With the entries flooding in and the preparations well under way, producers the length and breadth of the country, from the Highlands of Scotland to the coast of Cornwall, are rolling up their sleeves and rolling out the pastry to compete or the esteemed title of Supreme Champion ‘Pie of Pies’

If there’s one thing we like here at Foodepedia, it’s a nice cuppa java. A Nespresso machine would be just the thing for us as it’s designed for reasonable family use and is cool enough to sit alongside our iMacs.

No longer seen only as just a close relative of the waccy baccy, hemp has become hip for all kinds of reasons.Hempseed is one of nature’s genuine superfoods that provides pure, plant protein and Omega 3 and 6 in the ideal 3:1 ratio. These nutritional benefits address the downfalls of the 21st Century diet which is commonly short on protein, lacking in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and low in fibre.

We’ve come a long way since olive oil was only sold in chemists specifically to be poured into a young boy’s ears to loosen blockages (ask me how I know!). The idea of cooking with the stuff certainly never crossed my mother’s mind and even if it had, the bottles were so small it would hardly have been cost-effective.

You may never get to eat at what is officially the world’s best restaurant, but at least you can try the desserts. Flavours of Spain has added to its range of chocolates with a unique offering from Oriol Balaguer – one of the world’s most talented and respected chocolatiers.

Tapas in a Box hands families a way to impress Mum on a plate. Crack open the free bottle of Cava we’re including with Mother’s Day orders, place the superb artisan Spanish meats on a tray, the organic roasted almonds and marinated olives in bowls, put our tasty authentic tapas in the oven, and get the armchair ready for Mum to enjoy a little siesta after her family tapas treat. Be everyone’s Amigo for the day !

Foodies in London will be able to celebrate St David’s Day on 1 March 2009 in style this year thanks to the first dedicated Welsh produce market ever to be held in London. True Taste award-winning producers will be showcasing the very best in Welsh food and drink on Friday 27 February 2009 allowing those who love good food and all things Welsh to stock up for their St David’s Day celebrations at the weekend.

There’s nothing better than attending an event that is not only filled with great food and fun entertainment, but where the profits will benefit farmers around the world. Cafédirect’s contribution to Fair-Trade fortnight this year is a TasteFair full of fun classes, readings by authors for children and adults, a movie screening, and some great entertainment ranging from Quixote and Narration to Vashti Anna and Hador Manor. Centered at Whole Foods in Kensington from Sat 21 February to Sun 01 March, the mix of eco-friendly education, entertainment and good eating is a feel-good event that you do not want to miss. Check out the programme of events to see which exciting guest speakers will be involved and what other events are going on: www.tastefair.co.uk

If Fairtrade Fortnight (February 23 to March 8, 2009) spurs you to seek more fairly traded food, look no further than Essential Trading. The British co-operative business sells hundreds of Fairtrade foods from pulses to peanut butter, cereals to soups, chocolate spread to sprouting seed mix. the range is diverse. Essential sells a number of leading vegetarian, vegan, organic and fairtrade brands plus its own Essential brand of larder staples such as tahini, vegan pesto, quinoa, chocolate spreads, nuts, soups, fruit mixes and biodynamic herbal teas to name a few.

If fine food and drink excites you then a visit to the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair will be sure to live up to your idea of foodie heaven.The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair takes place from 11-15 March 2009 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London. From handmade chocolate and cheeses to oatcakes and organic produce, there is a wide variety of foods to suit all tastes and visitors can try before they buy!