Same occupation, another location. Did a little babysitting at Charly's house today while her mum went to an appointment. The temptation to bake became too strong and before long Charly and I were beating up a batter for cupcakes. How to bake them? No need to use the oven. A few weeks ago I found … Continue reading A semi-rainy day in the Valley

School holidays are always fun when grandchildren come to visit. Yesterday was no exception. Jacob arrived ravenously hungry, as is the way with boys his age, so Charly and I set to work making a double batch of mini quiches. Next, Grandad and Jacob came in from the garden with fresh zucchinis - could we … Continue reading School holiday fun

Doesn't time whizz by in summer? Took time out from preserving to go to the Taste Festival. It was just wonderful so many tastings, so much that was very good indeed to eat. Some great things to drink also. Best Taste Festival yet. Today it's back to the old routine - up early to pick … Continue reading Blackcurrants – jam and jelly

Busy day today, in the nicest possible way. Picking Morello cherries this morning. I always think they look like sparkling jewels in the container. No time to admire them at length though, into the preserving jars they must go. Next - Morello cherry syrup - a cordial base or to pour over ice cream, use … Continue reading Cherries and Apricots!

After a long morning of weeding the gardens in the wind and rain, Poppy and Rose think it's time for a nap on Robert's lap. Tom as usual, is recuperating on his favourite blanket. It's actually more than a rest they are having here. Sensing that we were about to go out (shopping), Rosie and … Continue reading A Nap and a Protest from the Menagerie

Ooops! The blackcurrant beer was a bit enthusiastic overnight it seems. This is the sight that greeted us in the cooking school kitchen just now. This has happened once before, with raspberry beer a few years ago, but thankfully there was no detriment to the finished product. Cleaned up and settled and under control once … Continue reading Blackcurrant beer bubbles!

Before the heat of the day drives everyone inside to the comparative cool, Robert is picking jostaberries and black, red and white currants. He is assisted by Poppy the Puppy and old Tom as you can see. The cooking school kitchen is a welcome haven from the heat with its very effective air con, so … Continue reading All on a Hot Summer’s Day – jostaberries and currants, watermelon too

Recipe request from the lovely Annabelle White, chef and cook extraordinaire from New Zealand: Chicken (or turkey) à la King               Delicious way to use up leftovers. 1 tablespoon olive oil 30g butter 1 onion, diced 250g mushrooms, sliced 1 red capsicum, diced 2 tablespoons plain flour 1 teaspoon paprika ¾ cup … Continue reading Chicken (or Turkey) à la King

Still lots of baking to be done with more of the family arriving today. As the weather is so hot (by my standards at least), ovens baking flat out inside only exacerbates the issue. Therefore good old Herman, the outdoor oven that Robert built, has come to the rescue. "He" baked for hours Christmas Day … Continue reading Leftover Makeovers

'Twas the night before Christmas and here in the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.... Wrong. The old, very noisy Kenwood Chef is busy making pavlovas, and the ice cream machine is working overtime preparing blood orange and brandy ice cream.