We had lots of visitors on Saturday, friends and family, which was just wonderful with lots of cooking, experimenting with new dishes, and I was especially happy with some gluten and dairy free recipes. However now, a day and a half later without cooking since then (there were lots of leftovers)  and I'm climbing the … Continue reading Oats and Fruit Cake

A surprise in the letterbox today - I received a copy of the May edition of Super Food Ideas. It contains an article about "A Kitchen in the Valley", with recipe excerpts. The article, entitled "A Country Kitchen", makes special mention of the fact that my book is inspired by the "local produce and relaxed … Continue reading A Country Kitchen – Super Food Ideas

Just the sort of day I like - inventing and practising recipes to demonstrate at the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival this weekend. The salmon was donated by Tassal. It's finally cold enough outside to have an excuse to light old Carmichael the stove - already a pot of beetroot is bubbling away on the hotplate. … Continue reading Salmon Practice

Peas in a pot waiting to be pickled, hope they turn out ok - haven't done this before. Then there's lovely red capsicums to roast and quinces to slow bake. I'm actually supposed to be cleaning the house thoroughly, but if I do that in and around cooking that still counts doesn't it? After all, … Continue reading Pickled Peas

The first of the recipes, the Bachelor's Apple Crumble I made for dessert last evening.  It is absolutely delicious! (I made a lemon ice cream to accompany it). Leftovers of the crumble could be used as a breakfast dish, topped with a little Greek yoghurt. The second recipe is for Apple Cider, rung in by … Continue reading ABC segment yesterday – recipes

And SO… Today is the official launch date for my new book, "A Kitchen in the Valley". It's sitting here on my desk beside me - I confess to being very pleased with it - lovely full colour photos by Chris Crerar, and hard cover no less. The book is available on line and at … Continue reading A Kitchen in the Valley – the new book is released!

Another day, another dilemma. Our little Poppy Puppy loves to play and romp with the three cats. Most of the time it's amicable, but as the weather turns colder, Tom is exerting more of his influence in the house, rather than sleeping in his (or rather Poppy's) bed on the front deck. A game with … Continue reading The Eye had it

Let the games begin … or more like continue. This wine press ROCKS! A hundred kilos of grapes were barely enough to fill it as far as it needed. Then it was the proverbial poetry in motion, juice pouring out in a steady stream. What an astounding colour it was, and the flavour exquisite. All … Continue reading The Making of the Wine continues

Yes, men at work - as these are premium CalClaire grapes, it's apparently best to remove the stalks. So here the two of them, Nat and Robert, have sat for hours doing just that. The level of grapes in the wine press in steadily rising, so it won't be long before we will need two … Continue reading Meanwhile … Men at Work

Busy, busy times. Taught preserving at the Agrarian Kitchen on Friday, and on Sunday had our daughter Courtney's wedding reception here on the farm. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Matthew's family and Courtney and Matt's friends too, and our own family of course. It was a very informal affair - Robert … Continue reading Of Grapes and Wine