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In my kitchen - November 2014

3/11/2014

79 Comments

 
Macadamias in their shells
It's November already and time to join the lovely Celia, from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, together with a bunch of friends, bloggers and fellow cooks from around the world, as we play In My Kitchen, a fun show and tell hosted by Celia. Let's start with these macadamias in their shells, which we collected at the Duck's Nuts plantation in the Byron Bay hinterland. Do you love macadamias as much as I do?

'Would you like a nice cup of tea?' I always ask Peter mid afternoon. I read somewhere once about a study that found that making a cup of tea for someone is akin to stress relieving therapy. Not that Peter is stressed, mind you, but we do both enjoy some tea in the afternoon. In my kitchen are some treasured tea cups, featuring Fairy Wrens. Coincidentally, they were given to me at as gifts by some very special friends, Doggie and Christine C, who both know how fond I am of those little birds. I have some fun tea-making accoutrements: the little floating duck was a prize from Sealy, and the little man was something Peter bought for himself from Two Skinny Cooks Larder in Berrima. The Vanilla tea is from Mrs Oldbucks, also in Berrima. 
Fairy Wren tea cups, vanilla tea and some fun teamaking accessories
In my kitchen is a packet of asparagus crowns, waiting to be planted. As soon as our garlic is ready to harvest, these will go in. Watch this space for my photographic essay on growing garlic. 
Asparagus crowns to plant
You know Christmas is just around the corner when the boxes of Panettone hit the supermarket shelves. I have always loved it! This one came from Aldi and will be used for bread and butter pudding, I suspect. One of these days I will try my hand at baking my own. 
Panettone for Christmas
The team at Bare Coffee Company sent me a sample of their copy beans to try. One of the things I like about their coffee is the smart zip that peels off and makes the bag easier to open.  
Coffee beans from the Bare Coffee Company
In my kitchen is this 'Luxury Fudge', also from Aldi. I can and do make my own, but this one happens to be my son's absolute favourite, so as soon as we see it in stock, we buy several packets to stash away for the Christmas stocking. 
ALdi's luxury fudge
Remember how I popped some Heilala vanilla beans into vodka back in January this year? Well, this is how the maceration looks now. It's still tucked away in a dark cupboard and should be ready to use very, very soon! 
Vodka infused with vanilla beans
In my kitchen is a pile of cookbooks for my review. I hope to bring you my conversation with Adam Liaw, as soon as I hear back from his publicist. Sweet Envy is a cracker of a book, written by Pastry Chef’s Alisatir Wise and his wife Teena, who have a cake shop and bakehouse in North Hobart. I can hardly wait to tuck into that one! I do like to take my time with book reviews, thus giving the author, the publisher and the publication the due regard and consideration that they deserve. Watch this space for my upcoming snippets on each of these titles. 
My pile of cookbooks for review
And finally, in my kitchen is this beautiful pear and a few of its friends. I have very special plans for this pear! Stay tuned. 
Pear crying out to be eaten!

In closing, I'd like to leave you with a message that was my father's mantra throughout his life. It is always with me, but is particularly poignant on this day as I learned the devastating news that a dear friend has lost one of her own this morning. My heart is absolutely aching for my friend and her family.
Picture

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to pop in and say hello, dear readers. It means a lot to me. 
79 Comments
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas link
2/11/2014 11:12:34 am

I enjoyed reading this post Liz, cup of tea firmly in hand :) Our asparagus crown are currently producing a very generous crop of one spear a week. I think they might need relocating so I hope you have much greater success than us. I look forward to your thoughts on the River Cottage book. And can't wait to see what you do with the pear.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:31:16 am

Hi Tania, oh, thanks for that about the asparagus... I pulled up the garlic yesterday and was really disappointed with this year's crop, but the strawberries are doing well. Must investigate the best place for asparagus!

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Amanda @ Gourmanda link
2/11/2014 12:10:11 pm

I'm loving the fact that panettone is back on the shelves!

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:31:33 am

Oh, me too, Amanda!

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maureen@orgasmicchef.com link
2/11/2014 02:56:10 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.

So the duck and the man with holes in his pants - what do they have to do with tea? It's clear I'm in need of lessons.

I've got a bottle of vodka that's been sitting with a dozen vanilla beans for over a year. Time to give it a shake and see how it's going!

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:32:08 am

Hi there Maureen, thank you for your kind words! The duck and the man with the holes are both tea infusers, love. Fun, aren't they!

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Mandy link
2/11/2014 08:40:56 pm

Lizzy, I adore your tea cups and I love vanilla tea.
Have a wonderful day.
:-) Mandy xo

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:32:18 am

Mandy, thank you kindly xo

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Rosa link
2/11/2014 09:54:58 pm

Lovely pictures of the seagull and the pear, and wonderful items. I love Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's books, panettone and fudge.

Cheers,

Rosa

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:32:34 am

Hi Rosa, thank you my friend. Cheers.

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Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers link
2/11/2014 10:10:54 pm

You just made me get up and put on the kettle. I love a good panettone especially with some berries, honey and a sprinkle of icing sugar. I can't wait to hear how the vodka tastes and what are you going to do with that pear? Thank you for the peek into your kitchen.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:32:48 am

Thanks so much, Vicki!

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Glenda link
2/11/2014 10:12:52 pm

Best wishes to your friend Liz. If I were you, I would get those asparagus crowns in. It is my understanding they should be planted in winter. I do like panettone. One of these days I am going to make one.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:33:12 am

Oh pooh, Glenda, what a pain that is about the asparagus! Thank you.

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Tania@My Kitchen Stories link
2/11/2014 10:23:29 pm

Such bad news is a way of reminding us to treasure each day .Your Dad was right. I love Panetone very much. We got our freshly baked stash into the warehouse today and broke one open immediately. I would love to read Sweet Envy

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:33:46 am

Oh Tania, you love pannetone as much as I do. Thank you for your kind words, too.

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Danielle L link
2/11/2014 10:48:13 pm

I've loaded up on the Aldi Chocolate Sauce from the same range. I look forward to seeing what you do with the pear and the vanilla beans :)

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:33:58 am

Thank you Danielle....

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Beck link
2/11/2014 11:06:14 pm

A tantalising selection this month Liz, leaving us waiting to hear about your plans for these goodies ;)

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:34:08 am

Thanks Beck!

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Eva Taylor link
3/11/2014 12:39:04 am

So sorry about your friend's loss, your dad's mantra is certainly wonderful and I'm sure will help them through their loss. I do love the "in my kitchen' series and will participate again soon...

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:34:26 am

Hi Eva, thank you for your kind words... yes, I hope you do.

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Kirsty link
3/11/2014 01:07:05 am

Hi there Liz. So does your bottle of infused vanilla vodka give you vanilla extract? I love the Aldi 'black label' range of Christmas goodies. I picked up the Black Forest Stollen, and have stashed it in the back of the pantry, so I don't open it before Christmas! Interested to see your plans for that pear... cheers, Kirsty xx

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:36:24 am

Hello Kirsty, yes it does... I love Stollen too... almost bought some yesterday. Cheers, xo

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Karen (Back Road Journal) link
3/11/2014 07:17:32 am

Your kitchen is filled with all kind of good things. I especially enjoyed seeing the macadamia nuts in their shell…that is something I would never see here.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:36:47 am

Hello there Karen, glad you enjoyed seeing the macadamias, happy cooking my friend.

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Francesca link
3/11/2014 07:22:27 am

I have those same cups! And also the other ones with parrots and kookaburras. The Aldi fudge looks tempting.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:37:19 am

Hi Francesca, I have the parrot cup too! The fudge is good and they have a whole new range this year, including clotted cream!

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e / dig in hobart link
3/11/2014 08:00:14 am

time to stock up on panettone for winter B&B puddings. i haven't see any in the shops here yet.
that pear looks delicious. i would have to eat it NOW - to luscious looking to cook with!

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:37:38 am

Hi Elizabeth... isn't panettone the best!

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InTolerant Chef link
3/11/2014 08:34:30 am

My asparagus is producing so much that even the dog is stealing spears and easing them! My garlic is looking good too, I planted purple and giant varieties this year. Love seeing the Christmas goodies hitting the shelves, and a cuppa is always soothing indeed :)
So sorry to hear about your friend. Your father was a wise man to have such a lovely motto xox

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:38:21 am

Bec, thank you for your very kind words! I am envious that you are already producing asparagus... might ring you and get some tips on best planting strategies : )

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Amanda (@lambsearshoney) link
3/11/2014 08:52:44 am

I'm so impressed that you could hold off using your vanilla essence for practically a whole year! I loved mine and starting tucking in after about 3 months. It's all gone now, so you've just reminded me to get to the bottle shop for more vodka, thanks!

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:38:45 am

Wow, Amanda... no, I left it tucked away... must start using it!

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Misky link
3/11/2014 09:50:23 am

That Panettone makes a wonderful French Toast!

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:38:56 am

Oh, yes yes yes, Misky!

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Eha
3/11/2014 11:24:15 am

Love your Kitchen from A>Z and am again and still sending you quiet hugs for difficult days . . . . Only got some of my garlic into the ground on time: do not expect much . . . should really find some asparagus crowns tho' have not had time to prepare the soil . . . the one 'thing' I would SO like to 'pinch' from your Kitchen is the 'River Cottage' book . . .

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:39:49 am

Hi Eha, pulled up my garlic yesterday, but was disappointed with this year's crop... many did not form a 'bulb'... I need to read up on preparing the beds for the asparagus!

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Jane @ Shady Baker
3/11/2014 12:21:53 pm

Hello Lizzy. Great things in your kitchen as always. I am especially impressed with the vanilla...I can only imagine how good it smells! Happy asparagus growing x

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:40:00 am

Thanks so much, Jane xo

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Jennifer Milk and Honey link
3/11/2014 03:28:02 pm

So many delightful things in your kitchen Liz. I make my own vanilla extract too using the same method. Can't live without the stuff. Your pile of books makes my mouth water.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:40:15 am

Oh Jennifer, thank you!

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Joanne T Ferguson link
3/11/2014 06:17:03 pm

G'day! Every day is truly a gift, Lizzy!
One can never have too many cookbooks! Loved the vodka and LOVE Panettone!
Thanks for this month's kitchen view! Cheers! Joanne

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:40:32 am

Hi there Joanne... so true... thanks for stopping by!

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Hotly Spiced link
3/11/2014 08:45:40 pm

I'm so sorry to hear that one of your friends has lost one of her own. What a devastating time. What a lot of cookbooks to review. When you see panatone in the shops it sure is a sign of Christmas (even if it is 8 weeks away) xx

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:40:53 am

Charlie, that's so true... amazing that Christmas is so close!

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Elizabeth link
3/11/2014 09:54:09 pm

Hi Liz,
I have a cup of tea as I am reading your blog :) but I'm an English Breakfast girl! I have tried so many times to plant asparagus, but it take 2 years and you need to keep it in the same place, so any tips would be great appreciated :)
Hugh is my absolute favourite, so I look forward to your review of his book... as I always need another cook book (NOT) :) Thanks for sharing! Liz xx

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:41:19 am

Hi Elizabeth... I should try planting the asparagus in a tub perhaps?

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Kim | a little lunch link
4/11/2014 02:39:55 am

Liz, thank you for sharing your Dad's mantra (so true) and my sympathy to you & your dear friend. It was a gift reading through your IMK post. xo

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 08:41:33 am

Kim, thank you for your very kind words xo

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John link
4/11/2014 04:22:04 am

We buy the same brand of Panettone! No surprise-- it's really, really good. I haven't seen Panettone in the stores, yet, but haven't really looked. Anyway, good stuff in your kitchen this month -- thanks for giving us a peek.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:08:07 am

Most welcome, John... glad you enjoy panettone too!

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Lizzie @ Strayed Table link
4/11/2014 11:25:34 am

My folks have those cups and many cups of tea are drunk from them. It is a ritual to have cups of tea in the afternoon in our family, just to sit and stop for a few moments is important.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:08:35 am

It's a good ritual, isn't it Lizzie! Thanks for stopping by.

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Anna @ shenANNAgans link
4/11/2014 12:45:22 pm

Yes, every single day is a gift. And Im super grateful that you are in mine today. Great post, loving alllllll the fun in your kitchen. :)

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:08:46 am

Thanks lovely Anna!

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Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
4/11/2014 05:55:17 pm

Dave would love that fudge, and I love your little man tea thingy :)

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:08:58 am

He's cute, isn't he, Tandy?

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Marian@Apricot Tart link
4/11/2014 11:50:47 pm

Hi Liz! I'm impressed with the wonderful array of goodies you find at Aldi! I can't wait for a store to open in Adelaide!

I'm excited to have found Heilala vanilla pods at my local greengrocers and will be following your example and making my own Vanilla Essence! :)

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:09:30 am

Hi there Marian... will be good once the Aldi opens for you... we find it so much cheaper, honestly... and the quality is excellent too!

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Liz O'Hara link
5/11/2014 03:00:07 am

What a lovely collection of new and cherished items. Have you tried Puer tea? I used to be a big English Breakfast fan but lately changed over to this compressed tea from China. Unlike the English Breakfast, I can drink it without milk. In the cup or pot it is very dark, my husband has mistaken it for his black coffee. But, it's very smooth.

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:09:58 am

Hello Liz, no I haven't tried it... my Peter might enjoy it... thank you.

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celia link
5/11/2014 11:46:17 am

Darling, I'm so sorry for your friend, I hope they're ok, but not sure how one could be at this time. :( Your father was certainly right.

I do love your little fairy wren mugs and I'll look out for the Aldi fudge - I've never seen it before! Your vanilla essence looks great - bet it smells amazing! xx

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Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:10:39 am

Thanks so much, Celia, a terrible thing indeed.. the Aldi fudge is quite sweet and sugary, lovely for a treat! xox

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Veganopoulous link
7/11/2014 12:12:12 am

ooooh those fairy wren cups are beautiful!!! I love the Aldi stollen :)

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Lizzy
18/11/2014 07:38:23 pm

Thanks so much, they are lovely, aren't they! I have yet to try the Stollen. Thank you for stopping by!

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@ChristineSalins link
9/11/2014 01:41:39 am

Nothing like a good cup of tea to get through the day. Is there such a thing as a bad cup of tea?

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Lizzy
18/11/2014 07:38:46 pm

So true Christine, although if it's not nice and milky, it could be 'bad' or not nice.

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heidi link
10/11/2014 03:28:49 am

Hi Lizzy!
So much goodness going on in your kitchen.
The vanilla looks just right for using- my vanilla all lives in vodka bottles, as well.
I've never seen macadamia nuts in their shell, but I do love baking with them! And the pear is lovely- I most often pick my fruit first to look at and then secondly to eat!
Thanks so much for sharing!

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Lizzy
18/11/2014 07:39:23 pm

Hello there Heidi, nice to see you stop by! The macadamias in the shells are so interesting... and you need a good strong nutcracker too!

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Moya link
10/11/2014 08:10:27 am

Love all the goodies in your kitchen Lizzy. You can't beat a good cup of tea. Every day is a gift... so true :)

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Miss Food Fairy link
12/11/2014 09:42:25 am

I have vanilla beans sitting around waiting to be used - may have to buy some vodka to try your trick! How good is Aldi! I will be keeping my eye open for those little fudge bars - yumm ;) Looking forward to your cookbook reviews - you always do an amazing write up with all the chefs/cooks too. Thanks Liz for a look in your kitchen, see you next month at IMK x

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Lizzy
18/11/2014 07:39:48 pm

Thanks so much! You are very kind... yes, do look at Aldi for the vodka too! : )

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sherry from sherryspickings link
15/11/2014 06:31:49 pm

sorry to hear about your friend's loss. very sad especially at this time of year. great cookbooks. i saw adam liaw recently giving a talk and he was fab. he looked just like he looks! i have vanilla beans in vodka to make vanilla extract. so nice to make your own.

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Lizzy
18/11/2014 07:40:20 pm

Hi Sherry, thank you for your kind words, and thanks for stopping by. Yes, it's lovely to make your own vanilla extract, isn't it : )

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JJ - 84thand3rd link
18/11/2014 08:46:30 pm

Lovely things in your kitchen. The books look great and I've always wanted to bake a Panettone too! I've had a package of Heilala beans and a bottle of vodka waiting to be joined, I must get to it soon ;D

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Lizzy
30/11/2014 09:33:45 am

Hi JJ, thanks so much for stopping by!

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Sandy link
27/11/2014 09:10:10 am

I have quite a few river cottage books but haven't ever seen that one - will have to check it out!
Awesome that you grow your own garlic - and good luck with the asparagus.
hehe i have the same duck tea strainer!!! :-)

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Lizzy
30/11/2014 09:34:11 am

Thanks so much, Sandy... cute little strainer, no? : )

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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