It’s the little things in life that make me happy…
…like having enough fresh cherries left over to bake a cake…
…or cooking with fresh eshallots from Maude’s garden…
…or scribbling on the kitchen whiteboard that Pete gave me for Christmas. Or better still, watching Small Man trying to figure out the physics of a submarine on it…
…or teaching our boys to play 500 (a card game similar to Bridge) – does anyone else play? It’s a great game, and one which comes with over twenty years of wonderful memories for Pete and I. It’s so nice to be able to share all of these with our sons. Small Man nearly wept with laughter when I looked at my cards and said, quoting his Uncle Kevin, “I have a hand like a foot!”
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Ahhh, 500, a game I know well. I was taught the finer points by my Nanna, who would accuse anyone who beat her of cheating! Sadly, none of my own children are interested, so we don’t play very often.
Going slightly off track, have you ever used potato onions? I got some in a multi pack from Diggers this year and they are growing beautifully, but I’m not sure whether they would best be used like a shallot or an onion.
By the way, your cherry cake looks delicious. Is it based on a butter cake?
Thanks Di, it’s a yoghurt based cake from Chocolate and Zucchini. The original recipe used blueberries and can be found here. I didn’t have anywhere near 3 cups of cherries, but it was perfect nonetheless!
500 – yes, there are perpetual allegations of “table talk” – I think it’s all part of the game! :)
And I’ve never heard of potato onions, they sound intriguing…thanks for the heads up!
Celia
They are the easiest onions I’ve ever grown – they practically grew themselves. They’re a clumping style, so you get 5 or more small onions from each bulb you plant. Mine are just about ready to harvest, looking forward to trying them.
Cheers, Di. I’ve let Pete know to try and find them – if you get a chance, I’d love to know how they taste when you harvest, please? Wikipedia tells me they’re a great variety for home gardens…
You crack me up. I’m so ticked off with myself cause I went shopping this weekend, forgot to buy all my mince….Hmmm.
I LOVE that cherry cake. I had some super delish cherries today…
Mmmmmh! The cherry cake looks yum! Another to add to my list of cakes to try – I don’t know how I’m ever going to get through them all.
Loved the idea of making peppermint creams too, but I don’t have a microwave (and don’t plan on acquiring one). So, I wonder, do the principals of tempering chocolate transfer easily to melting chocolate over hot water? i.e. does the chocolate get to that temp?
Thanks for such an inspiring, mouth watering blog.
Sharron
Thanks Sharron! :) Most of the instructions on how to temper chocolate tell you to melt it over hot water first – I just use the microwave because I find it easier. My only warning is to make sure that you don’t get any water into the chocolate as it’s melting, otherwise it might seize up. So when you take it off the simmering water, make sure you dry the bottom of the bowl – even a few drops can be problematic. Also, have a look at David Lebovitz’ instructions on tempering – he’s the expert! :)
Cheers, Celia
When can we teach the boys how to play with misere? I am sure I could coach them both well enough.
Pete V
I’m sure misere is French for “misery”…which is how I feel about the call, but yes, we’ll teach them soon enough. :)
I’m going to add this to my list of things to do. Wanna make one of your yoghurt based cakes.