Farmers are again the stars of volume two of the popular Scenic Rim EAT LOCAL cookbook, which profiles 26 local farmers, growers and makers.
Authors Brenda Fawdon and Christine Sharp returned for the second volume, an initiative of the Scenic Rim Regional Council, with support from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
EAT LOCAL Volume 2 also features more than 60 new recipes, created by chef and Eat Local Week ambassador Brenda Fawdon, to showcase the delicious array of food available in the region.
The Scenic Rim is emerging as Queensland’s most exciting food and farming destination, producing a bounty of food and drinks, from vegetables to beef to finger limes, macadamias, honey, coffee, wine, cheese, and olives.
EAT LOCAL – Food, Farming & Conversation Volume 2 was unveiled by ABC Landline Presenter Pip Courtney in May 2018.
Christine Sharp & Brenda Fawdon
Co-authors Brenda and Christine live on Tamborine Mountain and are wholehearted supporters of local produce. They say the process of writing two books about local food and farming has put them in touch with passionate producers whose work is inspired by creating fresh ingredients.
“Having met so many decent, hardworking people in making the first volume, we were excited to get to know another 26 farmers, growers and makers, and to create this book of recipes inspired by their amazing produce, grown and raised with love, right on our doorstep,” says Christine.
“Many mornings during the winter of 2017, Brenda and I drove along country roads in darkness, following the car’s GPS, watching the sky brighten with the imminent dawn.
“We met farmers, and their families, people who would soon become friends, and we’d hear their stories and see the evidence of their life’s work.
“What a privilege to meet the people who grow the food that ends up on our plates. And what a difference it makes to our appreciation of that food, knowing something of the care and toil involved in the process – from seed to plant to harvest to market.”
After the farm visits, Brenda set out to create recipes that would make the ingredients sing. The book features more than 60 recipes, some more challenging than others, which showcase the breadth and quality of food and beverages available in the Scenic Rim.
“Our hope for this book is that food lovers, both residents of and visitors to the region, will fall in love with the Scenic Rim and our produce,” says Brenda.
“We are so fortunate to live in a place both fertile and beautiful, where we have access to quality fresh produce, and where we can get to know our creative and talented local farmers, growers and makers.”
Scenic Rim Mayor, Cr Greg Christensen, says the first EAT LOCAL book was so well received by everyone who read it – and who was in it – that the Council was intent on making the second book a reality.
“This is such a powerful way to tell the story of our region, our fertile fields, our amazing producers and the delicious array of food and drinks, which are created in the Scenic Rim,” says Cr Christensen.
“People are often surprised to learn that so much production is happening literally on the doorstep of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. EAT LOCAL Volume 2 shines a light on another 26 talented men and women whose hard work, skill and dedication provides us with the ultimate benefit – health and sustenance.
“Brenda and Christine have once again created a stunning book, which is both inspiring and delicious!”
BUY THE BOOK: EAT LOCAL Volumes 1 & 2 are available to buy online at www.eatlocalweek.com.au and from Scenic Rim Visitor Information Centres, local cafes and restaurants and Brisbane bookshops.