Market Fresh 30th January 2012

Send the kids back to school with thirst quenching grapes. Loaded with natural sugar grapes are a smart buy this week. Seedless varieties include Menindee, Midnight Beauty and sultana grapes, the Red Globes are plentiful and a thrifty buy however they do have a few seeds.

To obtain the maximum amount of juice from a lime roll firmly on the kitchen bench then juice.

New season royal gala apples from Stanthorpe and Bilpin are now in season.

Late summer to early autumn is the best time to make the most of figs. Highly perishable figs are best stored in the refrigerator, until required. Serve fresh figs at room temperature with honey and ricotta cheese for a tasty, easy dessert. Add them to a salad, or serve them with a soft cheese.

Juicy, sweet Queensland pineapples are naturally refreshing and a good source of vitamin C.

Fresh, young eggplants do not require disgorging (salting) unless you intend deep-frying. Cut eggplant into 1 cm slices brush with olive oil and grill until soft and golden.

A lovely topping for a steamed caulie is to toss a crushed garlic clove and a tablespoon of melted butter through a cup of fresh breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over cauliflower florets and top with toasted almonds.

Add grated zucchini to cakes, pasta sauces and meat loaf or thinly slice lengthwise and add to a salad.

Did you know that the average ear of corn has 800 kernels arranged in 16 rows?