One of the latest additions to my kitchen is this vintage 'Kitchamajig' (above) that caught my eye in a curiosity shop in the Kangaroo Valley. It is so aesthetically pleasing to me. I love its name, its interesting shape, and the fact that it has been well used by its previous owner/s. Made in England from solid stainless steel (and trade marked, I might add), imprinted text on it advises that it 'crushes, strains, whips and lifts'. I don't tend to buy 'props' for my food photography, therefore I'm inclined to add this handy little tool to my collection of cook's tools, but might use it with extra care. Have you ever seen one of these, or do you have one, dear readers?
Autumn tones brighten my kitchen this month. I've been enjoying these Fuyu persimmons. Fresh, flavoursome and a little crunchy, these are the non astringent variety of the fruit and can be eaten just like an apple. They are beautiful, no?
Recently I organised a five-course degustation dinner at the newly opened Farmhouse Restaurant at Pialligo Estate for 20 Canberra food blogger friends. To our delight, at the end of the evening each of us received a farmhouse hamper of goodies. The sweet little basket included a selection of house-made bon bons and chocolates; Pialligo Smokehouse award winning salmon and short cut bacon, together with smoked salt; a bottle of 2009 Pialligo Estate Riesling; and a bottle of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. All produced from the Estate. This gift was not only extremely generous, but totally delicious. Thank you kindly to Charlie, Jan, Brendan, Brian, Rowan, John and the entire Pialligo Estate team. Watch for my upcoming post about our Pialligo Estate dining experience. It was nothing short of outstanding!
Quinces adorn the fruit platter on the kitchen bench, their delicate perfume is evident whenever I walk into the room. These were purchased direct from the farmer at a little roadside stall at Gundaroo in the Yass Valley. I think I might try my hand at the quince jelly recipe from Celia's husband, Pete. It is so good, particularly with freshly baked bread and fresh ricotta. Try that combination sometime. You might be pleasantly surprised.
In my kitchen are packets of Alagappa's curry blend that Peter purchased online recently. We were visiting my friend, Ron Miller, who makes The Jolly Miller Cider in Gundaroo, and he was telling us about his upcoming trip to Malaysia. Peter jumped in and told Ron about his memories of RAAF days and this fabulous curry blend that people used to bring back from Penang. He mentioned that he had never seen it since the 1990s. No sooner did we arrive home, we found that Ron had emailed a link so that Peter could buy some from an Australian store. Thanks Ron! Incidentally, watch this space for an upcoming story about Ron and his cider.
Home grown Meyer lemons also grace my kitchen bench this month. While the potted lemon bushes are fruiting profusely, the plants themselves have struggled somewhat this season, thanks to an infestation of scale. I've been treating this with white oil and have also been feeding the plants diligently with Seasol. If anyone has handy hints for bringing lemons back to life, please do let me know. Me and my lemons would be very grateful to hear from you!
A good cook can never have too much fine quality extra virgin olive oil, methinks and this bottle of Guneemooroo from Mudgee, along with some other goodies, was a gift from my lovely friend Julia. Thank you sweetness xo
Peter's brother Paul, and his fiancee, Debbie, love shopping for quirky Christmas gifts for us. And these Cool Rocks were in our hamper last year. You simply pop the rock cubes into the freezer for a few hours, then add three or four chilled rocks to a glass of whisky. The good thing is that you can chill drinks without diluting them. While neither of us imbibes in too much of anything alcoholic, Peter and I enjoy a wee dram of whisky every so often. Recently, we attended a four course 'Dinner with Whisky' hosted at the Hotel Realm in Canberra by esteemed whisky writer, Martine Nouet. Watch for my upcoming post on that fabulous event. We are also looking forward to Whisky Live, coming to Canberra (and other major Australian cities) soon.
A gift from my lovely friend, Ann Brady, is a copy of Jane Lawson's beautiful cookbook, Snow Flakes and Schnapps, which arrived in the post this week (thank you Ann xo). With the onset of chilly weather, I'm looking forward to splattering the pages of this one very soon. I think I'm going to start with the Oliebollen. Yum!
And lastly, in my kitchen are a couple of packets of Lindt dark chocolate, which my beloved, Peter, brought home as a special treat for me. Early this week I found a lump in my breast and my GP sent me for an urgent mammogram and ultrasound. Thankfully, according to the specialist who conducted the tests, 'there is nothing to worry about'. With that weight lifted from my shoulders, it was ever so good to break open a pack of chocolate and celebrate! Now, may I take this opportunity to remind you, dear readers (ladies and gentlemen alike), about the importance of regular breast examination (both clinical and self examination). Early detection is really important, so have you checked on 'the puppies' lately, my friends?
A note of thanks to my friend, Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, who hosts a monthly round up of 'In my Kitchen' posts from food bloggers around the world. Celia has a very busy life and yet takes the time to include a community of blog posts on her side bar every month. She's also quite an inspirational sour dough baker. Pop in say hello, and tell Celia that I sent you xo
Now, tell me dear readers and fellow cooks, what's happening in your kitchen this month?
68 Comments
Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:03:31 am
I love it.
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Hi Liz. Indeed that degustation dinner was just fabulous, and it was a pleasure to finally meet you. I look forward to your post about the event. I too can't believe how generous our hosts were with those gift baskets, such a lovely surprise. You must be so relieved from your recent health scare. Ones health is so precious, life can change in an instant. Here's to continued 'good things'. Kirsty xx
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:04:58 am
Hi Kirsty, it was a pleasure to meet you also : ) Pialligo Estate looked after us all so very beautifully... that five course degustation with drinks for just $30, what an absolute treat... not to mention the hampers too! Thank you for your kind words... it was a relief indeed. Hope to sit down and chat again soon xo
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:03:08 am
Indeed.
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1/5/2015 05:51:13 am
First of all, "whew." It's horrible to have a scare like you have had but thank goodness it was just that, a scare (Lindt would be my go to - sea salt as well). I love what is in your autumn kitchen, so different to my spring one. :-) And,I will need to go and look up the intriguingly named Snowflakes and Schnapps. Take care. x
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:01:43 am
Kellie, firstly, thank you for taking the time to read my post(s). All too often people whip in and out again so quickly, without digesting what writers like you and I have put onto the page. I appreciate your patience to read to the end. Yes, thankfully it was just a scare. Phew! : ) Lovely to see the differences in our produce across the miles! Not long now till I will be in your neck of the woods xo
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Peter
1/5/2015 09:15:36 am
I think we have a mouse in our kitchen. Every time I walk past the kitchen bench, there's less of that chocolate : D
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:02:43 am
Oh ha! And the name of the mouse would be... Peter? : ) xo
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1/5/2015 09:27:33 am
I want to be in your kitchen! So much good stuff this month.Love the Kitchamajig!
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 10:02:16 am
Thanks John, me too!
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Inky
1/5/2015 10:38:06 am
What a relief for you. You really are wise to spread that message to us all. Thank you!
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 01:20:46 pm
Oh nooooooo, Inky... I read that somewhere else, but would be devastated to throw the three shrubs out! I shall dedicate myself to saving them! : )
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Andrea
1/5/2015 11:29:30 am
I too love the kitchamajig! Must get down to kangaroo valley, and like you, must remember to check the "puppies"! Relieved to hear that you are ok x
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 01:21:12 pm
Andrea, thank you kindly... yes, do make plans to visit KV... such a beautiful part of the world xo
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 01:21:28 pm
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! xo : )
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 01:21:49 pm
It surely was, Amanda... next time you visit Canberra, let's dine there together!
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That thing looks like the gadget that came with my very first deep fryer in the states. I'm sure it's fancier than what I had.
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Lizzy
1/5/2015 01:22:24 pm
Ooooh, how exciting Maureen! Interesting that you found that same curry powder up north... have you tried it yet?
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Eha
1/5/2015 01:34:14 pm
First things first: having been lopsided for some 14 years there is just one bit of your news which really thrills!! Admittedly once 'been there, done that' one lives one's life quite differently!! Want to try the Lindt and have already attempted to reach the Spice Company: not working on my computer at the moment but shall surely try again!!
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:26:33 am
Oh Eha, you really have done the hard yards, my friend! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods xo
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1/5/2015 02:32:57 pm
Liz, I am so glad the "puppies" are good and the chocolate is salted. ;) I have never tried quince, I'll have to check with our produce guy at the market and give it a whirl. Your kitchen is filled with deliciously good things, as usual. Now I'm craving curry.
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:27:15 am
Hi Judy... I think you'd like quince... and you would especially love Celia and Pete's quince jelly, it is SO good! Thank you for stopping by.
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1/5/2015 03:36:24 pm
Always feel so warmly welcomed into your kitchen each month Lizzy! I love you Kitchamajig, can't wait to see what you do with the persimmons and one can never have too many Meyer lemons!
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:27:39 am
Hi Joanne, thank you for your kind words. : )
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1/5/2015 11:35:02 pm
What a busy month it has been in your kitchen! So many gorgeous foods and experiences. I love the "kitchamajig" I am very relieved to hear that your scan came up all clear. What a relief. xxx
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:28:04 am
Many thanks Kyrstie... and a timely reminder for all of us! xo
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:28:37 am
Hi lovely Mandy... yes, my Peter keeps his rock cubes in the freezer. Have a great weekend love xo
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:29:10 am
Glenda, you are so clever, growing and making all these things. Really clever!
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2/5/2015 04:22:27 am
Your kitchen looks lovely Lizzy, I keep seeing and reading about quinces everywhere but just cannot find them here in the UK. I have however quince vodka from Poland and it is lush. I'm glad to read your puppies are okay :-) xx
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:29:51 am
Hello Ania... oh, really? So surprised that you cannot find quinces over there. Thank you for your kind words too xo
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2/5/2015 04:51:20 am
This is quite the (almost) alphabetical post!
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:30:25 am
Oh hello David, ha, how interesting. Wasn't intentional, but there you go. Happy cooking my friend xo
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2/5/2015 01:46:46 pm
I'm glad you got the all clear from your tests - never a great time waiting for results to come in. Those Lindt bars never seem to make it back into the fridge in my house they get eaten in one go! I have Jane Lawson's Japanese book - it's quite brilliant so I will have to check out this one too.
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2/5/2015 02:29:15 pm
Lovely things as always Lizzy. Isn't it wonderful to have quinces in the house? I have excess this year so I might give Pete's recipe a try. The Dinner with Whiskey event sounds like fun, imagine having a job as a whiskey writer!
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:31:09 am
Hello lovely Jane... yes, do try the quince jelly, that recipe of Pete and Celia's is a cracker! Thank you for your very kind words xo Loved your latest post too!
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:31:42 am
Ah Liz, I bet there is plenty of baking going on in your kitchen too, lovely xo
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2/5/2015 04:08:09 pm
Quinces, quinces, quinces. I am so envious of those who have ready access to them. No quinces in Qld! I’m familiar with the whisky rocks as my brother uses them. They’re a great idea! xx
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:32:12 am
No quinces in Queensland? Really? I wonder why!? xo
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2/5/2015 06:32:47 pm
I have never seen that new kitchen gadget you have. I love how you have your own meyer lemons. After being introduced to that bacon, it's the only one I buy. It's available at my local Harris Farm xx
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:32:38 am
Oh Charlie, I'm so delighted that you love the Pialligo Estate bacon! xo
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celia
2/5/2015 08:33:32 pm
Ah you're kind lovely, thank you! What an interesting post, I love that Scotch on the rocks really IS on the rocks. Are they actual rocks? I've seen stainless steel icecubes which are supposed to work in a similar way. I'm sure I've seen Alagappa brand curry before - I'm going to pick up a packet for you next time I see it. And thanks for the link to Pete's quince jelly - we didn't make any this year as we still have jars left from last year, but the whole house smells amazing when quinces are on the stove! xxx
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:33:34 am
Hi Celia, love.... yep, they are rocks... Peter tried them out recently and they worked well. Love your quince jelly. I have some quinces left, so might make some yet xox
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:34:12 am
Krista, Jane Lawson's book would be perfect to snuggle with... but also has some wonderful winter recipes : )
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3/5/2015 09:03:42 pm
I love persimmons! Will you be making something with it? I look forward to looking at all the creative dishes you make! Alaggapa's along with Baba's are brands I have used like forever but that is an odd packaging. Is this company repacking the powder into their own packets?
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:34:54 am
Hi Rosemarie... oh, the persimmons? I slice them and eat them for breakfast, love. : ) I am not sure about the curry... first time I've seen it.
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4/5/2015 01:46:28 pm
so pleased your mammogram results were nothing to worry about. you deserve that chocolate! and the other goodies in your kitchen - those cool rocks are amazing, and your kitchamajig is rather special.
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Lizzy
7/5/2015 10:35:27 am
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. Hope you are keeping warm, Tassie's temperatures have dropped lately x
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8/5/2015 08:07:31 am
Hi Liz, what lovely goings on in your kitchen this month. Love that hamper and the Kitchamajig gave me a good laugh! Thanks for the sharing! :)
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8/5/2015 07:12:22 pm
What a lovely hamper Liz, some beautiful produce there - yumm! I am straight onto the spice blend website you've given as I'm always looking for amazing spices to add to my collection. And they're Australian! Love it, thank you :) x
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10/5/2015 06:48:01 am
Oh, Liz! What a worry, and what a relief. I'm so thankful your tests turned out okay! What a beautiful, upbeat post in spite of things. I loved all of your IMK offerings this month, but especially the curry blend, smoked salmon, and well-deserved chocolate! xo
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12/5/2015 03:47:05 pm
You must be very relieved liz as you already have to worry about other issues. Glad to hear you are OK. I love that aroma of quinces, heavenly. Sounds like you had a great dinner at Pialiggo
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13/5/2015 09:53:53 pm
Oooh, that utensil looks very cool! Almost like a fan in its shape.
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Lovely finds in your kitchen this month. The quince and persimmon look lovely. Such a wonderful basket you received after your meal, I am jealous. The Lindt chocolate was a good choice, calm yourself during the nerve filled scare and celebrate negative results. So glad to hear the end result was good, stay healthy.
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16/5/2015 10:48:32 pm
I adore that Kitchamajig. What a find. What a lovely gift basket. I love the look of that short cut bacon. Sorry to hear you had a scare, but glad to hear all was good. It always pays to have chocolate on hand to celebrate :)
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Eric
16/9/2018 09:57:57 pm
I have a Kitch-a-ma-jig that I inherited from my grandmother. It was probably bought in New York City in the 1930s or 1940s and she used it to fish our her deep-fried Frisian "kringler" from the frying fat. Mine has a red and white painted wooden handle attached to a metal shaft, and is made of chrome plated steel. Most of the chrome plating has worn off, as has yours, and I have to dry it after washing in order to keep it from rusting. It was made in the USA by A&J and has a smooth ovoid edge as opposed to your jaunty scalloped edge. It is extremely handy in fishing things out of liquids while draining them. I loved the jaunty font used for inscribing KitchaMaJig, but sadly it is mostly worn off of mine.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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