Seems it's true - can't even give them away, the zucchinis that is. Oh well, never mind, there's always the ever-popular zucchini slice, slightly altered with the addition of some of the semi dried tomatoes and with chunks of leftover camembert incorporated into the mix. The olive oil that surrounded the tomatoes made a tasty … Continue reading Zucchini Excess

A few weeks ago I bought a large watermelon when it was on special at one of the fruit and vegetable markets. Of course it was over-ambitious - how can two people eat a whole watermelon after all? Determined not to waste it, so juiced the flesh. That resulting juice was lovely and sweet. It … Continue reading Watermelon granita

Yesterday was a great day for us. We were offered (by the lovely Patrice) to come and pick a tree full of greengages in her garden. This is not just any tree, but a decades old beauty that, we soon found, produces the most wonderful, tasty, juicy fruit. "Pick all you think you can use" … Continue reading Greengages 101

Meanwhile this morning, before the heat of the day (in theory), it was time to harvest rhubarb. The netting has worked a treat, no possum or wallaby attack. I could hardly believe it when we pulled the nets back. It seems to be the only way to go. Old ginger Tom always protests when we … Continue reading Rhubarb time

Here si the recipe that proved popular for the Plum Sauce, and also Anne's old fashioned, tried and tested Ginger Sponge. If there are any other recipes anyone would like from the programme, please let me know. Plum sauce Based on the recipes from "A Year in a Bottle" or "Complete Preserves" 3kg  plums (any … Continue reading Recipes from Jams and Preserves Talkback 27th January 2018

All produce present and correct for the Bottling class tomorrow. The zucchini will need to be picked from the garden first thing though, and the recently picked blackcurrants are in the freezer, waiting conversion to a special cordial concentrate. (This is a great recipe for when shelf space is becoming scarce). I was so happy … Continue reading Bottling class tomorrow – produce at hand

Spent some time with lovely granddaughter Charly today. No question about how to spend the time. Baking! She made up her own recipe for a two tone (pink and green) marbled cake that she decided to bake for a friend. The cake tin we used looks a bit quirky, which it is. I bought it … Continue reading Baking Day with Charly

Bottling class here tomorrow has some spaces available, so not too late to book. We will be preserving some beautiful local Moor Park apricots, pickling some zucchini from the garden, as well as some Mangel Wurzels (by the recipe Alistair and I developed for our presentation at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival). Spiced cherries … Continue reading Bottling class tomorrow

Decanting and bottling off the honey mead today ....

A gift from a friend - a boxful of red cherry plums. You might think the obvious choice is to bottle them (like Fowlers/waterbath method). However, should you be so inclined if you have some of these plums, forget it. The skins will remain bitter no matter how strong a sugar syrup you use - … Continue reading Red Cherry Plums ahoy!