Cherry plums seem to be in abundance this year and often, after making a batch or two of jam, we are wondering what we can do with the remainder.  Cordial syrup is a great choice.  The red variety will turn out a sensational scarlet colour, the yellow ones not so much, but the flavour is … Continue reading Cherry Plum Cordial

I am increasingly pleased that we have come to live here at Molesworth , as the reputation of the Derwent Valley would have it, the summer fruits are starting to roll through the door, almost literally.  Yesterday I had a problem with the new stove in the school.  The gas fitter who came to repair … Continue reading Apricots and Raspberries

This afternoon the weather here is sultry and drizzly so decided to undertake that overdue task of cleaning out the pantry shelves.  Part way through it became obvious that I had an overload of jars of honey - three different sorts no less, all Tasmanian - Leatherwood, Manuka and Wild Flower.  That should be a … Continue reading Honey Spice Love Heart Biscuits

Summer, for many people the time of holidays and recreation, is an ideal time to make the most of your slow cooker.  They make wonderful seafood dishes that need no attention once they are in the cooker.  I also like to use mine to make vegetable side dishes to go with the main part of … Continue reading Slow Cookin’ Summer

For those who make the sparkling fruit drinks such as sparkling rhubarb,(recipe is in the Recipe section of my website), I have made a couple of interesting discoveries. Firstly the bottles of sparkling drink can be frozen and when thawed, the bubbles are still there.  I don't know how or why but it happens, amazing. … Continue reading Fruit tingle icy poles

Often some of my best recipes come from trying to rescue something that didn't turn out quite as I'd like.  A case in point this week was a pavlova I'd made specially for a morning tea.  Duly whipped to the requisite stage, I heaped it onto the ovenproof platter and placed it in the oven … Continue reading An accidental pavlova – Eaton Mess slice

Don't often come across pineapples being a seasonal fruit in Tasmania though I know one or two brave people trying to grow them.  However, they are readily available in the fruit markets at present so have taken the time and expense to make some pineapple relish, which is delicious with ham or pork.  It's also … Continue reading Pineapple Relish

OK, so I know I'd said I'd post this recipe in the next couple of days, but had a few spare moments now so decided to do this immediately.  PLUS have a really exciting piece of news in this regard that I wanted to share. For decades now I have simply followed the seasons making … Continue reading Sparkling Fruit Drinks

I love making sparkling (fizzy) drinks for the summer.  Children of course generally crave "soft drinks", but my concern is that they are laden with artificial additives that, even if they do no harm (which is doubtful) they certainly are not doing us any good.  They are also really overloaded with sugar.  Maybe go for … Continue reading Elderflowers by the River