Kitchen Heroes November 09

Time to reflect on the month that was. I’m a pretty seasonal kind of a chick so it seems appropriate each Month to pay homage to the things I enjoy most in my kitchen. Here’s what blew my knickers back (where does that saying even come from?) in November..

Lemons: Of course they are a spring staple, great in syrups, cakes/muffins, sauces or just squeezed over a salad. They couldn’t be more perfect.

My Mandolin: I think I have finally forgiven this kitchen contraption for severing 1/8Th of my thumb from my body (including half a fingernail) I am happy to report my thumb has grown back & I am now enjoying  the fact I have regained some sensation in that corner of my thumb. Seriously though, when it comes to lazy slicing & julienne you don’t get much quicker or more accurate than this thing. If you use the finger protector (obviously I don’t) you wont lose life or limb…probably.

Spring Garlic: Plump, juicy, fresh from the ground spring garlic, how I love thee. (By the way, how awesome is our new noodley area rug for the lounge room)

My Carafe: O.K I know this one is a little weird guys but bear with me. It’s not so much the Carafe but what it usually contains that makes me love it. It usually is the vessel which brings forth my all time favorite spring drink, SANGRIA! I am completely obsessed with making sangria for hot weekend BBQs. I could drink it all day.

Golden Echalottes: These little onions are gold, pure gold. Buy a kilo & caramelize them in your slow cooker like…right now! They add serious flavor to gravies, sauces, tarts, burgers ect. They’re amazing, they’re special..well, they’re just good, In the same way Princess Di was humble & good..they’re good.

Ricotta: The simplest of cheeses also makes the simplest of deserts, I adore honey & nutmeg baked ricotta served with grilled peaches. It is also great in pancakes, muffins & the like.

Toasted Coconut Marshmallows: pillows of heaven coasted in toasted coconut. I bought these at the start of the month from our posh local chocolatier planning to top cupcakes with them or bury them in some brownies…the only thing they have done is be repeatedly & secretly eaten by me.

I am also digging the spring lamb but it gets cooked & eaten so quickly I would need a faster lens to capture it!