Canny Granny

Put that in your Pipe

Lapsang Souchong is smoked, as are lots of cheeses, salmon, hams and plums. And that's just for a start. But I didn't expect to see eggs joining the list. So here's a surprise at the Queen Vic Market. How could I resist the lure of a … [Read more]

Slow Cook Pork and Red Cabbage

Whether it's grilled chops, roast legs or braised ribs, pork has been popular since Ancient Roman times. You can't go wrong with a nice piece of pork. But why overlook the pork neck? It's a sweet, flavoursome cut and in the climate of ever … [Read more]

How to sterilise jars

Heat oven to 280F / 160C fan/gas 1. Wash the jars in hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Place the jars on a baking sheet and put them in the oven to dry completely. If using Kilner jars, boil the rubber seals, as dry heat damages … [Read more]

Onion Chutney

Chutney makes a nice gift. Easy to make, inexpensive and shows that you put some thought in. After all, isn't that what a gift is about? Onion chutney is really quick to make, no hanging out over the hot stove for hours. There are no strong spices … [Read more]

What to do about Xmas

The Australian Retailers Associations warns that a miserable Xmas is on the way. For them, yes. People aren't spending and why is this a surprise? It shouldn't be a surprise at all for the ARA who helped persuade the government to get rid of … [Read more]

Down the Street

My Collingwood is rapidly changing. I don't want to see a return to the old days when the area was populated by the very desperate, but I don't like to see my tiny suburb transformed into a playground of the very rich. Surely there's a compromise … [Read more]

Slow Cook Cannellini Beans

First soak your beans I've used dried cannellini beans here but the recipe is the same for dried kidney beans. Soak beans in enough cold water to cover them by 5-6 centimetres for 6 hours. It's so much easier to soak them overnight. Put them in a … [Read more]

Slow Cooker Safety

How to Cook Safely in your Slow Cooker (CrockPot) Slow cookers are enjoying a return of popularity .. for very good reasons. A long cooking time lets you start the evening meal before leaving for work in the morning. Reduce the washing up to … [Read more]

Starting with a Slow Cooker

Where do I start with my slow cooker? So you've got a yourself a Slow Cooker? Congratulations! But now, where do you start? Your new slow cooker will often come with a recipe booklet. That's a good guide to begin with as every make of slow cooker … [Read more]

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

Not your mother's lamb shanks Lamb Shanks have changed remarkably since my mother cooked them. The lamb shanks themselves are still the same, it's the ingredients and method of cooking that my mother wouldn't recognise. Shanks were once classed … [Read more]