Category Archives: Ingredients

Helpful information about individual ingredients.

Biological warfare in the vegetable patch

If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that we’re trying our hands at growing some vegetables. Our home-grown vegetable patch includes beetroot, silverbeet, lettuce, coriander and rosemary. Welcome additions to the herb collection that we already had—birdseye, habanero and Apache … Continue reading

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Home-grown

For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than using home-grown herbs. It pleases the wannabe hobby farmer lurking within. So what is it that’s attractive about growing my own herbs? Well, I like that I’m saving the $2-plus per bunch for … Continue reading

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Mediterranean feast

Living in a warm climate, we thoroughly enjoy eating Mediterranean style—with lots of bits and pieces to choose from and combine into a wonderful, yet light, meal. Whether its lunch or dinner, this is a fantastic way to eat during … Continue reading

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Beetroot

Now until the end of spring is the season for beetroot. If you haven’t tried this colourful and healthy vegetable, why not give it a go while it’s at its best. Every part of beetroot is edible, including the leaves, … Continue reading

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Chestnut soup

Chestnuts are amazing. Their flavour is rich and ever so slightly sweet, and the smell of them roasting takes me back to New York in winter. A few fast facts…chestnuts: have about one-third of the calories of other nuts are … Continue reading

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Mushrooms

Porcini, shiitake, Swiss brown, oyster, enoki, wood ear, king, shimeji, button, truffle…these are just a few of the mushroom types available, all of them delicious with their own distinct tastes and textures. Mushrooms contain natural glutamate, an amino acid found … Continue reading

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Smashed peas and broad beans

I am a massive fan of the humble pea. I think it comes from my childhood, helping Mum out by shelling the peas for dinner. They’re so sweet, fresh from the pod…it usually went something along the lines of one … Continue reading

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Rhubarb – an old-fashioned favourite

I love rhubarb, I think because it reminds me of being in the kitchen with my grandmother. Stewed rhubarb served with cream or custard was a popular dessert in our household and I’m thrilled to see it in varying forms … Continue reading

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