A week or two ago I was invited to a meeting of the Flower Room in Hobart, where Sally Dakis and I were to do an “in Conversation” piece at the end of the meeting.

At the end of the session, afternoon tea was served, as is customary apparently, and what a spread it was!! There so many delicious options to choose from – tasty savories, sandwiches, small cakes, slices and the most magnificent looking layered cream cake to name but a few.

I came to chatting with a lovely lady, Renata, who encouraged me to try a piece of onion slice. Of course I did, and it was one of the most delicious savouries I have ever tasted. As its baker, she was very generous in explaining the recipe in its entirety to me.

I couldn’t wait to bake it, in fact went home and did so straight away, after carefully penning all that Renata had told me as soon as I walked in the door.

I’ve made it twice now and soon to make it again for friends – everyone thinks its absolutely as delicious as I do.

So thanks to everyone who made me so welcome that day, to Sally Dakis for hosting the in conversation piece and to Renata who epitomises all that is generous and fun about cooking in the sharing of a family recipe.

(Plus incidentally, the Flower Room shop is really worth a visit – it sells an array of fresh flowers, preserves, baked goods and more.)