In My Kitchen April 2016

It’s time for another glimpse at some of my favourite things in my kitchen.

Once again it’s time for me to share some of the things that I’m loving in my kitchen at the moment.  You can check out kitchen love from bloggers all around the world if you head on over to Maureen’s Orgasmic Chef for the list of all participants. 

It wouldn’t be my kitchen if there wasn’t at least one new cookbook in it, now would it? Matthew Evans gorgeous new book “Not Just Jam” (Murdoch Books) was a very timely surprise in my post office box. I will say it again – Murdoch Books have some of the best food and cooking books around at the moment and this one is no exception. Full of fantastic preserving options, as the title suggests, this book offers much more than just jam. Preserves are the very best way to make the most of seasonal bounty and Matthew Evans offers all sorts of alternatives to expand the shelf life of fruit and vegetable gluts. I can’t wait to try the apple syrup, the quince comfits and five-spiced pear paste!

 

These gorgeous crab apples are currently in my garden but will be in my kitchen very soon. A friend of mine dropped over during the Easter break and took home a load which she turned into fruit paste and fruit cakes. I will be making some crab apple jelly. I first made it last year and loved it, so can’t wait to have some more.

This is my current tea stock, which will last me for a few weeks, I expect. We have a couple of very good tea dealers here in Adelaide and The Devotea is one of them. They have a great online shop and owner, Robert Godden, understands the importance of a continual supply of good tea (and the hysteria and urgency of  accidentally running out, bless him).  I particularly love the Queen Adelaide first thing in the morning – it is my heart starter.

There’s not much that goes with a good cup of tea quite like a great book – especially a great food book. Bee Wilson is one of the best food writers around at the moment and I’ve been looking forward to getting stuck into her newest work “First Bite” (4th Estate). Using her own experience and current psychological and neuroscience research, Wilson looks at how our food habits and tastes develop, how we learn to eat and how we can change our palates. Fascinating stuff.

 

1. 

   Liz Posmyk (Good Things)
   01/04/2016

   Gosh, I have not tasted crab apples in decades, Amanda. Love the sound of Matthew’s book…. must agree, the Murdoch Books stable is outstanding!

2. 

   Anna @ shenANNAgans
   01/04/2016

   I adore your crab apple tree and very much look forward to reading about the jelly.
   Totally wish my garden had fruit trees.

3. 

   mae
   01/04/2016

   Bee Wilson has written some really good books. My favorite is “Consider the Fork” but I’ve also read the one you noted here. I’ve never tasted any crab apples, just seen them as a garden ornamental.

   best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

4. 

   Maree
   02/04/2016

   That is truly a beautiful crab apple tree. Enjoy the preserves 🙂

5. 

   Sandra
   02/04/2016

   Both of the books look really interesting. I’m always looking for new preserves recipes so Matt’s book looks like a must-have.

6. 

   Dani
   06/04/2016

   Your crab apple trees look stunning! Also can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of ‘Not Just Jam’ 🙂

7. 

   Francesca
   07/04/2016

   A stunning crab apple tree. Five spice pear paste sounds sensational. Hope you make it and blog it.

8. 

   Shari from GoodFoodWeek
   11/04/2016

   Matthew Evans was the guest speaker at Eat Drink Blog last year and I found him so interesting, I think that I will have to keep my eye out for his book.

9. 

   Miss Food Fairy
   11/04/2016

   Loving your new cookbook and food book – may have to keep my eyes open for those they sound great. I just love what Matthew Evans has done with Fat Pig Farm, something I admire. Crab apples, I don’t think I’ve ever had them, what do they taste like? Your crop looks gorgeous though. See you soon x #IMK
   https://missfoodfairy.com/2016/04/10/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/

10. 

    Gretchen
    11/04/2016

    Five spice Lear paste sounds quite intriguing. I have several preserving books and love all the new ideas they provide, your book sounds like it is a good read and inspiration. Your crab apple tree looks lovely, jelly time must be coming soon!

11. 

    sherry from sherrys pickings
    26/04/2016

    what a plethora of fruit on your lovely tree. gorgeous. i must check out matthew evan’s book. i must say it looks wonderfully interesting.