We drank Lemonade and wandered the stalls.
I love this place. I think it is going to be a great year.