As Melbourne delves further and further into winter, so too have I delved further and further into the warm comforts of home. Although we have seen the shortest day, and really we are on the way up to Spring, the winter weather still has a long way to go. As the rain falls and the temperature barely gets to double figures, my mind turns to the favourite winter warmers we love to cook in our home.
A recent trip to Leo's fine foods in Hartwell (near Glen Iris) saw us stock up on many "essentials" including a favourite Rick Stein ingredient, Spanish pimenton. Unlike the sweet Hungarian paprika and the heat of the hot chilli paprika, Spanish pimenton has a smoky quality and not a lot of heat. It is added to almost all Spanish dishes, the most famous being paella. Rick Stein talks of it being reminiscent of the red in the Spanish flag, the yellow coming from saffron which is also added to most Spanish dishes.
Leo's is a foodies heaven. From the regular to the hard to find ingredients, Leo's is the type of place that could really hurt your hip pocket if you're not careful. So many yummy things at every turn! The fromagerie is a highlight, with the ever present expert on hand to offer advice on cheese selections for your next special dinner, or any night of the week really! There is also a liquor department which completes the one stop foodie shop. A must visit for any dedicated foodie who loves to cook.
Check out their website for location and opening hours (there are also 2 other stores at Kew and Heidelberg).
www.lemaxgroup.com.au
