Chickpeas are a versatile base for salads. They're nutritious, they taste great and they're really cheap. Use quality chickpeas. You can use canned chickpeas — buy a brand you like or you can cook dried chickpeas yourself. It takes a bit of time, but they keep in the … [Read more...] about Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas
How to cook dried chickpeas You have a choice of cooking dried chickpeas, I prefer to put them in my slow cooker overnight Long soak and simmer on the stovetop, which takes about 10 hours or overnight plus 2 hours Quick soak and simmer on the stove, which takes … [Read more...] about Chickpeas
Highlights of the Market
I really enjoy my Queen Victoria Market Tours. It's difficult to work out how to schedule these tours. The time zones for a start are comfusing - should I set a time which suits the Canadian Tourists? Or a time for those in UK? Will a tourist return? I mean, how many … [Read more...] about Highlights of the Market
Poached Quince
The classic poaching method, tried and true and here's an easy way to peel the quinces. It's wonderful poached in a syrup spiced with cinnamon and clove and reveals another quality of wonder - it turns a luscious shade, anywhere from deep pink to rich red. From rosy … [Read more...] about Poached Quince
Hello Possums
I share my garden and rooftop with possums. A family of possums. A tribe of possums. Not surprising with the Merri Creek behind me and the 21 km of parkland and bush trail. Perfect for our little furry friends. Nowhere near perfect for me. But I'm the interloper, the … [Read more...] about Hello Possums
Sovereign Hill
It's easy to forget what fun Sovereign Hill can be. The skies of Ballarat were brilliant and the sun beamed hot. The wind, this being Ballarat after all, ripped through my jacket and I could smell snow. A perfect day to wander around the open air museum. Around, and … [Read more...] about Sovereign Hill