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In My Kitchen - December 2013

2/12/2013

 
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'If you plant it, they will come'. Well, at least that's what I told my niece when I explained to her that I love urban foraging. And if there's a plentiful supply of flowers on a nature strip, then I can't help but take a sprig or two to brighten my kitchen.

In my kitchen this month are sprays of Bottle Brush or Callistemon, picked on my early morning walks. These are said to be amongst the hardiest of Australian native plants, and bushes are flowering en masse in my local area right now. I am a big fan of urban foraging and my purse-sized secateurs really come in handy sometimes!

Also in my kitchen is this parcel of goodies which arrived in the post from my lovely friend and fellow blogger, Fiona, who many of you will know as TIFFIN Bitesized. Fiona had been to Western Australia for EDB2013 and was so kind to have sent me a 'pre-Christmas pick me up and taste of the West'. Yahava coffee is from the Margaret River, and the Mendolia sardines are produced in Fremantle. I loved this gift, Fiona, thank you so much. The envelope, you will note, is a recipe for Christmas pudding. How fun is that!
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My beloved Peter presented me with this chocolate mould the other day, saying he had planned to surprise me by making me chocolates one day while I was at work. Unfortunately, I'm at home on extended leave at the moment on doctor's orders, so his plans were quashed. I told him that he can still make me chocolates, it just won't be quite as big a surprise.
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In my kitchen is this Pillivuyt eared gratin, picked up in a thrift store for $1.00 (!) recently. I'm very fond of this French-made white porcelain and am well aware of it's true value, as we used to sell a range of Pillivuyt in the cookware store I co-owned. 
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Also in my kitchen is this sweet picture frame, another $1.00 bargain found at the same thrift store. It's in perfect condition and matches a vase and a couple of other decorator items in my home.
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There are pomegranates in my kitchen, which is the only imported fruit I will buy, particularly out of season. When it comes to pomegranates, the antioxidant benefits are too important for my health right now to concern myself with 'eat local'.
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These two books are in my kitchen thanks to a Twitter colleague, Louise, who contacted me to see if I would like a pile of cookbooks that had belonged to her friend's mother who had sadly passed away. Having welcomed Di Holuigue to my cooking school on many occasions, I was delighted to finally get my hands on a copy of her bible, The French Kitchen, which is out of print. I'm loving the recipes in the Ice Creams and Candies book too! Louise and I agreed that I would pay the kindness forward by making a donation to the ACT Down Syndrome Association, which I was more than happy to do.
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I've been saving these pretty liners for something special, but have not yet worked out what to bake in them. Any ideas?
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This baby stem ginger in syrup from Buderim Ginger is a favourite in my kitchen and I re-stocked recently when I saw the product in an independent supermarket. It can be used in sweet and savoury cooking. I also eat it just as it is!
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With the strange weather this season, my tomatoes have not yet ripened, so I bought a bagful of these small Romas at the Capital Region Farmer's Market. They are perfect for snacks and in salads for lunch.
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Slightly bruised by a big downpour of rain, this beautiful rose nonetheless brightens up my kitchen bench.
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I'm looking forward to taste-testing Lotus Peak White Tea, which was sent to me by the brand manager to sample. Research indicates that white tea has greater health properties than green tea and, due to minimal processing, has high concentrations of polyphenols which are believed to reduce or eliminate cancer causing free radicals, as well as helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. White tea is produced almost entirely in the high mountains of the Fujian Province in China and has a higher proportion of buds to leaves. The tea is only picked once a year during the Spring and the buds are picked before the leaves have fully opened, when the plant has a silver-white appearance. Hence the name, White Tea.
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With a bountiful supply of mint in the kitchen garden, I made some lime and mint jelly. It has a subtle flavour and is much better than the bright green store-bought version. However, I have yet to streamline the recipe so I won't be sharing it yet.
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And lastly, in my kitchen there is a good supply of Panettone. Christmas simply isn't Christmas without it as far as I'm concerned and I enjoy it with my morning macchiato. But it also makes THE BEST bread and butter pudding! Watch this space on Good Things for my recipe, coming soon.
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Celia's In My Kitchen (IMK) initiative has grown tremendously over the last year or so, and at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial the lady of the house now hosts almost fifty links to IMK posts from bloggers around the world. From what I can gather, the IMK series started under that title in early 2010, when Celia posted photographs of a collection of things in her kitchen that put a smile on her face. Celia's posts have a way of putting a smile on many people's faces, don't you agree? Thank you, Celia, for being such a lovely friend to many xoxox.

Now tell me, dear readers, what's happening in your kitchen this month? Are Christmas preparations underway? And do you enjoy urban foraging as much as I do?
Kim | a little lunch link
30/11/2013 05:27:48 pm

Lizzy, it appears we share a common joy in thrift shop finds -- and flowers. (Your Bottle Brush and rose photos are stunning!) I was thinking your liners would be lovely for your forthcoming Bread & Butter Pudding with Panettone, too. Beautiful IMK post!

Lizzy
30/11/2013 07:38:11 pm

Dear Kim, a woman after my own heart, good to hear! : ) I think your idea is perfect, thank you… makes the B&B pudding treat sized!

Serena link
30/11/2013 08:29:31 pm

Lovely post as always Lizzy. I will have to buy some white tea, I am always on the lookout for an interesting tea.

Lizzy
30/11/2013 09:17:33 pm

Thank you kindly, Serena... yes, we tried the tea this afternoon and it's really quite pleasant... available from Coles, I believe (not that I am spruiking for them, mind).

celia link
30/11/2013 09:13:41 pm

Darling, you are so sweet, thank you for your kind words. It's been lovely playing with everyone each month! You have treasure in your kitchen this month - what a bargain that Pillivuyt is!! I reckon you'll be delighted with how those heart moulds turn out, I know I was. Fiona sent such a wonderful gift, lucky you! Hope you're getting a good rest, love! xx

Lizzy
30/11/2013 09:19:23 pm

Celia, it's entirely my pleasure... you are a gem! Oh, that Pillivuyt piece is a treasure indeed... I also have a large souffle, made by same, bought in a Vinnies Store for $5. Love a bargain, don't you? I am looking forward to trying the mould. I am trying very hard to rest... the blog, at least, gives me an interest xox

Joanne T Ferguson link
30/11/2013 09:17:20 pm

G'day! Always enjoy reading your posts Lizzy, true!
Love your flowers quote and was lovely of Fiona....love your photo frame and how about in the disposable mini cake tins...spice cake...have my mum's special spice cake to share that was highlighted by Lorraine and I gave tribute to my mum for what would have been her 80th birthday that she didn't make too!
Cheers! Joanne

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:32:02 pm

Thanks Joanne… sad when we lose our mum… mine died when she was 75. Two days after her 75th birthday, actually. Way too young!

Hotly Spiced link
30/11/2013 09:24:07 pm

I love those flowers too - they're so hardy and they last so well. I must get myself a pair of scissors to carry around on my walks. I love how you made your own mint jelly! I like to make mine too but usually it's a mint sauce xx

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:33:32 pm

Thanks Charlie… scissors might be dangerous, but you can buy purse sized secateurs. Mind you, I did get into trouble once, cutting camellia flowers from a seven foot tree that was absolutely laden with them. It was in a garden that looked like common body corporate ground and this lady came storming outside and blew the living daylights out of me. I felt as though I should go to confession. :-)

Lisa the Gourmet Wog link
30/11/2013 09:33:57 pm

Oh Lizzy, I had to have a little laugh when you mentioned you carry secateurs in your hand bag! Hilarious! I must pack mine away for my daily walks in case I too come across something I'd like to snip at :) Can't wait for your mint jelly recipe, it looks delicious. Great IMK post x

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:33:53 pm

LOL, thanks Lisa. xo

Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy link
30/11/2013 09:59:58 pm

I love that you have purse-sized secateurs! Gorgeous images as always and I love that your Peter brought such a gorgeously thoughtful gift. Look forward to your mint jelly recipe. Make sure that you are resting and looking after yourself. xxx

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:35:25 pm

Thank you Kyrstie… bought them at a garden stall at a market once, years ago. I used to like picking flowers on my walk in to work and then presenting them to my boss… one CEO I had, a man, who is still a very, very dear friend, was completely blown away the first time I did it. He loved it. Thanks for your reminder. I am resting as much as possible, without turning into a vegetable. : ) xox

SallyBR link
30/11/2013 11:57:37 pm

Great collection of goodies, what an amazing find those cookbooks! Very interesting, both of them

and the ginger, wow, wish I could taste it...

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:36:06 pm

Sally, thank you… yes, I am chuffed by the cookbooks… not that I really need another, mind you. The ginger is amazing. You may be able to buy it online via the link.

Glenda link
1/12/2013 01:33:47 am

Hi Liz, I am so jel jel over your Pillivuyt dish. I love the stuff and I love a bargain. Can you believe Celia's cake board bargain? I have a set of kidney shaped vegetable dishes that were all the rage in the 80's or was it the 90's? BTW I think that rose is Hannah Gordon.

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:37:25 pm

Hi Glenda, thanks firstly for identifying the rose. It's a stunner, isn't it! I've been sharing your rose posts on Facebook. My friend and my sister, particularly, love them. The eared dish was a real snap! Cake boards… love them, but I seriously have no room for anything!

Jane @ Shady Baker link
1/12/2013 10:30:53 am

Hello Lizzy, can it really be December? That chocolate mould is special, a man who makes chocolate (or at least thinks about it!) is a keeper for sure! Those little liners are pretty, they would look nice with tiny biscuits or chocolates in them perhaps?

Panettone with a macchiato, I feel like that right now! I hope you are feeling better and looking forward to the week ahead x

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:38:54 pm

Hello Jane.. oh my Peter is a keeper, that's for sure. He's stuck with me… and I with him! The liners are so pretty, aren't they. Yes, panettone and macchiato, yummy! I am starting to feel better, thank you. It's a long, slow process… the blog, the photography, keep my mind active and stop me from feeling depressed about being unwell all year. Thanks for stopping by ox

e / dig in hobart link
1/12/2013 11:51:14 am

i now have buderim stem ginger in syrup on my shopping list - yum! you know i've got the panettone sorted ;-)
the little pillivuyt gratin dish is such a classic. whata great find. and i have some of those paper liners too that i am saving for a special baking treat. i think i've had them for a few years now... i should just use them!
as always a wonderful look in your kitchn
and ps what a wonderful man peter is to make you chocolates! a keeper that one, he is ;-)

Lizzy
1/12/2013 12:39:40 pm

Snap! Like me, you should use the little liners… but I tend to agree, they are just so pretty. Peter is a keeper, absolutely xo : )

GourmetGetaway link
1/12/2013 12:51:35 pm

What an interesting kitchen you have... I love the flowers, they always lift my mood :)

Lizzy
1/12/2013 03:08:59 pm

GG, thank you : )

Barbara | Creative Culinary link
1/12/2013 01:09:03 pm

I just want that amazingly beautiful plant Lizzie. WOW...that would sure cheer my day!

Lizzy
1/12/2013 03:09:38 pm

The bottle brush, or Callistemon, Barb? Yes, they are quite amazing and cheery, aren't they!

Eha
1/12/2013 01:09:09 pm

Always love to come and visit when it is time for the monthly 'peak'! Love everything but would so like to have the gratin dish and you always enclosing flowers does so make me smile! And tho' those of Estonian heritage oft do not seem to know panettone, to me it somehow spells Christmas . . .

Lizzy
1/12/2013 03:10:29 pm

Thank you, Eha... I do love flowers. And photographing them is, for me, quite therapeutic, methinks. xo

Gustoso link
1/12/2013 03:53:16 pm

Get well soon.

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:47:33 am

Thank you kindly.

Maureen link
1/12/2013 06:23:12 pm

Please come to visit Buderim Ginger because then you'd be close enough that I could nearly walk to see you. :) That white dish would have made me smile too!

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:47:57 am

Thanks Maureen, I did go to Buderim Ginger once in the 1980s… loved it! Must go back.

Tandy Sinclair link
1/12/2013 06:40:46 pm

hope you are not being too busy and recuperating! I love the chocolate mould :) Thanks for sharing!

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:48:41 am

Hello Tandy… nope, not doing too much, sitting around reading mostly… with some early morning walks and cooking scattered in. Am recovering, not dead : )

InTolerant Chef link
1/12/2013 10:07:04 pm

Lots of lovelies as always Lizzy! I have a tiny pomegranate tree and can hardly wait for it to fruit one day. Your gifts from the West are very thoughtful, and I love the cookie cutter :)

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:49:06 am

Bec, I am still looking forward to seeing your garden and sharing a cuppa one day : )

Mandy The Complete Book link
2/12/2013 01:22:38 am

Lizzy, you have so many wonderful things in your kitchen and how lovely of Peter to buy you a mould AND want to make you choccies. Sadly all the thrift stores here of late have been extremely expensive - such a pity. My folks have a bottle brush in the garden and it was one of my favourites growing up.
Have a super week ahead Lizzy.
:-) Mandy xo

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:50:39 am

Hi Mandy, that's unfortunate. The thrift store I write about here is five minutes from our place and it's located right next to a 'tip', so much of the stuff comes from there. It's not an open air dump, like the old ones, mind you. There are huge container things… I am still happy to have rescued the dish from the store : )

heidi link
2/12/2013 02:42:13 am

Hi Lizzie- I always love your flower pictures. We are flowerless at the moment so yours are even more dear. Your bargain finds are great- I always feel like I'm rescuing items from the thrift stores- bringing them home to be loved - and at a great price!!!
Thanks for sharing - and take the time you need to rest up and get well- sometimes it is such a long process.
Happy Holidays,
heidi

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:51:11 am

Happy holidays too, Heidi. I am glad that my flowers bring you some cheers. Take care and have a great week. : )

kellie@foodtoglow.com link
2/12/2013 04:48:57 am

Ooh, that white tea will be so good for you right now. Ditto those pomegranates. If we had to stick with local at this time of year in Scotland we would eat nothing but kale, root crops and apples! Not fancy that much, although I am going kale-mad on my blog right now. Don't feel at all guilty about imports - get in as much goodness as you can, and get better soon x

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:52:06 am

Thanks Kellie… I see you are cooking with kale quite a bit. I still have to taste it… we don't get down to the market as often as we'd like lately… I seem to be sleeping in, which is to be expected given how sick I had been. : )

Anne link
2/12/2013 05:05:20 am

I have similar liners, just waiting for that perfect "thing" to bake in them so will have to watch to see what you use them for. It's so tempting to save things and end up never using them or just forgetting about them. Love your flowers - what a brilliant way to brighten the day.

Lizzy
2/12/2013 07:52:42 am

Well I was hoping to see what you did with your pretty liners, Anne : ) I am almost reluctant to use them, they are so nice. Thank you for stopping by.

nancy@jamjnr link
2/12/2013 12:52:31 pm

Ahhhhhh that first picture made me smile. I must look into a purse size secateur for Mum for Christmas she would love to forage on her morning walks. Look forward to your jelly recipe - you are right shop bought mint sauce is just…..meh.

Lizzy
2/12/2013 01:10:48 pm

Hi Nancy, purse sized secateurs rock! Will work on the mint jelly recipe... it may have to become mint sauce if I'm not happy with the consistency... but I refuse to colour mine green! : )

Liz link
2/12/2013 01:18:19 pm

Wow, that bottle brush is plum gorgeous! And I love all the treasures you have in your kitchen this month. I hate to admit that I bought a full priced Pullivuyt pitcher today..now I wish I had gone thrifting :)

Lizzy
2/12/2013 01:29:46 pm

Thank you, Liz, bottle brush flowers are spectacular, aren't they? Oh my, a Pullivuyt pitcher, now that's a treasure!

Jas@AbsolutelyJas link
2/12/2013 10:56:20 pm

I'm with you on the pomegranates - the californian ones are so juicy and sweet and delicious, they're one of my guilty pleasures. And I don't think it matters that your chocolates-to-be won't be such a surprise, heart shaped chocolates hand made by a significant other are special regardless. xx

Lizzy
6/12/2013 02:12:56 am

Thank you Jasmine : )

Fiona @TIFFINbitesized link
3/12/2013 04:31:36 pm

Hi. How lucky are you nabbing that gratin dish for such a brilliant price?! And the Lenotre book.... where it all started. Thanks for your kind words and the tour. xx

Lizzy
6/12/2013 02:13:29 am

Fiona, lucky indeed... but how lucky am I to have a lovely friend like you! : )

Marian at Apricot Tart link
5/12/2013 07:40:36 pm

Hi Liz,

I love peaking into your kitchen! I'm wondering what fabulous dish we'll see in that dish in a post in 2014!

Merry Christmas!

Lizzy
6/12/2013 02:13:58 am

Thank you Marian, as do I enjoy seeing what's in yours : )

Marianne link
6/12/2013 01:53:07 am

Your photos are wonderful; I especially like the one of the Bottle Brush. We don't have anything like it here. I, too, enjoy shopping at Thrift Stores; I love the thrill of the hunt! And finding the unexpected!

Lizzy
6/12/2013 08:53:53 pm

Thank you very kindly Marianne! I am with you about finding the unexpected at thrift stores! Thank you so much for visiting : )

azita link
7/12/2013 05:36:19 am

Your kitchen posts always put a big ol smile on my face, Liz. I can't resist taking a sprig or two either when taking walks. Guilty! And wow, what a sweet, thoughtful and romantic husband you have. A keeper!

Lizzy
7/12/2013 08:50:54 am

Azita, thank you... and isn't it great that we share the love of 'taking a sprig or two'. Peter is not my husband, by the way, we decided not to marry. But he is the love of my life... and a keeper for sure xox

Moya link
9/12/2013 08:35:29 pm

I would love to be in your kitchen right now! I also have a small bottle brush plant outside my kitchen door, love when it is in bloom. What a lovely gesture from Peter… maybe you will post his chocolate recipe. I do hope you feel better soon. :)


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    Welcome...

    Üdvözölöm
    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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