It's the first week of November and the time of the year when the gears of life seem to crank into high speed as we hurtle towards the festive season. I don't know about you, but my head is almost spinning as the days and weeks go whizzing by. Not that I am complaining, mind.
Life has been truly delicious. I've been busy doing all my favourite things: writing, cooking, gardening, cycling, bushwalking and socialising with friends. I thought I'd take a short breather to take some photographs and share a few postcards from my kitchen.
The kitchen garden is flourishing, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of little workers that have been coming to visit the bee-friendly plantings. A year or more ago, Peter and I planted some miniature lavender bushes, lamb's ears and seaside daisies in amongst the beds. It paid off. Just look at the crop of strawberries harvested in one afternoon (pictured above). We grow them organically, so they're free from any bad stuff and they taste very fine too. Recipes inspired by the berries coming soon, I promise. Solidteknics AUS-ION carbon steel pan...
Solidteknics, the makers of AUSFonte cast iron ware, have now launched AUS-ION seamless one-piece carbon steel cookware, and the creator, my long-time friend in food, Mark J. Henry, kindly sent me a skillet to road test. As you can see, this is stunning kit for chefs and home cooks alike. Craftsman designed, the handle on the AUS-ION skillet stays cool and there are no rivets, joins or coatings. Made from Australian iron, the pans are 3mm thick and can be used on any heat source: from an oven to an open fire and even induction cooktops. I'll be writing more about the AUS-ION skillet in an upcoming article on the topic of cooking steak.
Tools for cooks - Hackit...
Among the new toys in my kitchen this month is the Norwegian designed Hackit. This fun promotional video produced by the makers best demonstrates how it can be used. A good stocking-filler for young and old, methinks.
Fresh pumpkin...
The days have been cooler lately, so my pumpkin soup medley is back on the menu. I'm going to make it in the Tefal Cuisine Companion. There's also a Middle Eastern pumpkin dessert I've been wanting to try. If the recipe works, I'll share it with you.
Favourite authors - Nigel Slater...
One of the gems I found at the Lifeline Book Fair is Eating for England by award winning food writer, Nigel Slater. Subtitled 'The Delights and Eccentricities of the British at Table', the book covers tasty topics, such as black pudding, the coffee percolator, the naked cook, rhubarb and custard, frog spawn and nosebleeds, and the tight-arse cook. Slater's writing is superb and his essays leave the reader nodding in agreement and laughing out loud.
The Essential Ingredient wooden spoon...
I was a panelist and attendee at the Eat Drink Blog conference in Canberra recently, and also coordinated and judged the writing competition. More on that in an upcoming article. This stylish wooden spoon from The Essential Ingredient was tucked into a goodie bag.
Gerberas - a splash of colour...
Life in retirement, post travel, is allowing me time to catch up with long lost friends. When I say 'long', in some instances I mean friends I haven't seen for forty plus years. It was so lovely to catch up with Margaret, an old friend from school days. We chatted for hours about life and family, and, even though there was much to share, it was as though we had only seen each other yesterday. Margie presented me with a bunch of bright Gerberas, that are still looking good a fortnight on. Thank you, love.
Australian macadamias...
The good people at Australian Macadamias sent me an amazing hamper filled with all sorts of macadamia-based products, including macadamia milk, macadamia oil, roasted macadamia nuts and chocolate coated macadamias, macadamia muesli, macadamia body lotion, macadamia muesli bars, Macabella macadamia spread, and macadamia body lotion. Every single one of these products is worthy of a solid mention and I've given them a shout-out on my Instagram account over the last few weeks. This array of Australian macadamia products showcases the versatility of this indigenous Aussie nut.
A score of long-stemmed red roses...
A meeting with my dear friend and long-time writing colleague, Maureen, was long overdue and I could barely believe my eyes when I saw Maureen coming up the front path with a bucket-load of the most glorious long-stemmed roses. If only I could share the scent of those home-grown beauties with you. Maureen writes poetry and will be publishing an illustrated story book soon, too. Having had the honour of seeing it and reading it, I feel it's a title you will want to give as gift for loved ones, and keep one for your own bookshelf too. I'll share news on it when I can.
This post is my contribution to the monthly In My Kitchen round up hosted by Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Pop in and say hello to Celia and my friends in food from across the globe.
Tell me dear readers, what good things have been happening in your kitchen lately? Do you make the time to catch up with long lost friends? And are the days, weeks and months whizzing by for you too?
42 Comments
Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:17:08 pm
Thanks Krista... the pumpkin soup made in the Cuisine Companion was absolutely divine. What a lovely surprise to have a new stove xxx
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2/11/2015 01:29:39 am
Liz, you have wonderful things in your kitchen this month! The first time I visited Australia, my mother asked me to bring back macadamias. I did not know at the time that we grew them here as well. I think of that every time I see them :)
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:17:38 pm
Hi Tandy, thank you for your kind words... oh, I didn't know you'd been to Australia. Do tell me more! xx
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2/11/2015 04:08:17 am
I love receiving flowers! There's nothing quite as joyous as seeing a bright bouquet headed your way :D
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:18:05 pm
Isn't it lovely, Lorraine! There were 20 or more in this bouquet! xx
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2/11/2015 07:23:56 am
So many beautiful things in your kitchen as always, Liz, and so beautifully photographed too.
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:18:23 pm
Thank you lovely... welcome home xx
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:18:42 pm
Isn't it just, Mandy! : ) xx
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2/11/2015 09:58:49 am
Oh, those macadamias and their products are making my heart skip a beat. And I look forward to your Middle Eastern pumpkin dessert. Consider me intrigued!
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:19:13 pm
I am, too, Kellie... you and I are as one on the interesting desserts, aren't we xx
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:19:54 pm
Apples are awesome in their own way too, David... nothing nicer than an apple pie or apple cake in the fall. : ) Yes, the Hackit is quite fun, no? x
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:20:20 pm
I know, Francesca, much to celebrate when it's strawberry season xx
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2/11/2015 03:07:30 pm
Ohhh, is macadamia milk delicious? I've been drinking unsweetened almond milk, but not in love with it.... Oh I love my wooden spoon from The Essential Ingredient, so much I can't bring myself to use it. Lol! Gorgeous flowers, I am so pleased you have beautiful people in your life who share their gorgeous home grown flowers with you. Hope you are well sweet lady, hugs and happy Melbourne Cup day to you. xoxo
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:21:01 pm
Hi lovely... I feel the same about that spoon, it is really quite special... Thank you kindly for the compliments... happy MC day to you too xx
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:21:31 pm
Thanks Amanda... it's a great book, isn't it. Peter is reading it now. We both love his writing. x
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2/11/2015 04:56:28 pm
Let us know how the skillet works out. I bought a fancy, schmancy one a few years ago and have been so disappointed. The handle is too heavy and the pan tips over before there's something in it. Didn't they test it?
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:22:25 pm
Hi Ambra, from all accounts, the AUS-ION is one amazing piece of kitchenware... I will be seasoning mine very soon... if it is anything like it's cast iron companion, it will be used EVERY day! xx
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2/11/2015 05:59:19 pm
Always happy to get a peek into your kitchen! Good stuff this month. I particularly like that pan. By chance, I've been contemplating a purpose of a carbon steel pan. I have way too many frying pans as it is, but have always wanted one. We'll see. :-)
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:22:52 pm
Hi John... the pan would be a wonderful investment for a serious cook such as yourself!
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Heather
2/11/2015 07:12:10 pm
I like the sound of that Hackit thingy. And what a fun vid.
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:23:11 pm
Isn't the Hackit fun, Heather!?
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Peter
2/11/2015 07:14:09 pm
So happy with our strawberry harvest this year. Will you please make that roulade again. I think it's much better than pavlova. Lub me xx
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Lizzy
2/11/2015 07:23:45 pm
Oh, me too, my love. I will make the roulade... and share the recipe here soon... but we need to go cycling more! xxx
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Lizzy I am glad to hear you are enjoying life and taking time to do the things that make your heart skip a beat and catching up with old friends too. You always have wonderful kitchen utensils and cookware in your kitchen. The Hackit looks like a great stocking filler... not sure I have seen them in Bahrain though. And I would certainly go nuts over that amazing hamper. Have a wonderful November :)
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Liz, all those beautiful red flowers, you're so lucky. I'm reluctant to use my EI wooden spoon, it seems a bit too swanky for my kitchen. I bought macadamia oil a while back and love it's light texture and sweet nutty flavour as a simple dressing on steamed veg. I've been a Nigel Sater fan for a long time, I just love his style
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I'm going to hunt down a Hackit. I find smashing mince frustrating! Just when you've done a first pass, it appears there are MORE lumps to further tackle. Plus there is always one clump that sneakily hides the whole time. Its like 'whack a mole' in the pan. I need that gadget in my life. Also too one for my SIL in Texas. She'll hoot over it!
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4/11/2015 03:24:34 am
Homegrown strawberries are the absolute best. I think you scored a winner at the book fair.
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5/11/2015 08:40:26 am
Liz, I love Celia's In My Kitchen. I've only done it once myself, but I've found so many wonderful bloggers through it. Glad to have found Good Things today! How I envy you your homegrown strawberries. Must try that one day.
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First of all I am really happy for you Lizzy, and for your neighbor, for the bumper crop of strawberries this year. Ours was delicious but sparce. I will tell my guy about the bee friendly planting. We are bracing ourselves for a heavy frost, it's winter here, but we should keep this in mind for the next year.
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5/11/2015 01:45:43 pm
Loving the pop of colours in your kitchen this month Liz xx
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5/11/2015 11:33:42 pm
I do love the fresh flowers and berries. How wonderful to grow your own berries. I'd love one of those frying pans in my kitchen xx
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Fiona Ryan
9/11/2015 02:28:16 am
Of course I hope the Hackit is a success for the inventors but I must say it does look like something that would lurk at the back of the draw. I could be wrong ; ) As to the strawberries... what an extravaganza
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12/11/2015 01:32:15 pm
It does look like a lot of deliciousness in your kitchen. That hackit is great too!
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20/11/2015 09:39:50 am
Liz, that skillet looks incredible -- perfect size, weight, and features -- neat that it's made with Australian iron, too! I had to laugh at the Hackit video (loved their "googly eyes!" ) -- a clever ad and convenient tool. Your new wooden spoon is the size & shape of one of my "most used" cooking utensils; I'm sure yours will be put to good use, too! So glad to hear how much JOY you've experienced catching up with old friends. Their floral gifts make me think they feel the same way about you, xo. :)
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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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