Beautiful jar, isn't it?That once led some divine quince jam from the Jam Lady I discovered some time back and that's another good thing thing about Jam Lady Jam, you can reuse jars easily. No more soaking and scrubbing labels off -throwing them out in fury The … [Read more...] about Jars, Bottles and Bright Shiny Things
Onion Chutney in the Slow Cooker
I love my Slow Cooker. Who would have thought I could make chutney in it too? Slow Cook Onion Chutney 6 large red onions - sliced1 red chilli pepper - seeded and diced2 TABsp olive oil1 cup soft brown sugar1/2 cup red wine vinegar2/3 cup balsamic … [Read more...] about Onion Chutney in the Slow Cooker
How to make Chinese Five Spice
Last week I went to the cupboard and reached for the Chinese Five Spice powder to rub some into the pork roast. No show. No Chinese Five Spice! Then I remembered I'd thrown out the last bit because it was a couple of months old. Silly me, you must have this seasoning … [Read more...] about How to make Chinese Five Spice
Granny’s Showtime
Address to the Nation : May 30, 2020 Queensland has threatened to open its borders For the health of all Australians, I think it’s best if we keep Queenlanders in Queensland. The last thing they want is for a new case to cross into their state, and the last … [Read more...] about Granny’s Showtime
Capsicums
Lots of people get excited about brightly coloured food. Fair enough, it looks good, but be aware of what you're getting when you buy capsicums Red, green, yellow or orange, theyre all essentially just green capsicums. Green Capsicums the green ones are … [Read more...] about Capsicums
Vale, Diane Cilento
I wrote this on 8 October 2011 for a now defunct magazine. All over the world people are expressing their admiration for Steve Jobs and sorrow at his passing. Steve made a difference in many lives (mine included) and it's sad to see him go so soon. He should have had … [Read more...] about Vale, Diane Cilento
Who pays for Harry and Meghan?
Harry has thrown in the towel, no more irksome royal duties for him, "enough is enough", he says. Where does Harry get his money? 95% of Harry's income comes from the Prince of Wales. Harry received just over 5 million English pounds in 2018-19. The money comes from … [Read more...] about Who pays for Harry and Meghan?
Look Ma, No Hands!
Prince Andrew has responded to ongoing questions about a photo of him with a 17 year old Virginia Roberts, saying it can’t be him because he didn’t have any hands at the time. “Well there’s a slight problem with the hands, because I had a peculiar medical condition … [Read more...] about Look Ma, No Hands!
Caramelised Onions in the Slow Cooker
Caramelised Onions are certainly good news but, gosh, what a boring task to cook them. Standing over the stove stirring and stirring until the cows come home. Surely this is a job for the trusty slow cooker? Yes! A slow cooker can cook onions low and slow until they … [Read more...] about Caramelised Onions in the Slow Cooker
How to Clean Stainless Steel
I confess that I like the look of my stainless steel kitchenware. It's bright, it's shiny, it sparkles! And it stays bright, shiny and sparkly until I decide to cook something in a stainless steel pot or pan. I have a simple choice here. . Luckily, stainless steel is … [Read more...] about How to Clean Stainless Steel
How to Make Garam Masala
Garam Masala, the dry-spice mixture very popular in Indian cuisine, is a warming, aromatic blend of cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and black peppercorns, and it goes well with anything, especially vegetables. I like to add a little nutmeg to my mix. … [Read more...] about How to Make Garam Masala
A City Hunts a Murderer
You wouldn't think the story of a child murderer would lend itself to comedy, but this Austrian television production, shot on location in wintry Vienna, sprouts some dark humour. It also has the cheerful banality of a TV police procedural. Do all police eat … [Read more...] about A City Hunts a Murderer
How to Hard Boil an Egg
It's easy enough to boil an egg isn't it? You may be surprised at the number of people who don't know how to. Put your eggs in a saucepan and add enough water to cover the eggs - a couple of centimetres. Bring eggs to a boil over medium heat. Remove from … [Read more...] about How to Hard Boil an Egg
How to Make Curry Powder
As a child I imagined there was a plant, a friendly, bushy sort of plant with little brown berries that were crushed to produce curry powder. I was wrong, of course. Like Chinese 5 Spice, you make your own. Here's a simple curry powder mix which will stay fresh for … [Read more...] about How to Make Curry Powder
1983
I didn't know they made good TV shows in Poland. I didn't know they made any TV shows at all. . This dystopian thriller is set in an alternative 2003. Poland is subject to totalitarian rule ever since a terror attack twenty years earlier which led to the installing … [Read more...] about 1983
Quince
The quince has fallen out of favour these days and there are plenty of people who wouldn't recognise a quince if it were served up on a plate in front of them. What a tragedy! . A Fragrant, Feminine Fruit The quince is intensely fragrant, with a perfume like a … [Read more...] about Quince
Quince Chutney
Chutney, like all jams and preserves, is a labour of love. This delightful quince chutney made from the Queen of Fruit is an afternoon's work..... and the result is well worth it. Chutney is basically jam with vinegar and spices and the quince makes a chutney to die … [Read more...] about Quince Chutney
Quince Curd
All you need are quinces, water, sugar, an orange and a lemon, eggs and butter, plus some sterilised jars for the curd. How to Sterilise Jars Quince Curd 500 g peeled diced quince400 g sugar1 small piece of orange zest1 small piece of lemon … [Read more...] about Quince Curd
Quince Compote with Cointreau
If you don't have cointreau (a vital addition to your pantry in my opinion) you can use any other orange liqueur. This is fabulous on scones, a sponge filling, or on a crostini. It's also really good as a glaze for roast duck. Feed this happy version of duck a … [Read more...] about Quince Compote with Cointreau
I want to be a Ninja
I nearly fell of my kitchen chair when I saw the headline Japanese town suffering a Ninja shortage, will pay $85,000 to anyone who wants to be one Anyone who wants to be one? Would they take me? Apparently the little town of Iga is the birthplace of the ninjas … [Read more...] about I want to be a Ninja