In My December Kitchen

It doesn’t matter how many years I’ve gone through Christmas and New Year it always seems like the chaos starts about the middle of November and it’s not until the first week of January that I start to feel like I can draw a breath and relax.

Even in all the happenings I can still find time to be in my kitchen, it’s like stress therapy with happy consequences for everyone around me.  This month I’m back in my own kitchen so I’m excited to be able to share some of is happening in December.  If you are interested in knowing more about this shared kitchen experience that I’ve started participating in, check out Celia’s Blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. It will give you a chance to take a sticky beak at kitchens throughout the world and some of the wonderful things happening this month in people’s kitchens.

For me this time of year I can’t get through without baking at least one lot of peppakaka.  The smell alone is enough to tell my body that it really is Christmas and I love giving little packages away as gifts to willing recipients.  So the first thing in my kitchen this December is…Swedish Gingerbread

and another firm favourite at this time of year is saffron yeast buns.  A Swedish traditional food baked for Lucia these spark many fond memories of celebrating Christmas when I was a child.

A brand new food processor…

I’ve been dreaming of one of these for a while now and was very fortunate to receive one for my birthday last month.  I can’t wait to get hooked into it and start making pastry and other such delights.  It’s already holding pride of place on the kitchen bench.

Maggie Beer’s Verjuice

I’ve looked and looked at verjuice and always been curious about what it tastes like and what to use it with in the kitchen.  I finally bit the bullet and bought a bottle at the Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show and I’m so glad I did.  Light and flavoursome its brilliant on a salad and went particularly well in a mint sauce that I made recently. (Stay tuned for the recipe)

A Growing Collection of Funky Plates and Bowls

I’ve found myself starting to scour op shops and bargain tables for some great little serving dishes, and along with beautiful gifts and inherited glass bowls my collection of serving dishes is really starting to grow.  I’m particularly loving the new owl plate I picked up for $1!

Chocolate Moulds

Our very generous and knowledgable host of this round up, Celia, encouraged me to get into making chocolates and not be scared of destroying the ingredients in the process. I’ve got the moulds, now I’ve just got to brave the chocolate making.  Hopefully this Christmas my lucky visitors will be getting homemade chocolate treats lovingly created in my kitchen.

And finally in my kitchen this month all the way from Melbourne will be LadyRedSpecs from Please Pass The Recipe, aka my Mum (and my Dad too)…..

We are celebrating Christmas in sunny Queensland this year and will be sure to produce some yummy recipes for you all whilst we are in the same kitchen.

Happy Cooking, Happy Eating and Seasons Greetings,

Leah