October 11th, 2010
“I made some ginger & lemon beer over the weekend” said I, oh-so-casually to A., as we lolled about and watched the dogs in the park.
“We did that once, when I was a kid” said he, pausing for a sip of lemongrass, ginger & honey tea. “One of the bottles exploded.”
“It what?” said I, glad that I had let the mixture develop slowly in the fridge, and not under the house as others before me had done.
“Exploded. Sticky ginger syrup everywhere.” said he, knowingly, as the blue skies faded to cloudy grey and the first drops of rain started to fall.
“Oh.”
…continue reading ginger & lemon beer
May 25th, 2010
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not the type to make a big ol’ hoo-hah about pretty.
Flavour? Yes. All the time. And even if it’s a big sloppy pile of brown in a not-very-chic bowl.
Actually, make that especially if it’s a big sloppy pile of brown in a not-very-chic bowl. Most of my favourite foods can be described just so.
But then! A revelation!
…continue reading decorative bees
April 22nd, 2010
You’d never guess, I’m sure, but I used to be rather the dab hand at throwing a dinner party.
Starters, entrees, mains, desserts. Matching beverages. Food served piping hot, straight to the table and me, ever the hostess-with-the-mostest, alternating between swanning around with a tea-towel thrown over my shoulder and quietly freaking out in a corner about whether I’d overcooked the chicken.
Or worse, undercooked the chicken.
…continue reading the new dinner party
July 15th, 2009
The Challenge: You’re doing a lunch for five on a Sunday afternoon and you want to serve up something simple, healthy and, most of all, tasty. The pasta’s been rolled out and is drying on an oven tray. The chocolate tart is sitting in its little glass hideaway. Salad is somewhat sorted and the weather is looking cold. What on earth do you make?
The Solution: Buy some bread – soft and fresh or chewy with a punchy flavour. Your choice. Pick up some wintery veges. Chargrill.
June 4th, 2009
I had arrived home with pig in my bag and the family was delighted. It’s not often they are able to partake in my adventures out so this was a particular treat. “We will eat it tomorrow” declared the mother. “You won’t be home Thursday, and we’re all out Friday. Saturday people are coming here and Sunday will be too late.” I nodded, not paying much attention. “How will you cook it?” asked the sister. “I’m not sure” said I, and trotted off to bed.
