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In My Kitchen - July

21/7/2013

 
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Sighs of relief can be heard in my kitchen as the skip returns to my step and I can now see light at the end of the pneumonia tunnel.  I have struggled with illness since April this year and my GP initially advised that the linear mass on my lung causing breathlessness and malaise might possibly be cancer.  Thankfully, many weeks of bed rest coupled with test after test, and numerous visits back to the doctor, has confirmed a double whammy of pneumonia, apparently spread by parrots in my region (!).  I am told it can take six months or more to recover completely, so it's really a matter of taking things a day at a time, very gently, with plenty of rest in between bursts of activity.  Old habits die hard and I am usually travelling at 100 miles an hour, as you'll note from my nickname, Bizzy (busy) Lizzy.  But if there's one thing this has taught me, it's NOT to push through when I'm feeling ghastly.  I have learned the hard way, and cannot wait to be fully recovered and back to my old self.

The months have flown past and in my kitchen this month are the last of the blood oranges (above) sent to me by my very kind friend, Len Mancini, of Redbelly Citrus.  Thank you again, Len, you are such a gem!  Also on the menu in my kitchen is my smoked duck breast salad with blood orange, walnuts and truffle.  I've used Len's oranges, walnuts from the Victorian high country, and Tarago Truffle, together with smoked duck breast from Pialligo Farm.  Watch my pages for Postcards and Morsels from our visit to Pialligo Farm smokehouse...  coming soon!
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In my kitchen I have welcomed back a very old friend, my Monier Crockpot, which was a wedding gift given to me in 1978.  I had loaned it to the cooking school and left it behind when I exited.  Great to see that it's still in good condition.  Over the years, it kept many curries warm and also melts chocolate beautifully!
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In my kitchen is some sourdough bread from Autolyse, a new artisan bakery in Canberra.  Peter simply must have bread and he loves this one spread with honey or jam.
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In my kitchen is a jar of my favourite condiment - Honeycup's uniquely sharp mustard.  Honeycup Mustard is made in Canada and is exquisite with ham.  There is also a stone ground variety.  
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In my kitchen is a copy of Nino Zoccali's Pasta Artigiana, which Peter won via a competition online.  Zoccali is a second-generation Italian chef based in Sydney and the book features a lifetime of irresistible past recipes for all occasions.
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Also in my kitchen are some goodies sent from the generous folks at Beerenberg Farm in South Australia, via a campaign to showcase their new jams and sauces.  The labels now feature stories about the people who make the products at the farm in the Adelaide Hills.  Peter inhaled the strawberry jam over a few days and I can say that it's as good my own home made version!  We have now stocked up on Beerenberg blueberry jam too!  Thank you Beerenberg.  Love your work!
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In my kitchen is some Mastic from Herbie's Spices.  I plan to experiment with some Middle Eastern desserts later in the year.
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And finally, in my kitchen is a very sweet cupcake tea towel, some soap and a card that arrived in the post from my friend, Fiona, who blogs at TIFFIN - bite sized food adventures.  Thank you, Fiona, so very kind xox
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Tell me, what's been happening in your kitchen this month?  And make sure you visit my friend, Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and say hello to cooks from around the globe who post to the IMK roundup every month.
Amanda link
26/7/2013 09:15:20 pm

So pleased to hear you are feeling a little better Liz - hope the recovery is swift.

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:01:57 pm

Thanks Amanda... am feeling much better actually... soon, soon. : )

Jamie link
26/7/2013 11:54:31 pm

The only thing missing from your kitchen, my friend, is me! Your kitchen sounds so warm, lively and inviting and what I wouldn't give for a plate of that gorgeous duck (with oranges? swooning!) and a good old chinwag with you. And now you make me yearn for a crock pot!

What's happening in my kitchen this month? Not a lot! Too hot to cook! But husband just made oven-baked fish which was fabulous and I am about to make panna cotta and roasted cherries!

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:02:53 pm

Hello Jamie, how lovely to have you stop by. Thank you for your very kind words... I'd love a great chat with you. Panna cotta with roasted cherries sounds divine! Send sunshine please : D

Joanne T Ferguson link
27/7/2013 03:11:01 am

G'day! First and most importantly, am glad to hear each and every day you are feeling just that little bit better too!
Thank you for your kitchen view!
Love South Aussie Beerenberg Jams and Herbie's Mastic spice, true!
GREAT crock pot...has stood the test of time and I have the same one too!
Cheers! Joanne

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:03:36 pm

Hi Joanne, thanks so much! All the ingredients here are divine... and the crockpot is a cracker... how about that you have the same one! Cheers.

Helene Dsouza link
27/7/2013 03:58:53 am

Liz I am glad to hear that you are finally getting a bit better. We have something in common and that is our restlessness, always need to be busy. Hope your health will improve further more in the future!

Your Canadian mustard looks very interesting. I am a bit of a mustard freak (i know this isn't official yet) and that means that I own a few different mustard sauces from europe and different plain mustard seeds. Oh and I like the cupcake towels, just adorable! =)

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:04:34 pm

Dear Helene, my soul sister... thank you for your kind words. The Honeycup Mustard is one of my favourites! They are on twitter.... I will introduce you! Love the tea towel too. : )

celia link
27/7/2013 09:43:50 am

Lizzy darling, I'm so relieved to hear you're on the mend. What a long haul it's been! The smoked duck breast and truffle look amazing, as does that sourdough loaf! Take it easy love, and I'll add this post to our August list which is going up in a couple of days - that way it will stay on the list for the whole month! :) xx

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:05:54 pm

Thank you Celia... it has been a haul and a half and I was delighted to learn it was only pneumonia. My dad had lung cancer, so that was a worry for a wee while. Lying in bed like a dead weight is absolutely no fun, thankfully I slept much of the time. Thanks for adding my post. xo

Jane @ Shady Baker link
27/7/2013 11:18:13 am

You have a range of lovely things in your kitchen as always Lizzy. I especially love the bread; it is always good to have a new bakery to test out. I love the new labeling on the Beerenberg products, it looks very appealing. That crock pot is a beauty, so clean and tidy after all of those years! Enjoy your Sunday.

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:06:50 pm

Thanks Jane... the Autolyse sourdough is very popular. I'm not baking at present, simply because my immune system has been compromised and I need to stay off wheat etc... so hard!! Happy weekend.

john@kitchenriffs link
27/7/2013 11:50:23 am

Very glad to hear you're getting better! Also happy to have a peek into your kitchen - so much good stuff there! Lovely looking bread, among other things.

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:07:22 pm

Thank you, John... I am on the mend, albeit slowly. The bread is a good one! Thanks for stopping by : )

Erin @ she cooks, she gardens link
27/7/2013 01:45:50 pm

Gosh Lizzy, I'm sorry to hear you've been so sick, what a scary time that must have been for you and your family. I hope you're back to 100% soon.

ps - those blood oranges are gorgeous!

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:08:30 pm

Thank you Erin... Peter was away travelling with work for much of the time... and his trips couldn't be cancelled, so I was at home by myself much of the time. Hence why I slept a lot too. The oranges are divine, aren't they. Such a beautiful colour! Thanks for stopping by.

Eha
27/7/2013 02:16:14 pm

Lordy, Lizzy, no wonder you have been so ill! Parrots don't just pass the bloomin' pneumonia on - it is a special kind and can be quite vicious! But at least it is not the big 'C'!! And thank you for reminding me I too have a Monier Crockpot at the back of one of the difficult to reach cupboards!! And I am overdue putting my Herbies' order in :) ! Meanwhile, listen to your body . . . another month and the spring winds will blow . . .

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:11:09 pm

Hello there... actually, the parrots do pass the pneumonia on, according to my specialist. But I can't think how I picked it up. I used to work in an office years and years ago where the cleaner used an old vacuum cleaner that was also used by the pet shop at the markets I managed. After he finished the air was rank with a disgusting dust and foul smell. Perhaps this illness has been dormant in my body for years, just waiting to come to the fore just now? I don't know. I do know that I was so sick some days I could have happily gone to sleep and not woken up! Yes, bring on the Springtime!

Eha
28/7/2013 05:21:06 pm

One of these times when one simply has to say: 'yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow a promissory note, 'tis only today which counts' . . .sorry if I have quoted it before . . . but I do believe it is of survival importance! Slowly, slowly, one foot in front of the other . . .

Lizzy
1/8/2013 10:41:40 pm

Yes, true. (in response to Eha below.

InTolerant Chef link
27/7/2013 08:09:34 pm

From parrots Lizzy? How bizarre indeed! Thank goodness that it's not something more sinister, but make sure you rest up and shake it off properly. I think that lovely salad is a great way to get some healthy goodness and vitamin c, keep it up :)

Lizzy
27/7/2013 09:14:31 pm

Hi Bec, yes, from parrots according to myspecialist... he had had it too! I had a double whammy.

C pneumoniae causes mild pneumonia or bronchitis in adolescents and young adults. Older adults may experience more severe disease and repeated infections. C psittaci causes psittacosis or ornithosis after exposure to infected birds. Ornithosis is the preferred term, because almost any bird can transmit the organism. The clinical spectrum of C psittaci infection ranges from an asymptomatic infection to a fulminant toxic syndrome.

Yes, lots of Vitamin C and D... water, light meals and rest. Hope you are keeping well too xo

Judy@Savoring Today link
28/7/2013 02:41:26 am

Thankful to hear a skip has returned to your step, looking forward to hearing you're in full stride. :) The blood oranges are a work of art! I would find a spot in my kitchen to hang it. When you mentioned your crock pot was a wedding gift in 1978, it reminded me of how well things used to be made, lasting for years. While shopping recently to replace two of our 10 yr old appliances, the salesman informed us we were lucky, that they are made to last about that long. :/ Your old friend still appears to be in very fine shape.

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:18:30 pm

Judy, thanks so much! I can barely wait too. Glad you love the photo of the blood oranges, they are a spectacular colour, aren't they. You are right about modern appliances, like you I have just this week had to replace a fridge, partly covered by insurance, thankfully, but it was barely 10 years old! The crockpot is looking good... have yet to fire it up.

Maureen link
28/7/2013 02:42:37 am

For a minute I thought it was August already and you were getting in early. :) Maybe that's what you should do.

You have the best stuff in your kitchen!

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:18:53 pm

Yes, you're probably right... I didn't realise how the month had flown by!

Mandy - The Complete Cook Book link
28/7/2013 02:59:09 am

Lizzy, you always have the most wonderfully interesting things in your kitchen.
:-) Mandy xo

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:19:12 pm

As do you, Mandy, as do you.xox

azita
28/7/2013 03:06:05 am

Sorry to hear you've been sick and thank God it's nothing serious.

I always love your "in my kitchen" posts and this is no exception. The smoked duck breast with blood orange & walnut sounds unbelievably divine.

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:20:09 pm

Azita, thank you kindly... it was a relief... just a couple more specialist appointments to get through... some other issues have developed too... hope to be back to my old self soon. I love your Persian cookery posts, my friend ;)

Choclette link
28/7/2013 04:28:21 am

Gosh, sorry to hear about you being struck with pneumonia. It's horrid I know, My husband got it very badly a couple of years ago. I've not heard of it being spread by parrots before.

Those blood oranges look amazing, I haven't seen any for years. Its also been a year since I did an In My Kitchen post - must get onto it.

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:21:12 pm

Hello there, it seems everyone I know has had pneumonia or a family member has! It is horrid indeed! Oh, yes, please do play IMK... I am looking forward to seeing your post on Celia's place soon. : )

Zsuzsa link
28/7/2013 08:00:56 am

Take care Lizzy - I am rooting for you

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:21:23 pm

Thank you, lovely.

Valerie Lugonja is....A Canadian Foodie link
28/7/2013 08:37:19 am

Love snooping in your kitchen dear Lizzy!
Please do let me know when you are going to be able to have me write a guest post for you. I would love a couple of weeks notice.
:)
Valerie

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:22:00 pm

Thanks Valerie, as I do in yours. Just imagine the fun we'd have if it was a for real visit! Would we ever stop talking, I wonder?? : )

e / dig in hobart link
28/7/2013 11:28:58 am

i love seeing your special and extraordinary ingredients. i love the quirky berenberg jam labels, and i would lobe to fight peter over the last crusty heel of that bread :-)
glad to hear you are on the mend. learning to slow down and be kinder to ourselves can be difficult for us all.

Lizzy
28/7/2013 05:22:49 pm

Ah, Peter might be a gentleman and hand the last heel of his bread... thank you kindly for your good wishes... yes, we all must learn to listen to our bodies!

Krista Bjorn link
28/7/2013 06:57:07 pm

So much scrumptious wonderful things. :-) I'm so happy for the improvement in your health. SO happy. :-)

Lizzy
29/7/2013 07:21:23 pm

Thanks Krista, very kind of you : )

Laura (Tutti Dolci) link
29/7/2013 12:21:53 pm

Oh that sourdough bread looks wonderful, as does the mustard!

Lizzy
29/7/2013 07:21:44 pm

Thanks Laura... the mustard is divine!

Vanille link
30/7/2013 04:35:11 pm

Good to know you're recovering Liz !
Your kitchen is a treasure trove ;)
On my side, it's a new kitchen to be accustomed to...

Lizzy
30/7/2013 10:52:36 pm

Thanks Vanille : ) And how exciting for you... how's it all going, my friend?

Glenda link
31/7/2013 03:19:59 pm

Hi Liz. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Love your Monier Crock Pot, we used to have one but has disappeared, it is not like me to throw away a kitchen item. I also love the sound of that smoked duck (is it distributed to Perth?) and your salad looks absolutely fabulous.

I am very interested to see the mastic. Having just come back from Lebanon (armed with more cookbooks) I have been wondering where I could get some. Now I know!!!

Lizzy
1/8/2013 05:44:06 pm

Hi Glenda, thank you for your kind words... I must admit I quite like my Crockpot too.... I wonder where yours is hidden? The duck, I am not sure... will ask them for you.

Yes, mastic is from Herbie's. ; )

Annne link
31/7/2013 09:28:22 pm

Those blood oranges look fantastic and I love that the salad not only looks delicious but you know where everything comes from.
Glad you're feeling better.

Lizzy
1/8/2013 05:45:24 pm

Anne, thank you... the salad was delicious and I plan to feature it regularly at our place. Thanks for your get well wishes... almost there... sadly, the illness seems to have left me with some other issues and I seem to be in pain at times, but I guess it could be worse and will pass eventually.

Zirkie link
31/7/2013 11:10:52 pm

Lovely things in your kitchen this month, especially that recipe book!!

I hope you will recover soon so that you ban be busy again!!

Lizzy
1/8/2013 05:45:55 pm

Thanks so much, Zirkie, very kind of you ; )

Marianne link
1/8/2013 01:14:59 pm

What a marvelous variety of goodies in your kitchen. I especially love the cupcake tea towel and that gorgeous sourdough bread!

Lizzy
1/8/2013 05:46:27 pm

The tea towel is pretty, isn't it... and the bread, that's Peter's favourite!

heidiannie link
1/8/2013 03:40:05 pm

Hi Lizzie- so glad you are feeling better- what a frightening time- when your father had lung cancer.
The blood orange, the spices, mustard and duck all look like you are ready to start cooking again soon. Sorry to hear your oven is broken- my kitchen oven just quit last week- it is a good thing I have one installed in the garage and it is working fine.
Looking forward to see what you make for scone week!

Lizzy
1/8/2013 05:47:40 pm

Hello there Heidiannie... how are you getting along? I'd been thinking of you. Yes, back to cooking again... our spare fridge died too... gah! You are lucky to have a backup oven... I am REALLY missing mine. Not sure if I can do scone week without an oven ; (

ChopinandMysaucepan link
1/8/2013 06:12:25 pm

Dear Lizzy,

Your Monier crock pot instantly transported me back to my mum kitchen in Malaysia because she had the exact same orange colour one!! I remember the heavy clay coloured interior comes off like a clay pot and she would make make slow-cook chicken soup and all sorts of delicious stews in it which I learnt cooking in a more modern slow-cooker.

I will ask her if she still has it because the newer models are never made quite like the older ones. They might look better but the older ones are more robust and importantly, the nostalgia is priceless.

Lizzy
1/8/2013 10:43:33 pm

Hello Chopinand your mum's Crock pot must have been the next model up, as my interior is fixed. I know the ones you mean tough. Yes, they don't make things like they used to, do they? Thanks for stopping by.

Jan
1/8/2013 10:33:43 pm

Hello Lizzy - I am waiting for my husband to say "pack up" so we can leave work and go home. Across the road from us is a Greek restaurant and I can hear the Friday night crowd laughing and chattering and live Greek music which speaks of places - other than work!. I love these IMK posts and was halted by your jar of Honeycup Mustard - which I absolutely love but haven't seen it around in Brisbane for quite a long time. I used to cook lamb rack with a slathering of it and I remember it as very delish. Speaking of lamb, I'm sure I remember a George Calombaris recipe for lamb shanks which included some mastic - it'll be intriquing to use.

Lizzy
1/8/2013 10:45:02 pm

Hi Jan... glad to hear that your work week is over... and now you can head home and relax. Honeycup is available in places like DJs... let me know if you can't find it. Lamb shanks with mastic... I must look up that recipe. Thanks for stopping by.

Lisa the Gourmet Wog link
2/8/2013 02:23:34 am

Oh Lizzy, I just breathed the biggest sigh of relief for you. While pneumonia is awful and not wished on anyone, it's not the C word. I am so happy to hear that. Bittersweet!
What a fabulous IMK tour, thank you for sharing xx

Lizzy
2/8/2013 02:47:10 pm

Thank you Lisa... I do feel very blessed.... xo

Jas@AbsolutelyJas link
2/8/2013 08:18:47 pm

And I thought my other half was unlucky with his medical maladies, but pneumonia from parrots wins hands down. So good to hear that you are on the mend, pneumonia is such a big energy sapper :(

My darling nana has a monier crock pot, I made her up a big batch of slow cooked short ribs in red wine in it last time I was down a month ago - she's still working her way through the individual portions that I left stacked in her freezer :)

Lizzy
2/8/2013 09:00:29 pm

Hi Jas... I think just about everyone must know someone who has a crock pot! How about that.... I might fire mine up tomorrow!

ale link
6/8/2013 10:26:12 am

Wonderful pics!! Visiting your kitchen was a must!

Kim | a little lunch link
13/8/2013 06:06:23 am

Lizzy, I'm so sorry to hear you've been battling pneumonia and I hope you're feeling stronger by the day. I suffered with it some twenty years ago (bacterial kind, passed on by an ailing roommate, oh joy), but from parrots? Hadn't heard of that. Your IMK items are lovely and full of delicious possibilities. Mustard lovers unite!


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    Welcome...

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

    ​Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion.
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