Zucchini relish...

I have been trying to post about our lovely Australia Day weekend but am having trouble getting Blog Pro to publish the post....grrrr!  Stay tuned!

Yesterday, Gus was given a nice big zucchini and Sally at Jembella Farm had made some zucchini relish so that's what I set about doing this morning.

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I just chopped and diced the zucc with a knife rather than food processing.  I doubled the recipe and used 1 red chilli and 1 teaspoon of dried chilli flakes.  Everything else was doubled.

Ready for cooking...

Nearly cooked.  I boiled it for about 1 hour.

I sterilise my jars by pouring boiling water into each one, filling it to the brim.  I soak all the lids in boiling water also.  When I'm ready to bottle, I tip out the boiling water and upend the jars on a clean tea towel.  Filling the jars with hot goods is the best way to ensure that they will not spoil.  

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This recipe uses corn flour to thicken the relish.  This worked really well and made it just a bit thicker and nice and glossy.

Lids are quickly put on and tightened and jars wiped clean.  I upend the jars for a few minutes to heat the lids again then turn them back over.  Within about half an hour, you should hear the lid seals pop down.  This means the jars are sealed perfectly. 

Sally said to leave the relish for a couple of weeks to develop the flavour but I think I might try a bit this coming weekend.  I may have to put a jar of it in our local show, later in the year!

Cheers - Joolz xx

This week...

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I’m trying to grow a new sourdough starter, with little success it would seem.  Patience, is what it takes, I am told.   Today is day 6 (this pic is day 3)...still waiting for good bubbles...

I had a great walk on Monday 13/11 but was so tires Monday night, I think I’ll peel it back a bit.

Tuesday, with Gus...

I’ll talk more about these goodies a bit later...

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Oh, yum!  My moozli, grated apple, my yoghurt and a drzzle of honey...

It was 34C and muggy here yesterday.  Steak and salads hit the spot!

I’m being kind to my liver.  A morning cleanse - 30 mls cranberry juice...

...plus 60 mls fresh orange juice...

...and 90 mls of water.  Drink first thing in the morning.

I love where I live! A hot 34C yesterday, this morning it’s pouring rain and 20C!  Very refreshing!

Cheers - Joolz xx

On the go all weekend...

Saturday - I was down to one jar of home pickled beetroot in my pantry so I bought some fresh beets from my local Foodland.

I got them boiling in a big pot of water...

I used apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, a bit of salt, pepper, mustard and celery seeds for the pickling liquid.  I just keep tasting until I like the flavour, adjusting the sugar..  Beware, tasting hot vinegar can take your breath away!  Ten lovely jars to pop away in the dark to cure for a few weeks. Yum!

Next up - I decided to make some toasted muesli - you can check out the last time I made 

Homemade Muesli here...

Again, yum!

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Sunday - up early to get my dried apricot jam on.  I halve this recipe.

I soaked 500gms of (South Australian) dried apricots in 2.25 litres water, overnight.

Simmer for about 1 hour...then add in 1.5 kg sugar and juice of a lemon...boil rapidly until the jam has thickened and passes the cold saucer test.

I sterilized my jars and lids with boiling water then bottled up the jam. It’s a messy business!

I ended up with these 6 big jars plus 2 smaller ones that have a bit less fruit in them. 

We invited Gus’s mum out for dinner.  He marinated a butterflied lamb leg with herbs and garlic...did a chilli chickpea salad, a garlic yoghurt sauce and a tossed salad!

It turned out a treat!  Plus those parmesan potatoes!

I made some french bread...

...and a naughty Cherry Pie!

I was really happy with the crust! It was delicious! I’ll share the recipe a bit later.

By the end of the day, I was knackered but very pleased with what I’d achieved over the weekend.   Did you have a busy weekend or did you take it easy?

I was back out walking this morning and clocked up 4.34kms so was very pleased with that.   It was hot once I got going and it’s expected to be 34C here today, so I was swearing when I got back.  Now, it’s off to work for me!

Cheers - Joolz xx

A new book, a curry and homemade yoghurt...

This lovely book arrived yesterday.  I am excited to try some of the yummy bread recipes in there!

I made a nice chicken curry for dinner, last night.  

I also did a tomato/cucumber chutney (raw) and a cucumber raita.  These team really well with it.

Stay home fakeaway! As good as any takeaway curry! 

I thought I’d give Outback Tania’s homemade Greek yoghurt.  I followed her tutorial ...

...that’s the yoghurt mixed up (I did use my Bamix to really mix well)...then into the EasiYo yoghurt maker...

...and voila! This morning I have a kilo of Greek Yoghurt!  I refrigerated for a few hours before tasting.  It’s quite firm but next time I might use just a smidge less water for a thicker outcome.  Delicious drizzled with lavender honey!  

This is the most successful I’ve been with the EasiYo - I have tried a few sachets but always have had runny yoghurt.  If you have a kit, have a go at this method.

Cheers - Joolz xx

A good egg...

I love a good egg for breakfast - unfortunately most store bought googs just don't have a good taste - even the so- called free range ones.  I don't know anyone who has eggs for sale from their chooks at the moment so I was excited to see these eggs for sale - produced only 15kms away - by footloose and fancy free hens, no less!

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Oh, yum! This is how I like my eggs poached - perfectly hard white and medium runny yolk.  The flavour was tasty, unlike those store bought cackleberries!

The price, I realise is over the top, so I might have to buy these as 'special occasion' bum nuts! But at .58 cents each, I think they are worth it!

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I made a batch of salad dressing - I love this on iceberg lettuce and it makes great curried eggs too!

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Yesterday, my cat Bonnie, left this for me.  I nearly stepped on it as I went out to the garage! Naughty! 

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We entertained some business associates last night - we ordered Indian takeaway (and they paid)!  I made my own naan bread, raita and a delicious cucumber, tomato, red onion and chilli salad with a lime, sugar, red wine vinegar dressing.  I tipped each dish into bowls which looked much nicer than takeaway containers...

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I'm still coughing but I do feel a bit better, not so run down. My better half has it too and is still congested and miserable. 

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Cheers - Joolz xx