Hello February. Most of the kiddies are back at school and folks have returned to work after the holiday season. The roads are busier first thing in the morning, not that we're out there mind you, it's just that Peter and I can hear the stream of traffic going past our house from about 6.30am onwards. Ho hum, I yawn quietly as I pull the linen sheet up over my head before drifting back into slumber for another hour or longer. So are the days of our lives in retirement. For those who are almost old enough to retire, but not quite, hang in the there, your time will come. And when it does, it's bloody delicious. You're going to be busier than you could have ever imagined! For those spring chickens who hate the drudge of getting up and going to work every day, enjoy it while you are young, and fit enough to do so. The reality is that every day is a gift, and you are blessed to be alive. ♥ In my kitchen - FebruaryI was trying to think of some good things to showcase for this month's In My Kitchen (IMK) and, for a time, it looked as though there would be nothing to see. We've been decluttering the entire house since the holiday seasons, you see, so there really wasn't anything new or exciting to share with you. (Incidentally, I WILL soon publish a feature on the art of decluttering, so watch out for that one). In fact, I DO have a few things to share with you, starting with the cast iron teapot and cup pictured at the top of this page - a Christmas or birthday gift from Peter, who knows how much I love my mid-afternoon peppermint and camomile infusion. Aren't they pretty? Also in my kitchen are a couple of stencilled tea towels bought from The Art of Banksy Exhibition that we visited in Melbourne during December. I'm not sure they will be used for drying dishes, because they are our favourite Banksy pieces. Peter would like to stretch them over timber frames and hang them on a wall. I love the 'Girl with the Red Balloon'. The symbolism of this is said to be that there is always hope - a mantra that is dear to my heart. Another of my favourite tea towels is the one shown with vividly-red poppies on the right (above), drying on the clothesline. I bought it at Stonehenge in Wiltshire a couple of years ago. In one sense it's almost too pretty to use. You might think of me as weird, but seeing linen drying outside in the fresh air and sunshine always brings a smile to my face. In my kitchen is this sweet little set of measuring bowls, bought for a couple of dollars at an Op shop. It's by Anna Gare and was brand new in its original box. It's hard to believe that it may have been an unwanted gift and I'm ever-so pleased that it now graces my kitchen window sill. Adding a hint of smokiness to the air my kitchen is this cast iron smoker box (above) filled with hickory wood chips. I found it at the back of a cupboard when I was in the throes of decluttering. We bought it from Aldi years ago but had never used it, until recently. I must say, it works brilliantly and we've been enjoying delicately smoked salmon fillets. I will write about this in the fullness of time. A basket of goodies from the generous people at Australian Macadamias arrived just in time for this post. Australian macadamias have a unique, velvety-soft crunch and buttery flavour. They're perfect as a snack, but also add taste and texture to all kinds of dishes - both savoury and sweet. In the basket were products from a variety of Aussie producers and growers, including a B.O.N.K. macadamia nut cracker; Byron Bay macadamia muesli; Byron Bay Chocolate; Rainforest Foods Mac-Cao spread; fresh macadamias in the shell; honey and lemon myrtle Macadamias, and roasted macadamias; a Go Natural macadamia bar; Patons chocolate macadamias; a bottle of lemon myrtle macadamia oil. There was also a cookbook titled Fabulous Flavours of Australia by Jill Richardson. Also in my kitchen...Saroo Brierley's memoir, Lion (previously published as A Long Way Home), is at the top of my reading pile. I've seen the movie twice and found it to be such an amazingly powerful story. I cannot wait to read the book. Have you seen the film or read the book? And lastly, there is (almost always) a vase of flowers on my kitchen bench. Lilies are among my favourites, particularly the white ones. I love that they take ages to open fully, look stunning, last well and have a delicate perfume. What's your favourite flower? Join the IMK Community...Welcome back, friends! Thank you so much to the band of bloggers who joined up for the December IMK. It was lovely to pop in to your 'place' and see all the good things going in in your kitchen. ツ If you are a food blogger and would like to share the good things in your kitchen with my readership, I would love to hear from you - no matter where you live in the world. Simply publish an IMK post on your own food blog BEFORE the 10th of the month and leave me a comment below (include your name and the link). I will add you to the sidebar list of blogger friends participating this month. All I ask is that you give me a shout out on your post and kindly link back to my blog, Good Things. I would also love it if you would please take a moment to say hi and leave me a nice comment (not just the link to your own post), and also please do visit the other blogs and say hello... because it's good to feel loved. It's your turn now, dear Good Things readers. Tell me, what's happening in your February kitchen? Are you back at work and have the children gone back to school? Or are you like me and now relishing the quiet life after the holidays? Do please take a moment to leave me a comment, even if you are not a food blogger. I read every comment and really appreciate hearing from you.
84 Comments
Hi Lizzie,
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:13:20 pm
Hi Mae, happy February. Did you know that macadamias are indigenous to Australia? I believe they are quite expensive over there, yes?
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31/1/2017 08:24:34 am
What a marvellous film, Lion, is. Happy, sad, heart-warming ... every emotion in the book. Enjoy the book.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:13:57 pm
Thanks Christine, I'll let you know what it's like. I'm very interested in the writing process of the story.
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Lizzy, you always have so many incredible things to share. I adore your teapot and my Pete is Banksy crazy. I too love lilies and St Josephs are right at the top of the list and if I could, I would have all flowers in hues of white, pearl and green.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:14:41 pm
Hello lovely Mandy... isn't the teapot pretty. Peter made such a great choice. Thank you for stopping by xx
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31/1/2017 11:50:32 am
A lot of nice things about retirement, but one of the best is the freedom to be lazy and sleep a bit longer if you want. :-) Anyway, such nice stuff in your kitchen this month. Can't believe it's already February!
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:15:08 pm
Isn't it a wonderful thing, John : )
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:15:50 pm
Dearest Francesca, thank you so much for your kind words. I LOVE seeing linen on the washing line, with the sky in the background xx
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31/1/2017 04:59:48 pm
So many new things in your kitchen. I know I need to declutter, perhaps I'll find some gems too. I love the cast iron tea pot and I totally agree about the linen on the line. I love the fresh small when you bring it in. GG
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:16:17 pm
That's my favourite, too, Amanda. Thank you for stopping by. xx
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31/1/2017 06:09:37 pm
Those Patons choc coated macadamias are my favourite. The layer of toffee makes a big difference!
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:16:39 pm
They're too yummy!
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31/1/2017 06:56:06 pm
I have a drawer full of beautiful tea towels I can't bring myself to use - crazy isn't it.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:17:33 pm
Hi Nancy, welcome back! Rose lilies? No, I don't think I have seen them, but they sound beautiful. I LOVED your tea cups and saucers, BTW.
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31/1/2017 08:50:31 pm
hi Liz
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:18:30 pm
Hi Sherry, I was sorry to hear that you have been unwell.... hope you are feeling better now. Yes, the red balloon tea towel is a favourite. Do go see the movie, it's so powerful!
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:19:04 pm
Hi Gerlinde, yes, I'm looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for stopping by x
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1/2/2017 01:15:56 am
Hi Lizzy, Looking forward to hearing about that smoked salmon. I've always wanted to try home smoking. Diane Henry's book Salt Sugar Smoke has a few interesting recipes. Oh, and by the way, love the tea pot!
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:21:02 pm
Thanks Debi for telling me about Diana Henry's book, I haven't seen that one, but it will be most interesting. I love her work xx
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Beautiful cast iron tea pot Lizzy and gorgeous color too. I too have a few tea towels that I don't dry the dishes with. Love the one with girl and balloon. I have the exact same smoker... before I bought one, used thick foil as a container As usual lovely edible goodies in your kitchen and look forward to your post on decluttering :)
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Lizzy
3/2/2017 02:34:06 am
Hi Moya, oh interesting, do you like the smoker box? Thanks so much for stopping by and happy new year to you xx
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1/2/2017 02:37:16 am
Oh I am never ever going to be able to retire. That's what travelling for 12 years will do to your nest egg. hope I can find something to do!. Anyway. happy February. I love all those macadamia products they are all fantastic
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:22:02 pm
Travelling for 12 years, wow, wow, wow! Believe me, you will be busy in retirement. I have yet to meet one person who isn't. Thanks for stopping by, Tania.
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1/2/2017 02:47:51 am
Absolutely love the tea pot and the measuring bowls. I would love the same set. Here is the link to my post:
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:22:28 pm
Thank you, Tandy. x
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1/2/2017 08:00:31 am
So many delicious macadamia products! I love the tea towels and bowls too.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:22:53 pm
Hi Kari, thanks for stopping by xx
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Hello Lizzie, I loved your first paragraph on retirement as today is my first day! I may need some tips. Unfortunately I woke up at the usual time and could not go back to sleep but I hope to get there.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:23:57 pm
Hi Liz, happy retirement to you... I left some tips about retirement on your own IMK post. Aren't the tea towels lovely! Thank you for playing IMK and welcome back.
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1/2/2017 11:47:15 am
What a lovely IMK post Liz, love the tea towels. Such a bountiful basket of Macadamias, lucky you. They are generally very expensive here so I rarely buy them, but I do love them.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:24:46 pm
Hi Eva, thanks so much for the kind words... I love macadamias too and count myself as very fortunate for having them sent to me xx
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:25:21 pm
Hi Gretchen, aren't they so pretty. Thank you for the kind words.
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1/2/2017 07:54:43 pm
Happy New Year lovely Liz. Hope you had some lovely time off & it seems like you were quite busy :) Loving your cast iron teapot & cup - too divine! Always pretty flowers around you place. And I'm in love with, and need one immediately, your BBQ smoker. I'll be keeping my eyes open at Aldi for one.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:26:25 pm
Hiya Nicole, thanks for your kind words and happy new year to you also.Yes, we were rather busy... I'm looking forward to some time "off" in February. The smoker is a good 'un! Thanks for stopping by xx
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2/2/2017 01:34:59 am
I love the look of those linens and the Lion book. I doubt that I will have the ability to get through a book right now, but I would love to put it on a short list for when I have a little more time. Here is my link up: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2017/02/life-whats-kitchen-3/
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:27:08 pm
Hi Shari, yes, I can imagine that you are quite busy right now. Enjoy the time with your little family, it's a very special time of life x
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Just love the Banksy tea towel Liz, it's much too good for dishes, I too would have it adorn my wall. Macadamia nuts are a gift from the gods, I find it hard not to compulsively snack if they are in the house. I read the "Lion" book when first published, it tugged at my heart strings then and story did again when I saw the movie. He's my IMK post for Feb. Thanks Liz https://pleasepasstherecipe.com/2017/02/02/in-my-kitchen-february-17/
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:28:04 pm
Hi Sandra, happy new year. I agree, macadamias are pretty special aren't they. Thanks for stopping by my friend x
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2/2/2017 04:32:21 am
Those Anna Gare measuring cups! What a find. I have been admiring those in the shops but could never bring myself to fork out the $$ for them.
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:29:25 pm
Hi Tania, aren't they a great find, those cups! I couldn't believe my eyes! I find them to be so pretty.... Isn't Saroo's story an amazing one. I cannot wait to read the book. Thanks for stopping by, lovely one x
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:30:02 pm
Thank you, lovely Francesca, I always love seeing what's in your kitchen xx
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celia
2/2/2017 02:36:52 pm
Hi lovely, thanks for linking me up! Love all the gorgeous tea towels, and I must watch out for that smoker box at Aldi - I've always wanted one! Have a great month! xxx
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:31:07 pm
Hi darling Celia, yes, do look out for those at Aldi, but I must admit we haven't seen them since we bought ours. I'm enjoying it because the smoke infusion is quite delicate. Happy February to you. Loving your photos from your walks xx
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Lizzy
2/2/2017 05:32:47 pm
Ah, yes, Amanda, that's the kind of thing I had in mind, too. If something happened to us, it would be a mammoth task for my daughter and son to clear out our place, which is another reason that I thought it best to have a good look at all that excess stuff. Now we have kept only the treasures, for the most part at least. Thanks for stopping by xx
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2/2/2017 05:18:31 pm
Oh I am hearing wonderful things about Lion. Those Anna Gare cups are gorgeous!
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Lizzy
3/2/2017 02:35:03 am
Thanks so very much xx
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3/2/2017 05:38:09 am
My post is up! https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2017/02/03/in-my-kitchen-february-2017/
Lizzy
4/2/2017 10:19:59 pm
Hello lovely friend... I love the poppy tea towel also. I hope your back isn't giving you too much hell, I was sad to read what happened. Sending you much love xx
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4/2/2017 07:16:52 am
Hi Lizzy!
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Lizzy
4/2/2017 10:20:21 pm
Hi there, smoked vegies, yummy! xx
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Lizzy
4/2/2017 10:21:03 pm
Hi David, thank you SO much xx
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Lizzy
4/2/2017 10:21:47 pm
Hiya Lori, welcome back! Yes, we are experiencing a very sunny summer here! Happy cooking xx
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Fiona Ryan
4/2/2017 09:23:17 pm
Gosh, Lion (the movie) was a real tear jerker. I have cried like that at a movie since I don't know when. We're a big fan of 'Taste of the Bush' products and used to love their Rainforest Vinegar which I don't think they make anymore. I haven't bought a cookbook or food book in ages (the art of decluttering) but that one has piqued my interest. Thanks for hosting IMK. my post is live: http://www.tiffinbitesized.com.au/2017/02/03/kitchen-february-2017/
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Lizzy
4/2/2017 10:19:00 pm
Hi Fiona, yes, Lion was such a powerful and moving film, wasn't it. Thank you kindly for the shout out on your bloggy too. Happy retirement to you x
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Hi Liz, I love a few of your shares this month. That cast iron pot is gorgeous and I LOVE that poppy t/towel. Such great colours and those little measuring cups are so cute. Of course anything with macadamia in it is a match, I could just pig out on all of those. Thanks for hooking us all up. here is the link to my IMK this month. Cheers, Maree.
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:33:04 pm
Hi Maree! Happy new year to you. Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up xx
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5/2/2017 06:46:42 am
What a lovely post Lizzy. I will be interested to read your decluttering post. Decluttering is not one of my strong points but I do try because otherwise I will be lost under a pile of stuff.
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:34:41 pm
Hiya Johanna! Happy new year. Yes, I hear you. After writing a book for a year, I was taken aback by how junky the house had become. Feels good. I'm still working on that post, so stay tuned. Re Lion, oh no, you MUST see it when you can. Thanks for playing IMK x
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:35:30 pm
Hello there Lisa, happy February. Yes, lots of mac goodies, lucky we love them so! Thanks for much for stopping by and linking up. x
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7/2/2017 03:12:22 pm
Liz, as I read through your wonderful post and comment section (so many friends!) I realized that I didn't link my IMK post this month OR comment until now. (Sorry...) Thanks for "grabbing" it and including me in your February sidebar.
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:36:11 pm
Hello darling friend, you're welcome! Simple pleasures, so good! xxx
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You have so many good things in your kitchen. I love the teatowels and the little flower nesting bowl, and I also envy your smok - I am looking out for something similar.
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:37:09 pm
Hi Shaheen, yes, the smoked is a good thing. The macadamias came in a hamper which was sent to me. We love them! Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up x
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7/2/2017 06:35:42 pm
Those measuring flower cups are so sweet! I have my good tea towels and have to keep reminding the family they're for decoration and not tomato based spills...
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:37:52 pm
Hello there... they ARE sweeties, aren't they. Oh yes, those tomato spills can ruin your favourites. xx
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9/2/2017 05:02:57 pm
Omigosh, total macadamia envy here when I skim your treasures. I wish my decluttering efforts had turned up something as wonderful as that smoker - it might be a purchase once I free up more storage space. :>)
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:38:48 pm
Hiya Dee, how are you getting along? Yes, the smoker is a good thing, not that we can use it at present, with the heat and the fire bans. Thanks for stopping by and keep well lovely one x
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Oh, Liz! What a gorgeous teapot and cup! I love the scalloped edges and colours of your measuring bowls. You have a lot of wonderful treasures this month, despite decluttering!!
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:39:33 pm
Hello there Maggie, are those edges lovely! Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up xx
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Lizzy
10/2/2017 04:39:58 pm
All good, darling. I've added you xx
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Bob Bennett
10/2/2017 04:40:24 pm
My missus would love those measuring bowls. Nice.
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Dear Liz,
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Lizzy
11/2/2017 03:56:48 pm
Hello Aida, happy new year to you. Brazil nuts are quite rich, aren't they. I've added your blog to the list and would be grateful if you could please meet the close off date for March. Thank you for participating, xx
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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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