A Berry Good Night

Friday 24 August 2012
Spent a lovely evening at Castleton Farm Shop making new friends, raising money for a Berry good cause and sampling an amazing range of Cocktails and Canapés.  The event was a fundraiser for local Charity Bare All For Brain Tumours chosen as a member of staff at Castleton sadly lost her sister to a brain tumour. Castleton is well worth a visit to break up the tedious A90 Dundee to Aberdeen journey with its Cafe, Farm Shop, Gift Shop and Kids play area.  Its all go with berry picking at the moment with 400 people currently harvesting Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Cherries.  The Cherries were a total shock to me.  I didn't think the even grew in Scotland. #blondemoment  But they do, practically on my doorstep. Albeit in a polytunnel.  And as a long time cherry fan I can confirm that they are delicious.
Alas I was driving so only got to sample one of the boozy cocktails.  "Classically Castleton" with Sonata Strawberries, Edinburgh Gin and Sugar Syrup.  Topped off with a strawberry and obligatory cocktail umbrella.  It tasted amazing.  I reluctantly moved on to the Blueberry Mocktail so never got the opportunity to try the Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer (Blueberries, Valt Vodka, Lavender Syrup) or the Chamgria (Red wine, Chambord, Rasps)
The food in the cafe at Castleton is wonderful with a real focus on quality local products and producers.  This was successfully translated into a small and nibbly scale with savoury canapés  rustled up by Sally whilst Lisa's magical bakery fingers conjured up the sweet.  Sausage Rolls, Salmon Pate on Oatcakes, Quiche and Stornaway Black Pudding paved the way for the real showcase of mini deserts sampling the full range of award winning soft fruits.
I will admit that normally I'm much more of a savoury girl than sweet - would go for a starter over desert every time.  But these fruity Canapés totally won me over. The mini Cherry Bakewells were to die for.  And the tiny lemon meringue pies with a hidden raspberry were absolutely divine.  No packet mix in sight here.  I don't know how the lovely Castleton Baker Lisa made the tiny pasty cups but I think I'm going to have to ask her very nicely if she will share the secret with me as I just might have a requirement to make some canapes of my own very soon...
Breakfast this morning was a total fruitfest with boy and girl tucking in to everything on offer. The huge raspberries were voted into gold medal position but I was somewhat disappointed that neither liked the cherries. But every cloud and all that - all the more for me. Berrylicious!

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