In my kitchen ~ January 2016

Whooooo here we are all finished the Christmas and New Year hoopla for another year and it's time to look at what's been happening in my kitchen which is a series now being hosted by the lovely Maureen from orgasmic chef  who has taken over the reigns from Celia who is taking a break.  Grab yourself a cuppa or a vino and settle in for a peek into what's been happening in my kitchen.

We had a wonderful Christmas day but it was around 33c (91f) which I could be called crazy for doing a traditionally hot cooked lunch but it was worth it and the air conditioned kitchen helped.

The feast started with these puff oysters and prawns.  These oysters are one of my favourite ways to eat them.  You place a teaspoon or so of garlic butter onto the oyster and then cover them with puff pastry and bake in a hot oven, 200c, for 15 minutes or until golden - the photo has them uncooked. Ah-mazing!!

Sorry there isn't any more photo's from the big day but it's hard to host, cook, clear, drink, laugh, eat and be expected to take photos!! I am only one woman ;)

I was given these darling salt and pepper shakers all the way from Dublin from a dear friend who travelled recently - aren't they just the cutest!

It wouldn't be my kitchen at Christmas if there weren't these shortbread.  I traditionally keep them plain but I had a little helper who glittered some up for me.

I also make baby fruit mince tarts that are gifted to special friends as they are a labour of love....psst see these pretty plates above and below, they are from a local artist friend of mine Louise at Tipsy glass.

I made up a big batch of sausage rolls for the freezer for those nights when you don't know what day it is nor do you have the energy to think about cooking dinner.  I pack mine with lots of blitzed up vegetables so I feel less guilty.

This month I had a go at Fiona's apple scrap jelly which was both a success and a disaster.  I first made it, boiled it for ages, sterilised all the jars, bottled and after it cooled I realised it wasn't set!!! Back into the pot to boil it again, wash everything only to take my eyes off it and it boiled over onto the stove so when it was all said and done I had 4 jars!!!! But I will be making it again :) I loved it with cheese and biscuits but my daughter loves it on hot toast.

I got this tart case for $1 from one of the op shops here - what a bargain!! I'm yet to christen it but plans are in place.

and lastly it wouldn't be in my kitchen if I didn't share some of my crochet - this is one of 4 projects I have on the go at the moment.  I'm loving playing with different stitches.  This blanket will be for my bed and I'm just coming close to half way - this is around 30 hours so far!!! Another labour of love :)

Thanks for coming over! Until next month, ciao Jan x