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Dave and I have been building our house for a decade. Dave has done as much of the work himself as he possibly can, when he has the time. In December he decided to start working on the wooden floor in our study. We did the flooring for our cottage bedroom ourselves and it was … Continue reading Blueberry Vinegar
I recently read an article titled 10 habits of the happily married (Fairlady February 2015) where couples were advised what it takes to make a marriage work and were given daily challenges. Some of these included speaking up; laughing together; being attentive; being kind; and appreciating. The daily challenge for the last one was to make … Continue reading Pistachio Paste
I was having a discussion with someone the other day, whose argument was faulty. He stated that he could see no reason why a manufacturer should refuse to sell to the consumer. As a person who runs a wholesale company, as well as having my own retail business I totally understand why this happens. A … Continue reading Chrain | Fresh Horseradish Sauce
There is a new television program here called Stalker that I am watching and loving. Strange really, as I have been stalked. I house sat for a couple in a very large house, that was situated on a very large property. I lived there all alone, and did not worry about it at all. Dave was … Continue reading Vanilla Sugar
Using the flowers of my nasturtium plants, I made nasturtium jelly, to serve with yoghurt scones and clotted cream. Nasturtium is an Indian cress and has large, shield shaped, peppery leaves and cheerful, helmet shaped flowers in yellow, orange and red. These flowers make an attractive, edible garnish. (information sourced from The Complete Book of … Continue reading Nasturtium Jelly
Praline is a great addition to chocolates when making truffles. With just two ingredients needed, you should be able to whip this up easily. When I was 7 I knew that I could play at my friend Angie's house if her mother was in a good mood. I knew that if I hurt myself I … Continue reading Praline
Dulce de leche is a popular dessert ingredient used in a wide variety of sweet dishes. Easy to make at home, I hope you will try this recipe. I have an acute sense of smell and so I don't like it when my shower gel smells like soap, or my candles smell of wax. This … Continue reading Dulce De Leche
Vinegar, when tasted alone leaves a sour taste in your mouth. But when added to a salad dressing can be sweet. I wish I knew what to add to this sour situation to change it around and make it good again. I made this tarragon vinegar shortly before my tarragon died back. We had such an … Continue reading Tarragon Vinegar
To me, making kale pesto is one of the best ways to use this vegetable. If I could have any undercover job in the world I would choose to be a traffic officer. I don't want the tedious chores like directing traffic, manning roadblocks or speed traps and checking drivers' licenses. I want to be … Continue reading Kale Pesto
Herb oils are easy to make and so versatile to use. Here I provide you with a recipe using fresh oregano to make your own oregano oil. But you can use any herb that you have growing in your garden. Many people think that taking a tortoise out of the wild and bringing them home … Continue reading Oregano Oil
Cinnamon sugar is one of the flavoured sugars I always have to hand. It can be used to spice up your baking or for pancakes on a rainy day. Skip ahead to the recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Who can remember the line from the nursery rhyme little girls are made of sugar and spice and … Continue reading Cinnamon Sugar
I am submitting this recipe for Grapefruit Curd to Simple & In Season which is being hosted this month by Sally who blogs over at My Custard Pie. In 2001 Dave brought home the sweetest, cutest puppy and we named her Patch. What we should have named her was Houdini, given how often she escapes … Continue reading Grapefruit Curd
Late last year I participated in Yuppiechef's annual cookathon and our meal started with a melon and avocado salad with a roasted tomato salad dressing. Tami commented that she was looking forward to the recipe for the salad dressing, and it has taken me quite some time to get it posted. We used up the first … Continue reading Recipe For Tomato Salad Dressing
This apple and fennel sauce is the perfect addition to any pork dish. My favourite is pork belly. But if I do not have time to slow roast a belly I will make pork chops. Dave and I do as much barbecuing as possible regardless of the weather. One of the things we love to … Continue reading Apple And Fennel Sauce
Candied orange peel has to be one of the easiest things to make at home. Here I have a recipe using fructose. In 1994, South Africa was at the brink of a civil war. People were being killed for the colour of their skin, their political affiliation, or their ethnic background. Car bombs were going … Continue reading Candied Orange Peel
I am one of those people who loves to snack. I have a few snacks during the day, in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Usually it is a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts and every now and then I have a small chunk of cheese. I have read over a few blogs … Continue reading Recipe For Roasted Chickpeas
This kiwi fruit salsa recipe forms part of the #Zespri Challenge I am taking part in. Today, the challenge for Zespri® 14 Day Daily Scoop of Amazing reads: Cooking is a great family bonding activity. Try out some of the new recipes from your thumb drive and share the experience with your readers. We were … Continue reading Kiwi Fruit Salsa
I adore plums and the tarter the better. I could not wait to make Tom Kitchin's recipe for honey parfait with pickled plums and oat crumble while I have been reviewing his recipe book From Nature To Plate. It included pickled plums as well as crisps. I made enough to photograph the recipe as well as an … Continue reading Pickled Plums
This recipe for Café De Paris Butter is courtesy of Neil Jewell and Leopard's Leap Wines. While we were overseas I received an email inviting me to the launch of Leopard's Leap Culinaria range of wines. I requested that Dave be allowed to join me and I was so glad he could as I got to … Continue reading Café De Paris Butter
This recipe for roasted butternut with spinach pesto and pumpkin seeds has been adapted from Reuben Riffel's recipe Women's Health May 2013. Roasted Butternut With Spinach Pesto The May issue of Women's Health has a feature on butternut using recipes from South African celebrity chefs. The four chefs that contributed their recipes are Reuben Riffel, Pete Goffe-Wood, … Continue reading Roasted Butternut With Spinach Pesto