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In my kitchen - springtime 2015

1/10/2015

63 Comments

 
My morning macchiato with some beautiful flowers
A Poem for Mornings

Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee. 
Coffee, coffee.
Everyone shoosh, pretty, pretty please.
​Coffee.

- Unknown.

Mornings at my kitchen table have taken on a fresh meaning with my new coffee cup and saucer set. The brilliant apple green sits beautifully alongside a vase of cheery flowers. With the warm spring sunshine streaming in through our French doors, a double shot macchiato at hand — and in the background, soft bird song from the fairy wrens in the garden — I can sip my coffee and wake up in peaceful contemplation.

In her book, The Call of Solitude, Ester Buchholz, Ph.D says that quiet and solitude is an important route to creativity. And that "the natural creativity in all of us — insights, bursts and bubbles of imagination — are found as a result of solitude", or what I like to call 'quiet time'. It's true in my case, for I do much of my creative thinking (and problem solving) in solitude, mostly first thing in the morning, and sometimes in the middle of the night. Well, I try.

My beloved, on the other hand — who has a new coffee cup too, the same, but in burnt orange — loves to chatter, and dissect the morning news. Bless! On that note, a friend shared the above Poem for Mornings recently and somehow it resonated with me. Know what I mean? ​​♥‿♥  ​ ◔ ⌣ ◔ 

Since arriving home from overseas, life is busy and the days are whizzing by. We've been catching up with family and friends — both entertaining and visiting. We've made a couple of trips to the coast. Once for a South Coast Food dinner and to visit Peter's mam. And, this week, for a whale watching adventure. More on those trips in a later snippet. 

There's been springtime gardening, cycling by the duck ponds, cinema and reading. Lots of reading! Peter and I have both been preoccupied with family history. His and mine. I found my father's handwritten life story, safely tucked away behind the glass doors on one of my bookshelves. Using a magnifying sheet, I've been painstakingly translating his precious words from Magyar to English, for inclusion on the family memoir/cookbook I'm working on. There's been laughter, melancholy and tears, but I have managed to draft the Prologue! 

In my kitchen... 

So anyway, it's October and time to take a peek into my kitchen. ​Among the goodies we've discovered are these frozen snow-skin moon cakes, an impulse buy from our local Costco. We had bought some similar frozen snacks from an ice creamery in Stockholm a couple of months ago, and loved them. In this Canton Road range, there's vanilla choc-chip, cookie 'n' coconut milk cream, matcha with red bean, and strawberry with 'real strawberry pieces'. Perfect bite sized, non-dairy morsels. An occasional indulgence.
Snow-skin mooncakes by Canton Road - image Liz Posmyk, Good Things

Books...

There are books galore in my kitchen — cook books, travel books and food books, from one end of the kitchen to the other. Some are pre-loved bargains picked up at the Lifeline ACT Book Fair, others purchased from the UK Book Depository. And, there's a pile of books borrowed from my local library, too. If that's not enough, among the piles are these delicious new titles awaiting my review. Please stay tuned for my write ups, as some of these will be the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones. 
New cook book titles

Food news... 

And finally, I'm road testing these Greensaver produce keepers from OXO, the brand recognised for innovative kitchenware and clever solutions. The containers are designed to prolong the life of fresh produce and thereby help reduce food wastage. The good folks at OXO kindly sent me a 4.0 litre produce keeper, as well as a 4.7 litre produce keeper to trial in my kitchen. Thank you! A head of lettuce fits perfectly in the 4.0 litre unit, while more than a dozen good sized lemons went into the other. In the top of the lid there's a crisper insert with an activated carbon filter that absorbs ethylene gas, slowing down the ageing process and keeping produce fresh for longer. The filters are made from coconut husks, thus they're all natural and non-toxic, too. It's worth noting that the filters need to be replaced every 90 days and a four-pack costs $9.99. I'll report back in the fullness of time. 
Greensaver produce keepers from OXO
In closing, my dear friend, Celia, from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial has moon cakes (proper ones) and OXO products in her kitchen this month too. Pop in and say hello to Celia and my fellow bloggers and cooks from around the world who participate in the In My Kitchen round up.

Now tell me dear readers, are you a chatterbox first thing in the morning, or do you need quiet contemplative time, too? And what's happening in your kitchen this season?
63 Comments
The Surprised Gourmet link
1/10/2015 06:58:30 am

Great poem and new cup and saucer. I have to have my coffee in the morning, but I'm usually a bit talkative. My cup (I use a photo of it for my avatar) is quite huge, but I have been known to have a second cup. Looking forward to your thoughts on the OXO products.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:18:13 am

Thanks for sharing your mornings too... the OXO products are proving to be excellent!

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Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
1/10/2015 09:45:40 am

Don't tell me it's time for October already?!!! Eeekk! I'm not ready!

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:18:23 am

Eek, I know!!!

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Dhanya Samuel link
1/10/2015 10:13:17 am

Would love to hear your opinions on the Oxo greensaver

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:18:46 am

Dhanya, the OXO greensaver is excellent... well worthwhile investment!

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Glenda link
1/10/2015 10:17:07 am

Hi Liz. You and Celia are twins, well nearly. New cookbooks can only be a good thing.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:19:04 am

Sigh, I know... my library is ever expanding x

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Mandy link
1/10/2015 10:18:25 am

How did October jump up on us all so quickly! LOVE the colour of your cup and saucer Lizzy and such a beautiful photo with your flowers.
I am terrible with cook books - I really should use them more - I have lovely ones too, although not enough to fill my kitchen from one end to the other - would love to see your full collection in your kitchen.
The OXO keepers look great.
Have a super day.
:-) Mandy xo

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:19:44 am

Hi Mandy... the OXO food keepers are excellent! And I hear you, we can have so many cookbooks, but I LOVE them all! Have a fab weekend xx

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Zsuzsa link
1/10/2015 10:32:25 am

Just me and my coffee. The first sip is the best. My darling wakes an hour later and brews a fresh cup for himself and turns his music on. Toward the end I sit with him and we talk. No more rushing for us. It's nice.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:19:59 am

Sounds like bliss, Zsuzsa xx

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Amanda link
1/10/2015 11:11:43 am

I know what you mean about quiet in the mornings, Liz - I love a little 'me time' first thing.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:20:17 am

'Tis important for one's sanity, no?

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Krista Bjorn link
1/10/2015 03:48:21 pm

I definitely need my quiet time each day too. :-) In fact, I'm having one right now as my hubs snores in the next room. It's lovely to have these moments before the hustle and bustle of the day starts. :-) What an incredible project transcribing your father's story. XOXO I hope it is a good, healing, and inspiring time for you. :-)

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:20:31 am

Thank you, lovely xx

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Laura (Tutti Dolci) link
1/10/2015 04:18:17 pm

Beautiful flowers, it looks like spring has truly arrived!

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:20:43 am

It surely has, Laura xx

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Kirsty link
1/10/2015 05:23:30 pm

Liz, I too source from the Book Depository, they are great! I look forward to some of my own solitude time to enjoy my reading stash.
You've opened my eyes to OXO. I always thought they just made 'good grips' gadgets. Fine looking food storage ware you have there.
Enjoy your lovely spring kitchen. Kirsty

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:21:12 am

Hi Kirsty... OXO make a whole range of products... you should investigate them further! Have a lovely day too.

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Francesca link
1/10/2015 05:30:42 pm

Morning is also a quiet time for me too Lizzie. In fact, it's the best time.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:21:25 am

I think so too, lovely Francesca xx

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celia
1/10/2015 06:07:35 pm

It didn't even occur to me that they might have mooncakes at Costco! They look so elegant, Lizzy! I'm so glad you're home and enjoying a peaceful time, love. And I adore that first photo - so beautiful! xxx

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:21:58 am

Celia, they were quite yummy! Thanks for your kind words and thanks for stopping by. Sending big hugs to you, the boys and your mum xx

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Fiona Ryan
1/10/2015 07:55:36 pm

Quite the coincidence re: moon cakes and OXO! I really like the sound of Fried Chicken and Friends.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:22:09 am

Thanks Fiona... indeed!

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Kyrstie@A Fresh Legacy link
1/10/2015 08:38:45 pm

I am most certainly in need of quiet in the mornings but that doesn't register with my seven and four year old! Those moon cakes are quite stunning aren't they? Perfect forms. x

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:22:21 am

Ah, your time will come, Kyrstie xx

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Liz link
1/10/2015 09:28:23 pm

Doesn't drinking your morning tea/coffee with a pretty cup and saucer, just start your day off on the right foot? Love the fun color! And I hope OXO has those greensavers around here! I threw out some really nasty celery today! I need an intervention :) Love this feature each month.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:22:45 am

Thanks so much, Liz. Yes, do investigate the OXO greensavers! Work well!

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Maureen link
1/10/2015 09:43:23 pm

I suspect I'm a chatterbox but with him working upstairs in his office and me working downstairs, he's saved. I love your cookbooks! I know I have too many but yet I still love every one.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:22:57 am

Ah Maureen, same as me xx

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Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
2/10/2015 02:20:56 am

I will look out for the produce keepers here Liz. I need quiet and coffee in the mornings :)

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:23:14 am

Yes, do, Tandy... OXO should sell them where you are, or online! xx

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Jennifer @Milk & Honey link
2/10/2015 08:09:22 am

coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee
coffee, coffee.... speaks to me.
I love the colour of your new coffee set. I love to sip out of something lovely... not those awful paper takeaway cups with the spout!
I've been checking out Fried Chicken & Friends at my local book store. I feel it's only a matter of time before it's on my bookshelves.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:23:31 am

It would be a worthwhile addition to your library Jen xx

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Kim | a little lunch link
2/10/2015 10:55:07 am

Liz, your entire post was a peaceful contemplation, thank you -- and thank goodness for morning coffee and quiet time! (Same here.) Cute poem, too -- so true. I'd never heard of moon cakes until I read Celia's post and yours -- also smiled at your Oxo reference, too. Great minds and all that... :)

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:23:48 am

Thank you lovely, Kim. Hope this finds you well xx

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Kari @ bite-sized thoughts link
3/10/2015 12:36:07 pm

We're going the opposite way with our seasons but your spring flowers are lovely and you have a wonderful selection of books.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:24:09 am

I can imagine you are collecting autumn leaves right now, Kari xx

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Hotly Spiced link
3/10/2015 05:34:38 pm

I think I need some of those OXO products. I do love the colour of your cup and saucer. And those cookbooks would definitely make excellent Christmas gifts. Time to start thinking about that already! I have to confess to having never actually tried a moon cake! xx

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:24:39 am

Charlie, absolutely great products, the OXO... do invest! And yes, try the moon cakes when you can too xx

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Maree link
4/10/2015 06:35:36 am

Mooncakes popping up everywhere this month! Looking forward to feedback on the Oxo items. One day I might brave Costco, won't be this month though :)

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:24:58 am

I'm definitely going to get these again, Maree! : )

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David link
4/10/2015 10:15:55 am

How do you like the Greensaver? I definitely seed something that does that! Naked Cakes will be my Google search as soon press "submit!"

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:25:23 am

Ah, good choice David... Naked Cakes is a gorgeous book! Review coming soon. The OXO is excellent too! Invest!

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SeattleDee link
4/10/2015 04:53:39 pm

Morning solitude is a treasured time indeed, best enjoyed with a full cup and comfortable surroundings. The cheery cup and saucer plus colorful flowers must certainly help ease into the day.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:25:34 am

Dee, thank you so much!

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Sandra link
5/10/2015 07:42:37 am

I completely agree that peace and solitude are essential for the creative process. Early mornings while the house is quiet really works for me, with coffee. I look forward to hearing your assessment of the oxo containers

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:25:52 am

Sandra, we are like minded... and the OXO is brilliant!

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Ania @ Milk Toast and Honey link
5/10/2015 03:53:20 pm

Shhhhhh... Coffee... Wishing you many wonderful October mornings Liz to enjoy

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:26:03 am

Thank you Ania xx

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moya link
6/10/2015 06:03:43 am

I love the quiet times too Lizzy :) Naked cakes... looking forward to the review :) I bought a moon cake mould on my travels but have yet to use it. Love the oxo produce keeper, always handy to have.

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:26:17 am

Thank you, Moya, lovely to hear from you xx

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Emily (Cooking for Kishore) link
6/10/2015 11:55:33 am

What a quiet contemplative post, it would be lovely to be able to sit quietly for chai in the morning. How wonderful to find your father's memoirs, and it's so great that you are preserving your family history through a memoir/cookbook. :)

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Lizzy
7/10/2015 01:26:31 am

Emily, thank you for your very kind words!

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Shari from GoodFoodWeek link
7/10/2015 02:42:07 am

What a beautiful cup and saucer to enjoy your coffee from each morning. Looking forward to seeing you at Eat.Drink.Blog.

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Miss Food Fairy link
8/10/2015 02:38:33 am

Love your morning coffee & flowers photo - such the essence of Spring with those lovely, bright colours. Love it Liz. Great new cookbooks to ponder over - you know how much I love cookbooks! And looking forward to your review on the OXO storage solutions. Glad you're home safely from you well deserved holiday xx

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Gretchen link
8/10/2015 04:10:17 pm

The new cup and saucer as well as the flowers look like a wonderful way to start your day. OXO products are indeed fun, hope this one works for you.

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Beck @ Golden Pudding link
8/10/2015 07:43:15 pm

A lovely morning routine Liz, I can’t drink coffee these days, but a lovely cup of chai plays a similar role :)
I love the look of those moon cakes, amazing that Costco stocks them, and great to hear about some new cookbooks...I’m always interested in what you recommend, as I’ve seen your collection on EYB :)
Where do you put the OXO containers i.e. in the crispers or just on a fridge shelf? I’m just thinking where they’d fit...

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Anna @ shenANNAgans link
9/10/2015 01:22:58 am

Sorry I have been AWOL this past month, I have a lot to catch up on it seems. Look at all the marvellous goodies in your kitchen sweet Lizzy! I'd love to have a squiz at the naked cakes book. :)

Heck no to being a chatterbox first thing in the morning, my brain doesnt get cracking until double digits. LOL! I've been getting my special cook/bake on lately, made some delicious raw vegan cocoa balls last night...... All the delicious!!!

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Peter
11/10/2015 07:50:28 pm

Shoooosh!

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sherry M link
22/10/2015 03:14:26 am

hi liz
was great to catch up in canberra. love your green cup and saucer. i have that book 'margaret and me'. still haven't found the time to delve into it but i will! and those oxo greensavers look really interesting.

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

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