We decided to extend out “Follow Them Friday” to a few of our favourite local producers!!
Therefore, we are proud to showcase our 44th feature with Debbie from Love & Living the Good Life, who left the rat race to set up a smallholding and to do their best at being self sufficient. They grow and rear all their own produce and try and revive old lost crafts – you can find workshops offering goats cheese making, soap making, etc, Plus they offer the opportunity to buy into a monthly cheese box offering, called Gings Artisan Goats Cheese!
When did you start your business?
Four and half years ago we left the city to start a new chapter in our life, to try and live off the land. We didn`t really intent making a business out of our lifestyle, it just developed into the growing business that it has turned into.
How did you decide on the name of your business?
For me it captures how we feel about what we are doing; love and living the good life.
Tell us more about your business:
Our business is primarily run via CSA`s ( community supporting agriculture) memberships, we feel it is important that the connection between consumer and farmer is important, that the consumer knows where there food comes from. We raise meat animals ( pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and duck) on pasture all year round in a sustainable, past-organic way.
I also make artisanal goats cheese from our herd of goats, also we sell goats milk, yoghurt and ice –cream.
How have you been a part of the BxlFF world?
I was privileged to be part of the first BXlFF, I love and loved being around people that have a passion for food.
Do you prefer eating in or eating out?
I prefer to eat in, for me it is very important to know were my food comes from, how it is produced and I have a very lucky to have a husband that loves cooking and is great at it.
What is your favourite dish to share?
I have so many!! But I LOVE Mangaliza pigs cheeks braised in port on a bed of new crushed potatoes with chives.
What is your favourite comfort food?
A mangaliza bacon sandwich.
What is your favourite dessert?
Profiteroles filled with vanilla goats milk ice-cream with a drizzle of white chocolate or meringues filled with whiskey cream.
How do you like your eggs in the morning?
I just love a duck egg on toast
Was there a particular dish that got you into cooking?
Yes, pigs liver in onion gravy. When I was growing up my mum used to make it for us with mash potatoes, to this day I inspire to make it just like hers
What is your earliest food memory?
Making and eating a egg custard tart with my nana. She was a great cook.
What are the three things you always have in your freezer?
Goat milk Ice-cream, mangaliza pork, home-cured bacon.
How do you spend your time when you’re not running your business?
Sharing our produce from the farm with my friends and family. I love gatherings, all sitting round a large table, log fire roaring, good food with a good bottle or two of wine.
Who are your favourite food bloggers?
So many to choose from, I love food- blogs !! Cook`N`roll is one of the top ones for me, I love his stuff.
Who are your favourite non-food bloggers?
over grow the system is one of my favourites. I love following sustainability blogs.
Share the LOVE & remember to follow Debbie on:
FACEBOOK
or contact her for more details at qu1nny@telenet.be