A NEW fixture on the region’s spring calendar will have residents dusting off their cookbooks or whipping up the secret family recipe, as well as hitting the local food trail to find the freshest and best produce the Upper Hunter provides.
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One of the many events held during Muswellbrook Carnivale in Spring, the aptly-named Carnivale de Cuisine encourages the community to share a meal with family and friends, while at the same time using fresh local produce.
Muswellbrook Shire tourism and promotions officer Kevin Doherty said it was simple and fun to be part of Carnivale de Cuisine.
“Any time during spring, invite a family member or a few friends over for a home-cooked meal,” Mr Doherty said.
“The only rule is you must use at least one item of local, Upper Hunter produce.
“And if you serve it with a bottle of Upper Hunter wine – well that’s even better.”
Once you’ve shared your meal, share a photo of it on Muswellbrook Shire Carnivale in Spring Facebook page.
2NM radio host Stephen Cenatiempo has been named grand ambassador of Carnivale de Cuisine and is encouraging the entire community to be involved.
Mr Cenatiempo’s family hails from southern Italy, from the little island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples.
“Dad came to Australia in 1950 and we lived most of our lives in Sydney’s western suburbs,” he said.
“He was involved in fruit and veg, so food has been a major part of my life since I was born, especially fresh produce.”
It stands to reason, with his Italian heritage, that Mr Cenatiempo would be big fan of pasta – and he is – but he also includes German among his favourite cuisines.
He’s looking forward to seeing the dishes the local community shares during Carnivale de Cuisine.
To make it easier to find and buy local, the new online directory The Upper Hunter Country Pantry Shopping List was launched last month.
It brings together details of local food and wine producers in one easy-to-search list.
Mr Cenatiempo said the The Upper Hunter Country Pantry Shopping List was a great initiative.
“An area like the Upper Hunter has been begging for something like this and I really can’t believe it’s never been done before,” he said.
“Most regions have great local produce, but here in the Hunter the area is just so rich with it,” he said.
“I’ve been in the Upper Hunter for two years now and I really only know a handful of local producers.”
Mr Cenatiempo said the Upper Hunter has a diverse cultural make up, so Carnivale de Cuisine was a great opportunity to celebrate it.
The benefits of Carnivale de Cuisine are two-fold, it brings people together to enjoy a meal and it encourages residents to “shop local” and learn about the vast array of local produce and producers available right on their door step.
The Upper Hunter Country Pantry Shopping List can be found at www.upperhuntercountry.com – click the Eat Up! tab.
Don’t forget to post a photo of your meal on Muswellbrook Carnivale in Spring Facebook page.
For more information contact Kevin Doherty on 6541 4050.
