Tuesday 1 December 2020

In My Kitchen - December 2020

Hey, we've almost made it through to the end of the toughest year for so many people.  Good on you, my friends.  I was saying to Mr P. the other day that there have been some really good things about this year too.  The sense of community and sharing, the lack of FOMO syndrome pushing us to do things we don't really want to, the time to sit and enjoy each other's company.  And the wonderfully quiet streets and shops.  I'm going to miss a lot of those things.

Here we go with the last IMK for 2020.  What a year!  What do you think about a January IMK post?  I am hovering on the edge of saying let's leave it till February.  Let me know what you think; we can always do an IMK lite.  All the best, and have a marvellous, happy, satisfying, love and food-filled festive season, my dear virtual friends.  Cheers!!


In my Kitchen:


Christmas gin and gin pudding

Every Christmas, I buy this Four Pillars gin and their pudding (which they make by soaking puddings in alcohol!).  We take them along to our mates' place down the road for Christmas lunch.  This year, they made gin relish too, but I'm keeping that for our Christmas turkey at home.

I made chicken and veg. pie

I made a large chicken and veg. pie, which we shared with our 88 year-old neighbour.  I have been taking meals over to her during Covid.  She is very adventurous in her tastes!  As long as I'm not too heavy-handed with the chillies...  


I found a whisk!

Do you know how long and hard I have been searching for a new hand whisk?  My (very) old one with a wooden handle broke recently.  I was devastated:(  And because they're all made in China, it has been impossible to find one.  Mysteriously, we were at a kitchenware cum organics shop the other day, et voilà, Mr P. spotted one in a dark and lonely corner.  And it was such a good price, too.  I went home, squealing with happiness.



I bought scrumptious vinegar

I love Lirah's vinegars.  They are fairly local (well, only a three hour drive west), and this one is so scrumptious.  We tasted it on bread, and it was wonderfully sweet and tangy.  My salad dressings will be sublime from now on:-) 


and I found maple syrup

I went to our local health food/bulk store last week in search of maple syrup.  I bought this lovely Canadian stuff.  And next time, I can take this bottle back in and get it filled up again.  Even better!  They have bulk olive oil too, and you can bring a bottle in for refilling.  Love that!



I made Ruth Reichl's ginger cake

I made this cake a while ago when I first bought Ruth's book My Kitchen Year, and I was in love with it.  And the icing - oh my!  I could eat it with a spoon.  I made it again, and yes, it was just as sublime.  Didn't last long!  You can just see my shadow in the icing, right down the bottom middle.



and I bought Annabel's new book

Annabel is a wonderful New Zealand cook, and cooking show presenter.  This is her memoir/autobiography.  I'm looking forward to reading it, as cooks who seem harmless and matronly often end up being naughty little rascals.  Not that Annabel looks matronly:-)  


I supported a breast cancer charity by buying this oil

This oil is grown and pressed in Greece, and the bottle is handmade by a Greek potter.  A percentage of the cost goes towards an Australian breast cancer charity (it's sold by an Aussie providore).  As both my mum and my sis-in-law died of breast cancer, this is a charity close to my heart.



and here's my curveball!

This is Dilbert Dumbkin Pumpkin, by Matthew Roby from Pickled Circus.  I think he is the cutest!  Who could resist that sweet, mousy little face?  And of course the pumpkin ghoul head!

Well, that's it for IMK 2020!  Please join in everyone.  Can't wait to see your posts (by the 13th December, please).  And you know the drill:  we want to see posts about your kitchen and garden stuff over the past month!  Produce, gadgets, recipes, cookbooks, dishes, meals - you get the picture!

The link is open from the first to the thirteenth of the month.  Let me know if you need help with adding your post, or if you would like it added manually by me after the 13th. Here's how to join in:


1. Add via the Add Link button at the bottom of this post.  Instructions can be found on the sidebar of this page, under   the  Add your IMK link  OR:

2. Comment on this post, providing a link to your post so I can   add it manually to the list below OR:


3. Email me: sherrym1au@gmail.com, with your link or   any queries about the link process 


In My Kitchen:




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Click here to enter

64 comments:

  1. Interesting stuff, Sherry. I wonder how that Gin pudding tastes like...and that homemade chicken pie looks fabulous. I like Annabel's recipes.
    Have a wonderful baking season!

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    1. thanks angie. The pudding is fabulous. and yes my pie was darn good too. So you know annabel? i wasn't sure anyone would have heard of her as she is a kiwi. cheers and happy Xmas!

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  2. Chicken pie sounds really good! In one photo is a statue with a hand on the face. It’s really oddly similar to a monumental sculpture that was just installed at our local art museum — which I blogged a day or two ago!

    I vote to have an IMK in January even if it’s not huge. But then, I like to wrap up at the end of each month in any case, even if I don’t have a place to share.

    be safe... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. hi Mae
      thank you! I've just looked up your post with the sculpture. yes a definite similar feel to it. Mm ok we will see about Jan IMK...
      have a happy festive season!

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    2. What about a January IMK FOR THE YEAR 2020? With all that's happened or stopped happening in our lives? Maybe think outside the box (we are all in a box).

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  3. Sherry, I wrote this post specifically with you and In My Kitchen in mind, though I might have posted it at the wrong time. Anyway ... here you go! I was as thrilled to get a new item I'll be using a lot this month as you were to find that whisk. Love all your finds.

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    1. hi jean
      thanks for thinking of IMK. I am sorry to say but i will have to delete your link (very sorrowfully) but it just isn't an IMK post at all... happy Xmas to you.

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  4. I've had rum and brandy puddings, never gin. I really should try that -- I love gin! That chicken pie looks great, too. :-)

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  5. Delicious baking! cannot believe the year is going to end. Alcohol pudding is seriously interesting, never heard of it. Your hand whisk looks cute with that wooden finish, Happy baking and enjoy the festival season, Sherry!

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    1. thanks aarthi. the year has flown by. happy festive season to you.

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  6. As always you've shown us some mighty nice kitchen stuff. Christmas Gin Pudding, wow! But, Dilbert may be the coolest thing yet.
    Sherry, you're so right about the good things that have come in this year. Some of which I hope don't diminish once we're past this. I hope the sense of caring for others in need stays with us. Your neighbor is a lucky lady to live next to you.

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    1. thanks so much Ron. yes i adore Dilbert. so cute. yes i hope the good covid things remain for the future. and thanks re the neighbour. she is a dear!

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  7. What a fun combination of recipes and interesting finds! (That gin sounds good, but I'm intrigued by the idea of gin pudding. I don't think we have anything quite like that here.) And that chicken pot pie sounds delicious - that's my kind of comfort food! And if you follow it up with a slice of that cake? Perfection!

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    1. hi david
      yes the gin pudding is fab. they use their mum's pudding recipe, then make the puddings and put it into the gin! thanks the pie was pretty darn good. and the cake was bliss! ruth is the best! happy festive season to you!

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  8. What fun! I only own metal whisks, so they won’t break, but i love the handle of your new one! It looks very comfortable to hold. It does feel good to have finally reached December. I would love to have some pot pie and some cake right now...

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    1. hi mimi
      my last whisk lasted about 25 years! then the loopy bits came adrift. very sad:( but this one is fab too. yep come on over - cake and pie waiting for you... happy festive season!

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  9. I think I want to step in your kitchen. Everything looks so beautiful or so interesting! Especially that pot pie!

    Thanks for coming by my blog and your kind words. Big smiles from Michigan.

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    1. hi jeanie
      thanks so much. you are so kind. lovely to see you here. have a great festive season.
      cheers
      sherry

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  10. I love your whisk too! I had a cheap one that died very young, maybe only a year or so?
    Thank you for keeping us all going during 2020! I feel the pull of writing at the beginning of the month now :)

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    1. this one was surprisingly good value and works a treat:) thanks for being part of IMK. happy festive season!

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  11. I would love to try that gin pudding. I was hoping to see my sister in June but it does not look like your borders will be open by then. Wishing you an amazing Christmas! And all the best for 2021 :)

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    1. yes who knows when our borders will open up to international visitors? have a marvellous festive season tandy. maybe we will get to meet some day when you come out here.

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  12. Gin pudding? Count me in! Love your whisk, and that olive oil bottle is absolutely beautiful. And good for them for supporting breast cancer research and treatment!

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  13. I didn't realise that we were short on whisks but there you go! The gin pudding sounds amazing as well as that ginger cake :D

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    1. surprising how many things come from china and just how much we depend on them here in australia. i hope covid has taught us that we need to get manufacturing stuff ourselves!

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  14. So many lovely things, Sherry. Happy December.
    Amalia
    xo

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  15. I think we need to post in January to celebrate 2021. But, I'm good with a lite version, too. I always love all your finds local, "fairly local," and Canadian! That is great you can take the bottle back to get it refilled with more maple goodness. LOVE your curveball. I want....(I posted some very cool pottery today!)

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    1. righto deb. thanks for dropping by. happy festive season to you and yours.

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  16. These are some wonderful finds for the Holiday gifts!

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  17. Gosh I love those Lirah balsamic vinegars and I saw this special edition Christmas cranberry one the other day - good to have your recommendation, Sherry!

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    1. oh yes it's wonderful katerina. Lirah makes such great vinegars. happy festive season!

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  18. The whisk is a good find and I'm happy you did find a good one. So many of my older kitchen tools were well made and the things I am finding now aren't of the same quality.

    Love the look of that chicken pie and the maple syrup. Now I want to make Nigella's maple chicken and ribs!

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    1. yep i am very happy with my new whisk. it is just what i wanted in style and size. i love maple syrup! maple chicken sounds great!

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  19. I feel exactly the same about you re:2020. Although it's been a major clusterfluff I will miss the down time, the connection and the opportunities to go slow. Still time is marching on and although I'm not expecting any miracles in 2021, I'm looking forward to a fresh start!

    There's so much delicious in this post, that vinegar had me salivating, I must hunt it down and I am a huge Annabel L fan so will have to look for that book too. And of course, the four pillars is right up my eat (or should I say drink?) street, their Shiraz Gin is my fave. Even though I've been lame and haven't linked up once, I've really loved reading your posts this year, they've left me feeling warm, fuzzy, happy and hungry :) See you on the other side xx

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  20. I feel exactly the same about you re:2020. Although it's been a major clusterfluff I will miss the down time, the connection and the opportunities to go slow. Still time is marching on and although I'm not expecting any miracles in 2021, I'm looking forward to a fresh start!

    There's so much delicious in this post, that vinegar had me salivating, I must hunt it down and I am a huge Annabel L fan so will have to look for that book too. And of course, the four pillars is right up my eat (or should I say drink?) street, their Shiraz Gin is my fave. Even though I've been lame and haven't linked up once, I've really loved reading your posts this year, they've left me feeling warm, fuzzy, happy and hungry :) See you on the other side xx

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    1. me too sammie. me too. onwards and upwards i say:) thanks for dropping by my post. IMK is always a lot of fun for me. I would love to see your IMK one of these days my friend. so glad they gave you some joy too. have a great festive season.
      cheers
      sherry

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  21. Hi Sherry, it's nice to take part in the last event of 2020. Have a wonderful pre-Christmas time and festive season! :)

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    1. thanks for joining us veg hog! merry festive season to you!

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  22. I love flavored vinegars and have way too many from a local company. I'm not so sure about "Dilbert" :)

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    1. by the end of the year i end up with lots of different vinegars then i use them all up when i make chutneys etc. Ah but dilbert is so cute... happy festive season to you!

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  23. The chicken and veg pie looks delicious. I'd love a piece right now. Such wonderful items, I'm jealous. I'm a real sucker for an infused balsamic, so I'm going to have to keep an eye out for than caramelized cranberry. YUm1

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  24. thanks MJ. it was a delish pie i must say:) yes this vinegar is pretty fabulous. you might not be able to find it in your area:-)

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  25. Happy Holidays, Sherry! I enjoyed your joyous assortment of goodies and shadow in the chocolate frosting. :) So sorry to hear about your Mum and sister-in-law, but glad to see support for the cause. As for taking a break in January, I'm all for it. Yes, it's been a tough year, but I'm thankful you pointed out there's been good, too. Love your positive attitude and your red-handled whisk, too! Take care, xo.

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    1. thanks Kim. I think i will do IMK in january but will then have a break for a few weeks. have a wonderful festive season. take care
      sherry x

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  26. Nice things this month Sherry. That cranberry balsamic sounds perfect for the holidays. I vote for having a January posting.

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    1. thanks Liz. the balsamic is fabulous! Okay the vote is in for a Jan post even tho it may be Jan Lite!

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  27. Firstly - love your new header - you are so talented with your drawing. And your kitchen is looking a little festive, which seems an achievement this year! That balsamic vinegar looks very special and the whisk makes me want to replace my own! I would be keen to read the Annabelle langbein bio - she has always seemed someone who does interesting cooking. I am sorry to hear of your family's deaths from breast cancer - I have seen it affect people near to me. Jan or Feb is fine for me but I have more time in Jan than Feb. Hope you are enjoying some festivities.

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    1. hi johanna
      thanks so much for your kind words. that makes me very happy. Yes breast cancer has not been kind to our family. Righto - IMK Lite it is for Jan! Cheers and keep safe
      sherry

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  28. The goodies from four pillars look very appealing. Hmmm, we live quite close to their tasting room, might have to drive over the hills. Did someone call 2020 a cluster fluff above? Must remember this and adjust my language in public. One thing's fir sure, 2020 has taught us how to curse. Season's greetings and am happy with a January lite too.

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    1. yep that's a great word for it - clusterfluff! Happy festive season to you and yours!

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  29. i left s long comment, hope it wasn't swallowed. Also want to add - adore the seasonal header.

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    1. oh no your comment must have been swallowed up by the great white blogger hunter!!:-) darn it! anyways, thanks for being part of IMK this year; it has been a pleasure to have you. and thanks re the header. i like it too. keep well and happy
      merry xmas/festive season
      sherry xx

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  30. Hi Sherry I added your graphic to my page but cant' find the link to add my link.
    https://happyretireeskitchen.blogspot.com/2020/12/in-my-christmas-kitchen-2020.html
    Love your IMK post. Those gin puddings look amazing, I could be substituting gin for brandy next year. Have a wonderful festive season.
    I need you to add it if you could please.
    Pauline from Happy Retirees Kitchen

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    1. hi pauline
      i can see that there is no link on my IMK post when you view it on a mobile; it's only on the laptop. Is that what is happening for you? or not happening... I will add yours manually.
      cheers
      sherry

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  31. Hi Sherry, hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and a belated Happy Christmas. It certainly has been a strange year. Love the curve ball and all the goodies in your kitchen. I bet you will recycle the Nasi olive oil bottle. Hope to try and be a little more active on the blog next year. Thank you for always hosting the IMK. xx
    Moya www.foodandtools.com

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    1. thanks Moya. we did indeed have a lovely festive break. would be great to see you on IMK! cheers S

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