April 03 2016
Once picked, a ripe pomegranate will keep for a very long time at ‘cellar’ temperature having a similar storage life to the apple. If there is a large amount of fruit to be handled, harvesting can begin a little before full maturity as pomegranates continue to improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful. The fruit should, however, be sufficiently coloured and reasonably sweet before being removed from the tree. To eat the seeds, cut the pomegranate in half and then ‘pop’ the seeds out by flipping the skin back on itself. Remove any pith that may come with the seeds and then sprinkle them over an autumn salad of figs, prosciutto and goat’s cheese, or incorporate them into any game dish such as quail, duck or venison, add to a lamb roast with fresh mint or dot across labneh with lots of fresh parsley and a good slick of extra virgin olive oil. To juice pomegranates simply cut in half and squeeze in a lemon squeezer and drink as is, or add to a cocktail for the most refreshing burst of flavour and jewel-like colour. Read the rest...
March 30 2016
Autumn is signalled by so many changes, but for me, the one that always serves as the true indicator we have turned the corner into a new season is the light; that golden, flaxen coloured light that hits the hills of the Valley late in the afternoon. It’s as though golden syrup has been poured over every surface – it’s really no wonder to learn photographers refer to it as ‘magic light’. Food lovers will be equally enamoured by Autumn’s arrival, with an abundance of produce made all the more special because of their brief appearance; figs, quinces, pomegranates and lovely big field mushrooms to name a few. This ‘special appearance’ produce makes it an easy decision to return to the kitchen after months of weather too hot to contemplate the stove. Read the rest...
March 09 2016
The pear tree is integrally linked to my life in the Barossa, and in particular to my sentimental attachment to our cottage. We are lucky enough to have a grand old pear tree, well in excess of 100 years, defining our landscape at home and as I look down from my attic window, its majestic form, towering over the cottage itself, is one of the most beautiful of all those I’ve admired in the Valley in my time here. Read the rest...
March 04 2016
Spending time in my garden is my favourite way to wind down. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that my time becomes completely unstructured in the garden, or my having my hands buried in the soil that has the required effect, but something definitely shifts for me when I surround myself in nature. Read the rest...
February 18 2016
Colin and I went to a Fringe show in the Garden of Unearthly Delights last Monday. It was the opening night of Velvet; what a show it was; such fantastic energy; it was really quite extraordinary. Marcia Hines was full of energy and very entertaining; it’s definitely a must for those looking for a show to see. Adelaide is never as alive as it is when the Fringe Festival is on! Read the rest...
