Heldin im Chaos

Fig tree casualty

I just wandered into the backyard to pick our daily figs, and THE GARDENERS HAD HACKED BACK THE FIG TREE!  Almost all of the figs within reach are GONE.  I called the manager, but regardless it's too late.  The source of shade for my playing children and the source of so many nearly-ready figs is irreparably diminished.  I am oh-so-sad (and possibly overdramatizing given my new-found joy in jam-making).  His response was that most tenants don't use the fruit on their trees, and they complain that the rot and mess attracts rats (which it does).  The gardeners had a complaint from another client about this just yesterday, so he figures his guys were just being proactive.  Sigh.

 

I have to say, a big part of what makes me sad is knowing he is perfectly right.  His guys were well within the realm of reality to assume we'd prefer the fruit gone.  How sad that the majority of spoiled first-world dwellers see fresh-off-the-tree fruit as a nuisance to be dealt with rather than a gift from the sun and the earth.  I'm not trying to be too hippie or preachy about this, but it's a really good reminder of how very much we take for granted.  Most of the world's population grows food not because it's cute and a nice hobby but because it is a necessity for survival.  I read in a New York Times food column that we waste up to 50% of our food on average.  That's appalling!  We've forgotten what a luxury readily available food truly is.  Not long ago in Western history, vast portions of the population grew their own food to the extent possible as part of the war effort.  The government published huge posters with catchy slogans reminding people that transporting food over vast distances wastes energy that could be used for better purposes.  

images are postcard reproductions of wartime posters attributed to the Robert Opie Collection

Victory gardens were part of being good citizens...but they also made good common sense.  If you could grow your own food, why wouldn't you?  Yes, it's a lot of work compared to buying it from the grocery store, but the results taste so much better than what the big chains can put on your table.

Before anyone infers that I am on some holier-than-thou kick, I'm not.  I don't have a vegetable garden.  I do have an herb garden, and even that is 100% worth any effort involved.  I've long thought about growing our food, but I've never really given it a go.  I don't even know where to start.  But this topic is on my mind quite often and quite passionately.  I've added this post to a new category here called "let's discuss".  I hope we do!  I would love to get a good discussion going. 

Are you doing any gardening?  How is it going for you?  Success?  Trials?  I hope you'll leave a comment and come back to participate in any discussion that might get going.  Thank you!

First attempt at jam making

In the backyard of our new home grows a large, prolific fig tree.  The heat of the summer has been working its magic, turning green buds to ripe figs for instant enjoyment by us and some frequent avian diners (and a mouse on at least two occasions we've seen).  

 

Thus far, the ripeness of the fruit has been so piecemeal that we've just enjoyed them as we've plucked them from the tree, maybe 2 or 3 per day.  Over the weekend, the Cyclone That Wasn't brought very high temperatures and set that fruit to work!  For the first time, we harvested close to a kilo of figs fresh from the tree in one go, so I'm making my first ever attempt at jam.

 

The starting point (aside from the fig tree, of course) was this super-simple recipe I found online.  It requires only five ingredients: figs, sugar, one lemon, one vanilla bean and one cinnamon quill.  No frills, not even pectin.  Sounded perfect!  Whenever I try a new recipe, I always follow it without adaptations the first time around.  That way, if I like it (or not), I can make changes accordingly.  This recipe calls for a hefty amount of sugar, but I think most jam recipes do.  We'll see how it comes out!  At the moment, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the house is heavenly!

Brownie ice cream cone cupcakes, anyone?

Today was the first day back to some sort of normal routine around here.  My mother-in-law had been visiting since early December, but she returned home yesterday afternoon.  This morning, my big girl started back to school for the year.  Hubby was off to work, of course, which left me and my Wee One alone together for the first time in a couple of months.  We had a blast!  I so enjoy her company!  Too soon, she'll be off to school herself.  Whatever will I do?

Today's mission was to the huge home decor and crafter's shop (warehouse), Spotlight.  I don't like going as it's quite a way from home (my kiddies have low tolerance being in the car much more than 10 minutes), and the shop is a bit overwhelming for me and any littles I have in tow.  However, some things are best acquired at Spotlight (in our case, a cheap but functional curtain rod), so off we went!  I checked in with the very productive Aussie Mum in case she needed anything, and she added colorful zips to my list (note to self: someday, I really must learn how to sew in zippers properly!).

My Wee One was thrilled to select some ice-cream-shaped candy decorations for cupcakes, and she waited most patiently for us to get home to bake them.  Once the process started, however, the patience evaporated quickly.  She started asking if it was time to decorate the cupcakes once the mixers started working on the eggs and sugar and didn't stop asking until...well, until the entire process was done over 40 minutes later.  Hmm.  Although it took ages in 2-year-old time to finish our baking, in the end we had these:

 

Wee One wanted cake and ice cream.  I wanted brownies.    We compromised by baking brownie cupcakes in a cone.  Tah-dah!  

When I mentioned to Aussie Mum that I had no idea what we'd be eating for dinner tonight but I prioritized by baking brownie cupcakes, she reassured me that all I needed to add was a glass of nice wine and at least my own dinner would be complete.  

I am blessed with very clever friends.

Hungry?

My mother-in-law is here to stay with us for an extended visit.  There has been a lot of commentary about how much work I put into our meals, how much time, how much effort, how much FOOD I make...not that any of this commentary is unaccompanied by the sound of licking chops and a gurgling belly (she's not used to it, but she definitely seems to enjoy eating it!).  I don't know about you, but at the end of a day (especially a challenging day), I find nothing more comforting than a truly delicious meal, lovingly prepared.  Leftovers are not my thing.  I want it fresh, and I want it delicious.  I don't eat because food fills my belly; that is only a secondary bonus.  I eat for the experience of cooking, tasting and dining.  Thank you, God, for the years I was blessed to live in New Orleans.  My relationship with food has never been the same.  It's the same with coffee.  If asked, I'll still tell you I don't like coffee.  I can't foresee ever owning a coffee machine.  But I do enjoy a hot cup of coffee in a cafe with good conversation or great people-watching.  The coffee is secondary.  Anyway...in case all this is making you a bit peck-ish, here are some of the fantastic foods I've been enjoying of late:

My friend gail (who has also profoundly influenced my eating habits) recently posted this fantastic recipe on her blog for brussel sprouts, of all things.  Of course, I had to make it, but not being vegan, I needed a main to go with it.  I turned to three of my most trusted food blogs, and I found this gem.  The flavors of the two dishes blended together beautifully.  Serve it with brown rice on the side, and your tummy will be singing a happy tune all night long.

It's summertime here.  We are loving all the veggies I discover at the farmer's market each Saturday morning.  A bit favorite is when I bring home the goods to make what my Wee One calls "pasta with kini."  I'm pretty sure the Pioneer Woman would dub this chick food (a big no for her Malboro Man), but it has been my hubby's favorite pasta for over two years.  

After living in the Middle East, I was never satisfied with store-bought hummus.  I avoided it, but Hubby missed it.  Eventually, I tried this recipe and I make a new batch almost every week in the summer!  In case you need any further recommendation, Hubby bought 8 cans of chickpeas the last time he did the grocery run.  Hint hint.

Last but definitely not least, I finally worked up some homemade granola.  I've been wanting to do this for ages, but every "good" recipe I found recommended a low temperature baking time between 2 to 3 hours!  I don't know about you, but that just isn't realistic for me.  Then, I spotted this version on very trusty Smitten Kitchen, and that baking time of around 30 minutes had me sold.  I had enough ingredients on hand to make two batches in a week, which is just how fast it has disappeared.  

Hope you find some goodies here that you and your family will enjoy too!

Behold, the power of pie

It's been a poo-covered, no-nap, screaming-fighting-hitting-pestering kind of day around here.  Then, Hubby came home and took everyone out to the playground, leaving me in a blissfully quiet house, trapped by the oven timer, until the abundance of cherries from the farmer's market became this...

 

Amazing the sense of well-being a homemade pie can bestow, even before it has been cut.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving on Saturday went off beautifully!  I had such a wonderful day that day.  Everything fell into place.  Even the wine I ordered up from Margaret River at the last minute arrived just in time.  The universe conspired to help me enjoy my favorite holiday.  Okay, that's a bit overboard.  The heat was a bit oppressive (nearly 100 F!), but we managed to eat outside anyway.  

The (bought) turkey was absolutely perfect, meaning I have good reason never to roast one myself while we live here.  I even managed to get the drippings from the deli, so I could make gravy (yum!).  The side dishes our friends prepared were delicious.  The cranberries, though a bit too tart for me, were a big hit.  For dessert, I substituted out the traditional pies with some hot weather adaptations.  I made spiced sweet potato ice cream (fabulous!) and hubby's favorite pecan squares (so ridiculously unhealthy that we loved the excuse to make them).

Good food shared with friends.  A traditional meal.  My favorite holiday.  I am so thankful for Thanksgiving.

Cranberries!

Even more exciting than not roasting a turkey (but still eating roast turkey), I found CRANBERRIES!  You have no idea how unusual this is for locales outside the US of A.  The beautiful, jewel-toned, tangy goodness will be a part of our Thanksgiving celebration today!  I am so happy and excited!  I actually forgot Thanksgiving on Thursday, which is a really good sign.  Our Thanksgiving is today, and I have so many blessings to count!  I'm going to throw finding cranberries into the list (albeit somewhere moderately far down).  

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Homemade power bars

Lately, I've been on the search for more healthy, homemade snacks that can be consumed on the go.  My wee one is almost always on the go, and she just doesn't have the time to sit and eat.  Last week, she didn't eat a single meal, and it stressed me out.  She snacked here and there, but meals were not happening.  I, too, have been known to get quite munch-y during the day and turn to less than desirable sweets to satisfy the cravings.  Something yummy and highly portable was in order.

On the search initially for homemade granola bars, I found this recipe on 101 Cookbooks, a food blog I bookmarked over two years ago but haven't used much (shame on me, because it is really fantastic!).  While I didn't have all things on hand (rice syrup was tricky), I was able to make due with a few minor adjustments.  I was unable to find unsweetened brown rice cereal and didn't want to go the Rice Krispies route, so I bought the next closest thing: cocoa brown rice cereal.  I figured the cocoa would be a welcome flavor as far as the kids were concerned.  With them in mind, I also left out the espresso powder.  I may have been a bit too liberal with the coconut oil on the pan, but it was my first go with that.  I am happy with it in place of butter, but I need to go lighter on the application next time.  And yes, there will definitely be a next time!  So yummy and very portable!  I think I'll add some dried fruit too, perhaps apricots; cranberries are a definite.  As they were, they definitely went over well!

Homemade Power Bar Recipe lightly adapted from 101 Cookbooks

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or regular butter)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup slivered almonds
2/3 cup (unsweetened) shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups unsweetened crisp brown rice cereal or cocoa brown rice cereal
1 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup natural cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking pan with the coconut oil. If you like thick power bars, opt for an 8 by 8-inch pan; for thinner bars, use a 9 by 13-inch pan.

On a rimmed baking sheet toast the pecans, almonds, and coconut for about 7 minutes, or until the coconut is deeply golden. Toss once or twice along the way. Mix the oats, toasted nuts, coconut, and the cereal, together in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine the rice syrup, sugar, salt, espresso, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly as it comes to a boil and thickens just a bit, about 4 minutes. Pour the syrup over the oat mixture and stir until it is evenly incorporated.

Spread into the prepared pan and cool to room temperature before cutting into whatever size bars you desire.

Makes 16 to 24 bars.

 

Tuesday tips: Grated lemon zest

Have you ever found yourself flour-coated and knee-deep in a recipe only to realize it calls for lemon zest and you don't have any lemons?  Or you do have lemons, but it seems a darned shame to waste them for the sake of the zest?  Maybe you have lemons and need lemon juice, but don't want to waste that good zest?  Perhaps I'm the only person with these problems (oh, the travails of us foodies!), but no longer!  The next time you do have fresh lemons on hand, you can make the most of them for future recipes.

Freeze freshly-squeezed lemons.  Zest them, still frozen, as needed.

Voila!  I only learned this trick recently, and I used it tonight for a small but critical ingredient in pinenut-crusted snapper.  Woo, baby!  That was some yummy dinner, and I know it has something to do with that little bit of lemon zest.

Returned

I am back from a 48-hour (or less) trip to Sydney.  I'm so happy I was able to fly over there to see my mom off.  Although we did not have great weather, it was still a big treat to spend the time together before she headed home.  Little did she know what she was in for when we made the trip.  Mid-flight, she asked what I most looked forward to in Sydney, and she laughed when I answered "The food!"  Poor woman must have thought I was kidding.  Thank you again, Mom, for putting up with my foodie obsessiveness!  

We stayed in Surry Hills (great atmosphere, reminds me of New Orleans in many ways), and we walked down to the harbor from there after a late lunch at bills, just beneath our apartment hotel.  After about an hour of walking in the cold rain and wind (I know I'm a whiner), I was ready to catch a cab ride back to Surry Hills and eat sweet treats at the Bourke Street Bakery (strawberry-vanilla creme brulee, anyone?).  Slowly, we window-shopped and meandered our way back towards our hotel, when I realized that we were just in time to get in line for Billy Kwong for dinner.  OH. MY.  I am so glad they don't take reservations, because with only 14 tables or so, it would be full of the same people every night with no prayer of getting in...and you really must get in!  Hello!  Of course, to do so means you really must be in line before they open at 6.  We ate lunch at 2.  Yes, I know.  After all that food in a six hour period (oink, ahem), I was pretty much set in the food department for the next day or two.  

It was extra-fortunate that I was able to travel with my mom the day before, because we awoke to heavy fog on Friday morning.  It burned off completely by midday to reveal a lovely, clear day, but many early morning flights (that she would have been on if we hadn't gone a day ahead) were diverted to other cities.  That would have been quite the debacle!  As it was, my mom got off without a hitch.  I returned to the city, where the weather changed to overcast quite rapidly.  About 10 seconds after I closed the taxi door behind me in the harbor area, it started pouring.  Then, it was hailing and blowing in sideways.  Yippee!  A two-minute break allowed me to duck out of cover and snap this shot mid-meteorological-apocalypse:

Once more, the sideways rain and strong wind resumed while I sought shelter under a bridge.  I don't know how long I hid under there before it let up enough to venture out with an umbrella.  After a while, the rain and wind both stopped completely.  Within an hour from the start, the weather had turned to this:

Go figure.

Not long thereafter, I surrendered to a foodie calling back to Surry Hills for fantastic Sicilian-style pizza at Pizza e Birra.  Okay, and take-away gingersnap ice cream sandwiches from bills, which I greedily devoured back in my room.  Oink.  Burp.  Yum.