Supporting the local economy

I'm really quite sad. I get very excited about buying food. If anything, I'm a bit addicted.
I'm trying really hard not to shop at the supermarket too much. Obviously it is unavoidable for certain things but by buying organic boxes, meat from the local butcher and using independent shops you can pretty much be stocked up without stepping foot inside an aisle.

So when I have time to go shopping at the weekend I really like to head to Crown Deli because they have a great selection of cheese, Cromarty Bakery breads and rather reasonable wines. I also like the personal touch, if you want anything in particular they will order it in for you, even unusual cheeses. Now that is something you don't get from the big stores.

I've also recently got into buying meat only from a butcher. It's about the quality and about being able to get exactly what you want. The so-called butcher in the supermarket doesn't offer to tenderise your steaks for you or offer you bones for stock.

Usually we have a farmers market once a month but for the last couple of months there has been a maverick Market appearing and today Easterton Farm were selling a great selection of venison. As we were working out what to buy a couple walked past exclaiming "oh poor Bambi"...clearly they have never driven down a dark road in the Highlands at this time of year to be met by 'Bambi' all grown up, antlers and all, large enough to write off you car. Poor delicious Bambi thank you. Not only that but the hills are covered in Deer, we have Deer coming out of every Glen across the Highlands. It's good to eat them - plus the fact it is a lean meat so quite healthy in comparison to beef steak. Plus 'Bambi' has probably lived a far more natural life than the cow who appears in your McDonalds burgers.

So to conclude - eat local, eat seasonal and eat well. Think about where your food comes from - hopefully it won't be from the supermarket shelf too much.
Some of my favourite local producers:
Best beef sausages- www.grantandsons.com
Best meat - www.macbeths.com
Best haggis - www.scottishgourmetfood.co.uk/haggis/cockburns_haggis.htm
Best baking - www.black-isle.info/details.asp?id=212
Best deli - www.corneronthesquare.co.uk
Best veg - www.macleodorganics.com
Best venison - www.duncanfraserbutcher.co.uk
Best eggs - www.visitbeauly.com/company-16.html
Best smoked salmon :) - www.summerislesfoods.co.uk
Best breakfast - www.spoff.co.uk
Best deep fried pizza - only joking