Anyone hungry?
It was buzzing at Auckland's Food Show last weekend as thousands of punters packed out Ellerslie's ASB Showgrounds for an annual event that has grown in popularity.
Several hundred vendors from around Aotearoa set up shop for the weekend, ranging from well-known brands to new ones we had yet to discover.
To say I walked out with a full belly and an empty wallet would be an understatement.
Through all the sampling and tasting, there were a few standouts that you must check out:
Upcycled Grain Project Parmesan Crackers
Normally I wouldn't give these a look in, but the better half is a big cheese and crackers eater, and she insisted I try these. They are made from the 'wastage' from the brewing process – who would have thought crackers could be sustainable!
You could tell from the first bite that they were made with real parmesan. I can see us fighting over them in the future.
Who am I kidding…You had me at salami. But these have no nasty fillers, additives or preservatives and are gluten-free, meaning one less thing to worry about if you've got a few people coming around and you don't know who's avoiding gluten.
You can order online, but I'm looking forward to hitting up their Albany store and choosing my preferred thickness of slices. Simply delicious and you have to try the black pudding (drool).
Culley's Bacon-naise & Pickle-naise
I've long been a fan of Culley's range of hot sauces and wondered how anyone could ever make good ol' mayonnaise any better, but here we go! The Bacon-naise is going to be smeared on everything in my house from now on – well, maybe not everything, but certainly burgers, tarting up the humble toastie, and a generous dollop with chips.
The Pickle-naise has the perfect balance of pickle, dill and tang – a great way to fancy up fish'n'chip night.
Now I know that the 'humble' pie is anything but these days, as there are so many bakers competing for the prestigious title of Pie of the Year.
But you have to try West Coast Pies. I've been dreaming about that handmade pastry for three nights straight - just divine. I sampled the venison and it was flawless in taste, texture and generous filling. Your tastebuds will love you forever.
And an honourable mention to cream cheese giant Philadelphia, who teased an exciting collab in the coming weeks: Caramilk cream cheese.
Take my money.
