Where oh where do the days go? I just seem to puddle around, not seeming to achieve very much at all, but then I reflect and think about the luxury I now have by being able to do things at my leisure, when I want and to a certain extent on my terms. A big thank you to Sherry at Sherry’s Pickings for linking us In My Kitcheners, I need a kick up the butt to post lately and this linking up helps with that!
I haven’t really got a lot to report about whats been going on in my kitchen, we have been out and about a lot, illness has played its toll on a few and our exteno work has become a priority to finish so we have been going full speed on a few jobs around here.
The most exciting activity In My Kitchen has been that I have now done four sourdough classes which have been very popular and a lot of fun as well as a challenge to do. I don’t get much of an opportunity to interact with people since I left work and this is a great way to do that. It is extremely rewarding seeing how the participants react to their creations and especially rewarding when you see some extremely successful bakes once they get home. Still tweaking the format for the day but it seems pretty good and I have only had positive feedback far.
We love our tea, we decided quite a few years ago to revert to using ‘real’ tea made with tea leaves in a pot. I have never once regretted this decision, it is a nice process putting it all together and taking a moment or two to ponder while the tea brews. This tea was a gift and it is from our favourite tea shop TeaLeaves in Sassafras. This shop has an amazing range of teas, pots, accessories of all descriptions and is quirky and interesting to visit.
It’s not in my kitchen yet, but come next week it will be. This year’s garlic harvest, somewhat smaller than previous years but hopefully still enough to get us through for close to the next 12 months.
One great thing that is In My Kitchen, is the lovely book by Emilie from The Clever Carrot I first had the pleasure of ‘meeting’ Emilie quite a few years ago when In My Kitchen was hosted by the lovely Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial Emilie’s book, Artisan Sourdough Made Simple is a great book, easy to read, clear and just gets to the crux of where you need to be. No elaborate hoo ha, no unnecessary race fillers just great information, great recipes, easy on the eye pictures and it is something I would recommend to any sourdough enthusiast. I have not heard one (and I’ve had a lot of feedback) negative about this book. I actually bought the eBook version too. This pic shows the cover and Emilie’s low hydration and high hydration loaves which I asked to compare.
These bialy’s were made following Emilie’s recipe (apart from the filling) to a tee and they were sensational. These are filled with caramelised baby leek and onion, red capsicum, thyme and feta.
Time to do the Christmas tree again, I laughed when I read Celia had a tree full of years of memories and I mentioned that I had this great idea that every year we would get the kids one special tree ornament and when the time came for them to leave home they would have ornaments to put on their own trees. Well guess what, now we only have lights, the bloody kids have nicked off with all the ornaments! Anyway, here we are with the snack platter and some liquid refreshment as we sit back and enjoy ‘the lights’.
Finally In My Kitchen is one little fella who loves his food, especially dried fruits, bread and in particular Ree’s Fruit Bread Toast. Here he having a picnic on the floor as it was awful outside. Yep dates are on his top 5 list! Thanks Sherry for taking on IMK this year, wishing everyone a happy Christmas, I look forward to seeing what everyone is up to in the New Year.
That moment of pure joy when he puts the date in his mouth!!!
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
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You can feel it go right down to his little toes 🙂
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Hi Maree, good to hear from you. Where have you been? Fabulous you are giving classes, I hope they are a success for you. Love the date ecstasy video 😊.
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Hi Glenda, just busy doing not much! Still have your holiday posts tagged to read. Really enjoying the classes, took a bit to get the confidence to make the leap but glad I did. Hope you and Maus are well, cheers. He does LOVE his dates😍
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Wonderful IMK. I’m happy when I have tea, bread, garlic and happy visitors IMK. I think Artisan Sourdough Made Simple might be In Many Kitchens… my copy will be soon but is presently under the Christmas tree. Best wiahes for the festive season ♡
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Lol, I mentioned to Emilie that her book might feature well in IMK posts. Agree, it’s the simple things that make you happy. Cheers!
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Laughed when you described the lack of Christmas ornaments! We’ve done the same (but with only one child) and bought an ornament or two each year for him. Simultaneously, I bought us ornaments each year, too, in anticipation of those ornaments going. Lovely that you are doing sourdough classes. If I lived closer, I’d be there… Oh, and that garlic harvest is impressive.
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You obviously plan a little better for future situations than I. Still got all the old books scattered around which are now ready to our little date lover! 🙂
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Thanks so much for joining in this month Maree. I know what you mean about the days just flying by. Since I retired a few years ago I have been super busy and wondering what happens to the days. But hubby says I get a lot done! Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 cheers sherry xx
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And to you Sherry!
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Puddling around Maree? I don’t think so. Bread classes, a whole bakery running every week, yet more renos, you have had a busy year. Love the picks of you and the breadmakers in your new kitchen and of course, the little chap.
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It always sounds better when someone else says it! Yes, it has been busy, another grand baby as well. 🙂
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Congrats on new baby. More busy times and another gourmet eater in the making.
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Hi Maree, just popping in to wish you a delicious Christmas and all the best for 2018 xxx
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Thanks Liz! Also wishing you a very happy and safe Christmas season. 🙂
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Always good to see your posts Maree, keep spreading the sourdough love, and enjoy your lights…..that made me laugh.
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Thanks Sandra!
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Lovely post Maree. I’d love to be in one of your classes. I like the ‘contented’ picture of your snack platter and the Christmas tree – i think you can say you’ve done a really good job if your children hold dear their Christmas traditions – even if they do nic off with them! I did so enjoy the video of your little fella giving his full attention to his snack platter. It made me laugh – and his chubby little cheeks and num num expression reminded me of myself when i’ve got something i absolutely love and there is more of it on the ‘contem-plate’ 🙂
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Thanks Jan, he sure does enjoy his food. Dates send him crazy. 🙂
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Maree, apologies for responding so late to your December IMK post… is it really almost time for January’s?! “Puddling” and lack of social interaction are the bane of my existence, too. Here’s to 2018, renewed inspiration, ongoing sourdough trials (including your delectable looking “bialy’s”), less Christmas ornaments to put away, and your lil’ fella’s enthusiastic reaction to homemade goodness. 🙂 That’s what it’s all about! Let the adventure continue…
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Hi and a very happy new year to you and TMOFW’s Kim. Keep on smiling and sharing.
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