May 07 2018
Fermenting and pickling are well practiced ways of traditionally preserving food beyond its season of picking. I’ve often mentioned how moving to the Barossa put me completely and absolutely in touch with the seasons, knowing when to plant and harvest, but perhaps the biggest part of that learning curve was knowing how to make the most of the food we grew, without letting anything go to waste. This is where fermenting and pickling step in as wonderful options to deal with a harvest of produce, that inevitably comes all at once. Having said it is a well practiced craft, it does take some commitment to ensure a delicious outcome, as with any living food product, things can easily go astray if not attended to. I’d thought I’d share some of my own discoveries from the years I have spent preserving food in this way. Read the rest...
May 04 2018
At times it can be difficult to know which fruit and vegetables are in season because so many of them are available in store year round. But if we were to imagine we could all just wander out into our own vegetable gardens and orchards here's what we would have to choose from, in season, in Autumn... Read the rest...
May 04 2018
We believe that any Sunday is worthy of spending time across the table with Mum, but especially so on Mother's Day. This menu has been developed around the idea of keeping things simple; a selection of recipes that not only show Mum how special she is, but that can largely be made ahead of time to take the pressure off the day and enable everyone to spend more time together. Read the rest...
March 28 2018
We embrace the Easter tradition of keeping our menu seafood-only. A side of salmon often graces the centre of our table along with a whole ocean trout cooked on the bone. Our selection of salads are always no-fuss and of course are based around what produce we have to hand in the garden. This year I'll be making this wonderful salad of Figs with Burrata and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Read the rest...
March 15 2018
Curcumin is the component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that is responsible for its bright yellow colour and it is also the aspect of Turmeric that contributes to its ability to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative cells are thought to be one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is difficult for our bodies to absorb turmeric, but consuming it with black pepper enhances curcumin’s bioavailability many times over because of the piperine in black pepper. It’s also a good idea to include a good fat such as coconut oil, this enhances absorption because curcumin is fat-soluble. My recipe for Turmeric, Soy & Ginger Chicken can make this health giving spice an easy mid-week option. Read the rest...
