I know this heat is horrible, unbearable even, but with the heat comes masses of summer fruit, so it's not all bad. Last weekend we had a bottling class here. The first of these photos shows the produce ready to go, along with barley/spelt bread on the rise. Once it's baked some was for us … Continue reading Bottling Class

Many who know us are aware that ginger Tom was a feral cat when we came to live here.   Gradually over many months he was tamed, and now is a beautiful, affectionate house cat.  It is beyond comprehension how anyone could ever have abandoned him. It was for his sake that I hesitated for a … Continue reading Tom and Rosie

Son Elliott is following the Paleo diet and has suggested that I might like to put together some suitable recipes, so today I made a Raspberry "Ice Cream" with just three ingredients. I was a bit doubtful about it, but its flavour is divine!  Tomorrow I have a variation in mind to make, and if … Continue reading Raspberry “Ice Cream” with coconut cream

This darling little girl was going to have to go to the Cat Centre for (hopeful) adoption.  She was the last of a well-cared-for litter.  We decided to give her a home and we couldn't be happier.  She is the sweetest natured, most affectionate kitten I've come across in decades.  Some would say she's lucky … Continue reading Another addition

  Roma’s Cherry Ripe Bars  250g dark chocolate 30g copha 1 ½ cups coconut ¼ cup ground almonds or finely chopped almonds ½ cup icing sugar, sifted 2 egg whites (unbeaten) 1 tablespoon rum 125g red glace cherries, finely chopped Line a bar tin 25cm x 8cm with foil. First melt the chocolate and copha … Continue reading Roma’s Cherry Ripe Bars

Last Saturday's ABC radio segment was full of listeners tips and tried and true family recipes. I learned that it is still possible to buy old sixpences and threepences to put into Christmas puddings.  Coin dealers may well have some on hand for the purpose, and apparently the Australian Mint.  Caution has to be exercised … Continue reading ABC Jams and Preserves segment recipes and hints

Meet Gidget, my little MG Midget that I bought a couple of years ago. She is really special but has been hidden away in our shed since we moved here about 18 months ago. Son-in-law Nat just checked her out and she is still in tip top condition mechanically, so he and Stephanie have taken … Continue reading Gidget, the fruit gathering Midget

As one of the most interesting features on the menu for last weekend's Colonial dinner, and especially prepared for pre-dinner canapes, I made little curried possum pies. For some months now I've been working with possum meat from Bruny Island Game Meats.  It's a lean, clean meat when butchered properly, which I am told is … Continue reading Possum Pies – the Colonial Dinner continued

For about fifteen years now the food of the convict and Colonial era has fascinated me.  I spend every available moment familiarising myself with the dishes, the style of cookery and the cooking equipment by way of stoves and utensils that were available back in those times. The history of the food is interwoven through … Continue reading Colonial Dinner

During the last couple of weeks we've been able to preserve with redcurrants and cumquats. The redcurrants (and raspberries and silvanberries)  were purchased from Westerway Raspberry Farm.  They were frozen of course, but were picked in their prime, and freezing just holds them in suspended animation until you want to do something with them. We've … Continue reading Redcurrants and cumquats