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The popular Brisbane 'little country' show, The Brookfield Show, was held on the 13th - 15th of May 2022. Despite the wet weather, show goers donned their gumboots and enjoyed a weekend of country fun in the outer suburbs of Brisbane City.
One of the show's most popular attractions, The Cookery Competition, made a welcomed return after being cancelled two year's in a row due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A stand out of the show was rookie entrant, Amy Simpson from Paddington Jams and Sauces, who entered her preserves into the Cookery Competition for the very first time.
Even though it may have been Amy's first time entering her jams and sauces into a competition such as one of Brisbane's most highly respected shows, you certainly wouldn't have known it based on the amount of prizes she took home. Boasting a rather thick pile of ribbons including 7 Firsts, A Reserve Grand Champion Ribbon and the top gong in the preserves category - Champion Preserves Cook , it was quite the accolade for this show rookie.
"I truly didn't know what to expect. To be honest, I was quite nervous about how my flavours would be received - they're quite a lot more contemporary than your traditional CWA type of jam & sauce flavours" a humbled Amy says.
But as it turns out, Amy's contemporary flavours seemed to be quite the hit with the judges. With her Rose Gin Jam receiving special mention from the judges for it's delicious & rather unique Turkish-Delight-like smooth undertones. And her Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce was a hot favourite in the sauce category (pun intended!)
Amy began creating her unique flavours during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 when she started experimenting with new recipes. And that's where her now very popular small business, Paddington Jams & Sauces was born.
"I actually just started the business as a way of giving myself a new hobby during lockdown. I never imagined it would turn into what it is today. I am just so delighted with how it has all turned out. We are now stocked in nearly 20 retail stores across the country and also sell our products via our website too."
Amongst the mix of reputable stockists Amy is referring to are stores like the ever-popular, eco-friendly retailer Biome and Brisbane's award winning butcher, Meat At Billy's.
"I'm just getting warmed up. Our not-so-little business has had many learnings over the last two years. Starting a new business right in the thick of a global pandemic certainly came with its challenges. But the enjoyment and connection within the community that I've experienced in these last two years by far outweighs all of the challenges. I've poured my heart and soul into this business and it's really paid off. I feel really fortunate to have accomplished what I have so far and I really look forward to growing my wonderful business even further. "