A visit to the iconic Rusty's Christmas markets in Cairns

This my friends is just a very quick little post which I couldn't resist after a visit on Friday to Rusty's markets in Cairns, in tropical Far North Queensland. Fresh as and sweet as, the range of exotic tropical produce was impressive. My biggest challenge when visiting such a market is being able to resist buying a sample of everything exhibited amongst the rich bounty presented by the variety of local stallholders. Local produce, delicious street food, local artisan goods, and quite the carnival atmosphere created by local buskers, gives this market an appealing allure for tourist and Cairns locals all at the same time.

Shirley's Christmas Fruit Mince Tea Cake

  

Bottled Fruit Mince is available for purchase at the supermarkets here in the lead up to Christmas, so if you are running out of time, why not take a shortcut, and instead of making your own batch of fruit mince, buy it and bake this warm and delicious Fruit Mince Tea Cake. However, if you have already made your Christmas fruit mince, your homemade batch will no doubt take this festive cake to the next level. As this cake is baking,  your home will be filled with the spicy, rich and nostalgic aromas of festive holiday baking. 

In My Tropical Kitchen, December 2025

It's  the "Silly Season" for many of us here in Tropical North Queensland, during the lead up to Christmas in the heat of Summer, meaning more fun, more parties, more socialising, more shopping, more air-conditioning, and more cooking including Christmas indulgences, and just the predictable hype involved in the lead up to Christmas. We are very low key about all of this now in our home, with just a couple of Christmas parties and a few lovely catchups with friends. For those working and living in the fast lane, it is probably a very different story though. 

Tuscan Chicken, Cheese and Broccoli Bake (Low carb)

This is comfort food without the extra calories, which my friends is my kind of meal at the moment in the lead up to Christmas. Leftovers are even more delicious the following day for lunch or served for dinner. You could almost think you are eating a lasagna but not missing the pasta because of the extra protein, vegetables, herbs and cheese. It's very tasty.

Lamb chops with crushed minted peas and feta cheese

 

This is the perfect way to showcase tender and succulent Lamb loin chops, cooked to perfection on the outside patio Barbecue, or in your kitchen in the frypan.  Not much adornment, a simple approach, delivering maximum flavours, with just a fresh herb and vegetable side of peas, mint, pine nuts, and feta cheese. 

Ligurian pasta with pesto, new potatoes, and green beans

 

Destination Liguria, in northwestern Italy, where it's Mediterranean coastline is known as the Italian Riviera. Two of Liguria's most famous specialities are pesto and focaccia, which can be served plain, or with tasty variations like onion, olives, sage, and cheese etc. The local's use of fresh herbs and delicious seafood is also well reputed and reflects it's coastal geography.

Italian meatballs in Tomato Sauce

A comforting bowl of Italian meatballs in Tomato Sauce anytime

Tender baked meatballs simmered in a homemade umami flavoured tomato sauce really deliver in flavour. The layering of ingredients, the fusion of flavours into the meatballs and the sauce during the cooking process, and the addition of fresh and dried herbs bring together a meal that has you coming back for more.