https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/about daily 0.75 2018-03-26 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55e7a7f3e4b01335dcbd8855/1510827943773/ About https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55dd4d98e4b04a1582331580/1510827943764/Ballendella+house.png About https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55c2b9bee4b0e961f8bd3ca8/1438824899947/12484_446968718801461_8475174111746039506_n.png About https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog-1 daily 0.75 2015-08-06 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55c2b6f7e4b02ce3fcfd8b43/1438824188363/10848896_399938773504456_1300570183455048534_o.jpg Blog https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog daily 0.75 2018-02-22 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55cae173e4b0f13e0bfe0d2a/1439359359114/11705767_501964673301865_6178197350374263613_o.jpg Blog https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/9/21/welcome monthly 0.5 2015-09-21 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55ffc977e4b0bdeb0bf60366/1442826617814/ Blog - Welcome! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/10/14/october-2015 monthly 0.5 2015-10-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5626b67de4b01fbf93c419af/1445377681098/ Blog - October 2015 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/561e1f48e4b08862a34944f4/1444814691181/ Blog - October 2015 https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/10/28/summery-cocktails monthly 0.5 2015-10-28 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56312c70e4b0329d3506249e/1446063291263/ Blog - Summery Cocktails https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/11/29/december monthly 0.5 2015-11-30 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/565bba03e4b06edc0adee9f1/1448851991423/ Blog - December https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/10/20/royal-geelong-show-2015 monthly 0.5 2015-10-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5626b54ce4b031501593ff29/1445377374945/ Blog - Royal Geelong Show 2015 https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/11/6/november monthly 0.5 2015-11-06 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/563c8e77e4b0d902524dcacf/1446809222477/ Blog - November https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/12/2/carob-smoothie monthly 0.5 2015-12-02 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/565e7c6fe4b0551383aaa8fc/1449032832692/ Blog - Carob Smoothie https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/11/27/almost-summer monthly 0.5 2015-11-27 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56581391e4b06b23bf1b002a/1448612777854/ Blog - Almost Summer.....         https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2015/12/8/christmas-drinks monthly 0.5 2015-12-08 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5666cc4525981d72490e383e/1449577550768/ Blog - Christmas Drinks https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/1/2/january-2016 monthly 0.5 2016-01-04 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56876e0ba128e63c0acef188/1451716119789/ Blog - January 2016 Happy New Year ! We hope it's been a happy and safe time for all. Our January events kick off on Sunday January 3rd at the Ocean Grove Community Market - Kingston Reserve 8am - 1pm. We've got all our condiments as well as lots of summery flavours in the cordials. Blood Orange season has now ended and some limited stocks will be available - be quick if you're after this flavour. Stocks will not last ! Otherwise this month - lemon, ginger, lime, 50/50 (orange & lemon), pink grapefruit and passionfruit will be available. Thursday January 7th - We're back at St Kilda Twilight Market - on the grass right next to Luna Park. Cordial concentrates and sparkling bevs on tap will be available. Come and see us at this busy and colorful local market……live music, entertainment, delicious hot food and a quirky mix of vibrant stalls, 5 - 10 pm. Saturday January 9th - Port Arlington Mussel Festival - this event is now in the tenth year and it's growing quickly year by year ! Record numbers are set to attend this January. The festival will run all day from 9 - 4pm. We'll be there serving MBK sparkling beverages to keep you cool and refreshed. Come and say "hi" ! Sunday January 17th - Drysdale Community Market 8 - 1pm, located next to the sports fields, this pretty setting is home to a great little market. Produce, handmade goods, gifts, handcrafts, coffee, local honey, pet treats, live music and more. We love our spot in this market - under the big trees near the coffee van - perfect !! Saturday January 23rd - St Kilda Farmers Market - cnr Lakeside Dve & Fitzroy St - this is a hub of gorgeous produce and high quality artisan goods - coffee, take out food, flowers, muesli, chocolate and of course MBK condiments, cordials and sparkling bevs on tap. 8 - 1 pm - see you there ! Sunday January 31st - Queenscliff Community Market - located on the reserve next to the ferry. This market is a perfect day trip on the ferry from Melbourne - full of gourmet goods, handmade gift items, delicious take out food and gorgeous homemade ice cream. We'll be there with plenty of condiments for your summer BBQ's and general entertaining. And of course, cordials for your cocktails, as well as sparkling bevs on tap. Happy holiday time ! *Photo taken on the Lorne foreshore. Our Lorne stockist is "Foodworks" right opposite the caravan park - Lemon, Blood Orange, Pink Grapefruit and Ginger MBK cordials available here. Check them out - perfect for summer / beach entertaining !     https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/1/20/summer-fruit monthly 0.5 2016-01-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56a00714d8af102c6165c611/1453328173566/ Blog - Summer Fruit   We have great produce here in Victoria. There is so much lovely fruit in the MBK kitchen at the moment, so we decided to share some favourite poached fruit recipes. Poached Stone Fruits with Vanilla Apricots, nectarines, peaches - halved, stones removed Place fruit into a pan and scatter with sugar, to taste. Add water so that fruit is barely covered. Add 1 vanilla bean*- split, with seeds scraped into pan. Poach on a gentle heat until fruit softens. Spoon into large jars and refrigerate. This can be kept in the fridge, easily for a week. Great for breakfast or a snack and delicious with yogurt. Using the same method, we also love - Plum & Cinnamon, Apple & Rhubarb with Star Anise (pictured on the left), Mango & Saffron, Apricot & Cardamom…..try some of these. They are so easy and delicious in summer. *Vanilla bean or paste can be used. We love Tahitian or Madagascan Vanilla. Available from gourmet goods stores. https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/1/24/beetroot-sashimi-bowl monthly 0.5 2016-01-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56a550ea22482e29e0ed4905/1453674747292/ Blog - Beetroot Sashimi Bowl https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/1/27/juicy-green-goodness monthly 0.5 2016-01-28 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/56a96a09841aba90ecf95757/1453943343376/ Blog - Juicy Green Goodness https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/5/30/events monthly 0.5 2016-05-30 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/574c210c746fb940f11340b0/1464607015549/ Blog - Events https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/6/7/melbourne-good-food-wine-show monthly 0.5 2016-06-07 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57567cd1d210b86dea31f717/1465285864893/ Blog - Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show It's been a fantastic three days at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show. Many thanks to all who stopped by, sampled and purchased. Our recently released Rhubarb & Juniper Jam was very well received. This gorgeous new condiment pairs delightfully with game, terrines, pates and white meats with the juniper adding an intriguing citrus and pine dimension. It can also be used on toast or pancakes for an unforgettable breakfast. The velvety texture of the rhubarb makes this a delectable, and not to be missed, pantry item. Orders may be placed via our Contact page. Thank you for all the appreciative comments on our literary theme and our wall of thought provoking quotes. Tis the season for wine, cheese, good food and books ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/6/30/52-weeks-without-a-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-09-06 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5775a0c7b8a79b8adec81b25/1467326681794/ Blog - 52 weeks without a supermarket. July 1st This idea has been brewing for a while inspired in part by the alarming treatment of Australian dairy farmers by the major supermarket conglomerates. With a family history rooted on the land and an awareness of the extent to which those who produce our food struggle, I decided that it was time to do something. Australia is blessed with an abundance of high quality produce, equal to if not superior to that produced by countries celebrated in popular culture as paragons of food quality. Despite this, in recent years so many of our farmers have been caught in a deepening crisis where the vaguaries of the Australian climate has merged with the market power of big supermarkets and a flood of cheaper imports to drive a growing number of agribusinesses to the wall. I've seen first hand how tough it is to make a living from agricultural existence. Because every dollar spent by consumers makes a statement it's important to spend wisely and make careful choices. In Australia, as in any market economy, spending has an impact. It is for this reason that I have decided to not shop at a major supermarket chain for the next 52 weeks. Let me clarify - by the term 'major supermarket chain' I am not referring to the independents or family run businesses. Rather, I am referring to the two large supermarket chains which collectively dominate the food and grocery retail sector. Despite beginning this initiative on the eve of a Federal election, this is not political. Everybody needs food. So we need to support the people who produce it. Each week I'll be blogging about seasonal produce, any challenges in finding specific products, the discovery of new products, the exciting food world that is Melbourne's array of farmer's markets and more. If this makes a handful of people stop and think about spending choices, then I'll be happy ! First stop this weekend.......St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market, located behind Acland St, Saturday July 2nd. (This will be a rare day off for me.) Looking forward to seeing what's available. Have a great weekend ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/7/2/week-1-no-supermarket-for-52-weeks monthly 0.5 2016-07-05 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57774d55725e253c38dc35c1/1467436395160/ Blog - Week 1 - no supermarket for 52 weeks July 2nd - Sunny Fresh and Crisp: A perfect winter morning for a Farmer's Market. The St Kilda Veg Out Farmer's Market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Located behind Melbourne's famous (some might say "infamous") Acland St., the market has a fantastic array of fresh fruit & vegetables, meat, chicken, gourmet cheeses, nuts, coffee, condiments, sweet treats and more. Moreover, its all Victorian grown! This morning's shopping adventure started with a large amount of citrus - lemons, oranges, tangelos and limes. This was followed by a visit to the fine folks at Pacdon Park who produce the most delectible hams, english style sausages, bacon and an ominous looking haggis which I must confess I have thus far been too timid to try! (Sadly I am still a little of a culinary wimp!) This was followed by more fruit and veg, all of it fresh and bursting with flavour, delectable beef from the wonderful Warialda Belted Galloway Beef, some gorgeously creamy Artisan blue cheese from Locheilan, Schulz organic greek yogurt and because I was in the mood for an indulgence some organic hazelnut chocolate from my friends at Cocoa Rhapsody. Even when I'm not actually working in a weekend market I can't imagine being anywhere else. I have so many talented friends making amazing products - and coast to coast our country is rich with similar talent. Now home from the market I should launch myself into making some warming winter fare for the coming week. Better ingredients, better life ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/7/11/week-2-52-weeks-without-a-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-07-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5783646be58c622c6958e9ea/1468228734100/ Blog - Week 2 - 52 weeks without a supermarket It's been another blissful week without the supermarket ! This shot was taken on an early morning foray to the Queen Vic market, in between deliveries. Considered decisions can be made in the peace and quiet of an early morning shop. Gleaming counters boast wide selections of the best in cheeses, meats, dairy, honey, nuts and seeds, dips, spices and much more. Handcrafted artisan products are in great abundance. This is a peaceful space free of trolley rage, where car parking is free from Sunday to Friday, between 6 - 10 am. It's well worth the trip. The market itself, is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This is an ideal place to stock up on weekly snacks. A variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruits can be combined to make your own trail mix packs. Look out for a recipe on our Facebook page for "Birdseed Bar". This quick and easy recipe will make a good supply of scrumptious, refined sugar free, muesli type bars. It's probably a little too early to make a definitive comment, but so far, the weekly food shop costs are down by 20 - 30 %. Other (significant) benefits include - stress / cost free parking, no "jamming" trolley wheels, no depressing queues under harsh fluorescent lighting that lead to self serve registers that repeatedly announce "assistance required" and no elevator music ! What's not to love ? Have a great week ! K   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/7/13/australian-food-awards-2016 monthly 0.5 2016-07-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/578610f915d5dbb0fab7316a/1468403973991/ Blog - Australian Food Awards 2016 I'm feeling very honoured to have been awarded this Bronze medal in the 2016 Australian Fine Food Awards, for our original Pear Lime & Chilli Chutney, savoury preserves section. Now prepping large quantities of this product. K https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/7/17/week-3-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-07-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/578b85445016e131ea7c166a/1468761433286/ Blog - Week 3 - 52 weeks without the supermarket A good part of this weekend was spent at the original Ballendella Farm. This was the farm of many happy childhood summers. It was the farm pioneered by my great grand parents - Harold & Lillian Waterman, early 1900's. This is the veranda we sat on during hot summer afternoons, drinking Aunty Olive's gorgeous, thirst quenching Lemon Cordial - the same popular cordial we make today. Blood Orange season is almost upon us and we'll have plenty of this much sought - after, ruby red favourite. I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with some dairy farmers while in the area. Many family run dairies in the region are generational. Some are only just breaking even, while others are running at a loss. They all work 7 days a week, and they all face a level of uncertainty that is difficult for most city folk to imagine. I stopped in at a few farms and was lucky enough to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables picked straight from garden beds, herbs, freshly laid eggs, honey, nuts, meat, cheese and much more. I find the current debate on "illegal raw milk" quite intriguing - we drank this during childhood, and never got sick !! It's been a weekend of reflection. Have a great week ! K https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/7/24/week-4-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket-1 monthly 0.5 2016-07-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57952af2bebafb2f1183292c/1469393675641/ Blog - Week 4 - 52 weeks without the supermarket The simple things in life, are the best things... A visit to a regional area is a great place to stock up on local produce and seasonal fruit and vegetables. It is worth hunting down local farms to directly purchase from the farmers. Over the last few days, I've been able to find a delectable array of apples, citrus fruit, a wide selection of vegetables, freshly laid eggs, apiary direct honey (at a fraction of city prices !), nuts, seeds, dried fruits and more. I was particularly impressed with the cauliflower cut straight from the vegie patch - it was the freshest, most fragrant and best looking cauli I've ever seen ! Never thought cauliflower could be so exciting ! Some will be made into a cream cauliflower soup (yes of course - homemade stock) and drizzled with a little truffle oil. I came across some luscious olives at a roadside stand. These had been grown and partially pickled by an Italian family. Maria explained to me that she had prepared these with a little chilli and some fennel seeds - delicious in a simple tomato based pasta. I whizzed up some of these beauties into a tapenade, using the following ingredients: Olive Tapenade Olives, freshly crushed garlic, few capers and a drizzle of good quality olive oil - whiz these together in the small bowl of a food processor. Add a few drops of lemon juice and some cracked pepper. Add olive oil or lemon juice according to taste / desired consistency. This will keep for about a week in the fridge. Serve on bruschetta toast with a glass of wine or stir into pasta. Enjoy !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/8/2/week-5-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-08-02 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57a0920c37c58117f3e6e379/1470140959068/ Blog - Week 5 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Nothing special to report this week without the supermarket. So following on from the success of the recent medal at the Australian Food Awards, I throught I'd share this delicious recipe that has been a hot favourite with family and friends. It features the prize winning - Pear Lime & Chilli Chutney. There's nothing quite like a really good sandwich, roll or burger. And I think the key is to use the freshest and best available ingredients as well as adding a few homemade touches - such as mayo, chutney, sauce etc. A brioche roll makes this an absolutely mouth watering burger. Check this out... Chicken PLC Burger Mix 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika and mustard powder in a bowl. Coat bite size chicken pieces (chicken thigh fillets are best) in the flour. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown (about 6-7 mins each side) and drain on kitchen paper. Layer the burger as follows: Spread some homemade mayo (or quality bought mayo) on the brioche bun. Add some chicken pieces, couple of red onion rings, a generous spoonful of MBK Pear Lime & Chilli Chutney, thinly shaved cucumber slices and a pinch of black sesame seeds. Enjoy with a chilled beer !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/8/9/week-6-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-08-09 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57a9d926b8a79bb9366ee5d7/1470750726346/ Blog - Week 6 - 52 weeks without the supermarket A nod to my Russian ancestors... There's nothing quite like Borscht soup in the winter. (It's also lovely chilled in the summer.) So with a fresh lot of produce from the Farmer's Market on the weekend, I decided to make a batch. All through my childhood, this was a dish that we had regularly. My Russian grandparents picked us up from school once a week. At that time, baboushka didn't have a driving licence. My grandfather always wore a hat, usually a peaked Kangol. As we approached the car, he would always get out and open the door for us. We were the only kids in the school with a Russian name, and that made us slightly unusual. Then as other kids noticed our grandfather opening the door, there was some talk that we were picked up by a chauffeur. That made us very unusual. Back at the house, baboushka would be quickly back in the kitchen, preparing and serving. Dinner was always early, and soup, mostly Borscht, was served first. The beetroot should be added last and not cooked for too long. This results in a gorgeous pinkish red soup, rather than a brownish / red soup. Other vegetables may be added to suit - leeks, turnip, parsnip. Ingredients: 2 large fresh beetroot, parboiled and cooled 1 onion, finely chopped 2 sticks celery, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1/4 cabbage, shredded large can of diced tomatoes oil butter homemade chicken stock Peel and chop beetroot. Fry onion in oil and butter until soft. Add all vegetables, except beetroot and fry until softened. Season. Add tomatoes and mix. Pour in stock until desired thickness is reached and bring to a gentle simmer. Add beetroot last and simmer gently until tender. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh dill and rye bread. *At one stage of the cooking, baboushka often added a few drops of soya sauce. She always told me not to tell anyone that she was adding a "Chinese ingredient" ! She said it improved the flavour. (I don't add soya sauce.)   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/8/18/week-7-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-08-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57b5ac3aff7c506aed6fe8ab/1471523922328/ Blog - Week 7 - 52 weeks without the supermarket There's nothing quite like a roadtrip to stock up on fresh produce from roadside stalls and there were plentyto be found, between Adelaide and Melbourne. So I returned home with an impressive array of fresh fruit and vegies, nuts, honey, eggs, wine and more ! But the place that really caught my attention was Lola's Garage (pictured) located in Nhill. This amazing Aladdin's cave is located on the main road, right hand side as you head out of town towards Adelaide. You will find room after room full of sometimes rare and quirky, retro, vintage items. Clothes, books, furniture, general household items, textiles and more, can be found in abundance. I really enjoyed chatting with the delightful owners - sisters Pauline and Tania. I was most amused by the 1940's record that was playing a jaunty, sometimes crackly tune through wired up old speakers. I could have easily spent half a day happily fossicking ! Eventually I couldn't resist a giant Fowlers jar approximately 2 litres in size - perfect for large flowers. Can't wait to revisit when next headed for Adelaide. If you happen to visit, a sign out the front states "Open 12 - 5 sometimes". Check it out ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/9/5/week-8-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-09-05 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57cdcac91b631bb8d8eba7a7/1473104626661/ Blog - Week 8 - 52 weeks without the supermarket As soon as Blood Orange season starts, it seems as if we're headed for Christmas on that rollercoaster rush ! This year, I'm taking the time to "be present". It takes away all that unnecessary stress and manufactured urgency (cleverly used for marketing purposes !) This delicious and refreshing product is gorgeous over ice with soda water (as pictured), and garnished with mint and strawberries. Alternatively, it can be added to an endless list of summery cocktails - our favourite Campari, Pimms, Champagne, Vodka Tonic, Gin & Tonic, Mojito and more... These oranges make a delectable marmalade, or can be dried and dipped into chocolate. These make thoughtful holiday gifts with a difference. Time for a straight up, freshly juiced Blood Orange before some more kitchen production ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/9/18/week-9-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-09-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57de49c8d482e9d2d56b5bd6/1474185695585/ Blog - Week 9 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Discover regional treasures... On a recent trip to Canberra, I took the Jugiong exit off the Hume Freeway (not far past Gundagai) on a recommendation, and headed for pretty much the only store in town - The Long Track Pantry. Upon entering, the charming old bull nosed verandah houses an attractive display of baskets, brooms and decorative items, in amongst old pine tables and an eclectic mix of chairs and stools. Once inside, the heavenly wafting aromas led me to the counter as I pondered one tantalising choice after another. I was suddenly enveloped in the warmth of baking while enjoying the scent of the busy, whirring coffee grinder. It was a bustling lunchtime period and I was lucky to secure the last table. I believe there's nothing like a really great sandwich, and my instincts told me that this store was only delivering winning tickets ! In the end, I chose a humble cheese toastie......oh my !!! Homemade bread and butter, a beautiful Wensleydale cheese and a generous serve of housemade Red Onion Relish. This heavenly sandwich was perfectly crisped on the outside complimenting the moreish, melted interior. The side garden salad with a splash of housemade dressing, was the perfect pairing for this delightful sandwich. Simplicity at it's best and oh so satisfying ! I couldn't have left this store without a few pantry items. Of course I coudn't go past the Red Onion Relish and that yummy dressing - known as Long Track Dressing. I was intrigued by a Plum & Passionfruit Jam, Apricot and Almond Jam as well as a large bottle of some very aromatic balsamic dressing. Lovely purchases indeed ! This gorgeous store, bursting with creativity and high quality, artisan goods is one of the best "off the beaten track" places I've come across in ages. I'm now researching more hidden treasures, for future road trips. I certainly can't wait to revisit The Long Track Pantry ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/10/10/week-10-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-10-10 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/57fbee4ab8a79bf13e08be7f/1476128618489/ Blog - Week 10 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Laundry detergent for one year - $10 These simple ingredients will make enough laundry detergent to last a long time. Of course this depends on family size and frequency of washing. And it couldn't be simpler to make ! You'll need to collect some containers to store this. 2 litre plastic vinegar bottles are ideal. This recipe makes about 10 litres of liquid. You'll need (as pictured) - Pure Soap Flakes, Washing Soda (sometimes known as Electric Soda) and Borax. Yes - that's it - only 3 ingredients ! You can also add a few drops of a favourite scent of essential oil. I usually add a few drops of pure lavender oil. Place a cupful of the soap flakes into a saucepan and mix with 1.5 litres of water. Stir over heat until dissolved. Add half a cup of Borax and half a cup of Washing Soda to the mixture. This will become very thick as it heats. This thick mixture forms the "base" of the detergent. Pour this mixture into a 10 litre bucket. Fill the bucket with tap water and stir well. Some of the mixture will separate, but this will not affect the end result. At this stage, I add a few drops of a favourite essential oil - usually lavender, geranium or eucalyptus. Decant the mixture into containers and store. Do not fill containers right to the top. Leave some room to shake the detergent prior to using. Use approximately half a cup per load of washing. *Some years back, I noticed myself always sneezing in the detergent aisle of the supermarket. I started to wonder about all the perfumes and synthetic ingredients in commercial detergents. I made a lot of soap, candles, various cleaners and detergents with my great aunts in the country, as a young child. So I decided to give it a crack - it couldn't be easier, or cheaper ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/10/17/week-11-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-10-17 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5805282c15d5db2004575512/1476732988138/ Blog - Week 11 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Pickling & preserving There's nothing quite like preserving fruit and vegetables from one season, and enjoying in another. In the cooler months, a jar of pickles or preserves will bring back summer memories of harvesting on warm afternoons, or a visit to a local farmers market. These pickles are so quick and easy to make - and super tasty ! The raw zucchini is rinsed and salted so that it retains a delicious crunch. And a row of these looks very attractive on any shelf. I often use these as part of my decoration when in various markets and events. Invariably, I have customers asking to purchase these unlabelled jars. I have given away many of these to loyal customers ! These pickles are particularly good in a hamburger or with smoked salmon. Try also in a sandwich with aged cheddar on on top of grilled cheese.       https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/10/23/week-12-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-10-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/580d4bef893fc089409ba9e6/1477266446396/ Blog - Week 12 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Preserved vegetables Preserving vegetables is a great way to keep a few staple items on hand for an antipasto platter, a pasta dish or a salad addition. And it couldn't be easier ! These simple, slow roasted tomatoes are bursting with flavour that seems to develop with the slow roasting. The roast capsicum are slightly fiddly, but well worth the mouth watering, colourful, sweet result. Sealed in a jar, these make perfect hostess gifts. Slow Roasted Tomatoes with fresh Thyme 12 large, ripe tomatoes olive oil salt, pepper, fresh thyme Pre heat the oven to 160 degrees. Cut tomatoes in half and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a little olive oil. Break off small pieces of thyme and scatter over tomatoes. Roast in oven for 3 - 4 hours, until the skins are wrinkled. Move tray, if necessary, to ensure even cooking. Leave on tray until cooled. Fill clean glass jars with tomatoes and top with enough olive oil to submerge tomatoes. These will keep for about 3 months. Try serving over homemade pasta with freshly grated parmesan. Simplicity & deliciousness ! Roast Capsicum with Capers 3 large red capsicum 1 large yellow capsicum 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup water 2 tbsp white sugar 1 tsp salt 1 clove crushed garlic 1 tbsp capers olive oil Pre heat oven to 180 degrees. Place capsicum on a tray and bake. Turn frequently until skin is blistered on all sides. Remove from oven, put capsicum into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 15 minutes. (This will make it easy to remove skins.) Gently remove skin and drain off juice. Slice into strips and add capers. Boil vinegar, water, sugar, salt and garlic over medium heat. Pour onto the capsicum and leave for 30 minutes. Drain capsicum (keeping some of the liquid) and pack into clean jars. Add a tablespoonful of brine to each jar, and top with olive oil. These capsicum can be used right away, but more flavour will develop over being left to sit for a few days. These will keep in the fridge for 3 months. Serve with pasta, bruschetta or in a sandwich. It is these types of homemade condiments that create unforgettable flavours !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/11/13/week-13-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-11-13 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5828606c893fc0eadc67020b/1479041157749/ Blog - Week 13 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Boxes and boxes of oranges, lemons and my favourite Blood Oranges. After weeks and weeks of freezing winds and rain, these are the things that are lifting my spirits - boxes of sunshine that can be made into the most delectable marmalades, juices and cordials. This weekend's markets - eggs, bacon, ham, radishes, kale, apples, rhubarb, yogurt, organic chocolate, handmade cheeses, gourmet mushrooms, armloads of beautiful flowers and more. Everything you need can be found in local farmer's markets. Support small growers and producers whenever you can. Hanging out for summer ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/12/5/week-14-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-12-05 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5845f30cb8a79b9769cd8533/1480979242820/ Blog - Week 14 - 52 weeks without the supermarket November 25 - 27th, Bowerbird, Adelaide On the recent drive over to Adelaide to attend Bowerbird, I was thinking about the transition of my hobby into a full time business. One of the things I love about a roadtrip, is the time to think. It's all too easy to get onto that treadmill of 'busyness' and not have enough time to think and plan, especially at this time of year. I think I planned all of 2017 on the trip over ! I could never have envisaged all the new friends and networks that now surround me. I am constantly amazed and inspired by the people I know who make and design - gourmet food, textiles, clothes, jewellery, shoes, knives, wooden spoons, art work, paper products and so much more. Bowerbird is a high end, thoughtfully curated event, hosting the best of creativity from SA and Australia wide. On this trip, I met makers and designers who had made long trips from Perth, Brisbane and remote Tasmania. It was such a pleasure to discuss and exchange ideas, at the end of each flat out busy day of trading. I was happy to do some quality Christmas shopping at Bowerbird. And I had many customers who specifically came to Bowerbird to do their entire Christmas shopping. There were also many interstate visitors who specially flew in for the event. Being Christmas, this all added to the festive vibe of the weekend. The pavilion was exquisitely decorated, and there were many engaging workshops to attend. And for all the folk who stopped for delicious, gourmet food and drinks to refresh themselves, there were long boarding school style refectory tables with long lines of vases filled with pretty posies. It was truly an inspirational atmosphere. As a small maker, I can say that we (small batch producers), are a group of really passionate and committed individuals. It's really hard at times - lifting heavy things and bad weather at outdoor events - just to name a couple of tricky factors. But when things come together, such as at these premier events, there's such an incredible sense of satisfaction at having made something with your own two hands, and a whole lot of imagination. This time I decided to try some "glamping" down at the beach. As I fell asleep listening to the waves, I thought about new product lines, friends working alongside me, stunning artworks, detailed designs, new friends, my favourite wine bar in Adelaide.... Find what you really love doing. Then surround yourself with your "tribe". The level of satisfaction and fulfillment is beyond measure. Time passes anyway....so you may as well do what you love. https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/12/15/week-15-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2016-12-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/585364a69de4bbb7ae656e9e/1481860282964/ Blog - Week 15 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Staples A country town is often a great place to stock up on some good quality, homemade preserves, and basic staple items. On a recent road trip, I came across this display in a country town bakery, and I couldn't resist. The Mustard Pickles (bottom shelf, large jar), are some of the best I've ever tasted ! If this jar can last until Christmas, it will be delicious with left over ham. The various marmalades I purchased, were equally as spectacular. I can see why this award was won. Whoever made these condiments is seriously talented. It is inspiring to taste and learn from others. Other great places to stock up on high quality condiments and preserves, are church and school fetes, CWA fundraisers and community events. Support small makers, producers and growers ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2016/12/27/week-16-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-01-04 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58630616f7e0abc3cf8da6b5/1482884646034/Strawberry+plate.png Blog - Week 16 - 52 weeks without the supermarket As the end of the year approaches, I'm thinking about all the local / small growers I've gotten to know. With each season, I look forward to variety in available produce. And in Victoria, we have a wide selection of fresh, high quality ingredients. Every weekend, in just about every Melbourne suburb, there are so many markets and events where fresh goods are available. Anecdotally, it's becoming increasingly obvious to me how many individuals are growing their own produce, keeping chooks in the city, composting, recycling and even making some really impressive patches of greenery on apartment balconies etc. These activities are not the odd "greenie environmental" tasks that were once the domain of a small group viewed as "extreme" or "hard line" nerds. It's fantastic to see that such simple and ultimately rewarding jobs, are becoming increasingly mainstream. I clearly remember 20 years ago when I wanted to install a water tank in our small, inner Melbourne garden. Not only was it not permitted at that time, the local council threatened to fine me if I went ahead and installed a tank ! Needless to say, I couldn't find a single plumber who was willing to take that risk, at that time. Thankfully, this has all changed. There used to be two types of farming - farmers who grew fruit and vegetables according to the seasons and allowed produce to ripen on the trees - like my great grandparents on the "Ballendella" farm. And the other type - the ones who use(d) all kinds of sprays and pesticides with largely unknown ingredients. There were no fancy labels such as - organic, bio dynamic etc. The first was known as regular farming, and the second - spray farming. Just saying... I get as much produce as I can from such "regular" small growers (who cannot afford the prohibitively high cost (and sometimes questionable), organic certification. It is very easy to get seasonal produce that is not sprayed (and therefore technically "organic"). It takes a little scouting around in the beginning, but it is well worth the effort. Visit a Farmer's market, find some small growers, start growing some herbs - these small things all add up to better quality lifestyle. Happy New Year, K https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/1/4/week-17-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-01-04 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/586d7b4de6f2e1de11258b61/1483570017331/ Blog - Week 17 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Hello 2017 !! Summer is the time for an abundance of gorgeous stone fruits. Baboushka (my Russian grandmother), had apricot and plum trees in her garden, and this time of year always reminds me of her. All summer long, her small kitchen smelled fragrant and sweet with these fruits. Undertones of vanilla added to the enticing aromas of this kitchen. Try and find some trees where you can fill your own containers with spray free fruit - small growers are often happy to do this. For the following recipes, try to use good quality plums when at their ripest. The thickness and consistency of this jam, always varies with the ripeness of the fruit. The varying stages of ripeness, have differing pectin levels. All fruit contains its own natural pectin. Adding lemon juice to jam, causes the fruit to release its own pectin. If jam is not setting, add a little more lemon juice, and boil for an extra few minutes. Making jam, like any relationship, is based on the solid, scientific principles of chemistry. The chemistry needs to be just right - moderate amount of initial, gradual heat, followed by boiling, and then the setting. And finally - the cooling down. If any one of these elements overpowers the other, the end result will be less than satisfactory. So give this a try... Plum Jam 2 kgs ripe plums, halved & stones removed 1 kg white sugar Juice of 1 - 2 lemons 1 cup water Bring all ingredients gently to the boil, stirring frequently so there is no sticking. Bring to setting point and pour into sterilised jars, and seal. *Testing for setting point - place a few saucers in to the freezer. Place a small amount of jam onto the cold plate. If jam "wrinkles" on the surface, it is ready to pour into jars. If not, add a little more lemon juice, boil for about 5 more minutes, and test again. And another plum favourite - "Kissel" Kissel is a Russian style, summer fruit jelly that can be made with plums, apricots or apples. I remember many summer evenings, sitting on Baboushka's back porch, eating this delectable treat. It was served chilled, with a splash of cold milk on top. Halve plums and remove the stones. Place into a saucepan, add a squeeze of lemon juice and barely cover with water. Poach until soft. For each cup of plums, mix 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tsp of cold water. Add sugar to taste and briefly bring to the boil. Chill thoroughly before serving. Enjoy !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/1/18/week-18-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-01-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/587f5ecd579fb34ec46e1e61/1484742373135/ Blog - Week 18 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Home is not just the walls we exist inside. It is not the furniture, endless chattels, walls, windows or slick renovations. It is in the smells - freshly brewed coffee, bread straight out of the oven, poached summer fruits, sun dried laundry - well that's how I see it. One of the things I loved in early childhood, was the weekly visit to the Health Food Store with my mother. Grains, nuts, dried fruits and many other items were purchased, and brought home in our own containers. Mum would whip up toasted muesli, raw vegan blueberry cakes and we drank carrot juice. We also drank "raw" milk straight out of the vat from the dairy down the road. This is now illegal and deemed highly dangerous. We were considered to be "real hippies" - how times have changed ! But I must confess, I often secretly longed for "shop biscuits" and many other items such as white bread and Western Star salted butter - well that's what everyone else had at home, and in their lunch boxes at school. Making a batch of delicious toasted muesli often brings back these fond memories. Easy, quick and far more cost effective than commercially available equivalents (even with organic ingredients), this is a great staple to have on hand for breakfasts throughout the week. The roasting smell is heavenly ! *The dried fruits and nuts can be substituted with preferred choices. Maple Vanilla Toasted Muesli *Pre heat oven to 140 degrees. Combine - 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp vanilla paste. Mix together - 4 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup almonds, 1/2 cup pepitas, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1/2 cup shredded coconut. Stir in the syrup. Spread onto shallow oven trays and roast for about 30 mins, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup cranberries, 1/2 cup currants and 1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped, and roast for another 10 - 15 mins. Store in airtight jars and enjoy with yogurt, poached fruit or fresh fruit.                   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/2/1/week-19-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-02-01 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/589254a346c3c444a47fe6d4/1485984950402/ Blog - Week 19 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Clementines, Degraves St, Melbourne CBD In 2011, Melanie Ashe identified an imbalance between imported and local goods. This "one of a kind" store, opened it's doors just a short time ago, and houses all things strictly Melbourne and Victorian made. This is a treasure trove full of carefully selected handmade gourmet produce, homewares and gifts. And this is not just for tourists. There are plenty of gorgeous gift items to choose from, or you may just need a little something for yourself. Apart from a visual feast, you'll be greeted with a big smile and some subtle and enticing aromas. And this is a store that certainly provides the customer with an "experience". Owner, Melanie knows every producer in her store and is passionate about all things Melbourne and Victorian. Needless to say, the customer service here is exceptional. As a small producer, it is such a pleasure to work with a business such as "Clementines". Fortunately, there is a strong, increased and increasing appreciation, of high quality handmade goods. You'll find a range of Made by Katherine fruit cordials available here, conveniently located in the CBD. Just look for the cute little orange vespa parked in the laneway ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/2/8/week-20-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-02-08 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/589aac4c579fb37545859bb6/1486531677120/ Blog - Week 20 - 52 weeks without the supermarket In 2016, I was completely new to the arcane world of distilling. Christmas 2016 saw the successful launch of Blood Orange Gin at Handmade Canberra, held in early December at Exhibition Park. Our MBK Blood Orange Cordial was cleverly combined with the artisan gin from The Canberra Distillery. Like our products, The Canberra Distillery makes all product lines from scratch. Traditional eastern European methods using wheat or potatoes and / or other ingredients, are used to make the spirit base. No commercial spirit bases are ever used by this distillery that prides itself on a "sense of place and purpose". We are now working on the next joint project of combined flavours and very excited to launch it in Canberra again, at the next Handmade Market. Same venue - Exhibition Park, March 18th & 19th, 2017. These delicious products sold out very quickly last December. Get in early to avoid missing out !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/2/22/week-21-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-02-22 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58ad7fff3e00be979c319b64/1487765524527/ Blog - Week 21 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Delicious Cocktails 21 weeks without the supermarket has not driven me to the liquor cabinet ! In fact, it's quite the opposite and now, after almost half a year, I can truly say that a significant portion of stress has been removed from my usual everyday activities. So with reduced stress and plenty of warm weather still to come, here are some delicious serving suggestions with any of our MBK preservative free, fruit cordials - Champagne cocktail with Made by Katherine Pink Grapefruit Cordial - every bit as delicious as it looks ! (photo courtesy of Made by Maryanne). Our friends at The Canberra Distillery make some fine spirits, and all from scratch. Current popular favourite is MBK Pink Grapefruit Cordial with their gin or vodka. Other highly popular beverages with our cordials include: Mojito / Margerita / Moscow Mule / Sangria / Punch / Caipirinha / Pimms / Campari - just to name a few. A current favourite - the Brazilian Caipirinha Use a chilled "rocks glass" (lowball tumbler). Place quartered lime over ice and add a sprinkle of sugar. Stir. Add a splash of MBK Lime Cordial. Pour over Cachaca (Brazil's most common distilled beverage) - about 50 mls. Serve with a stirring rod. Tangy, a little sweet, refreshing - absolutely gorgeous !!   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/2/23/week-22-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-02-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58af8f3a2994ca54d7ba90c1/1487900495915/ Blog - Week 22 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Flourless Orange Cake with yogurt, black sesame, pistachios and MBK Orange Marmalade There's something very satisfying about making almost anything from scratch. It is worth checking ingredient labels of any mass produced product. Unfortunately here in Australia, widespread use of chemicals, synthetics and artificial ingredients, is still permitted in countless products. Be aware, read labels and as a general rule of thumb, any item that is listed as a number, should not be consumed. Some quick research on the internet will soon tell you exactly what these numbers are. This gorgeous flourless orange cake with only 5 ingredients, couldn't be simpler to make. As pictured, serve with Greek natural yogurt (or coconut yogurt for a vegan option), black sesame, crushed pistachios and a spoonful of our luscious, MBK Orange Marmalade. This is full tilt orange - you'll never want a commercial version ever again ! Once you start making your own things (no matter what they are), your palate will quickly identify "artificiality". Ingredients 2 oranges 6 eggs (or egg substitute for vegan option) 250 g almond meal 220g sugar 1 tsp baking powder Method Pre heat oven to 180 degrees. Boil the oranges whole for about 2 hours, until fairly soft. Cool, quarter and remove pips. Place oranges into a food processor with eggs, whizz till smooth. Add almond meal, sugar and baking powder and process for a few seconds, till smooth. Pour into a lined loaf tin and bake for 45 mins to 1 hour. Leave in tin until slightly cooled. Further cool on a wire rack. Enjoy this orange beauty ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/3/2/week-23-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-03-07 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58b89797d482e90722b9832a/1488492459739/ Blog - Week 23 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Raw Vegan Blueberry "Cheesecake" How good is this colour ?? Blueberries are one of my favourite in the berry family. They are so delicious, versatile and high in antioxidants. Fun fact -they are also one of the national foods of Finland. Try out this super easy and delicious recipe - it's a perfect quick afternoon snack when you just need that "little something". Firstly - soak 2 cups raw cashews for a couple of hours, until soft. In a food processor, combine - 1 cup of sunflower seeds, 1.5 cups pitted dates, 1 tbsp vanilla paste and 1 tsp black sesame seeds. Whizz together until it resembles crumbs. Press into a shallow 20 cm pan. Refrigerate. Process - the soaked cashews, 2 cups blueberries (if using frozen - allow to soften a little), 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp favourite nut butter (I used almond butter) and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and a deep, rich purple colour. Pour over the crust and spread evenly. Freeze for about 3 hours. Allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting. Store in the freezer. Delicious served with fresh blueberries and coconut yogurt. Be inspired by nature's colours ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/3/21/week-24-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-03-22 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58d1d5966a4963c19a09fd3d/1490146722709/Kasundi.png Blog - Week 24 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Kasundi What is Kasundi ? It is a spicy and very savoury, tomato based condiment used to accompany curries and other such wintry dishes. A couple of years back, when I added this product to our range, I envisaged it to be a popular winter condiment. It has turned out to be very versatile and popular all year round, with many of our customers enjoying it with a summer BBQ. In the warmer months, I purchase box loads of beautiful quality, spray free tomatoes directly from a grower in Northern Victoria. One of the many things I love about my work, is the network of great people I work with. Small growers and producers are passionate, committed and largely unassuming folk. I am in awe of their extensive knowledge. Recently, while heading back to Melbourne from an interstate event, I stopped to purchase such tomatoes. While I write this, an incredibly fragrant batch of Kasundi is simmering on the stove. After some unusually hot and humid weather, today really feels like an autumn day. I am thinking about Kasundi on sourdough toast with avocado for lunch. My kids love it on top of grilled cheese. It is also delicious with eggs on toast. Like all our products, it is also 'vegan friendly' and is a delicious addition to such dishes. We've also enjoyed this in hamburgers and sandwiches as well as with all kids of roasts and grills. We don't do anything super spicy, but if you desire extra heat - just add a pinch of dried chilli flakes. This product is available at all our regular markets, and is also now available in our online store. Time for that sourdough toast right now ! https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/4/21/week-25-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-04-21 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/58f9f45459cc68e4ebf4b583/1492776042812/ Blog - Week 25 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Late 70's, Lang Lang, Victoria My mother always dreamed of a little "getaway bush shack". So she built this. Yes - that's right. She built this sweet little shack entirely on her own ! Nestled in amongst some eucalypts, this small structure was a cosy place of reading, stories, cooking damper over a fire, writing and imagining. I remember hearing her talk about the walls, putting on the roof, collecting water for the small tank and all aspects of the structure. Even back then, I knew that I had, and still have, an incredible mother. Rosie is a woman who can shoot a gun, operate farm equipment, build things, recite poetry, cook just about anything over a fire or on a woodfire stove, crack a stockwhip, sew beautiful clothes and this list could go on for a lot longer. Recently retired from a school Principal position, she is a lady with a finely tuned, sharp mind. And on top of this, she has single handedly raised my Downs Syndrome brother Nicholas who is a fine young man. So as Mother's Day approaches, I am thinking of a suitable gift. And I'm stuck ! My mother has every possible, useful tool / piece of equipment under the sun. Recently at Easter there was talk of "needing a new wood shed". No doubt there will a start on this project very soon. My next project at the farm is putting in some new fruit trees. Looking at this photo reminds me of many sources of inspiration. The picture was taken by me with one of my first cameras - an Agfa with 35mm film. I spent a lot of my pocket money on film and developing pictures. I always remember that long week of waiting to pick the photos up from the chemist, and the excited bike ride down to the shop. So on the edge of a long weekend, remember the things that inspired you. Or find a satisfying DIY project. Or learn something new. Enjoy !   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/4/30/week-26-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-05-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5905da2659cc68420fd234e3/1493555769144/ Blog - Week 26 - 52 weeks without the supermarket A few favourites from this week... One of the best breakfasts I've had in a while was made complete with this gorgeous Rhubarb Sauce from Lana's Garden. Sourdough from Baker's Larder, Caravan Eggs poached, avocado, our own blend of Dukkah and a splash of Lana's magical rhubarb sauce. Lana's Garden - available online, markets & stockists. Long Track Dressing - this scrumptious dressing comes from one of my favourite stores, always visited on the way to Canberra. The Long Track Pantry pays homage to the gentle preserving arts of yesteryear in it's vast array of tempting, small batch, artisan products. Located in the beautiful Yass Valley area in Jugiong, it is essential to take a break from the Hume to rest and refresh at this unmissable destination. Long Track Pantry, Jugiong NSW, open 10 - 4pm, closed Tuesdays. Available online. Chunky Tomato Sauce from Gaffney's, Heathcote. Sauces, relish and olive oil (as pictured) all available instore at this family run bakery. Best to buy a few bottles at a time and you'll never buy commercially made sauce again ! Fresh ingredients in abundance and so many talented makers, growers and producers - we are so lucky here in Victoria. It is really encouraging to see an increasing awareness of buying locally. Support our small growers and makers. Know where your food comes from !     https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/5/10/week-27-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-05-10 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/59139ecaebbd1a46db5562de/1494458184054/ Blog - Week 27 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Victorian agriculture's premier dinner event happens tonight at the MCG, Members - Thursday May 11th, 7:30 pm. And we couldn't be more excited for one of our products to be featured on tonight's menu. Our award winning, original flavour - Pear Lime & Chilli Chutney will be a part of the entree dish, as chosen by the chefs for this event. This event is a recognition of a growing awareness of the paddock to plate chain. Over the last five years working in accredited Farmer's Markets, I have seen a noticeable increase in interest and demand for local, handmade, artisan produce that supports our growers. And there is a definite increase in awareness of the issues and challenges facing local agriculture. The day to day workings of everyday agriculture, small makers and producers were once far removed from urban dwellers. Now the spread of the "buy local" message has effectively reached huge numbers. Customers are now increasingly making conscious decisions to buy their produce from favourite regions, makers and growers. This has had, and continues to have, significant impact on Melbourne "foodie culture". Melbourne is home to many talented makers who are keen to support Victorian agriculture and this ranges from city restaurants to individual makers. So get along to a local Farmer's Market this weekend, ask the makers some questions and enjoy working in the kitchen with some quality ingredients. https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/6/7/week-28-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-06-07 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/59380229bebafb1297685499/1496842811710/ Blog - Week 28 - 52 weeks without the supermarket A few fabulous cocktail ideas - All our fruit cordials are perfect for adding a splash to a Gin & Tonic or a Vodka Tonic. However, you can be creative and add to almost any cocktail. Our MBK Lime Cordial is fabulous in the following and one of our favourites at Christmas: Mojito Fill a tall tumbler with ice. Pour in approx 50 mls of Havana White Rum, 50 mls of MBK LIme Cordial. Fill with soda and mix well. Submerge lime wedges into the drink and top with crushed mint. Don a Panama straw hat, sip & enjoy, preferably while lying in a hammock ! Other suggestions - Margarita, Caipirinha, Champagne cocktails, Pimms cocktail, Campari or have fun with your own ideas. Enjoy.   https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/6/21/week-29-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-06-21 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/594a10c9db29d64bd0e35d9b/1498026198053/ Blog - Week 29 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Swedish Glogg https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/6/28/week-30-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket-1 monthly 0.5 2017-06-28 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/59534ce61e5b6c9db5a5ae69/1498631416950/ Blog - Week 30 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Hygge The previous Swedish mulled wine post, neatly dovetails into this topic of "hygge". What is "hygge" ? It's a Danish word, pronounced (more or less), as "hoogah". In our house, we say "hig" and it's a concept we've embraced for a few years now. So what is this ? It's an abstract concept, embracing sensation and feeling around cosiness, warmth, community and a sense of deep appreciation of everyday simple pleasures. And it seems to be of particular relevance in winter. In the last couple of years, it seems we can't get enough of these Nordic secrets to good living. Books and articles on this topic, have popped up everywhere like mushrooms. Instagram has provided a perfect platform for hands around rustic mugs of cocoa, fuzzy knits, moody Icelandic landscapes, steaming cups of tea, cosy slippers, log cabins in the wilderness and so on. Hygge is all of these, and more. You can create your own hygge. It may be singular, or celebrated with a group of friends - afternoon tea, a bike ride or a dinner. Interestingly, the Danes are often ranked amongst the happiest people in the world. And this is despite some of the highest taxes in the world and some of the worst weather. Denmark has about 150 days of rain per year. And it seems that these vikings are masters of enjoying simplicity whether it be in areas of design, or a simple candlelit meal. Some of our favourite "hygge" things include - mulled wine and a movie (of course with the cosy slippers), a walk on the beach in the freezing wind followed by a steaming hot chocolate at home, a knitted project, fresh green foliage displayed in jars and an afternoon spent baking. Working outdoors over the last few years, has shown me that Melbourne is a pretty cold place for most of the year. It is the perfect place to get into some "hygge" ! The Danes have some of the highest global levels of consumption when it comes to pastries, coffee, alcohol, salt and pork. And they're really happy folk who don't seem inclined towards deprivation. I think they're onto something. Time to think about putting some more Nordic joy into everyday living. I'm off for a walk in the freezing cold while contemplating new ways to inject more into everyday life.           https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/7/5/week-31-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-07-05 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/595d633b20099ee5654c5ce5/1499292494144/ Blog - Week 31 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Hi - for those who don't know me - I'm Katherine. I make all kinds of condiments - jams, chutneys, sauces, pickles and cordials. I learned to make these things in very early childhood from my mother, great aunts in the country and Russian grandmother in Melbourne. Many happy summers were spent picking and preparing fruit to make into various preserves. Without realising, I learned about seasonality, how to set jam without pectin, organic farming, vacuum sealing, Fowlers jar preserving, a whole lot of family stories and more. When I think back to those times, I remember feeling a strong sense of specific seasonal activity. There was always something very safe and predictable in the set activities of each season. Cupboards and shelves were filled with beautiful produce to last through the coming months. With this came a strong ethos of hard work, not wasting anything and 'making do' with things at hand. I'm grateful for all of these skills and values, and hope some of these have been passed to my daughters. As I grew up, I continued to make these things and my interest in cooking spread to many other areas. When all my friends were asking for dolls as birthday presents, I remember asking for a specific kids' cookbook I'd seen in a bookshop. That cookbook was my favourite 7th birthday present. Hopefully I'll unearth it one day at my mother's farm. The first thing mum and I made from that book, was "Croque Monsieur". And so my love affair with cooking began. Around that time, I decided to make and write my own cookbook. I hand wrote favourite recipes, drew pictures and put it all into a dark red folder and called it "My 70's Cookbook" - another item to be unearthed one day from the farm ! As an adult, I have often given handmade gifts for Christmas and birthdays. I don't think I've ever made just two or three jars of something. There's always been batches of numerous jars. Some years back, at the encouragement from friends, I started to sell condiments in small, local events - church fairs, school fetes and community events. Right from those early days, I made some really great friends. Soon I started to attend a few small events here and there. At that stage, I didn't even have a business name. One day an organiser called me and asked me "What is your business name ?" I hesitated and thought that sounded very serious and official. And I said the first thing that came to mind - and so "Made by Katherine" started. This hobby got busy. I had a full time office job and found myself cooking in the evenings and selling on the weekends - usually both Saturday and Sunday. Events got bigger, quantities increased and it became clear that there were decisions to be made. I took the big, scary step of leaving a secure job to build my hobby into a full time job. This is actually the topic that I have written about in my eBook, recently released on Amazon - details below. I felt so nervous in those early days. There were, and still are - highs, lows, laughter, tears, new experiences, amazing roadtrips and more. The picture in this post is from the early hobby days, not so long ago. I think it's important to look back and see where you started, and to remember why you started. So much has happened since those early beginnings - literally blood, sweat, tears, tenacity, joy and one incredible exhilerating ride. There are times when it is still tough. But when you are doing something you are really passionate about, you can find a way to 'push through' and keep going. Find the thing that you really love doing or making. Don't wait for the perfect time, the right amount of money, the right relationship, the perfect home office studio, a gleaming commercial kitchen (I wish !) and so on. Life is punctuated with some really big moments, both good and bad, but it is the small things of everyday life that make up an existence. Life consists of our daily activities - so you may as well love what you do, everyday. If you keep waiting for the 'right time' or the 'right situation', life will just keep on ticking by. As a favourite musician of mine, once said -"Better to die on your feet than live on your knees......oh....oh.....the power and the passion.....Peter Garrett / Midnight Oil classic 80's ! "Full Time Hobby" by Katherine Chernov, available on Amazon Australia, UK & USA. https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2017/7/9/week-32-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2017-07-09 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/596216b759cc6871fef3c531/1499600585844/ Blog - Week 32 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Winter citrus With an abundance of gorgeous winter citrus around at the moment, I thought this would be an opportunity to share a delicious Mandarin Marmalade recipe. The trees at the farm are bursting with mandarins (pictured), lemons, grapefruit and oranges. Melbourne Farmer's Markets have some great produce, a lot of which is spray free - chat to the farmers / growers - they're always willing to share information. Buying directly from growers and producers means the continuation of high quality goods, as well as wide variety. Some citrus can be easily grown in relatively small spaces, even in tubs on a balcony. 1 kg mandarins / 800 g white sugar / juice of 2 lemons / 2 cm piece of lemon rind Boil mandarins whole for approx 50 mins. Drain water and cut into quarters, removing any seeds. Whizz in a food processor until chopped. Put back into the saucepan and add the sugar, lemon juice and rind. Boil gently for about 40 minutes, stirring often. To test for setting - place a couple of small plates into the freezer. Place a small spoonful of marmalade onto a cold plate. Push a spoon through the middle of the marmalade. If the surface "wrinkles", it has reached setting point. If not, add a few more drops of lemon juice and boil for 5 more minutes. Test again. The lemon juice causes the fruit to release its' own natural pectin. I make all jam and marmalade this way, so that every product is completely free of any artificial ingredients. When ready, pour the marmalade into sterilised jars, seal and label. This will keep for several months in a cool, dark cupboard. Once opened, store in the fridge - it probably won't last there for too long ! Try this marmalade on fruit toast with ricotta and a pinch of cinnamon. Enjoy x https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/blog/2018/2/22/week-33-52-weeks-without-the-supermarket monthly 0.5 2018-02-22 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5a8ead89419202db324d1d3c/1519299995947/Pickles+%3A+tablecloth.png Blog - Week 33 - 52 weeks without the supermarket Long overdue, but not forgotten... I finished my 52 weeks without the supermarket, last year. But with so many interstate events in the second half of last year, this blog fell a little to the wayside. I met so many new small makers last year, did a lot of product swaps, heard some great stories on roadtrips, revived old recipes and tried out some new potential products. One of the things I really enjoyed was getting back into making pickles. My Russian grandmother always had these (either homemade or store bought), in her fridge. Over the warmer months, I've really been enjoying these. Quick and easy to make, they are a great snack or side, to many dishes. Most recipes include sugar in pickles. I don't use any at all and prefer the really savoury type of pickles with garlic, ginger, a little chilli, peppercorns, mustard seeds and so on. Radish & Spring Onion Pickle 1 bunch radishes 6 stalks spring onion mustard seeds, peppercorns, salt, bay leaf, crushed garlic, grated fresh ginger, fresh red chilli (to taste) vinegar (I prefer apple cider vinegar), water Place chopped vegetables into a bowl. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of salt over vegetables. Place a dish over the vegetables, cover with a teatowel and weight down with a couple of heavy cans. Leave overnight, strain off liquid and rinse well under cold water. Place spices into a small saucepan with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. I used about 1 tsp of each, of garlic and ginger. Bring to the boil. Spoon spices into a clean, sterilised jar. Fill jar with radishes and spring onions. Pour over the liquid. This quantity will make about one 500 ml jar. Leave to cool, label and store in the fridge. These are good to eat next day, once chilled. They will easily last a few weeks in the fridge. Ours get devoured quite quickly ! Homemade pickles add a delicious, crunchy freshness to hamburgers and sandwiches. *Finely sliced white or purple cabbage works well in this style of pickling. https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/home daily 1.0 2017-11-17 https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/gallery daily 0.75 2018-01-23 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55ffcb77e4b0e0c15148d01f/1442827129524/jamsstraight.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcb8e4b0d726d8a6e41e/1439358138325/11117923_504646843033648_3559354799640200298_o.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcb7e4b00ab2850cb9b0/1439358136028/11742840_502195089945490_3095639415633411712_n.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcc5e4b0d97ae7fd69d2/1439358152504/10470733_386073328224334_7977869704368433693_o.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcc9e4b00ab2850cb9f3/1439358154524/12484_446968718801461_8475174111746039506_n.png Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcc9e4b0d97ae7fd69e3/1439358155276/10749955_396033263895007_6695507605233737021_o.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadccde4b0d97ae7fd69f4/1439358160210/10848896_399938773504456_1300570183455048534_o.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadccfe4b00ab2850cba06/1439358161404/11411691_481596395338693_4977801237213909459_o.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55cadcd5e4b0d97ae7fd6a0a/1439358167380/11535924_485603898271276_5320674365204898258_n.png Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55ffcb68e4b0e0c15148cfff/1442827115437/cordialjamyellow.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55ffcb6de4b03b9c78037a97/1442827120248/jamsabove.jpg Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/55cadcb4e4b0d97ae7fd69a5/55ffcb75e4b03b9c78037aa2/1442827127928/pinkjamcordialnocrop.jpg Gallery https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/hire-us daily 0.75 2015-08-26 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/55bf5573e4b075be2f05d48c/1510804381233/10749955_396033263895007_6695507605233737021_o.jpg Contact Us https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/terms-conditions daily 0.75 2017-03-07 https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/stockists daily 0.75 2017-04-12 https://www.madebykatherine.com.au/subscribe daily 0.75 2017-11-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bf50c4e4b0146b44a3ce0c/t/5a0d0b9d24a694b7d431aca3/1438602655659/10749955_396033263895007_6695507605233737021_o.jpg Subscribe