In My Kitchen is moving!
I wrote my first In My Kitchen post in February 2010, and started the IMK gathering the following year. Over the past five years, it has been a great joy to spend time in your kitchens. Together we’ve built an amazing blogging community, and many of these online connections have developed into deep and lasting friendships.
Unfortunately, I’m no longer in a position to give this fabulous get-together the attention it deserves. So I was both delighted and relieved that fellow IMK blogger Maureen, who also happens to be one of the most beautiful people on the planet, was happy to take over the hosting role. Under her care, I’m confident that In My Kitchen will continue to expand and bring together like-minded bloggers from around the world.
This December’s IMK will be the final one hosted here at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. As of January 2016, it will be hosted by Maureen at The Orgasmic Chef. Thank you for all your wonderful support over the past five years, and I hope you’ll continue to give the same to Maureen in the future. I look forward to dropping into your kitchens for a virtual cup of tea soon!
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A note of warning to my vegetarian and vegan friends:
there’s a roasted pig’s head below. x
In my kitchen…
…are flowers from my neighbour Mark’s garden, arranged in a brass Turkish teapot…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…is a set of four Royal Doulton Fable plates, a gift from my nephew Bryan’s new girlfriend. I can’t tell you how touched I was by this gesture – Lilian had only been for dinner once before, but she’d noticed our tile trivets and gone out of her way to select plates that would match with them (I think she’s a keeper, B!)…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…there is always chocolate. I tempered a blend of milk and dark Callebaut to create chess pieces for a friend’s birthday…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…are loads of beans! We’ve planted a new variety this year – Italian flat beans – and they’ve been prolific. We’re picking about 250g (9oz) each day…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…is a little box of magic!
A gift from my mum, it holds a block of super-compressed black cloud-ear fungus (we call it bok ni). After soaking in a (very) large bowl of warm water…
…the block unfolded into a mountain of tender, perfect bok ni. Mum recommends simmering for five minutes before use. It’s great in stir fries and noodle dishes…
These little packets come in boxes of ten ($10, so just $1 each). They’re widely available at Chinese grocers. I’ll be keeping the photo below on my phone to show shopkeepers when I’m buying these – it’s easier than trying to describe them…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…is a brand new dehydrator, a gift from the beautiful Maureen…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…are new season’s cherries, brought from Young by Aunt Liz and Uncle Peter. They’re Small Man’s favourites, so Pete’s wonderful aunt buys him a box every year…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…was an entire roasted pig’s head. I was at the K.W. Barbecue shop in Flemington on Friday and spied it in the window…
Apparently they only have one per day, each Friday and Saturday. It cost me just $10 and produced a ridiculous amount of meat and crackling – enough to feed all of us, my mum, and a few of the neighbours…
After picking it clean, I used the bones to make seven boxes of stock the following day…
. . . . .
In my garden…
…grows green amaranth. We’ve tried frying it in the past and found it incredibly bitter, so we’ve always fed it to the chooks…
Then we discovered that if we boil it in quite salty water, the bitterness disappears and we’re left with an incredibly tasty and easy to prepare side dish. After draining, we simply pour over a little roasted garlic oil…
. . . . .
In my kitchen…
…are weekend sourdough loaves and four jars of freshly made bread and butter pickles…
. . . . .
Finally, in my kitchen…
…are twenty packets of Priscilla sourdough starter to give away for Christmas! I gave some away last year, and we all had enormous fun baking together. This year I’m only able to send the starter within Australia, and it’s only available to folks who have commented on our blog previously. If you’d like a packet, please let me know…
And some exciting news, some of my fellow Priscilla bakers will also be sharing their starters this month! Check out their December IMK posts (I’ll update the list once I have more information)…
- Emilie at The Clever Carrot (New York, USA)
- Maree at Around The Mulberry Tree (Victoria, Australia)
- Maureen at The Orgasmic Chef (Queensland, Australia)
- Tandy at Lavender and Lime (South Africa)
- Francesca at Almost Italian (Victoria, Australia)
- Liz at Spades, Spatulas and Spoons (USA)
- Clare at The Life of Clare (Victoria, Australia)
- Lisa at I’ll Be There With a Fork (Queensland, Australia)
. . . . .
Tell me, what’s happening in your kitchen this month?
If you’d like to do an In My Kitchen post on your own blog, please feel free to do so. We’d love to see what’s happening in your kitchen this month! Please link back to this blog, and let us know when your post is up, and we’ll add it to our monthly listing. Please upload your post by the 10th of each month.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Beautiful things in your kitchen as always! Lovely flowers and pot! I envy your chocolate tempering skills; the chess set looks too good to eat! The plates are beautiful. Fresh cherries, beans and pickles!
I am so thankful for the Priscilla starter you sent me last year. I have been baking lots of bread and rolls with Sherwood and he’s still going strong!
I will miss your IMK posts, Celia. They were always the highlight of the month for me. Hopefully you are all well. Summer is a busy time of the year, especially with Christmas to prepare for!
Manuela, I’ll still be writing them! I just won’t be hosting! :) I’m so glad to hear that Sherwood is still going strong and feeding your beautiful family! x
What a beautiful photo of the flowers in the brass teapot to include with your announcement that Maureen is taking over IMK. Thank you so much for the wonderful job you’ve done in hosting it over so many years, and for bringing so many people together and creating lovely friendships. Great to see it will be in very capable hands with the lovely Maureen. As for the pig’s head – well, it looks pretty gross but what a bargain! The stock must be amazing. Love the plates from your nephew’s girlfriend. And very intrigued by the dried mushrooms!
Christine, thank you for all your support! The pig’s head was ridiculously delicious! And I suppose the bok ni is a mushroom, but it’s very un-mushroom-like… :)
Celia, I never get over your chocolate tempering skills – that chess set looks fantastic. Every time I try and temper chocolate I get more over me than in the mould.
Glenda, that’s why I don’t take photos of the kitchen after tempering, just the finished chocolates. It’s not too messy really though.. :)
Lots of exciting things to enjoy in your kitchen! I think the pig’s head is my absolute favourite :) but then…you know me! That plate is so pretty and really matches well. Looking forward to seeing the gatherings over at Maureen’s in the year to come. I know I don’t join in with the postings, but I do love to have a snoop round and see what everyone is up to! Am going to make a note of those beans as we had a good year this year in Bexhill with our runner beans, so we know they like the soil and climate. Will be nice to try some new ones.
Tanya darling, yes, I KNEW you and Big Man would enjoy the pig’s head photo. My poor vegan readers though.. :) The beans are the bomb, definitely worth tracking them down. If I can find the packet, I’ll send you a photo of it.
We’re Spanish (well, I’m an honorary one) how could we not have loved that?! Do send that photo if you can find the acket – we have some pretty good seed suppliers here.
Those cherries look so tempting and luscious, the pigs head less luscious but very interesting. I’ve never eaten a pigs head, only the ears, and have never seen one for sale over here.
Thanks for hosting IMK all these years – I’ve visited lots of interesting kitchens through it.
Annie, haven’t we had a blast! Thanks for IMK’ing with me from the start! I think roasting the pig’s head is a very Chinese thing, but it’s such a delicacy. If you can find your way through the fat, the meat is incredibly tender.
Those greens look a treat! And those green beans too! Heck, it’s all tasty looking. Hugs, Maz
Thanks darling. Apologies for the pig.. :)
As always your kitchen inspires… and the fable plate is amazing, amazing… another point the chocolate as chess pieces… so beautiful. Thank you dear Celia, have a nice and enjoyable month in your kitchen, love, nia
Thanks Nia! Have a wonderful December! x
So many interesting items.
I’m curious about how you roasted the pig’s head. It looks amazing! :)
I didn’t roast it, I bought it from the Chinese bbq shop! :)
Lucky you for finding it already roasted! :)
Always intriguing to look into your kitchen – thank you for hosting IMK.
I like those plates against your trivets.
Thanks for reading Louise! :)
Those Italian green beans are the business! My parents and father-in-law grow them. Thanks for hosting IMK for all this time. My post is up. https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
Pina, they’re absolutely fantastic! Not only are they prolific, they’re delicious! :)
Thank you for sharing your kitchen doings Celia. I felt as though I had met a kindred spirit as I also love to cook and garden and sew and decorate my nest even though my 3 little men have long gone to their own kitchens. Thankfully my husband appreciates my earthy offerings.
Thanks Sandy! They do grow up very quickly, don’t they!
Only $10 for a whole pig’s head? Sounds like a steal! And those chess pieces are so cute! Also, congratulations to Maureen, I have to agree she is one of the most beautiful people on the planet!
I adore her! Thanks MF! :)
Celia, I would love some starter! I’ve tried a couple of times to get my own going but it never quite works! Although I don’t usually comment, I’ve been a reader for years. I would be terribly grateful if you sent some my way :-)
Cool, I’ll email you Victoria! :)
Well done for hosting In My Kitchen for so long. I hope we still get to see what is in your kitchen.
Thanks Debra! And yes, I’ll still be posting madly! :) Much love, dearheart.. xxx
The pig’s head was a shock, but such good value and for the vegetarians -me included- it’s great to see all bits of the animal being used (‘ everything except the oink’). The chocolate chess pieces look so amazing- just too good to eat. How well matched are those Royal Doultan plates- that young woman has an excellent eye for colour and detail. And the fungus- perfect. I ate so much of this last year in Sichuan, China and have been looking for an economical source ever since.
And last but not least, welcome Maureen, you will do a great job as our new host. Thankyou Celia for your support, friendship, inspiration, mentoring and generosity as host of this incredible group you created and hosted for so long. I joined IMK exactly two years ago and have enjoyed every single month- writing them, choosing stuff, reading those of others, even when in remote places throughout Asia. I have learnt to make sourdough, found out about gadgets, enamelware and baking paraphanalia, and sources of ingredients,from Jimmy’s Sate Sauce to now Cloud Ear Fungus. It has been a joyous and informative ride.
I look forward to the IMK future and will see you there along the way, my friend.x
Fra, what a kind comment, thank you! Let me know if you can’t find any of the black fungus and I’ll pop a couple of packets into an envelope for you. Thanks for being such a huge part of the IMK family for the last two years – I treasure our friendship. Much love to you. xxx PS. sorry about the pig’s head!
I would love, love, love a Priscilla starter. I haven’t had any success srating my own. My banettons are ready and waiting! :) (happy to send an s.a.e to post it in!)
Cheers – Joolz xx
Of course! I’ll email you. And don’t worry, it only costs me a 70c stamp! :)
Hi Celia,
Thank-you for hosting IMK for all these years. I’m sad to hear you won’t be hosting it any more but completely understand. I’m happy to hear that someone else is taking it on though as it is definitely a great community and has connected me to many wonderful blogs.
As usual there is so many interesting thing happening in your kitchen. Fresh bread with homemade bread and butter pickles – yum! I’m hoping my cucumbers do well this summer so that I can make some too.
I love that chocolate chess set too!
Have a great week,
Sarah x
PS Here is my IMK link for the month: http://www.saylittlehen.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
I love the pig head! It’s so important to use every part of the animal (if you eat meat that is)
Also, Norman, son of Priscilla is still churning out loaves at my place and my sister’s, and I dried and froze some recently in case we have a tragedy!
Celia, darling, what a lovely IMK post and what a note to end 2015 on. You’ve done the most amazing thing, hosting IMK for all those years… opening doors to new bloggers, like me, giving me the opportunity to make the acquaintance of so many fellow cooks and bloggers who are now firm friends, you included! You’ve built up such a solid community. IMK will be in good hands with Maureen, she is such a treasure.
Now on to your IMK post… won’t you have fun with that dehydrator! The flowers are so pretty in that brass teapot. And I adore the chess set and the cherries. Fascinated by the amaranth too. Take care my friend. And please do keep in touch if you have time. xxxx
Thank you Celia, for your dedication to the IMK enterprise. It is a stroke of brilliance and a credit to you that you can see the time to move it on for Maureen’s incarnation. Your kitchen is always so interesting, too.
Many thanks to you Celia for all of the love and friendship you have shared through the IMK posts. I look forward to continuing my contributions through Maureen, who is indeed one of life’s treasures, too! xxx
I would love some starter and hope I qualify as I have only commented once I think but religiously read and love your blog. I have been baking bread for at least 40 years but have had no success with sourdough. Approaching retirement I would love to try again. Surely with all my experience and a good starter I stand a chance at success.
Celia, I think I’m ready to give sourdough another shot, maybe Priscilla will be the difference between spelt disaster and spelt bread, that and the fantastic very finely milled spelt flour I’ve found in Brissy, so yes please, I’d love to nurture some of ‘Cilla’s offspring. I understand that IMK has been demanding, did you ever imagine it would grow so big? I’m sure Maureen will keep the party jumping though. I adore those plates, and miss Vic cherries, those from NSW are very expensive here..
http://pleasepasstherecipe.com/2015/12/01/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/ This is my contribution Celia
Hi Celia,
I have been reading your blog for a year or two now and would love some of your sourdough starter. I made a new years resolution at the end of last year to start baking my own bread but have so far been a little intimidated by the process and haven’t felt brave enough to try and create my own starter.
Just also wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your blog and find your attitude towards life really inspirational. Your posts have helped me gain perspective at times in my life when things haven’t gone so well and appreciate the little things that I often take for granted. Thank you :)
Hi Celia,
It seems I have just found you and I am losing you! I was sent your address – I’ve never “blogged” before and I hadn’t even realised you are in Australia until I read “Flemington”.
Whatever you are going to do, I wish you well and thank you for the couple of short days I knew you.
Regards,
Janelise
Oh I’m not going anywhere Jan! I’m just handing over the hosting of IMK..I’ll still be blogging here. Thanks for stopping by! :)
I’m sure you never imagined five years ago how big IMK posts would become but through them and you I have met so many wonderful bloggers and made lovely friends. Sometimes when I think I can’t be bothered any more I think I about not being involved with the first of the month posts and it keeps me going!
And of course, through you I’ve been introduced to the joy of sourdough baking – although Lucy Too isn’t behaving herself at the moment…..
I know Maureen (& Charlie) will do a great job in hosting us all – although there’s another blogger who has so much on her plate and yet still finds time for us all.
P.S. I agree Lilian is a keeper.
P.S. my IMK post is up https://www.plusatesix.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
Another great IMK from you Celia. How clever is your nephew’s girlfriend, she certainly has an eye for design. Thanks for the idea for the black fungus. No chance of getting fresh black fungus here. I will show your photo the next time I go the the Asian grocery. Our nearest one is 65kms away! I love the tale about the pig’s head. I’ve heard that the meat is very tasty.
Thanks for the years of effort you have put into IMK, providing many of us with any entry point to the world of blogging.
Celia, I would love some of your Priscilla starter, if I can. I have been intending to start making sourdough when we moved. Now almost 2 years have passed! I think Priscilla could be a great motivator for me.
What a lot of goings on this month! Love the pigs head, I have always thought the best meat is nearest the bone…I’m notorious for liking to pick on things like fish collars and chicken carcasses.
Thank you for starting such an amazing group, The IMK series is my favorite. I just wish I lived a bit closer and could meet you in person.
I have so enjoyed you hosting IMK – however time changes all things and methinks there will be a seamless changeover to Maureen, so well versed on how all this works. Meanwhile thank you for the ‘reads’ thru’ your column! Love ALL of your kitchen ‘show and tell’ this month. Just love your plates, have meant to try amaranth for ages: you have convinced me, just have to find the nearest supplier of the black fungus which has intrigued me for a long time – but, most of all of course, envy you getting such a fabulous pig’s head for ten bucks! Sugar: there are some benefits in living in expensive Sydney :) ! And all that huge amount of stock a bonus atop all the meat . . . See you around Milady and all the best . . .
[…] who share what is happening in their kitchens. This is the last month it will be hosted by Celia of Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Starting in January 2016 it will be hosted by Maureen at The Orgasmic Chef. Follow the link to […]
Celia, here is my post. I will have starter to share in the US. https://spadesspatulasandspoons.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/december-in-my-kitchen-2/
Does that mean that you are not blogging at all anymore?????
No, no, just that I won’t be hosting IMK any more. :)
Phew! Thought you might be abandoning the blog for IG.
I just commented on the weekend to the G.O. how much better we eat and more confident I am in the kitchen since I’ve been part of the blogging community. I have learned so much from you and the IMK bloggers about trying new things. I’m pleased you’ll still be contributing and that Maureen is keeping IMK going. If I can appease the Telco gods I’ll be there too.
I can only imagine how delicious the meat from that pigs head was. Makes my mouth water. I’ve really enjoyed taking part in your IMK round up each month, and will continue to do so with Maureen. Thanks for all your time and energy.
Here’s my post. http://milk-and.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
Thank you so much for starting IMK and for being such an amazing host for all these years. I look forward to getting to know Maureen and all the other foodies who join this beautiful link up.
Here is my December contribution: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2015/12/life-whats-in-my-kitchen-7/
I would not be able to resist the pigs head either! I am so sad you won’t be doing these posts any more Celia. Thank you for gathering us together each month xxx
Thanks lovely but don’t be sad. It will be bigger and better with Maureen!! 😊
Celia, I am a newbie to this whole blogging thing and have enjoyed reading your IMK. I don’t know Maureen but as you know her well I shall be looking her up to see what she is up to. I still hope to be able to read your blogs, even if sometimes it is a bit late in the day. Your chocolate skills are fantastic. I would love to be able to make bread like you. Have a fabulous Christmas down under and a wonderful 2016 x :-)
Thank you for five years of solid effort. I love how you’ve handed the baton to Maureen; she will do a great job. I love those cloud ear mushrooms – my favourite for Asian cooking. I don’t think you’ll be surprised to hear I have never roasted a pig’s head! xx
Thank you for creating and hosting IMK for so long, it’s been lovely to be a part of. Enjoy December!! xxxx
Dear Celia, I thank you so much for your blog and IMK I thank the heavens that I found your blog through Lorraine. You have changed my family’s lives forever :) My daughter wants a couple of Romertopfs when she leaves home.
My son 21 years old this year checks in with me when he comes across a recipe he likes “hey mum what has Celia done with this one” he says he’s tweaking it but he just follows your version!!
Your thoughtfulness and encouraging comments have always been received with such great appreciation. A while ago I sent away to Tasmania for starter when I was trying(good intentions) to follow you with bread baking!!! It had no chance in hope.
I’m so pleased tho that you will still contribute to Maureen”s IMK !
Thank you so much as we have added a few things to our kitchen from your IMK(a lot) ha!
Thank You So Much Celia xx
Always so many fabulous things in your kitchen Celia, I especially love your plates, what a treasured gift.
I have loved all of your IMK posts since I have been tagging along, 5 years, wow! Looking forward to following along with Maureen in the new year.
Have a beautiful and happy day.
:-) Mandy xoxo
Celia, I’d love to try baking sourdough and would love some of Priscillas’s starter. I live in Melbourne. Regards, Lily
Oh Celia, I’m sad you will no longer be hosting but I understand and what an adventure you’ve been on. I’m also going to give away 5 packs of sourdough starter with my new sourdough ebook in my December In My Kitchen. Thank you for everything! Thank you for hosting such a wonderful blog share, it really is such a wonderful community.
Your chocolate tempering is to be envied!
How I would love to get my hands on a pigs head like that!
And I’ll definitely keep my eyes peel for that lovely magic packet of fungus!
I’m a long time reader and occasional commenter, and if there is any left, I’d love to get my hands on a packet of your Priscilla starter! You never know, I might even blog about our adventures together!
What a lovely month in your kitchen. Mother flowers in the pot are beautiful and I notice a crystal don’t I?! Your chocolate tempering amazes me, those chess pieces look fantastic. The pig’s head is great and to use the whole head and feed so many people is what it should be all about.
I stalked IMK kitchen for a while and have enjoyed posting for some time now. You are an excellent host and will be missed. I’ve met many new people, found lots of recipes to try and of course discovered many gadgets and food products I “must” have! Thank you for expanding my little part of the world. I am looking forward to Maureen continuing as party hostess.
Hi Celia,I have tried so many recipes from your blog ; in fact I use your search engine extensively! I have made the dumplings, chocolate cake, biscotti…too many to name! I would love to try your starter! Thanks for always posting such clear instructions for your recipes! Rach
I love reading all the IMK posts, every month it’s something I look forward to so thank you for starting it and great it’s continuing :) Those flowers are gorgeous and love that it’s in a teapot x
Celia! I never go past your IMK posts.. They’re eye openers for me to appreciate the small things I have .. I love reading your stuff. X
[…] by and it’s time for an In My Kitchen installment. Thanks again to the lovely Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting this wonderful monthly […]
Wonderful things in your kitchen as ever Celia…I’ll pop back later with my link but just wanted to wish you well and thank you so very much for starting and caring for this wonderful blogging monthly get together – and a big thanks to Maureen for taking over as I think we’d all be devastated if IMK was to go!! warmest of regards Jan x
I love the beautiful flowers in the Turkish pot and the little angel swinging from the spout – she looks perfectly at home there. I love everything in your kitchen – even the sad looking piggy head. At least he was properly appreciated. My Dad used to make pig’s head brawn (also known as head cheese :( ). He used half a pig’s head – which always came complete with a doleful eye which Dad – without fail – always said it was to “see us through the week” – boom boom! You’ve done such a Stirling job with the IMK posts – they were such a good idea, Celia, and I’ve loved all of them. Well done you – you a legend Miss Celie. I look forward to many more on Maureen’s blog and will always appreciate the commitment they take.
here’s my link http://agluttonouswife.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
Thanks for hosting IMK all these years and merry christmas to you and your family. Looking at that pigs head made me so thankful to be a vegetarian:)
Celia, SO glad to hear you’re passing the IMK torch to Maureen to accommodate your current life. (She’ll do a bang up job of it, I’m sure!) Nice talking w/u “in person” yesterday, by the way! :) xo
Your IMK offerings are as delectable and scrumptious as ever: chocolate chess pieces (I’d never get through a whole game!), Italian flat beans, bok ni (another “new to me” ingredient), fresh cherries, and of course, that one-of-a-kind pig’s head! (Plus your pretty new plates.) Enjoy it all NOW while you can — others (such as Maureen) will step up when necessary. The most important thing is to take care of YOU and your family!
P.S. I’m sooooo excited!!! “Prissy” (daughter of Priscilla) is “bubbling” after just half a days’ tending. Won’t be able to include her w/the rest of the sourdough progengy posts above (my IMK will be “live” in the next day or two though, but I have to put off baking FUN for other day-long obligations.) Looking forward to reading their experiences, and in the meantime I’m devouring your tutorials and how-to’s! Thank you so much for sharing your “life experience” — and heart. xo
so many amazing things in your kitchen celia. i always feel a bit inadequate when i see all the incredible things you make and create! we will miss you as the mum of IMK:)
here’s my post: http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
merry Xmas !
sherry xx
i meant to say i love those choc chessmen you made. so clever.
now this is weird My first comment disappeared! here’s my post in case my comment never comes back:
http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
xx
Noting shocking about the pig’s head, Celia. Been there, carried that. Those chess pieces are really something. They’re a great gift. You could not have found a better person to take over the helm of IMK. It will continue in these good hands for the foreseeable future.
Hi Celia,
During a long period of sickness recently, I read every single one of your posts (it took weeks and weeks!). I also peeped into other kitchens as a result of IMK, so thanks for linking readers and writers alike.
I’m keen to return to sourdough making if you should happen to have some to spare.
Happy (upcoming) holidays all.
Wendy, of course! I’ll email you.
I read this and dashed to the mirror to see if I’d changed. Sadly not. I finally got my In My Kitchen post done as we’ve had a bit of eye drama at our house. It’s all good and there’s and excellent chance he’ll regain his sight. Phew !
I look forward to taking over In My Kitchen but only until you want it back. This is your creation and your baby and when you are bored, just say the word.
I saw that pig’s head on Instagram and cracked up – talk about crackling! I even heard the crunch. :)
I’m sure Maureen will do a wonderful job. Thank you Celia for your gracious hosting of IMK.
Another wonderful month in your kitchen – it always makes me hungry! It is good to be reminded that there are unpopular bits of animals that are still very tasty and productive.
I would love one month to read ‘ In my kitchen this month, Kim’. The problem you might have would be getting rid of me again!(But I am very helpful😉)
Oh. My. Gosh. That head. I need to call the butcher and learn how to do this properly. It looks scrumptious. Thank you for hosting IMK. I’m glad you’ll still be participating as I’ve just found your blog this week. I’ll dash over to the beautiful Maureen’s to meet her and her blog now.
Oh you’re going to love Maureen…she’s from Maine! :)
I was so excited about In My Kitchen that I grabbed the camera and headed to the kitchen. I have beans, unexpected but welcome meat, herbs and spices and more to shore. http://robinfollette.com/in-my-kitchen-december-2-2015/
Hi Celia, here is my monthly post. http://passionfruitgarden.com/2015/12/03/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for hosting IMK for so long. It has been great fun. I understand how time consuming it can be. I am determined to keep blogging as one of my hobbies and not an all consuming one which it can easily become. Lots and lots of love G.
[…] pop in and visit other kitchens around the world (or add your own festivity by the 10th) at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, hostessed by the ever-welcoming […]
Oops, forgot to post my link! :) Here ’tis: http://alittlelunch.com/2015/12/02/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
Dear Celia,
I’ve been following your blog for the last 8 months or so. I’ve not commented till now.
You’ve done a sterling job in hosting the IMK community. Many are touched by your generosity, kindness and support. I love your attitude in life; much can be learnt from it.
I read your blog daily. I do!
I’m now stationed in Turkey. I, too am doing my count down to Christmas as I will be in Greece for Christmas.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas, Celia.
Well done for hosting IMK for so long – I’ve loved reading about everyone from all over the world. That wee packet of fungi is amazing!! I will have to keep an eye out for it in the Asian shops. The pig head was also magnificent – all that crackling *drool*! I am always so envious when I see you fabulous sour dough creations – I have a slight fear of baking bread that I am hoping to overcome in the new year when I have a bit more time!
Wow there is a lot of starter love happening. It is nice to know if my starter ever dies I have lots of bloggers around I could nab some starter from. I love your chocolate chess set – you are indeed a chocolate master – and I appreciated the hog’s head warning – I once made a vegetarian version of a hog’s head which was fun and sort of unnerving too.
I am sad that you will no longer be hosting as you have been indeed the hostess with the mostess and always been so welcoming and generous. However I am delighted to hear Maureen will take over. You have done an amazing job and I am sure you will do something interesting with the extra time you are creating for yourself.
Oh and as I so often do, I forgot to add my IMK post
http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
Celia, I am sad to hear you are no longer hosting In My Kitchen. It’s been a great way to connect with different bloggers over the last couple of months. However, I am sure Maureen will handle the reins quite well!
I love, love, love the Royal Doulton plate! What a gorgeous pattern and sure beautiful colours. It certainly looks wonderful on the tiles.
I’m not the biggest pickle fan but bread and butter ones are divine! I can eat a whole jar in far too short of a time!
I hope you’ve a wonderful Christmas and thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting this wonderful series and for all your encouragement.
See you in the new year!
http://spooninasaucepan.com/2015/12/04/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
What a beautiful plate and lovely gesture from your nephew’s girlfriend – I think she’s a keeper too!
I’m sorry you’re stepping down from hosting IMK, but glad for your sake too, and Maureen will be a wonderful host as well. Thank you for starting the IMK theme and I hope you will still take part :)
I’ve just done my December post, at http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
[…] you are wondering what is in other kitchens around the globe, visit Celia’s page and follow the links in her side bar for this monthly event. You can look back on past goodies in […]
Ah Celia – the end of an era. But you’ve brought so many people together through IMK. So glad to be joining in your final virtual snoop. http://mycustardpie.com/2015/12/05/farmers-and-festivities-in-and-out-of-my-kitchen/
Hello Celia, thank you for linking me up so efficiently, sorry it has taken me so long to actually call in.
Your chess set in nothing short of impressive, are you sure you shouldn’t be opening a chocolate business? Your beans look amazing. That pig head has me completely fascinated, what a great buy.
Thank you so much for hosting my kitchen over the years. It has opened up a world to me that I could never have imagined before I started blogging. Linking in with you has really made me feel part of a community, especially in the bread department. I look forward to visiting your blogs as always. Happy days to you x
[…] My Kitchen is hosted each month by Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. This will be the last time Celia hosts the series. After five years she is handing the baton to […]
Many thanks to you Celia for hosting this series. It has been a wonderful way to visit kitchens around the world ~ there are always recipes to drool over and things to learn and friendships to make. Christmas joy to you.
And thanks for putting my IMK post onto the blog roll, Celia. I didn’t put the link into my comment because I thought you had enough to do this month. That you went to the bother of chasing it up is another example of your generosity!
Hi Celia. So glad to have met such a lovely circle of kitchens through your series. It is indeed the end of an era, and the beginning of a lovely new adventure.
Your kitchen is as always full of beautiful things. I do so love your chocolate, and how lovely for such a thoughtful gift. I love that fungus, although I’m the only one in my household who appreciates it.
Do have a lovely Christmas and see you in the new year dear one!
My December post is up here, http://www.withafork.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
[…] December and the last “In My Kitchen Post” for 2015. It’s been fun peeking into the kitchens of others, discovering new ingredients and kitchen treasures you never knew existed. Also, lovely being part of the In My Kitchen blogging community which the wonderful Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial created. […]
[…] year has gone and this is my twelfth instalment of IMK as well as being the last one hosted by Celia for now. You see, this is the beautiful thing about the IMK: we might be thousands miles apart yet […]
Darling Celia, what a wonderful post to finish 2015 and for you to have a little break from hosting. Thank you for being an inspiration and welcoming we to this wonderful IMK community. I look forward to IMK each month thanks to everyone.
My favourite has to be the chess set and of course the cherries.Do have a wonderful December and a peaceful holiday season. Sending warm hugs x
http://www.milktoastandhoney.co.uk/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
Firstly Thank you so much Celia for having hosted so many IMK, a brilliant idea that I know Maureen will carry on the tradition with much joy. I have loved peeking into other peoples kitchens.
I scooted past the Pigs head, thank you for warning in advance x
I love the chess chocolate, my husband would love them too. I am so going to see if i can find that magic box of mushrooms here in the UK you never know. And you still have fresh beans from the garden, all I have now are sprouts and chard. Here is my link
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/tea-for-one-gingerbread-and-flower.html
Once again, thank you so so much x.
[…] was with a mixture of sadness and joy that I read Celia’s latest In My Kitchen post last […]
Hi Celia! I got them! Thanks for the starter ! I can’t wait to start baking, even my husband was excited that I received it as we like “taste of baguette” frequently as they boasts of their 100 year old starter which baked their sourdough baguette. Thanks again, I hope that I do it justice.
My pleasure. Have fun with your starter! :)
Wow Celia what a wonderful IMK this month, sorry I have been away, but when you read my IMK you will know why :) A Pigs head, oh I can only dream of that sort of find on the Gold Coast :)
I think you are right those plates are divine and I think she is a keeper :)
We have lots of those flat Italian beans in our garden too as they have a fantastic yield!
I can’t wait for my first box of cherries to arrive :) YAY I love Christmas and summer stone fruit!
Have a wonderful Merry Christmas with your friends and family!
Liz xx
Here is my IMK for this month
http://www.themotherhubbardscupboard.com/?p=4737
[…] to Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting the monthly In My Kitchen, check out the other […]
I am happy to be a part of IMK and thank you for having this wonderful series.
I have tried the black fungus before in a soup and it was good. :)
I wish you a great week, Celia. xx
[…] to Celia of Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting In My Kitchen and the In My Kitchen community for foodie inspiration & the virtual company they provide. If […]
Celia thank you so much for hosting IMK, I’ve really enjoyed being part of the community that you have built up over the last 5 years and love seeing all the delights in your kitchen each month.
Here is my contribution http://www.boiledeggsandsoldiers.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
Wishing you a restful and lovely Christmas as well. x
Somehow I missed the first bit when I went to your blog, but it came up on my iPad… I’m glad to hear you will still be writing IMK post and you are passing the baton on to a beautiful soul! Liz xxx
I’ve always enjoyed your “in my kitchen” feature. Passing it on to Maureen, I know you have picked the perfect person to carry on until you wish to take it back. I know one thing, I don’t think any of your followers have a roasted pig’s head in their kitchen. :D It sounds like you made good use of it.
Hi Celia,
My post is up for this month, our last one in your kitchen. Thank you for hosting it has been a wonderful experience each month to have so many visits from such nice people and I have enjoyed peeking into their kitchen’s as well. I am looking for ward to getting to know Maureen!
I hope you have a Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year. See you soon!
The brass teapot full of flowers is so pretty, love the chocolate chess pieces, the Green beans look great, and how sweet of Lillian to bring such lovely plates that match! Have fun with the dehydrator, it’s made a world of difference in helping us preserve our summer harvests, and bulk purchases.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ll no longer be hosting IMK, but I’ve had a great time being part of it and meeting some truly lovely people. Thank you for starting IMK! :)
Here’s my December IMK: http://cookingforkishore.blogspot.com/2015/12/in-my-kitchen-december-2015.html
Here is my post, darling http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/blog/in-my-kitchen-december-2015
[…] the hectic pace we live for a couple of hours every day to enjoy a laugh over a cuppa. Celia at Fig Jam & Lime Cordial hosts this wonderful party – we love finding new inspiration from all over the world. Come […]
I love my sourdough starter I received from you Celia. Every time I make bread, you’re a part of my bread making experience, like a little angel helping me to create a good loaf (I’ve still go a bit of work to catch up to you!) I wish you some great relaxing ‘you’ time and we’ll still be here with you. You’re a great inspiration :) Love all the friends I’ve met through your IMK and look forward to some more friendships to blossom.
Such gorgeous plates from your new daughter-in-law ;) Love your chocolate chess set too – I’d never have a chess set if I had those around! How’s the dehydrator? I was looking at one but don’t know which one to get.
Have a wonderful Christmas & New Year for you and your family xx
http://missfoodfairy.com/2015/12/09/in-my-kitchen-december-2015/
[…] post is a part of Celia’s In My Kitchen series that she hosts every month. Be sure to drop by her blog for a reference list of bloggers all around […]
Life does offer restrictions sometimes and we all only have 24 hours in a day…and often it seems as those hours are too short! I have really enjoyed having you host IMK. You are such a heartfelt person. Hugs to you! And I’m sure our next host Maureen will be just as lovely.
Your kitchen is so full of treats that I have a hard time even picking my favorite. Those chocolate chess pieces are absolutely adorable, but even the pig head looks great. Which just brought to mind, my husband will be butchering our Christmas pig tonight. I think we will have plenty of meat for a bit. And my freezer is quite full!! Here is the link to my December IMK
http://tableofcolors.com/2015/12/09/christmas-is-coming-in-my-kitchen/
Happy Advent!
Although I had to drop out of IMK, I’ve enjoyed following it as and I can. Thank you for all your hard work and the enjoyment you have given so many people. I’m sure you have passed it on to ansafe pair of hands.
Celia, thank you for all of your energy and efforts in building this amazing community of bloggers. I relish the views inside your kitchen and others each month and occasionally feel fortunate to join the party. Medical issues have slowed me down this year, so recently I’m more of a lurker than regular participant, but I love the friendly, supportive camaraderie of the group. My last-minute post this month is finally up at
http://otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com/2015/12/whats-happening-in-my-kitchen-novdec.html
Gosh – I’m having all sorts of troubles with WP and comments at the moment. I keep leaving them on different blogs but they never see the light of day. I’m glad I cam back and checked. I think I said something about delicious porky heads and I couldn’t think of a better buy. Also something about tucking away your amaranth cooking tip. Now of course, my lovely gift has arrived. Thanks so much Celia. How kind. See you over at Maureen’s soon. xxx
HI there Celia… I’ve only left a comment once but I read faithfully and have used several of your bread recipes, not to mention been inspired by your garden and the lovely family relationships you write about. I do bake sourdough (since reading so many of your posts) but I am sad to say that my starter is somewhat puny and usually needs a boost of yeast to get a sufficient rise. I have been so envious of the robust nature that Priscilla displays. If you happen to have any spare I would be so grateful for some of your starter. I promise to take good care of it! Thanks for all the inspiration you have given me through your blog also. Cathie (in Brisbane)
This vegetarian doesn’t mind the look of your roast pig, he looks delicious. I lived in Malaysia for a few years and these and whole ducks hanging up were a common sight, one which my small children loved and always wanted to take home. I haven’t commented for ages but often pop in to read, and so I hope I qualify for some Prisclla? I was impressed to see a while ago it travelled successfully to Celi at The Kitchens Gardens and has continued to supply her with great bread. I usually comment as Nanette, but WordPress won’t let me do that anymore.
Thank you so much for your role over the past five years Celia in bringing together all these interesting bloggers and lovely people – it’s been like the nicest sort of house party! I’ve definitely made some wonderful friends, including people I’ve now been able to met in real life. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you over at Maureen’s!
Celia thank you so much for begin part of your IMK posts which I really have enjoyed. You amaze me with all that goes on in your kitchen and I will miss you as host. I love the community that you have built and glad to know you will still be part of the IMK with Maureen.
I am not sure I would ever finish a game of chess if it was made of chocolate and what a novel idea for a gift. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a little box when it’s dried. Almost one year later I am happy to say… Pricilla is still going strong.
Celia, I just wanted to report that Sadie (daughter of Priscilla) is alive and well and feeding my family with amazing loaves. After baking for a year with a lacklustre starter I am so impressed with how quickly Sadie gets into action and rises magnificently. I have made five loaves in the last two weeks and have already shared starter with my brother and sister. I can’t tell you how delighted and grateful I am! Definitely my best Christmas present this year! Thank you so much.
Cathie, that’s absolutely wonderful! Thank you for sharing it around already! :)