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| delicious smoked salt from Canberra |
I have an obsession with salt, and I have lots of different kinds in my pantry. This is one I bought recently; mostly 'cos I couldn't resist that gorgeous little jar. It has a lovely, smoky taste and adds oomph to any dish.
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| artwork and recipes from John Olsen |
Sadly due to illness, I missed seeing the exhibition of his works in Melbourne while we were there over Christmas. But at least I have a copy of this book which highlights some of his art and recipes. Who knew he could cook? But it is one of his passions apparently.
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| handy dishcloths made by my crafty sister |
My sis got all the crafty genes in the family, which she has handed down to her kids. Mum tried to teach me to knit and crochet but I'm afraid it didn't stick. :=(
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| more salt for my pantry |
No idea what this is like yet. I have too many other salts to try first. But it sounds interesting, doesn't it?
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| Holly the hedgehog |
Holly sits on my kitchen dresser, overseeing the culinary happenings. She is made of cold cast bronze, and is delightful to hold.
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| I adore this pretty little jug |
My cousin gave me this cute jug, to add to my extensive collection. I love it to bits. I think it is meant to be a VW Kombi van, for which I have a bit of an obsession too.
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| salad servers from Dinosaur Designs |
I bought these from the NGV store in Melbourne. I have lusted after them for ages, and finally took the plunge. As our mate Princess Pia said when she saw the price: I thought they would be expensive, but not that expensive. Our secret spy nephew said plaintively on viewing them: You say Dinosaur Designs like I should know what that is!
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| a fab 50's cookbook |
My niece gave me this for Christmas. It appears to be from the 1950's; and it is a trove of lovely, old-fashioned recipes. You get such an insight into contemporary society when you check out a cookbook from the times. It has lovely images of 50's housewives holding up various items like Aunt Mary's Baking Powder - the only way to be a successful baker apparently.
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| a lot of nectarine/peach chutney |
I made a big pot of chutney using yellow and white nectarines, and yellow peaches. Hubby says it's the best chutney I have ever made. Now that's a big call, but thanks Mr P., so kind of you to say.
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| Hobart honey |
A friend from Hobart came up this month - let's call her The Piano Teacher, and gave us this lovely jar of local honey. According to the website, it is a classic honey collected from clandestine hives around Hobart. I love the sound of that - clandestine hives; how romantic.
Okay, I think I have craved your indulgence enough this month, as Jane Austen may have said. So you can check in with me next month for further news in my kitchen:=) Do join in with Liz from BizzyLizzysGoodThings in the monthly roundup of global kitchens. It's so much fun to check out kitchens all over the world.
Great insight into your kitchen - now I want to buy more salt... and get a bronze like Holly!
ReplyDeletehi MAM, great to see you here. you too can get yourself a Holly; just buy online from the National Trust of England! thanks for visiting.
DeleteI got the crafty genes in my family too - zero on the cooking side however.
ReplyDeleteit's not fair! at least i can cook:)
DeleteEeks, February... another month closer to our overseas trip. Loving all the good things in your kitchen, Sherry, but sad to hear you were so unwell over xmas. The Banksy exhibition was great, a favourite. That honey sounds epic! And I love the hedgehog (?) and the Kombi van jug. Happy February and thanks for the lovely shout out xx
ReplyDeletehi Liz
Deleteyes it was a total bummer being so ill over Xmas. I was hallucinating on xmas Day and wandering around in my pyjamas when i dragged myself out of bed. must have been so funny for the 18 guests!
The chutney truly is the best ever. It must have been the combination of the fruits, but whatever it is, truly marvelous chutney.
ReplyDeletethank you Mr P!
DeleteChutney made from peaches and nectarines is really appealing. I mostly make it from plums, but we are very far from stone fruit season here on the opposite side of the globe. A salt collection is also intriguing.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae
Deleteyes i am pleased with the chutney. it is always different every time you make it. i do love salt in all its forms!
Some really lovely things in your kitchen Sherry. Have you stayed at The Olsen hotel? There are lots of his paintings there and the restaurant is known for their paella after his painting.
ReplyDeletenot yet lorraine but one day i will get to the Olsen. sounds fab. we did stay at the art series hotel in bendigo which was great but the rooms were so tiny! Paella? yummo.
DeleteYour hedgehog mascot is very cute and looks like it would feel very nice to hold. Have you ever posted the chutney recipe? I will have to wait a few months but, now I am retired, I have ambitions! Love the jug and the serving spoons, gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYes I have posted the chutney recipe. I think it was a couple of years ago Just called nectarine chutney or maybe Byron bay Nectarine chutney
DeleteNice salts and oney Sherry.
ReplyDeletethanks! i do love my salt.
DeleteI had a heart attack when I was scrolling down...I thought Holly the hedgehog was real for a moment! I also share your salt obsession Sherry :)
ReplyDeleteI've noticed pet hedgehogs are all the rage on social media lately. Sooo cute.
DeleteSherry love the cute jug and the old fashioned cookbook, beautiful treasures. Yes, the clandestine hives do sound very romantic indeed :)
ReplyDeleteisn't that jug the cutest? i am enjoying flipping thru the cookbook- so interesting.
DeleteLove your bronze hedgehog Sherry. My favourites are the salts & honey, which all sound amazing! I love my salts too. See you soon x
ReplyDeletehttps://missfoodfairy.com/2016/12/09/in-my-kitchen-december-2016/
Thanks Miss FF. holly is a lovely girl to hold. I just love my salts!
DeleteHow did it get to February already? Although, I am glad to see IMK back.
ReplyDeleteisn't it great to be back doing IMK? but yes where did all that time go?:)
DeleteHow cute is your wee hedgehog! We stayed at the Olson hotel in Melbourne and absolutely loved it - I didn't know he could cook either! And knitted dishcloths are the best, aren't they, regardless of who makes them for you.. ;-) xxx
ReplyDeleteare the rooms tiny in the Olsen Celia? The art hotel in bendigo has minute rooms. thank goodness we booked 2!
DeleteBummer you were sick while visiting Melbourne Sherry, that's no way to spend a holiday. My Mum had that very same cake recipe book, not sure what ever happened to it, I remember making things from it when I was a teenager. I bought the John Olsen book for my daughter, a cook and artist and confess to having a good look before handing it over, the drawings are amazing. Dinosaur Design is about to open in James St.
ReplyDeleteoh dear that sounds bad for my bank balance - a dinosaur designs shop nearby:)
DeleteThat hedgehog wins my heart. :)
ReplyDeleteThe things in your kitchen are always a treat to see. Sorry you were ill.
Thanks Maureen. Very kind of you. Yes I adore Holly.
DeleteI always remember a post Fiona at Tiffin Bite Sized did about different salts and I was gobsmacked about what is available. I'm a bit of a bogan and can't seem to tell the difference. John Olsens' book looks beautiful and you have lots of other interesting things to share. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes I have a bit of a salt obsession:). So many different ones available these days. Smoked salt is very trendy and so delicious. I love Yakima apple wood smoked. Wonderful!
DeleteI also have a weakness for salt! Sorry to hear you were ill. Hope you are all recovered now. great collection of goodies in your kitchen this month :)
ReplyDeletethanks tandy. yes all better now but just dying in this unending heatwave we are having:) bring on the storms!
DeleteI would buy the salt for just the jar as well! I'll have to remember the chutney come June/July when peaches are in season here. I never thought to make chutney with peaches and it sounds incredible.
ReplyDeleteit is a yummy chutney gretchen.. the mix of nectarines and peaches was fab.
DeleteOmigosh! flavored salts, a brilliant artsy cookbook and decorative pitcher, adorable hedgehog and more. What lovely treasures this month Sherry. I tend to use dried fruits and fresh apples for chutney, but your stone fruit version looks scrumptious. Sigh, fresh peach season seems SO far away.
ReplyDeleteThanks dee. I was lucky getting these lovely things. But my book shelves and pantry are groaning with the excess :)
DeleteI love the hedgehog! What gorgeous dish cloths too - you have a talented sister. The salt varieties are impressive as well.
ReplyDeleteI just love Holly. And the salts. And the cloths. She is clever.
DeleteThe brass hedgehog is adorable, and so is the VW jug. The recipe for Art book intrigues me, wish I could flick though the pages.
ReplyDeleteHi shaheen
DeleteThanks for dropping by. Yes I love my jug and the hedgehog so much. The book is great too.
Love the old cookbook and salt collection! I thought I was the only one who loved different salts. ;) I've tried other products by the Mount Zero brand, so have to assume this salt will be delicious as well. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE salt! Too much probably. Smoked is my fave. Yakima apple smoked - divine!
DeleteSherry, your post was like strolling through an art gallery with sumptuous nibbles offered along the way! Such great visuals and re-cap of your month. Glad you're feeling better. Smiling about your vintage cookbook. The "helpful hints" are priceless! Yay for smoked salt, too -- or salt of any kind. :)
ReplyDeletethanks Kim. yep i just adore all the salts. smoked is my very fave.
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