Buns to fight for

There's nothing like the aroma of baking bread - especially if someone else is making it.

Granita - in a summer of indulgence

Food - I am so over it.  This unusual state of affairs came about as a result of overindulgence during the festive season.

The challenge of the Christmas cake

I am proud.  I have baked my Christmas cake.  It is sitting in the larder, and when I remember, I give it a feed of brandy.

Criminally Good Spare Ribs

There's no question, food always tastes better when someone else cooks it for you.

Dealing to the enemy on the front lawn

Normally I’m quite fond of rabbits, and enjoy seeing them hopping about in that rabbit way of theirs.

Boston baked beans

I always know it's time to make a huge pot of Boston baked beans when the cat glues herself to the chair by the fire.

Cooking with cabbage

Vera Lynn got it all wrong.  She sang that bluebirds would be flying over the white cliffs of Dover and in fact, there’s not a one to be found - bluebirds live in America.

Mini pavs

Two in the morning is not my favourite time.  But we’d just been woken by terrible sounds coming from the hen house and had to investigate.

A bird in the hand... is worth more than a rare snipe

We had a fine old time the other night. 

Fast festive food

It gave me a glow of satisfaction to order my free-range, home-cured ham extra early this year. 

Old faithfuls need taking out some time

My old hand-written cooking book is falling apart, and the ink fading.

Tackling Tiramisu

Casually I had enquired what David – who was turning older in a few weeks -  would like as a special birthday meal. 

Fruit Cake Perfection

Mother-in-law knew the importance of putting on a good spread. 

As Nature would have it...

Does anyone want a magnificent rooster? 

Second Christmas

‘Tis time.  Second Christmas is upon us.

Chutney to knock the socks off

Sharon said this can be made with just about any fruit but I don’t believe her.

Hot stuff

They are waiting for me outside.  Every time I go into the garden I know they’re there, lurking.

Sometimes they eat you...

As the days start getting chill I think about all those blood-sucking insects who won’t be dining on me. 

Birthday cake blues

I didn’t think she would believe me.  I truly didn’t. 

Plan B for Christmas

Ah, Christmas.  The sparkle, the glitter, the food.

The Stuff of Life

Good things take time, I recall Mariano telling me many years ago. 

Fattening up father

Daddy has come home to live with me. 

Minding the stove

Spring is a tricky time of year.  There’s new life bursting out all over the place, lambs, calves, and weeds.  And it’s too windy.

A sticky date and no mistake

We’d made a date.  Actually, it was more of a dinner engagement. 

Winter Warm Up

It all starts innocently enough.  A quick phone call from my former workmates at the local paper, asking a few innocent questions. 

Facing the Feijoa glut fearlessly

It’s not often that one gets called a Mighty Goddess of the Kitchen but it’s just happened to me.

Plotting fowl murder or how to cook a rooster

It has begun.  Early in the morning, the first hesitant oodle noise.

Your Backyard Fruit Bowl – Pepinos

In this most unseasonable of springs, I’ve decided to introduce you to an interesting fruit I met in my teens.

Your Backyard Fruit Bowl – Bananas

Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana.

- Bill Gates

Your Backyard Fruit Bowl – Grapefruit

A grapefruit is just a lemon that saw an opportunity and took advantage of it.

- Oscar Wilde