In My Kitchen - November 2016

I don't want to scare you but it's only 50-odd days to Christmas.  I think I'm scared enough for all of us :=)  October raced by in a whirl of activity, and November will surely do the same.  But before we hit warp speed on the Xmas rocket, here are some of the things that came along in my October kitchen:

apple caramel white chocolate tart

We had friends to dinner and this is what I made for dessert.  A layer of pastry, then caramel, then apple then a white chocolate cream topping.  Yep tasty.  You can find the recipe in the archives.

pesto made with fresh herbs

Our friends brought some herbs from their garden so I made pesto the next day, and popped it into the freezer.  I just use whatever herbs and nuts I have around the place; this one has hazelnuts and walnuts, and mint, parsley and basil.  Oh, and I think it has sage too, or maybe that was lemon verbena.  But I forgot the garlic! That will go in when we eat it.

thyme leaves ready for drying in the microwave  

They also gave us fresh thyme which I placed on kitchen paper and zapped in the microwave for a couple of minutes to dry.  It lasts for ages in a glass jar.

interesting chocolate 

Mr P. and I took a little trip up to Toowoomba last week where he was giving a talk.  The next day we had a nice brunch, checked out the Gallery and new Library, and dropped by a deli that sells all sorts of goodies including Ritter chocolate from Germany.  I have never seen cornflake chocolate before, and next time I must buy some of that white choc whole hazelnut stuff. 

got this in Toowoomba too

While we were driving around the next morning, we came upon an Antiques store.  I had to have a look of course.  I found this gorgeous Marigold pattern serving bowl.  It was a fantastic old shop full of interesting bits and bobs.  I may have to go back soon. There was a plate in the same pattern...

this is Delilah

Yes she is sitting on my kitchen dresser, so technically in my kitchen.  She is officially known as Daydreams, by the artist Denise Murray, but I call her Delilah.  Such a beauteous creature, full of lovely curves and serenity.  She is overseeing the shenanigans in my kitchen, with her powers for good.




 

paprika relish

Well, look at this.  Ajvar is a roasted red capsicum relish, originating in Serbia.  We haven't cracked it open yet so I am hoping it is delicious.  It certainly sounds wonderful. Perhaps I had better make some myself if we really like it.



That's it till next month.  Do join in with Liz from Good Things and bloggers from all over the place in this fascinating monthly look into other people's kitchens.  What could be more fun than that?