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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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« In My Kitchen, July 2014
Recycled Cake Crumble »

Slowing Down

July 3, 2014 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

My friend Patrick once said to me…“Celia, you’ll sleep when you’re dead”.

He was referring tongue-in-cheek to how crazy busy our lives get sometimes. And indeed, the first half of this year was both hectic and stressful.

So for a couple of weeks, while everyone is on school and uni holidays, instead of making plans to go away or filling each day with activities, I’ve decided to do everything at half speed. I’m getting up later, cooking more (hey, I find that therapeutic) and spending less time on the internet. But I’m still taking photos on my iPhone to share with you – here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to…

I’ve been baking Pan Cubano with the garlicky lard we found in Petersham…

I opened an old bottle of wine and drank it with  my boys – I can’t tell you how happy I was to be able to do that. I had the bottle stashed in the cellar for over a decade waiting for such an occasion…

pet4

Life is always better when I get to have a cup of tea with my dear friend Tezza…

The weather is cooling, so I made treacle pudding for Small Man…

I only had a small piece…

This is how we eat when we’re feeling lazy – almost all the ingredients are in the freezer, and I can assemble the burritos in under an hour. I defrost tortillas, pulled pork, grated cheese and leftover rice, then cook a quick batch of frijoles refritos. The tortillas are filled, seasoned with a little chipotle salsa, then topped with cheese and baked to golden.

I used to use tinned refried beans, but Big Boy was emphatic that the frijoles made the dish, and it was important that they were freshly cooked. I love that my sons are so particular…

Curry puffs were on the menu last Friday, made with my new flaky pastry (I wasn’t quick enough to take a photo of them once they were out of the oven)…

I’ve been pottering in the garden, reading light novels with guaranteed happy endings, and playing games on the iPad…

I spent several hours making Paula Wolfert’s Morrocan Harira, which tasted very nice, but unfortunately all my photos ended up looking like dog food. If you’ve got Paula’s Clay Pot cooking book, the recipe is in there, and it caught my eye because it’s thickened with sourdough starter…

All in all, we’re pretty chilled out at the moment, and it’s glorious. How are things going in your part of the world?

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Posted in Food & Friends | 89 Comments

89 Responses

  1. on July 3, 2014 at 10:46 am Liz Posmyk of Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things

    Sounds delicious Celia. Pretty chilled here too, in more ways than one! It’s bloody freezing here, and this broken foot has forced me to be housebound and mainly seated… which is good and bad, as you can imagine. I love that you cracked such a beautiful bottle of wine to enjoy with your family. Hope the gloriousness continues love.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:35 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh hon, I hope the foot’s on the mend, I know how much you hate being laid up! Stay warm, it’s getting cold here too! xx


  2. on July 3, 2014 at 10:53 am nancy@jamjnr

    Celia, your half speed is my full speed haha!! That was a good drop to share with your boys x


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:36 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nancy, it really was, and it had aged perfectly. I was so happy! :)


  3. on July 3, 2014 at 10:55 am TIFFIN bite sized (@TIFFINbitesized)

    Oh…the garlicky lard… the only question I have to answer is, should I make the journey when I’m in Sydney in a few weeks time and transport back across the border?


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:36 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      hahaha… I’m sure you can get lard in Brissie, Fiona, but Petersham is always worth a visit! :)


  4. on July 3, 2014 at 11:01 am TIFFIN bite sized (@TIFFINbitesized)

    Actually, that’s a joke, I’m staying in Erskinville so of course I’ll be trying to get there! xx


  5. on July 3, 2014 at 11:03 am Francesca

    You call that slowing down??? although I can relate to that very old bottle of red wine and light games on the computer. Both these things help me to ‘turn off’.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:37 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Fran, I’ve read three novels in three days. Completely content at the moment. :)


  6. on July 3, 2014 at 11:13 am Madge

    Every dish in this post makes me want to have a mouthful, including the tea and wine. How wise you are to slow down for a while, I hope you reap much benefit. Thanks for still posting through your slow down.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:38 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Madge, even when I don’t have much to say, there are always certain friends whom I ring regularly just to touch base with. The blog is like that too, in a way, if that makes sense! :) Hope all is well! xx


  7. on July 3, 2014 at 11:49 am Manuela

    Lovely post! Today I’m at half speed too. It’s been raining, so I have been doing things in the house. They’ve been piling up waiting for a day like this! It’s been so dry and hot that the rain was appreciated.
    Enjoy the holidays!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:38 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hooray for rain, M! Hope it’s a gentle and easy time.. x


  8. on July 3, 2014 at 11:53 am lambsearsandhoney

    Pretty slow here too, Celia. Mostly just because I’ve got a boring head cold. Lots of cups of tea, though.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:39 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Amanda, we’ve been crook too. On the mend now, although Pete’s still coughing like he has the plague. Luckily we weren’t doing much this week! :)


  9. on July 3, 2014 at 12:27 pm theintolerantchef

    Enjoy your break Celia! You and your family take time to relax, regroup and ready yourselves for the rest of the year. Our holidays start next week, and it can’t be soon enough- I just wish BigJ could take a break too. Have a cuppa for me sweetie xox


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:39 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh hon, wouldn’t that be nice if I could guarantee the rest of the year will be easy and stress-free? Doesn’t look likely, but hey, this fortnight is very pleasant. Have a wonderful holiday love x


  10. on July 3, 2014 at 12:34 pm corneliaweberphotography

    Oh those Curry puffs looks delicious, since I am vegetarian, I am going to make them with potatoes, spinach and herbs. Wish me good luck. And thank you for sharing!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:39 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sounds fabulous Cornelia, enjoy!


  11. on July 3, 2014 at 12:52 pm Vita

    I often ponder about the day that I can share a bottle of something nice with my girl. Just over 10 years to go. Im not wishing my life away, but its something I am looking forward to.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:40 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Your turn will come soon enough, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did! :)


  12. on July 3, 2014 at 12:59 pm Elizabeth

    Tea DOES always make everything better!… I love, your bread, I can’t wait till mine looks that good! Liz x


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:40 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! Not sure my bread looks so crash hot here, but the boys do so love the lardy cuban loaves! :)


  13. on July 3, 2014 at 1:05 pm Eha

    DO enjoy doing what pleases you at YOUR half-speed! I am trying to go in the opposite direction after a difficult first six months with reams of notes of all I want to achieve in the ‘real world’ in the second half :) !


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:41 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Eha, I hope the second half of the year is all you hope it to be! x


  14. on July 3, 2014 at 1:53 pm Tandy | Lavender and Lime

    Sounds like bliss to me. I’m curious about using the starter as a thickening agent!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:41 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Tandy, it’s so interesting! Adds a slightly sour note to the dish as well!


  15. on July 3, 2014 at 2:03 pm EllaDee

    That’s a good effort at slowing down. You can’t just stop, and still want to eat well, so a happy balance. Plus in the cooler weather good food is a welcome source of distraction.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:41 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sigh. Sadly stopping altogether isn’t an option. Would be nice though, eh? :)


  16. on July 3, 2014 at 4:07 pm ladyredspecs

    So my question is, how was the wine? St Hugo is a fine drop with plenty of bottle age, but, being under cork, there is always risk….


    • on July 3, 2014 at 4:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Spectacular. I have a good selection of 98 Coonawarras.. :)


      • on July 3, 2014 at 9:01 pm ladyredspecs

        Lucky you…


  17. on July 3, 2014 at 5:28 pm Misky

    I’m most interested in learning about using a starter for thickening. Nifty idea.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:42 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Misky, it’s really interesting! And as you said, nice to be able to do something with the starter we normally discard!


  18. on July 3, 2014 at 5:44 pm Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    Enjoy your down time. You won’t have your boys forever so soak up every minute you can. The wine drinking made me smile. :) The curry puffs made me hungry.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:42 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maureen, I’m so aware of that! I think I’ve been aware of it since they were little – they seem to have grown up in a heartbeat!


  19. on July 3, 2014 at 5:47 pm frugalfeeding

    I think that’s a good idea… I’m already slowing down, Celia. I’m not even 24 yet!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:42 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Good for you, Nick! :)


  20. on July 3, 2014 at 6:25 pm Jane @ Shady Baker

    You had me at the treacle pudding Celia. It is funny…I have been writing a blog post (in my head as I often do before I start typing) about this very subject. School holidays and the freedom and flexibility it gives us and our families. It is a beautiful thing! Happy half speed holidays to you! x


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:43 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Happy half speed holidays to your lovely tribe as well, Jane! I love that you always understand what I’m trying to say, thank you.. xx


  21. on July 3, 2014 at 6:44 pm Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

    I like the idea of doing things at half speed. That seems like a low stress way of slowing down – sometimes having to remember to slow down is stressful in itself, but half speed sounds manageable! Enjoy the (much needed) break xo


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:43 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kari, I think we don’t realise how much stress takes out of us. Slowing down can be hard sometimes though! Thank you!


  22. on July 3, 2014 at 6:57 pm Sally

    I’ve just reached the UK and NEED to chill – I’ve not felt this exhausted for a long time. Would love some slow pottering time in the kitchen – hopefully when my little sister arrives I’ll get to do this. Lovely post Celia – and yes understand your pleasure in sharing that bottle of wine.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:44 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh hon, I hope you get a really good rest, I know exactly what you mean. Take it easy, eat lots of cheese, drink lots of wine.. xxx


  23. on July 3, 2014 at 7:06 pm Nic

    Sounds quite blissful. slow cooking. I’ve noticed a hashtag lately on instagram where fellow crafters are talking about slow craft. Having that mindset seems to really make the process a lot more enjoyable. xx


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:45 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nic, we’re blessed to have the time to slow down, aren’t we? Lucky lucky lucky, we are.. :)


  24. on July 3, 2014 at 8:09 pm Ale

    Nice idea to slow down!!
    I´ll try as soon as winter holidays begin.
    Hopefully I´ll really get to do it when visiting my eldest daughter , who is living abroad….(soon…in August).
    Lovely post Celia, I´ll love to meet you if someday I travel to Australia!!!!!!!!!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:45 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ale, another wonderful holiday for you, enjoy! :) I hope you get to visit Aus one day, it’s the best place in the world (in my opinion, of course!) x


  25. on July 3, 2014 at 8:52 pm MamaD1xx4xy

    It is always a good idea to slow down now and then! Enjoy the slower pace for a while! Still sounds busy, but sometimes life just happens. We are still cooking a lot as well. After all I still have three boys to feed! I just don’t get things photographed for the blog or find time to post. Trust me, we are still eating, especially lots of veggies from the garden.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:47 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Gretchen, I hope you’re enjoying the summer holidays over there! Life does go on doesn’t it, even when the blog takes a backseat… :)


      • on July 6, 2014 at 6:38 am MamaD1xx4xy

        Indeed life does go on! We are enjoying our holiday weekend, especially all the fresh summer fruit! We’ll be able to enjoy it later too since I just canned cantaloupe jam, blackberry jam, blueberry jam and froze cherry tomato sauce.


  26. on July 3, 2014 at 11:39 pm sallybr

    A technician from Finland who worked in the lab at Stanford back in 1987 used to say, with her cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth: You can sleep in your grave!

    it was her favorite saying, I’ve always wondered it it was a line from Finland, but her motto was that we should always be at full speed in life.

    We are pretty busy this Summer, but that’s the way our life has been for more than a decade, the important is that we have a ton of fun with our work, even with the challenges that we face all the time. Students, grants, papers, it can be stressful. blogging takes my mind out of it and is a great way to relax.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:48 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sally, how could you possibly not have fun, darling? You’re doing really brilliant clever work, and you get to share a lab with The Handsome Stud.. :D


      • on July 7, 2014 at 10:05 am sallybr

        you are too sweet! ;-)


  27. on July 4, 2014 at 1:21 am Kim Bultman

    Celia, so glad you’re enjoying Slowing Down! Sometimes I don’t think we realize how frantic our pace has become until we take a step back from it… ponder… consider… cook deliberately… and enjoy decade-old Cabernet with our loved ones. Bravo for you! xo


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:48 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kim, thank you for understanding so well! It’s been very restful! :)


  28. on July 4, 2014 at 6:34 am The Life of Clare

    I love the look of you burritos! I think I’ll definitely have to give them a go soon! Your food all looks amazing!


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:48 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Clare, the burritos are so quick to make from freezer ingredients that it feels like takeaway! Does that make sense? :)


  29. on July 4, 2014 at 6:42 am dianeskitchentable

    Celia? Slowing down? I’ve often wondered if you even sleep. Look at all that fabulous food though. Gosh I really wish that I lived next door to you. It does sound like you’re relaxing and enjoying … Pretty good feeling right?


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:49 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I wish you lived next door too, we’d have so much fun. :)


  30. on July 4, 2014 at 8:52 am Stefanie

    Hi Celia, you are still very productive for someone who slows down :) Has been busy times at work so dinner has sometimes been a toasted sandwich and salad as that’s all we’ve had energy for. This weekend family lunch which we haven’t be able to do for ages as my niece and nephew have various activities on weekends but now free because if school holidays, will be nice to share food and relax with loved ones. Have a lovely weekend x


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:49 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Stefanie, it sounds fabulous, have a wonderful weekend with your family!


  31. on July 4, 2014 at 10:31 am Terri

    Love you too C xx


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:49 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      See you soon, I hope? xx


  32. on July 4, 2014 at 1:19 pm Jan

    Oh Celia, I’ve just read that you’ve been selected as 21 in the list of TOP Australian food blogs. I’m so pleased for you. I couldn’t believe that this wonderful resource and companion to life could go unrecognised.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:50 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, I’m not sure what list that’s on, but it’s very kind of whoever it is. I’m not big on that sort of thing though, as you know. I just like chatting with you guys.. :)


  33. on July 4, 2014 at 1:54 pm milkteaxx

    ive had a busy first half of a year, its time for me to wind down before i burn out. your bread baking is such an inspiration to me! ta.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:51 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      May the second half of the year be easier and more restful for both of us! :)


  34. on July 4, 2014 at 5:50 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    I’m trying to chill out in Bali at the moment but alas the writing waits for no one! I promised myself that I am going for a dip in the pool some time before I leave though…


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:51 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I don’t know how you keep up the pace, love. You work so hard! Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine though!


  35. on July 4, 2014 at 10:17 pm theclevercarrot

    Ah, my husband says the same thing. I think ‘switching off’ both mentally and physically is one of the hardest things to do. For us, this month has been very hectic, but I’m looking forward to slowing down in the next couple of weeks as well- good for you Celia! Enjoy love :) xx


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:52 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Em love, you’ve just moved house! I’m sure it’s been crazy busy! Hope it slows down for you too, and soon! xx


  36. on July 5, 2014 at 12:37 am Judy @Savoring Today

    That is a special bottle of wine, not only it’s saved purpose, but especially those gathered to share it. :) Cooking is therapeutic for me too, something I can get lost in and let the world fade away for awhile. All these things pair well with a light novel with a guaranteed happy ending.


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:52 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Judy, Pete is always appalled by the stuff I read, but if I wanted something gritty and edgy, I’d watch the news.. :D


  37. on July 5, 2014 at 8:34 am hotlyspiced

    I hope the second half of the year is calmer and less stressful for you. You certainly have been doing a lot in the kitchen. Your curry puffs are very impressive. It’s great that your boys take a lot of interest in how your food is prepared xx


    • on July 5, 2014 at 10:53 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks love. Let’s hope the rest of 2014 is calmer for both of us.. :) xx


  38. on July 5, 2014 at 3:40 pm narf77

    A wonderful half-slow food post Celia. Hats off to those gorgeous Cuban breads and isn’t it wonderful when your kids just “get it” when you have been wondering if they are going to exist on baked beans and McDonalds when they move out of home? My daughters now cook an extensive range of wonderful recipes from all over the world. Last time I stayed with them we had bibimbap in lovely sizzling pots and they even made me a vegan version. Lubbly jubbly and you are right about that wine, it tastes SO much better shared with your kids and enjoyed to the max :)


    • on July 8, 2014 at 6:21 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Fran, I ADORE bibimbap (not just for its name)! I’ve never tried making it at home, how clever are your girls! :)


      • on July 9, 2014 at 4:07 am narf77

        My girls are completely and utterly “into” all things Korean at the moment. They pick a country and immerse themselves in it. The last country was Iceland and saw them buying boxes of Icelandic candy etc. I am sure that Australia Post and the local courier services ADORE my daughters ;). They bought the sizzle pots from a small Korean shop in hobart and they work really well. I love that you can have bibimbap even if you are vegan, just sub out that egg and the meat and toss in tofu and avocado to approximate that silkiness and YUMMO. Its all about the gochujang anyway, lets be honest ;)


  39. on July 5, 2014 at 9:50 pm GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway)

    Oh how I’d love to go half speeds, too. School holidays give this opportunity. But sometimes when you’re used to full speeds, your half speed is in fact other’s full speed, LOL!

    Julie
    Gourmet Getaways


    • on July 8, 2014 at 6:21 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Julie, with your tribe I’m sure half speed is still overdrive! :)


  40. on July 6, 2014 at 8:55 am teawithhazel

    i’m the same celia..after a busy fortnight i spent yesterday pottering in the kitchen..hope you’re still enjoying the holidays..x


    • on July 8, 2014 at 6:21 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, thanks hon, glad you had a chance to potter a bit as well.. :)


  41. on July 9, 2014 at 8:06 pm Mel @ The cook's notebook

    couldn’t agree more. I’m about to have two weeks at our holiday house at Killcare and I can’t wait! It’s just me for the first week so I don’t even have to think of anyone else!


    • on July 12, 2014 at 9:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Mel, that sounds like heaven to me… :)


  42. on July 9, 2014 at 11:25 pm Selma's Table

    Here is hoping for a less hectic and stressful end to the year, Celia. I love that cooking is so therapeutic for you – it is usually an escape for me too. And having tea with friends is just the best!!


    • on July 12, 2014 at 9:11 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Selma, I hope so. It’s been a tough six months, actually…


  43. on August 25, 2014 at 6:27 am emmabarrett1508

    Your family are so lucky. That pan Cubano and treacle pudding are mouth watering. 2014 has been especially bad for us. We’ve had everything that could be possibly thrown at us all in 10 months. First my husbands uncle was killed in a car crash in Cyprus, then I had a miscarriage, then my husband was made redundant a week later ( but luckily got another job in the city soon after) and now his mother has terminal cancer. We just celebrated our 5 th wedding anniversary. I am sorry to say it, but I can not wait to see the back of 2014. Life can be very cruel. I am glad you are slowing down. This year has taught me how important it is to take time for yourself. Take care. Emma xx


    • on August 25, 2014 at 7:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’m so sorry to hear all that Emma! I hope the coming months are a bit easier for you, although so hard with your poor mother-in-law. :( All the best.. xx



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