Ambarella is a sub-tropical tree native to the Indo-Malaysian region, but it grows well in Queensland and most likely would grow, perhaps not so lustily, in my Melbourne backyard. It would go well as an ornamental, a smallish ornamental, in Collingwood but I'm … [Read more...] about Ambarella
fruit
Poached Plums
Plums used to come into season in early Autumn, but of late I've seen them around at the end of Summer. Are they being shipped from Tasmania? Somewhere with cooler weather than Melbourne anyway. This is the easiest, quickest and possibly the tastiest way to serve … [Read more...] about Poached Plums
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
Dances with Pineapples
Pineapples are appearing in the market. Is Summer so close? The pineapples are flown in from Queensland I suppose, a bright splash of colour next to the mushrooms and potatoes. Once upon a time I would try for a tropical look, something reminiscent of Hawaii five-O, … [Read more...] about Dances with Pineapples
Rhubarb and Apple Crumble
Rhubarb is an excellent fruit for cooking, it's cheap enough and easy enough, for anyone to cook. Remember, never use the roots or the leaves! Here's a little dish for dessert pairing rhubarb with apple and topped with a crumble. Crumble originated in the Second … [Read more...] about Rhubarb and Apple Crumble
Slow Cooked Pear Sensation
These cheese-stuffed pears have sprung from an Ancient Roman recipe, at least I've served pears very like these as part of an Ancient Roman meal, as a tasty mensa secunda, the dessert. The Ancient Romans ate a lot of pears and cheese, although they would have prepared … [Read more...] about Slow Cooked Pear Sensation
The Joy of Rhubarb
Rhubarb is one of those plants that seem to have fallen out of favour. I know why, it takes patience to grow, a commodity seriously lacking in modern housekeepers. Like the glorious quince, rhubarb could soon disappear from gardens forever, mourned only by a few old … [Read more...] about The Joy of Rhubarb