Make the most of seasonal plums and blueberries while they are still around.

You can't beat fresh produce!The season is changing and with it the last of the stone fruit is disappearing off the shelves. Now is the time to search out remaining late season dark-fleshed plums, to enjoy blueberries, to eat your fill of corn and outdoor tomatoes … because in the bat of an eye, the produce shelves and market stalls will be full of feijoas, Brussels sprouts, leeks and cavolo nero, if they aren’t already in your neck of the woods, as they take their seasonal turn to tempt us into the kitchen. At Shared Kitchen we are big on fresh produce (as if you haven’t noticed!), and cooking from scratch is our by-line. As summer fades ­– and many of us around the country were rudely delivered into autumn with torrential rain and flooding two weeks back – the prospect of warming foods, slow-cooked and aromatic stews, cheap and cheerful family dishes and puddings and autumnal desserts sets the heart racing. Yep, we’ll be changing tack next week, but for now, one last HURRAH! Plums & blueberries all wrapped up in cinnamon pastry is hard to resist. Plum & Blueberry Tart The pastry is quickly made in a food processor and is resilient and doesn't become soggy with fruit juices. I’ve also revisited Ilaria’s Chia & Coconut Dessert topped with raspberries and blueberries because it’s delicious and well worth making at home. Brunch, lunch or supper? A good egg dish slips into any meal. I love these eggs, and I’ve gone over the top by adding green olives, feta and coriander, but they’re good without these extras if you want to keep things simple. Tunisian Eggs with Extras! I’ve also posted the list of finalists in the inaugural Outstanding Food Producer Awards. Head Judge Lauraine Jacobs said, “It was exciting to judge these new awards and see so many innovative and interesting products. It reinforces my view that in New Zealand we have some of the finest food in the world, whether it is straight from the farm or ocean, or has been value-added to meet the demand of a world seeking sustainably produced food filled with flavour.” I couldn’t agree more! You have until 31st March to vote for your favourite Farmers’ Market, Specialty Food Store or Supermarket, Food Region or Product or Producer. All the details Here. Just a word about cooking classes, although I am not running any public classes at the moment, I am taking names for future classes. Please email julie@sharedkitchen.co.nz for details. Have a great week Julie