Castlefarm Shop Newsletter
10-Nov-2007
As we are preparing for our first Christmas at Castlefarm Shop we will have lots happening in November
Castlefarm Shop newsletter, November 07. As we are preparing for our first Christmas at Castlefarm Shop we will have lots happening in November
Christmas Craft market at Castlefarm Our traditional Christmas market will happen on Thursday 29th of November from 3pm-8pm. We will have at least 12 local craft stalls, we have the complimentary mince pies and mulled wine organised. We have just ordered our big Christmas tree and lights. Now all we need are people to fill the old square (the yard) and to arrive to do some Christmas shopping, local style. All welcome so bring your friends! PS there is still a gap for local carol singers!
Local Christmas trees for sale From 29 November I have just ordered a batch of Grangecon grown Christmas trees. They will arrive on 29th November and will be real, green and non shed.
Christmas Cookery at Castlefarm Louise O’Hare’s (What’s Cooking) November Christmas cookery demonstration is now fully booked but there are still places on the 6th December demonstration evening. Anyone interested in booking should contact us immediately (details on bottom of newsletter). The cookery demonstration takes place on Thursday 22nd from 8pm-10pm, will include tastings and refreshments and will cost between €15-€20.
Castlefarm Shop becomes agents for Millwood traditional crafts
Last year Peter met John Robinson; a Tyrone suckler farmer who has began an alternative farm enterprise making mini wooden farmyards and horse arenas for children. We think these are really well crafted and are incredibly sturdy (see how the one in the shop is holding up!). They fully comply with British Toy Safety Regulations and prices start at €56.We are now taking orders for Christmas. Santa has already placed quite a few orders with us so please order as soon as possible. If you want to view these on line please log onto http://www.millwoodcrafts.co.uk
New products on the shelves
John O’Brien’s Athy Roosters have arrived – I think they are best baked – wash rub with sea salt and olive oil and bake in a moderate oven for the best part of an hour – delicious. To make things easier on the cooks of the house for the winter months we have sourced some amazing seasoning packets. They are made by Kylemore Acres in Galway (a husband and wife team Diane is pictured above left). From Vindaloo seasoning, to herb stuffing mix and stew seasonings directions are included on the packets. Just follow the recipes printed on the back of the packets adding seasonings to your meat/fish et voila dinner is on the way! Gobble Gobble – Colchester’s Turkeys Colchester’s Organic Farm in Urlingford, Kilkenny are supplying us with 30 organic turkeys this Christmas, 15 white and 15 bronze. These are whole and oven ready and Ben says that any birds less than 18lb will be hen turkeys. We are now taking orders and deposits of €30 per bird, plus your name and phone number will be required to secure. They need to be collected from Castlefarm on Sunday 23rd of December. We may secure more free range and organic turkeys later on this season. With rising feed prices we cannot guarantee this and do not have prices at present. Colchester turkey Prices White – €10.50/kg or €4.76lb – So 12lb would cost €57 and 16lb would cost €76 Bronze –€11.25/kg or €5.10/lb – So 12lb would cost €61.20 and 16lb would cost €81.60 For those who want to give a turkey a break The Van Rouge –AKA Bruce and Denise at
Athy Farmers’ Market will be supplying us with a range of delicious vegetarian dishes from mid November. These can be frozen and served as the Christmas alternative for the vegetarians on Christmas day.
New students arrive at Castlefarm! This month Anna and Larissa will be joining us on the farm and in the shop. They are both from Germany.
Most exciting product of last month Kildare chillies (pictured below) were delivered to me by my customer John Peters. They were grown by his son Michael Peters in Grangemellon, Athy. Product of this month Burtown Cross Turnips. They are local, fresh and extremely good value. Grown by Jim Barr these are great peeled, chopped up, boiled and mashed. Plenty of butter, salt and pepper and parsley added to make these a delicious accompaniment to any dinner. Recipe of the month I have decided to let Kylemore Acres give you a choice of recipes of the month. On the back of each seasoning packet there are recipes for so many dishes.
CASTLEFARM DIARY
- Thursday 22nd November Christmas Cookery with Louise O Hare of Whats Cooking – All places filled
- Thursday 29th November Christmas Market 3pm-8pm at Castlefarm – Local crafts, hampers and goodies for sale. To include free mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas lights and music ·
- Thursday 6th December Christmas Cookery with Louise O Hare of Whats Cooking
Please note that in December Castlefarm Shop will be open on Sunday afternoons from 2pm-6pm Opening hours Wednesday – Saturday 10am-6pm To receive our newsletter and news of new products on line please contact Castlefarm Shop, Narraghmore, Athy, Co Kildare, Telephone 059-8636948, jenny@castlefarmshop.ie, www.castlefarmshop.ie