Spring is Sprung!

It's been a glorious day in the Upper Highway and what better way to start Spring than a sunrise run (with the full moon slowly setting), followed by a trip to the Shongweni Farmers' Market. Seriously, if you live anywhere within 50km (or more if you're adventurous) of Hillcrest, just west of Durban, you really need to head out to The Market on Saturday mornings. Fresh organic produce, decadent desserts, happy dogs, adorable children, friends, and super finds. Not to mention a range of options for your steaming hot morning cup o' Joe. We love it!

Today's goodies included organic raw honey for use in chocolate cookies, biltong for snacks (oh I love biltong!), organic free range meat from Hope Meats, and a delicious selection of veggies. The gem squashes in particular were absolutely delicious! Even the kids enjoyed them.

To celebrate, when I got home I made Chocolate Covered Katie's 3 Ingredient Chocolate Bars. We used honey instead of stevia, and shape moulds instead of a simple plastic dish. I think the honey needs to be melted a little first, but the end result was certainly not unpleasant. Happy Days :)

Next up: crustless quiches for Tea Sunday at Church tomorrow. Excited!

Organic food and other options

The more we read about the various disorders linked to Tourette Syndrome, ADD and the like, and how many people find relief from the symptoms of these through diet changes, the more we discover that food from organic sources comprises a vital component of the process.

A lot of people find it hard to find organic produce, and even when they do, it is often prohibitively expensive. This light relief provides a little insight into the true cost of "going organic"; however, it's easy to be smug when we live just a few km from one of the best fresh produce markets in the country (imnsho).

The Shongweni Farmers' and Craft Market.
What a great place. We go every single Saturday (vehicle permitting). This week we first had a short 3km run, followed by witnessing an absolutely spectacular sunrise. At the market by 7am, we found all the fresh produce and organic meat we needed - all locally produced - and even shared a cup of absolutely wonderful Assagay Coffee with our pastor.

Sadly, our favourite yoghurt seller had either left already by the time we arrived, or didn't come at all. But we did get organic honey, chicken and minced beef, as well as a wide selection of delicious vegetables - including some of the best beetroot I've ever tasted.

We love organic, and we love local!