Roasted Beetroot, Feta and Spinach Tart
Beetroot and spinach are winter vegetables that we can use to make a delicious tart. This recipe uses two cheeses, cheddar and feta, spinach and the beetroot is roasted to bring out all its sweet flavour. The vegetables and pastry can be prepared ahead to save time. This quick and easy tart is flavourful and the pastry strips that garnish the tart give it a … Continue reading Roasted Beetroot, Feta and Spinach Tart
Cucumber, Dill and Garlic Pickles
Although cucumbers are not seasonally available in temperate Sydney, I came across some lovely small ones from northern Australia where they are available year round, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of making my favourite pickled cucumbers. Using this method you will be able to make crunchy and tasty pickles as a garnish for your meals. Cucumber, Dill and Garlic Pickles Ingredients: Small … Continue reading Cucumber, Dill and Garlic Pickles
Growing Pineapples in Sydney
On a walk in mid June I passed a garden where this astonishingly large potted pineapple was growing. Its owner said that the full size pineapple had taken 2 months to develop and I was amazed by its health and size. I have grown pineapples in my own garden but the fruit was always much smaller and I assumed that this was because Sydney’s climate … Continue reading Growing Pineapples in Sydney
Date, Apple and Pecan Loaf
A slice of cake with your cup of tea or coffee makes a perfect morning or afternoon tea. Winter brings us an abundance of oranges and apples and we also have recently harvested pecans. This loaf can take advantage of the bounty and freshness of our seasonal fruits. This loaf brings together spices, dates and fruit macerated in brandy, pecan nuts, orange and apple and … Continue reading Date, Apple and Pecan Loaf
Chicken with Mushroom, Wine and Tomato Sauce
Chicken and mushrooms in a light tomato and white wine sauce makes a lovely warming meal in winter and can be enjoyed any time of year. This dish can be served with rice, polenta or mashed potatoes or on its own with a green garden salad. I have included the recipe for making the rice that is served with my chicken. Chicken with Mushroom, Tomato … Continue reading Chicken with Mushroom, Wine and Tomato Sauce
What to Plant In July
The following is a list of things you can plant in July in Sydney, a temperate zone: Beetroot Lettuce Mustard Greens Onion Peas Radish Snow Peas Strawberry Plants Flower of the Month – Plectranthus (Velvet Elvis) Continue reading What to Plant In July
Jackie’s Anzac Slice
Jackie has shared the recipe to her famous Anzac slice with us. This slice is a variation of the iconic Anzac biscuit that is so popular in Australia, made with oats, coconut and golden syrup. I had the pleasure of enjoying this delicious slice recently and Jackie says that it is so easy and quick to make for any occasion and is a great hit … Continue reading Jackie’s Anzac Slice
Roasted Vegetable Pasties
These tasty vegetable pasties combine the mellow flavours of oven roasted, seasonal root vegetables and pumpkin with the kick of kalamata olives and Italian herbs. Baking vegetables enhances their flavour and brings out their sweetness. The depth of flavour will surprise you. This is also a great way to use any left over baked vegetables. The pasties are just right for lunch with your favourite … Continue reading Roasted Vegetable Pasties
Eating Seasonal Vegetables in Winter
The real benefit of growing your own vegetables is being able to eat seasonally. However, it is easy for anyone to choose vegetables that are in season as the basis of their diet. Not only are seasonal vegetables fresh, plentiful and well priced but they can also be sourced more locally and so will have travelled fewer miles to reach us which makes for sustainable … Continue reading Eating Seasonal Vegetables in Winter
Italian Polpette in Tomato Sauce
Polpette are tender small Italian meatballs that are cooked in a rich tomato sauce. In Italy they are eaten as a second course with potatoes or vegetables or even rice or polenta. Around the world polpette are eaten with pasta and this makes a lovely and satisfying complete meal when served with a fresh green garden salad. Polpette are also good for lunch, in a … Continue reading Italian Polpette in Tomato Sauce
The Grantham Gardener 