In my kitchen - April 2015

2/4/2015

'Hara hachi bu' say the Japanese. Sage advice, which translates to words along the lines of 'eat only until stomach is 80% full'. A Japanese proverb dating back to the 1300s reinforces this message: 'eight-parts of a full stomach sustain the man; the other two sustain the doctor'. In my mind's eye, I can see my Asian-born medical practitioners nodding furiously in agreement.

Yes, a visit to a specialist this week has confirmed my suspicions about laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR, also known as silent reflux. With more tests to follow, it's a bittersweet diagnosis for me, in that I am relieved to know the cause of my affliction, yet saddened to learn that it is exacerbated by food and drink!

That said, there are certainly worse outcomes and I'm simply grateful to be alive and relatively well. On my kitchen bench there's a barely legible note from the specialist, which outlines 'mealtime changes' that I must follow for at least the next several months. Firstly, as a rule I must eat smaller meals, with breakfast and lunch being the main meals of the day. Dinner must not be consumed after 6.30pm and it should consist of light soup only, with no snacks afterwards, not even an apple! Pasta, fatty or fried foods, tomatoes, spicy meals, oven-baked dishes, dairy, caffeine and alcohol are all on the 'prohibited at dinner time' list. And I have been advised to avoid drinking anything (including water) within a few hours of my bed time.

The prognosis is good, as I understand it. If I follow the specialist's orders, the irritation in my pharynx will heal with time and I will suffer less bloating and tummy discomfort. If it means I am to return to my previous good health, then I'm in! And there are plenty of things I can cook, eat and enjoy.

So now let's take a look at what's in my kitchen this month.

Fresh...

There are aubergines (eggplants) and avocados in my kitchen this month. My Peter loves an avocado smash for lunch. I enjoy baba ghanoush.

Apples and pears are the stars of the fruit bowl, as berry fruits come off the shopping list for the time being.

I'll be zesting these home grown kaffir limes, saving the zingy skin by freezing it in ice cubes.

Products and ingredients...

I caved in and bought myself a Vegetti or spiraliser, but have yet to use it. My advice if you are planning to purchase is 'shop around'. I paid $59 AUD for two (one for my daughter, who told me she had found them online for less than $15).

There's also good quality smoked bacon from Bungendore Smokehouse in my kitchen - a purchase when I visited the award winning Capital Wines cellar door recently as part of a famil to the nearby Yass Valley. Watch this space for my upcoming Postcards and Morsels.

Smoked Bungendore Smokehouse Bacon by Good Things

Another of the Bungendore Smokehouse products are these smoked lamb cutlets, which are so delicious when quickly dry-fried in a hot skillet and served with rocket and a good dressing.

Peter and I were invited to spend a day as an olive farmer at Kangaroo Valley Olives (KVO) recently, as part of a Foodscapes tour. We bought this KVO dukkah to enjoy with crusty bread and I think it will make a tasty coating for lamb.

Kangaroo Valley Olives dukkah by Good Things

I'm looking forward to tasting these tapenades and the rhubarb and vanilla bean compote, all produced by Kangaroo Valley Olives. KVO is a boutique producer made up of Kangaroo Valley growers.

Kangaroo Valley Olives tapenade and compote by Good Things

And more fine products from Kangaroo Valley Olives, some of them very kindly gifted to me, some I bought. The caramelised apple balsamic vinegar teams beautifully with the Ambrosia extra virgin olive oil. The table olives are plump and delicious.

In the fullness of time, I'll share my Postcards and morsels from our visit to Kangaroo Valley Olives. In the meantime, please meet the maker, Brenda Sambrook, a friend and one of the KVO growers, in this short video that I produced following our visit.

A range of table olives, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Kangaroo Valley Olives by Good Things

My neighbour, Trazel, invited me to a spice party, featuring products from Your Inspiration At Home. I am loving this range of rather exotic flavour combinations. The chocolate raspberry truffle powder will feature in a cheesecake recipe that I will publish soon.

Your Inspiration at Home spice blends by Good Things

Keepsakes... vale Mary Brander...

My friend Christine very kindly gave me this packet of Forget Me Not seeds, a keepsake from the recent funeral of Mary Brander, a mutual friend and food writer colleague of the both of us. I was unaware that Mary had passed away following a brief illness and saddened to hear the news belatedly.

Among other things, Mary wrote a book titled Capital Taste, the a-z of good food in an around Canberra and was so very sweet to have mentioned me and my then cooking school in one of the chapters. Mary's book is one of the treasures on my shelves.

Vale Mary Brander, author and friend in food

And other books...

I'm enjoying quiet times in my home library, reading Season of Salt & Honey by Hannah Tunnicliffe (Pan Macmillan) . My review will follow in the fullness of time.

And last, but by no means least, 5:2 lifestyle by Delphine de Montalier and Charlotte Debeugny has pride of place on my kitchen bench. A timely publication from Murdoch Books, the philosophy of which sits well with hara hachi bu. One of the paragraphs on the first page of the book asks 'Why should you eat less?' A detailed review will follow once I've had the chance to digest the information and cook a few recipes from the book. Watch this space.

This In my kitchen post is compiled as part of a monthly round up hosted by my wonderful friend, Celia, from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial.

Tell me dear readers, are your eyes bigger than your belly at mealtimes? And what good things are happening in your kitchen this month?

47 Comments

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef link

2/4/2015 02:22:06 am

Wow, you have a lot going on. I was sorry to hear about the new diet but if a bit of lifestyle change for a while will cure what's ailing you, it's not the biggest price to pay.

I love everything in your kitchen!

Lizzy

4/4/2015 10:54:40 am

Thanks so much, Maureen... it's a pain, but do-able, for good health!

kellie@foodtoglow link

2/4/2015 04:21:46 am

I'm glad to hear you finally have a definitive diagnosis, and it is one that can be eased and controlled thorough diet - not an op! Your natural skills and curiosity in the kitchen will see you right, so don't worry about missing out too much on the things that you love. You will just develop new things and ways of eating to love! As always, you have some great things in your kitchen. I especially like the look of the 5:2 book and that chocolate raspberry truffle powder. I look forward to your recipe using it. :-) All best to you, Liz. And I watched your olive lady vid - she is a great advert for the health giving properties of olives. She has amazing skin.

4/4/2015 10:55:30 am

Thank you Kellie for the positive words... I need the encouragement. Yes, Brenda has lovely skin... the olives and olive oil must surely contribute! Thanks for taking the time to watch my little movie xo

John @ Kitchen Riffs link

2/4/2015 05:42:53 am

Your dietary regime for the next few months doesn't sound like fun, but it's doable. I'll be interested to see what dishes you whip up to cope with your restrictions! I've often thought we should make lunch our main meal of the day -- that's when we really need the energy, so it makes sense to eat more then. Still, hard to resist the allure of a long, leisurely dinner? With wine -- really don't like to drink very much, if anything, before evening. Anyway, good stuff in your kitchen this month! Thanks.

4/4/2015 10:56:38 am

Ah John, so true... but sadly those days of long leisurely dinners with wine are over methinks... any wine must be consumed by 3-4pm... not quite so inviting. But, yes, I will get there for the sake of my health. Thanks for your kind words!

Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers link

2/4/2015 10:30:45 am

Would be very interested on your thoughts on the spiraliser, I've had a few ideas for having a play with one but I have a thing about clutter in the kitchen, I've bought a few too many gadgets over the years

4/4/2015 10:57:32 am

Hi Toni! I tried it for the first time yesterday, just making some carrot spirals to munch on. Works well. I have too many gadgets too, but have wanted one of those for ages! Love your blog, by the way! xo

Fiona @TIFFIN bite sized food adventures link

2/4/2015 11:13:45 am

Liz – it must be a relief to have a diagnosis even though there are some challenges ahead. I'm interested that one of the things you can't eat for dinner is 'oven baked' dishes. I suppose that's because they would typically include a sauce that would irritate your condition but it is a funny term. Saw some lovely new season Shepherd avocadoes the other day. The costs have been prohibitive this year but I see they are finally coming down in price. Meanwhile….I love the sound of that Rhubarb & Vanilla Compote. I bet it's nearly gone! Onward and upwards Liz! A truly tasty tour.

4/4/2015 10:59:19 am

Thank you, Fiona... yes, indeed, it is good to know that the 'flu-like' symptoms are not actually viruses, colds or flu, but LPR symptoms, which are more manageable. I think the specialist meant baked dinners and the like... fatty things... but yes, rich sauces too, I guess. We have yet to open any of the KVO products... life is crazy busy of late... happy Easter xo

Miss Food Fairy link

2/4/2015 11:15:47 am

Good luck with your change of diet - it's hard at the start but will get easier in the next couple of weeks. You're a strong woman - you can do this :) Lots of amazing goodies in your kitchen this month, especially the olives. Thanks for sharing Liz xx

4/4/2015 10:59:41 am

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Miss Food Fairy! xo

celia

2/4/2015 11:50:24 am

I'm glad to hear they've made progress figuring out how to make you better - wishing you a speedy recovery to perfect health! Lots of treasures in your kitchen this month - haven't the avocados been fabulous this year? Expensive though! What does a spiraliser do? xxx

4/4/2015 11:00:50 am

Thanks Celia, love. The sad thing is no more sour dough or bread of any sort for the present. I LOVED working with that dough from Ludmilla, my starter. Not to worry. Onwards we go. Thanks for stopping by... oh, a spiraliser turns things like carrots and zucchini into spirals!

Eha

2/4/2015 02:04:24 pm

Want to look up the Kangaroo Valley products [interesting] and the Bungendore Smokehouse ones [see whether they are on line?] Liz: I have naturally eaten your 'new way' for the past two decades unless a dinner party is in progress: it is not a diet but a very healthy meal timing actually [and suits my semi-Buddhist ways also] Well it is different in that my main water intake is at night and throughout the night :) ! Happy Easter again!!

4/4/2015 11:01:53 am

Hello Eha... I think you would love the KVO products... artisan quality, all made with love and dedication! Interesting to hear that you too are eating 'a new way'... Happy Easter too xo

4/4/2015 02:09:41 pm

Darling Liz: methinks you have enough knowledge and language to understand 'Erstes Frühstuck, Zweites Frühstuck' followed by most in the erstwhile Austro-Hungarian Empire' :) ! And still now!!!! Beginning with a glass of apricot brandy ere the 'Erstes' that surely is the healthiest and most delightful way to go . . . that is NO diet!!!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link

2/4/2015 05:42:27 pm

What a nice collection of items Lizzy. A sad one about your friend too. I hope that she wasn't in pain.

Have a great long weekend!

4/4/2015 11:02:20 am

Thanks so much, Lorraine. I think Mary had suffered dementia... painful in other ways. Happy Easter xo

Tania@My kitchen Stories. link

3/4/2015 01:59:31 am

Hi Lizzy, sorry to hear your new diet will be so restrictive. I hope you feel better soon. Love the smokehouse meats they must be very delicious. you can eat them for lunch- or breakfast. look at the bright side that opens a whole new ball game!

4/4/2015 11:03:05 am

Thanks Tania, yes, I can eat those smoked things, in moderation, for lunch and breakfast. I am up for the challenge, that's for sure. Happy Easter love xo

Jennifer from Milk and Honey link

3/4/2015 12:54:09 pm

So sorry to hear that you won't be able to enjoy some of the food and drinks that you have in the past, but if they impact negatively on your health I guess they are no nos. I'm sure you will find new and interesting ways to enjoy the things you can have.

4/4/2015 11:03:32 am

Thank you, Jennifer, yes, finding new things every day! Slowly, slowly. Happy Easter.

Sally - My custard pie link

3/4/2015 04:18:22 pm

Sorry to hear about anything that effects your ability to eat and drink. Hope it all sorts out soon. Also sorry to hear about your friend.
Coincidence that a spiraliser was in my kitchen too!

4/4/2015 11:03:53 am

Yes, Sally, lots of goodies in your kitchen too. Thanks for your support xo

Lucille

3/4/2015 06:43:23 pm

I saw those vegetti things on television and wondered if they were any good. I've been thinking about buying one. Shall be interested to see what you do with yours. Thanks Bizzy Lizzy

4/4/2015 11:04:10 am

Thanks Lucille... I will keep you posted!

Ruth

3/4/2015 06:45:50 pm

So good that you are working out what has been causing your poor health. Knowing you, you will be able to cook loads of tasty things. I always like seeing things in your kitchen, by the way. Those Kangaroo Valley olives sound really good. Going to look up the online shop.

4/4/2015 11:04:51 am

Ruth, thanks for your kind words. I will do my best! And yes, the KVO olives and other products are just gorgeous! We taste tested them on our visit! Do check out the online store!

Kirsty link

3/4/2015 10:39:29 pm

So that's what a kaffir lime looks like! I guess I've only ever used the leaves and didn't give the actual fruit all that much thought.
All the best with your new relationship with food Liz. Still, it must be a relief to finally have a diagnosis. All the best, Kirsty xx

4/4/2015 11:06:12 am

Thanks Kirsty... the kaffir lime fruit is interesting... some people use the juice, but I find it too bitter and a little 'soapy'. The zest is wonderful in my ice cream, the recipe is here on Good Things. Yes, it's great to have a diagnosis... two years of ill health, including pneumonia, was a bit too much! Happy Easter xo

David link

4/4/2015 04:45:38 am

A treasure trove of wonders! Our kaffir limes (as well as our Bearss limes, lemons, oranges, and clementines) have just set fruit. Months to wait now... I always love the tour of your kitchen!

4/4/2015 11:06:40 am

Thanks so much, my dear friend! Love those oyster dishes you have just purchased! I want! xo

Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers link

4/4/2015 06:12:46 pm

Very sad for you that your friend passed, the forget me not seeds are a lovely idea for remembrance. I'm glad that you have a eating plan that can help you manage LPR and will feel better as a result, it's that eat like a king for breakfast, prince for lunch and pauper for dinner philospophy (so my husband who suffers from it tells me!).

Mrs Mulberry link

5/4/2015 10:17:51 am

What a lovely array of treasures in your kitchen this month Lizzy. Those olives look particularly spectacular. Wishing you the best of health and a speedy recovery xxx

Jan (a gluttonous wife) link

5/4/2015 05:55:23 pm

Does that mean you can have alcohol with breakfast?? :D just kidding, I'm pleased to hear you have a diagnosis but I feel for you!!!
I'm really interested to hear how your Veggeti goes as I had a terrible time with one I brought off ebay - it basically fell apart and couldn't even cope with a zucchini. The replacement did the same thing and then I finally got a refund - I'll stick to doing it by hand!!!
Jan x

Cate link

5/4/2015 08:29:09 pm

Wow, sounds like some big challenges,I hope you feel much better soon xx

Anne link

5/4/2015 10:41:15 pm

Everyone seems to have a spiraliser! Your kaffir limes look amazing. Do they have much juice? I've never seen them for sale over here.

Francesca link

6/4/2015 08:58:40 pm

That dukkah looks lovely Lizzie. Sorry to hear about your reflux issues. Chocolate should also be avoided- as well as any desserts at dinner time. Nexium might also help a great deal. Arggghh, not fair.

e / dig in hobart link

7/4/2015 12:42:22 pm

all the best of luck changing your diet over the coming months. it will be easier knowing you do these things for your health - and once you see results. you are also such a brilliant and inventive cook that i'm sure you will see these restrictions as an exciting challenge, not a hindrance, in your cooking.

EllaDee link

7/4/2015 06:20:05 pm

Your experiences with reflux are interesting as I have experienced it similarly from time to time but not recently. However, it's good to bear in mind the precautions.
However your kitchen remains reasssuring bright, fresh, interesting and delicious. I was recently in Bungendore but sadly missed the Smokehouse.

Moya link

9/4/2015 09:35:47 am

Sorry to hear you have not been well Lizzy and hopefully you will feel better soon. Lots of gorgeous things in your kitchen, don't have a spiralser yet. :)

Selma | Selma's Table link

11/4/2015 01:32:19 am

It must be a relief to not only finally have a diagnosis but to also know that it is not permanent. Then next little while may take some adjusting to but you are so creative that it will be nothing more than a challenge and one that I am sure you will rise magnificently to! Lovely to see such interesting items in your kitchen - the books look great and I am wondering why we don't have spice parties here!!

Kavey link

11/4/2015 04:48:54 am

Sorry to hear about the diet restrictions but as you say, good news that you should be able to resolve your pharynx symptoms.
Love the fruit and veg photos, especially those knobbly kaffir limes!
Kavey (fellow IMKer)

sherry from sherryspickings link

14/4/2015 06:41:57 pm

hope you are feeling better soon. love the olive products and the choc/raspberry powder. how wonderful to have home grown kaffir limes!

Beck link

16/4/2015 12:45:19 am

Glad to hear to have a diagnosis and plan Liz, reflux has been an issue for both me and my mother over the years as well. I’m interested to see the spiraliser, a few people seem to have them recently, and love your smokehouse products and the lovely olive products too.

Liz link

19/4/2015 07:10:58 am

I'm glad that you have a diagnosis and a path forward to a cure. But, sorry you have to give up (temporarily) all those yummy things.

Lots of countries have their main meal in the middle of the day with a bit of wine, and soup for dinner. It sounds like a very healthy wat to eat. I look forward to hearing how you feel in the coming months.

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