Buddah’s Hand Citron
On a visit to the garden of our friend Merren we discovered this rare and interesting fruit tree, the Buddah’s hand citron. It is grown in Asia where there are many cultivars and variations of this plant and it was exciting to find it growing so well in Sydney. The gnarled fruit, when mature, looks like a hand with fingers. The fruit pictured is still to … Continue reading Buddah’s Hand Citron
Growing Sunflowers
Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes and they all add a splash of sunshine to the garden and attract bees. They are easy to grow and an excellent way to introduce children to gardening. Growth habits and planting needs As Sunflowers are allelopathic, that is, they produce toxins that prevent the growth of other plants, care should be taken about the location chosen to … Continue reading Growing Sunflowers
Cherry Sauce with Brandy
Cherries are still easily available and this sauce can be used with your favourite meats to add a little zest and contrast in flavours. Cherry Sauce with Brandy Ingredients 500 g dark ripe cherries 3 tblsp orange juice 1 tsp lemon juice 1/4 cup brandy 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2 1/2 tblsp of butter 2 french shallots, chopped finely 1/4 cup good cherry juice salt … Continue reading Cherry Sauce with Brandy
Growing Turnips
Turnips are an easy crop to grow, quick to mature and sown in January will be ready in Autumn. The turnip roots are rich in vitamin C. The turnip leaves however, are even richer in vitamins and minerals being a good source of vitamin K, A and C, B complex and an excellent source of important minerals like calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and manganese. If harvested … Continue reading Growing Turnips
Growing Okra
Okra is an easy vegetable to grow that loves a sunny aspect and in Sydney that makes it a perfect plant to grow. The okra plant is related to the hibiscus and has a delicate and beautiful flower that makes it an attractive plant in the garden. Growing habits and planting needs Okra need a a very sunny spot in the garden with no shade. … Continue reading Growing Okra
Baked Chicken Roulade
A baked Chicken Roulade is a great cold meat for picnics or with your favourite salad on those hot summer days. It is also delicious served warm with your favourite sauce and baked vegetables. Why buy cold meats when you can prepare your own using the freshest ingredients and home grown herbs. Baked Chicken Roulade Ingredients 1 full chicken breast 8 full rashers of … Continue reading Baked Chicken Roulade
Dominique’s Cherry Tart
This delightful cherry tart can be made with this season’s ripe fresh cherries or out of season with preserved cherries. It has a thin biscuity crust and is not overly sweet, making it a delicious dessert to serve with a good custard or ice cream. The pastry and the cherry filling can both be made ahead of time making the preparation really easy. Many thanks … Continue reading Dominique’s Cherry Tart
Classic Italian Vitello Tonnato
This beautiful classic dish from Piedmont in Italy brings together tender veal and a delicious tuna and caper sauce. It may seem an unusual combination but it really does work. Marinaded overnight in white wine with tuna and vegetables, then cooked in the slow cooker the veal is super tender and the vegetables and tuna are minced with the additions of capers and lemon juice … Continue reading Classic Italian Vitello Tonnato
What to plant in January
The following is a list of things you can plant in January in Sydney, a temperate zone: Beans (dwarf and climbing) Beetroot Carrot Chives Cucumber Eggplant seedlings Lettuce Marrow seedlings Mustard greens Okra seedlings Radish Silverbeet Sunflower Sweet corn Turnips Zucchini seedlings Flower of the Month – The stunning white Kalakaua Hibiscus Continue reading What to plant in January
Coconut Apricot Crisp Cookies
I still have some apricots from Boris and Rod and took some to make these cookies. These cookies blend fresh or dried apricots and coconut and can be made plain or decorated with a piece of walnut for some variety. Coconut Apricot Crisp Cookies 1/2 cup apricots finely chopped, you can also use dried apricots. 2 cups self raising flour 2/3 cup caster sugar … Continue reading Coconut Apricot Crisp Cookies
The Grantham Gardener 