What a lovely surprise arrived yesterday! A bunch of flowers from my publisher. It was by way of congratulations and celebration of the release date of "The Comfort Bake" (published by Murdoch Books, an imprint of Allen and Unwin). Just happened to have a jar of spiced ginger cookie sandwiches (a personal favourite from the … Continue reading Release Date of The Comfort Bake yesterday

For this morning's Wednesday morning tea platter for friends - recipe comes from page 22 of "The Comfort Bake" - Mini Chocolate Cream Cakes with Raspberries and Mint. (Very easy recipe, one bowl only for cake batter.) However, raspberries are all finished here, but other people's gardens always seem to have strawberries so I used … Continue reading Mini Chocolate Cream Cakes with Strawberries and Mint

Although it's full swing preserving season, there's still ample time for baking. Yesterday one of my favourites from the yeasted bakes chapter of "The Comfort Bake" This is Bacon, Cheese and Thyme Twist.

Progress report - the blackcurrant juice is currently being strained off through muslin, ready for the next and final step of making the cordial syrup.

Back to the preserving today - a bumper crop of rhubarb and a basket full of delicious plums. Worcestershire sauce and plum sauce are being made as well. Friends Roberto and Michael came to lend a hand, a huge help!! The last of the filled jars are in the preservers - the ones already processed … Continue reading Preserving Rhubarb and Plums

As it seems that some (lucky) people still have apricots to make jam (like the gentleman who rang in this morning, here is the recipe for jam and some tips and tricks to get the best results. (I've also had some requests for the recipe since this morning) APRICOT JAM Makes 1.8kg, approximately 1.5kg apricots … Continue reading Apricot Jam recipe – more from this morning’s talkback

From the ABC talkback this morning, this is my Nan's recipe for Apricot Chutney. It's a real family favourite. Peaches or nectarines can be used instead of the apricots. APRICOT CHUTNEY 1.5 kg apricots (weight with stones removed) chopped 500g onions, peeled and chopped 500ml white or cider vinegar 750g sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 … Continue reading Apricot chutney – recipe from this morning’s ABC Jams and Preserves Talkback segment

Wednesday morning tea platter. Banana muffins filled with a swirl of rich egg custard. (They do so like custard.) I wanted to add a swirl of cream too, but although the bottle in the fridge was before its use by date, it smelled a little suspect. (Cilla our pig will enjoy it at least). Not … Continue reading A Platter for Friends – Banana Custard Muffins

I had a lovely chat this morning with Steven White (ABC Illawarra) – we talked about my new book (The Comfort Bake), which is about to be released. There was an extra interesting turn to the conversation.  You see Steven told me yesterday that he had asked listeners which pudding they thought would be good … Continue reading “Dead Man’s Leg”

Not really the weather for pasties I suppose, but made these nevertheless last night. The pastry was an issue- tried to thaw a piece in the microwave, didn't work too well! Oops! So I decided to make a quick shortcrust instead as we had a visitor coming for dinner. I almost ran around the garden … Continue reading Pasties