As I like to focus on the positive, calling last year 20plenty seems quite apt. I had plenty of everything I needed. And for that I consider myself blessed. Work in December 2020 was no great shakes. But it was there and we worked right up until the 21st. That is when my parents arrived from Johannesburg. We were meant to be in Croatia, but we did not let that stop us. We went out for meals and did lots of cooking at home. Books were read and many hands of canasta played. We saw friends, ate good food and drank! Time was spent at the pool, and we had one night away to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. So definitely 20plenty.
Savoury Cooking in December 2020
Savoury cooking in my kitchen included the most delicious plum sauce. We paired it with barbecued chicken over and over again. Plums are in season right now so I will make a second batch to last the year. I also made black sesame paste so I could make ice cream. I served that with an apricot clafoutis. Oregano shortbread was made to serve with a cheese platter and we had a few helpings of caprese pizza. This uses a cheats pizza dough and is so easy to make.
And then for the sweet stuff
Matcha ice cream appeared before the black sesame ice cream only because of timing. I made sous vide orange curd to go with my zeppole. And last but not least came my sourdough almond cookies.
One new thing for December 2020
I am fully committed to buying local and added 120 increda-pegs to my collection. I usually purchase at least 30 pegs each December as the plastic ones I buy tend to not last. Mostly because I never bring them in, and they stay outside exposed to the sun. And also because Scarlett has a fondness for chewing them to pieces. These are made right here in South Africa and have a unique design. I wanted the peg bag and ordered 4 bags of 60 to get the bag at no charge. I have given two bags away and have opened one to use already. I love that they come off so easily. And that they hold the washing down, even in the fiercest of winds. If you live in South Africa and need pegs then I can highly recommend these.
This is my January submission to the #IMK series, hosted by Sherry. Each month bloggers around the world gather to share what is new in their kitchens. Pop on over to her blog to take a peek.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime January 6:
May 2021 be kind to you!
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Improving on the existing design of clothes pins (or pegs) is surprising — like a better mouse trap! I wonder if this invention will come to the US. And I wonder if the innovation would be successful, as most Americans use the automatic dryer much of the time.
Have a great year in 2021!
be well and safe… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
We are blessed with lots of sunshine here which means we seldom use a tumble dryer. I don’t even own one as we seldom made use of it. Be well 🙂
Tandy you cooked some really interesting dishes in December and I enjoyed reading all about them each time. We played many hands of canasta as well when in Cairns with our daughter and hubby, great game eh, but can be slightly challenging at times playing with a partner:) I wish I could buy those S.A. pegs, I need to buy some more as well, as I also leave mine outside, in the hot sun. Take care, Pauline.
We don’t play with partners to make is more challenging 🙂 Maybe we can find a way to get the pegs to you when your postal service opens up?
I’m happy that 2020 had some good moments for you. Wishing you all the best in this new year.
And the same to you!
how nice to still show gratitude for what was a challenging year; sounds like you ended the year on the right note with the visit from your parents…
I think it is what we all needed 🙂
It sounds like you had a good holiday, Tandy. We also gathered with family, but I must admit I was a bit anxious the entire time because of all the covid information.
I dont let the doom affect me, but I’m super cautious all the time.
thanks for joining in tandy. I wasn’t sure who would want to do an IMK early Jan.:) Must have been nice to get away for a break. we went away for one night. it was actually a bit weird – i like my own bed too much now. take care
cheers
S
I find one night in a new bed is not usually relaxing 🙂