Wednesday 9 September 2015

In My Kitchen ... in September 2015

It's In My Kitchen time again! Gosh, this year is flying by! Is it my imagination, or do the years pass more quickly the older you get!

Finally I've settled back into home routines after our time spent travelling, and what a pleasure it's been to once again fossick around in the kitchen.

Many months ago I was a lucky recipient of a tiny package of Celia of Fig Jam and Lime Cordial's world famous soughdough starter, 'Priscilla'. Unfortunately circumstances conspired against me until this week - when 'Lisa Marie', daughter of 'Priscilla' finally entered the building!



A novice sourdough baker, before taking the plunge, I read every relevant post on Celia's blog - where she so generously shares her expertise, tips and step by step photographs. My first efforts were quickly devoured by the family - with instructions to make more! So, while I have much to learn about the art and science of sourdough baking, I will definitely be giving it my best go! I'm hooked!



Gifted a beautiful bottle of homemade vanilla essence a couple of years ago - that I used to the last drop - I've been inspired to make a batch of my own! Glenys, you are my inspiration!



We've had an abundance of plump juicy Meyer lemons this year, so I was thrilled when a generous friend provided me with her family recipe! The colour and aroma of the macerating lemon rind is quite wonderful! Thanks so much, Anna!



My amazing 89 year old mother-in-law, Maria, has been making these dry cured Kalamata olives. They are stunning on a meze plate, dusted with a little freshly grated lemon rind. I think another culinary lesson is in order!



Finally, I would like to extend my grateful thanks to wonderful Celia of Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for not only for hosting this amazing series - check it out here - but for inspiring cooks, like myself, everywhere! Thank you so much, Celia!

Cheers!

Marian

8 comments:

  1. Your loaves look great! Love the starter name.

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    1. Thanks so much, Napoli Restaurant Alert! My husband is a huge Elvis fan so it was a 'no brainer' to keep the name 'in the family'! Thanks for dropping by!

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  2. Your sourdough bead looks tasty and , once hooked, there's no going back. Maria's olives look so tasty.

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    1. Hi Francesca! You are right about getting hooked on sourdough baking! I can't quite believe the amazing flavour - and why I haven't discovered this before! My MIL is an amazing cook and gardener - and those olives are delicious!

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  3. Once the bread making gets under your skin it well and truly sticks! Your loaves look lovely. I hope you've got the method for those olives tagged, I've tried a few times but no matter how much or how often I brine them the bitterness remains. Any tips? Cheers Maree :)

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  4. Looks like you're busy doing some yummy things in the kitchen- hope to see some 'authentic recipes' conjured up in your Coffin Bay kitchen!

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