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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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Chocolate, Hazelnut and Sour Cherry Friands »

A Foodie Expedition

October 26, 2013 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Is there any better way to start a weekend than by spending time with friends?

Yesterday afternoon, Tania, Pete and I had arranged to go to Costco, and our darling friend Carol came with us.  I also needed supplies from Harkola and the Turkish deli and, as we expected to buy quite a few items, we took two cars.

Our first port of call was Harkola in Auburn…

I convinced Carol to pick up a couple of ma’moul moulds for her chocolate tempering experiments…

As always, the shelves were laden with grains, flours and pulses, and the deli counter filled with dried fruit and nuts…

My purchases included nuts, za’atar, moghrabieh, dried fruit, fine semolina and rolled spelt. The moghrabieh which retails for $11 in a local gourmet deli is available at Harkola for under $4…

Harkola Food Worldwide
3 – 7 Highgate Street
Auburn   NSW  2144
02 9737 8883

http://www.harkola.com

. . . . .

Arzum Market is a short drive from Harkola and my source for Turkish herbal teas. It’s run by the nicest pair of gentlemanly brothers…

…and stocks all things Turkish…

I picked up apple, mint and linden, and camomile teas, but they were out of stock of my favourite fennel tea…

The baklava looked amazing, but sadly, Small Man is allergic to pistachios…

Arzum Market
61 Rawson St  
Auburn NSW 2144
02 9649 9327

. . . . .

As Tania and I hadn’t eaten lunch by this stage, we walked a few doors down to the Buket Cake Shop and bought a mince filled pide. Like Arzum, Buket is run by the most gracious baker, who heated our pide until crispy in the oven rather than in the microwave. T and I scoffed it in the car on the way to Costco…

Buket Cake Shop
67 Rawson St  
Auburn NSW 2144
02 9643 2135

. . . . .

It was obvious that Christmas had arrived at Costco, with these gorgeous glass ornaments on sale for under $2 each ($25 for set of 14)…

The trick to shopping successfully at Costco is to avoid the aisles of processed foods and concentrate instead on the great value raw ingredients and high end products. If you’re a Swarovski collector, the prices here would be hard to beat…

I was surprised to see Riedel glassware on sale – it wasn’t there last time we visited…

Abalone usually costs a fortune, but Costco have large Australian grown ones for under $50/kg.  Still too rich for my blood, as I’m the only one in the house who will eat them, but I know most of my extended family would adore these…

With Christmas approaching, there were a myriad of toys on offer…

Costco Lidcombe
17 – 21 Parramatta Road
Lidcombe  NSW  2141
02 8756 4600

. . . . .

It really was the best way to spend a free Friday afternoon!

And to round the day off perfectly, in a display of sisterhood and solidarity, Carol took her ma’moul moulds home and made these fabulous dark chocolates (honestly, she is such a star!)…

…and I bought a two kilo bag of certified sustainable locally grown mussels (for just $10)…

…and made Tania’s green curry mussels!

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Posted in Recipes | 74 Comments

74 Responses

  1. on October 26, 2013 at 7:09 pm Danielle

    What a lovely way to spend the afternoon with friends…and do something practical. I don’t think I could walk past the Buket Cake Shop without buying one of their tempting treats! Enjoy the rest of the weekend :-)


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:02 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Danielle, thank you! Hope you’ve had a good weekend too, this one’s been fun for us! :)


  2. on October 26, 2013 at 8:10 pm lambsearsandhoney

    Looks like a very happy time was had on this trip. I do so envy you having those stores so handy.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:03 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Amanda, I’ve never understood why there aren’t similar offerings in Adelaide. It’s a capital city, and it’s not like SA isn’t known for amazing food!


  3. on October 26, 2013 at 8:13 pm Sophie33

    It looks that you had a fabulous time in these stores,..Great & fun pics too!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:03 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      We had a blast, thanks Sophie! Hope you’ve had a great weekend! x


      • on October 28, 2013 at 1:10 am Sophie33

        Yes, I had, my father-in-law turned 70! :) xx


  4. on October 26, 2013 at 8:22 pm thecompletebook

    What a fantastic way to start a weekend Celia.
    Have a beautiful weekend.
    :-) Mandy xo


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:04 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Mandy, getting to do something on a Friday afternoon makes it feel like a long weekend! Hope you’ve been having fun this weekend too!


  5. on October 26, 2013 at 9:16 pm sallybr

    All I can say is that I wish I was there! what a great way to start a weekend! Glad you had fun….


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:04 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sally, I wish you could have been here too! xx


  6. on October 26, 2013 at 9:31 pm tableofcolors

    Foodie expedition are the best…and have the ability of making any day a good one!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:05 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Laila, it was so relaxed and we laughed the whole time. I had to figure out where to store everything when we came home though! :)


  7. on October 26, 2013 at 9:53 pm Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    What a fantastic day. I don’t know Carol but when I realised it was Justin’s mom – she’s a good friend. Any time you spend with Tania will be a joy.

    I’d give a lot to be able to shop in any of those stores!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:06 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Yep, Carol and I go back thirty years, friends like that are forever. And Tania is just so much fun! Come down and play. Wear flat shoes. :)


  8. on October 26, 2013 at 10:00 pm Jas@AbsolutelyJas

    What a fabulous haul, and what sounds like a truly enjoyable shopping expedition! You’re so lucky to have access to such interesting little grocers, I could spend hours (and $$) at that Turkish grocer!!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:07 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jas, the Turkish shop is really interesting, there are a couple in the area, but the folks who run Arzum are just so nice. And bakery is great too – we often buy pide there whenever we’re in the area.


  9. on October 26, 2013 at 10:59 pm chefconnie

    I love this post. I am having a foodie day today as well. I am going to the Asian market, cheese importers and costco. This makes me look forward to the day.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:08 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hooray! Have fun Connie! That does sound like a perfect day – Asian groceries, cheese tasting and then playing trolley dodgems at Costco. :)


  10. on October 26, 2013 at 11:21 pm Norma Chang

    Are Australian grown abalone farmed? Delightful way to spend an afternoon with friends. I would definitely buy one of those baklava and eat it on the spot.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:09 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Norma, I believe they are. I have no idea how to cook them, so I’m going to show my mum the photos and see if she wants me to buy some for Christmas.


  11. on October 27, 2013 at 1:03 am Spoon Feast

    What a lovely way to spend a day! Today is my farmers market day, i look forward to picking a basket full of great fresh things to eat. You’ve got some really great stores there. I’ve got to keep my eyes open for some of those molds.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:09 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Pamela, the moulds are made in Syria and sold at Lebanese and Middle Eastern grocery store. They’re really versatile! Have a wonderful time at the markets!


  12. on October 27, 2013 at 1:39 am Glenda

    Hiya Celia, Next time I am in Sydney I expect you to take me to these shops!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 5:38 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Of course you do. :) We’ll plan to take two cars that day as well. ;-)


      • on October 27, 2013 at 11:22 pm Glenda

        Only two :(


  13. on October 27, 2013 at 9:39 am My Kitchen Stories

    It is the best kind of day for me. Looking & considering all the possibilities in ingredients. The hardest part?. Not buying EVERYTHING. The easiest part? Having a great day with friends that share your interests. Priceless. x


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Darling, thanks for such a fun afternoon. I’m using those scales today, they’re bloody brilliant. :)


  14. on October 27, 2013 at 9:43 am Lina

    Celia, for a minute there , upon looking at your ‘wog’ stash from Harkola, one would think you’re Lebanese! And Yes, I agree with Glenda….we have to make a group trip of this! As for the baklava (made differently) That tastes far better than the one made with Filo pastry ( & so simple to make!) in my opinion! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!….off to the kitchen now!


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:29 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Lina, I DO love my Lebanese supplies, and Barbara at Harkola is always sharing recipes with me! The baklava are made from kataifi pastry, that’s right isn’t it? It was $2 a packet at Harkola! :)


  15. on October 27, 2013 at 10:22 am Le Petit Potager

    Celia, what a wonderful way to spend a day with like minded friends.
    All of your shops need visiting…….the decision is which one first!
    When I left home on Wednesday and looked around deciding what I couldn’t live without the French preserving pan and bannetons were such old friends just couldn’t leave them behind……..glad no one could see what treasures were in the car boot
    Thank you for your best wishes during a difficult time.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:30 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Elaine, I’m glad you came back to find it all intact. I’m sure it was a difficult time for everyone in your community. xx


  16. on October 27, 2013 at 10:23 am Rose

    Celia I remember some time back you posted about how you don’t do girlie retail therapy and I nodded agreeing vehemently. However, as you have so admirably demonstrated, there are notable exceptions to this rule and in this case I’d be squealing like the proverbial preteen at a One Direction concert.


    • on October 27, 2013 at 11:01 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Haha…no, that was girlie weekends away, I’d rather stick a needle in my eye than go on one of those. Pete came along for this trip! :D

      I have a funny story that you’d enjoy. Many years ago, I was having lunch with a group of mums from school, and afterwards they all wanted to go into a shabby chic shop. I kept arguing that we should go into the Portuguese butcher next door instead. They all looked at me as if I had two heads – in the end, they went to look at vintage cut glass and scented candles, and I oohed and aahed over seasoned sausages and marinated flattened chickens. ;-)


      • on October 27, 2013 at 3:04 pm cityhippyfarmgirl

        hehehe, that’s why I like your style Ms Celia :-) I’ll happily talk sausages with you any time over a day at Westfield.


        • on October 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          We must get together Brydie, we’ve been saying it all year! xx


  17. on October 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm Sally

    I love looking in supermarkets and food shops in other countries. I’ve been meaning to do a similar post myself…you’ve inspired me to get on with it Celia.


    • on October 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Look forward to reading it Sally! xx


  18. on October 27, 2013 at 4:01 pm Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

    What a fun outing! Thanks for letting us join in vicariously :)


    • on October 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks for coming along! x


  19. on October 27, 2013 at 4:33 pm lizzygoodthings

    My kinda outing!


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:06 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      It was a fun afternoon, Lizzy! :)


  20. on October 27, 2013 at 5:35 pm Gather and Graze

    What a fabulous shopping trip – so much tempting deliciousness!


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:06 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      We were quite naughty and taste tested everything on offer at Costco. Some of it was quite good! :)


  21. on October 27, 2013 at 6:22 pm Sawsan@ Chef in disguise

    What a wonderful day!
    I love going on expeditions like this one!
    It is so much fun and the possibilities that open up with all the goodies you buy are endless :)


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:07 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sawsan, I always feel warm and contented when I’ve stocked the pantry with grains and pulses, so a trip to Harkola is always very comforting! And Costco is just sheer fun! :)


  22. on October 27, 2013 at 8:24 pm hotlyspiced

    That does look like the best day out. Tania is such good company. And Carol is definitely a star chocolatier xx


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:08 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Charlie, isn’t she brilliant? She’s off now, there’s no stopping her. And Tania is a joy to spend time with!


  23. on October 27, 2013 at 8:28 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Hehe Tania looks so excited! That’s very cute. I wish I could have come now!


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:08 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Next time, darling! xx


  24. on October 27, 2013 at 8:33 pm Jan

    I’d do the pins in the eye dance too rather than do girly day-spa stuff, but that kind of a shopping trip would have me and my giant handbag tripping along the yellow brick road skippety-doo-dah.


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:09 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, we had a blast, you would have loved it! I can never understand why folks go to spas – I don’t know that I could cope with being touched all day long! :)


  25. on October 27, 2013 at 9:55 pm InTolerant Chef

    What a great day Celia! It’s so hard not to buy everything when there are such good bargains though- I’m not that good at restraint :) xox


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’m not great at it either, Becca, truth be told. :)


  26. on October 27, 2013 at 10:43 pm chef mimi

    What a fun post!


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Mimi, so glad you enjoyed it!


  27. on October 28, 2013 at 4:54 am The Life of Clare

    I still haven’t tried tempering chocolate, it still seems too daunting.


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ah well, whenever (or if ever) you’re ready, Clare. It’s good fun though! :)


  28. on October 28, 2013 at 7:45 am Emilie

    One of my favorite things to do when we go on vacation (which is never…) is to snoop around in the local grocery shops (hubby thinks I’m weird). I’m so glad that you took us on a tour of the places you usually talk about. I loved it! Looks like you guys had a great (and efficient) day :) xx


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hey Em, I didn’t realise that was you then! :) We really did have a great day, wish you could have been there! xx


  29. on October 28, 2013 at 4:11 pm ChgoJohn

    Now that’s my kind of day, Celia! We shop in places that are quite similar and only about 1500 km apart! Arzum Market looks quite similar to a few of the places I frequent and Costco is the same wherever you go, though I doubt I’d find abalone in “mine.” I guess I’ll have to come to Oz to buys abalone the next time I want some. Do let me know when Costco has abalone on sale. :)


    • on October 28, 2013 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hahaha…John, maybe if you ask at Costco, they’ll import it for you! Arzum Market and Harkola are Aladdin’s caves! xx


  30. on October 29, 2013 at 12:43 am Judy @Savoring Today

    To answer your opening question … No, there isn’t anything I can think of better than time with good friends. I still remember shopping with a friend at Costco and buying their bakery chocolate cake, which we renamed “the 10 pound chocolate cake” because it must weigh all of that. Anyway, we stopped by the food court as we left the store to pick up two plastic forks … without any guilt we started on the cake as soon as we sat down in the car. We laughed and laughed while we ate that cake — silly, spontaneous, delicious fun. :)


    • on October 30, 2013 at 4:54 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Judy, that’s too funny! Surely you didn’t get though all ten pounds! ;-)


      • on November 1, 2013 at 11:04 pm Judy @Savoring Today

        Ha! No, but when we got back to my house we did get some quizzical looks when we brought the cake in. ;)


  31. on October 29, 2013 at 9:11 pm saucygander

    I need a trip to Auburn! Funny / a pity that I lived in the western suburbs before I learned to cook, and so never discovered the treasures that were nearby!


    • on October 30, 2013 at 4:55 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Saucy, there’s so much out there! And the parking is easy too! :)


  32. on October 30, 2013 at 7:41 am dianeskitchentable

    Celia, you did well! I can’t believe small man is allergic to pistachios…what a shame although I think I might have bought a stash just for myself. We have Costco’s over here but none very close by although we do have BJ’s. I’ve never really explored it though I think I shall now.


  33. on October 30, 2013 at 8:29 am Promenade Claire

    I’d love to go shopping with you :) And the Turkish food shops remind me of living in North London, I lived in a big Turkish and Cypriot area, the fresh breads, the vats of cheese and olives – aahhhhh !!


  34. on October 30, 2013 at 2:01 pm EllaDee

    Foodie shopping is my favourite. I can walk past a clothes shop… perhaps not a shoe shop… but enjoy browsing, exploring and sniffing around speciality food shops and market stalls and thinking of all the possibilities even though I don’t have a clue of what most of them would entail…
    I’ve never eaten Abalone but the green curry mussells look great :)


  35. on October 31, 2013 at 10:23 am JJ - 84thand3rd

    Oh RJ’s eyes may roll out of his head when I tell him we need to go to Auburn ;D such great stuff!!


    • on October 31, 2013 at 11:02 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Tell him it’s worth it, JJ! :D


  36. on November 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm Rachel

    Oh goodness you’re killing me :) In a good way but I’m envious! I so love your blog and I have literally spent hours looking at past posts instead of unpacking all the boxes from my container. We have just moved from the south of France/Italian border and had got used to all the markets and where to buy things to live as sustainably as possible. Now moving to a new country we do not know anything. Unfortunately we are in Brisbane otherwise I think I would be going around all your recommendations! Any tips for Brisbane that you know of???


    • on November 5, 2013 at 12:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Rachel, how exciting! I’m sorry, I don’t know much about Brisbane, but my friend Claire is up there – check out her blog: http://www.clairekcreations.com. Thanks for dropping by!



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