No one enjoys a good cook book more than I do. I'm quite discerning when it comes to which ones I like. Above all the cook must have my respect, the recipes must be home cooking for a home cook and if that is packaged in a well presented and easy to read book, that's it, I'm hooked. When Hanno and I went out for dinner with Jo and Eli in Melbourne last week, Jo presented me with a wonderful gift - the very heavy, hard covered Country Women's Association Classics.
I loved it immediately.
For our international readers, the Country Women's Association or CWA as they're affectionately known here, is made up of local town groups of country women who learn from each other, provide support and encouragement in their own towns, fundraise for various causes and administer drought funds to farming families when needed. Many a country fair and agricultural show has a CWA tea and scones stall and when people see that CWA sign, they flock to buy because they know CWA cooks are some of the best country cooks in the land. Profits from this book are going to help provide a health worker in rural areas of Australia.
True to form, the recipes, submitted by CWA members all over the country, are tried and true and it's all about the kind of cooking I grew up with. There is a large soup section, baking, main meals, preserves and desserts. This book is full of favourite old Australian recipes presented in a modern form for all those cooks who have only recently taken up the rolling pin and whisk, and for cooks like me who love to be reminded of recipes too good to forget.
MOULD ALERT (again)
I was making a lasagne for dinner yesterday and was just about to pick a wooden spoon from my utensils bucket when I noticed mould growing on my rolling pin and spoons. It had even spread to the plastic utensils next to the mouldy, wooden ones. Luckily I noticed it before I plunged the spoon into the meat sauce. I made the sauce using a clean spoon, then cleaned the utensils in the sink with soap, hot water and a cup of vinegar. Even my rolling pin went in and I hate getting that wet.
Sorry, this mould on the end of the rolling pin is out of focus.
Yuck.
I did a post earlier in the week about how mould started growing here while the house was shut up when we were away. I just wanted to warn readers in humid climates to check their wooden utensils - and leather shoes and bags, in case you need to take some swift action just like I did. When all my utensils are completely dry tomorrow, I'm going to lay them all out on the back verandah table on a clean cloth to sit in the sun for a few hours.
I think I've sent out all the books ordered so far, the book plates will go out today. If you haven't heard from me yet and have put in an order, would you kindly send an email with your details. Thanks.
I'm really pleased to tell you that tomorrow, Sharon will start a swap here. It's been so long since we've done a swap, they're always a lot of fun, and they can help sewing newbies with their skills. I hope you join in. Sharon will have all the details for you tomorrow.
We've been home five days now and the trip away is beginning to fade into a pleasant memory. It's good to be in our home here, surrounded by the familiar, and comfortable and safe despite the rain and crazy weather. I am beginning to think about the cooler months and the projects ahead. There will be some hard cheese made, lots of knitting and crochet, some red work and, of course, the new season garden. We'll start planning that later this week. It's all ahead of us. I hope you are looking forward to your change of seasons too. This is always a great time of year.
I'm really pleased to tell you that tomorrow, Sharon will start a swap here. It's been so long since we've done a swap, they're always a lot of fun, and they can help sewing newbies with their skills. I hope you join in. Sharon will have all the details for you tomorrow.
We've been home five days now and the trip away is beginning to fade into a pleasant memory. It's good to be in our home here, surrounded by the familiar, and comfortable and safe despite the rain and crazy weather. I am beginning to think about the cooler months and the projects ahead. There will be some hard cheese made, lots of knitting and crochet, some red work and, of course, the new season garden. We'll start planning that later this week. It's all ahead of us. I hope you are looking forward to your change of seasons too. This is always a great time of year.
