In My Kitchen – April 2016

We are still enjoying beautiful extended summery days, however the early mornings and late evenings are somewhat chilly, reminding us winter will soon be here.

Thanks to Maureen at The Orgasmic Chef for managing our monthly get together’s.

Everything in my kitchen this month are all gifts!  How awesome! ♥

In my kitchen…

Is a beautiful dinner service inherited from my Nanna – my mom’s mom.  It has been packed away for the better part of 40 years and with the folks move to the River and having an already fully packed kitchen, they thought I would enjoy using it.  ♥

In my kitchen…

Are 2 butter dishes from my folks wedding, lovingly given to me. ♥

In my kitchen…

Is my great gran’s gorgeous pink hued teapot, perfect for tea for 2. ♥

In my kitchen…

Are my great-gran’s baking pans which she used to use to bake banana bread and sponge cakes.

In my kitchen…

Is a gorgeous serving dish just waiting for cheese and biscuits.  Thanks Daddy and Mommy. ♥

In my kitchen…

Are serving bowls from my folks – I see retro prawn cocktail served in them, or trifle…

In my kitchen…

And then just as a reminder how lovely village life is, are pomegranates from folk who live down the road.  Thanks Les and Sharon.  Pete is loving eating his childhood favourite fruit.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Maureen’s blog if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and remember Maureen needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

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In My Kitchen – March 2016

I missed January and February this year.  Clearly not off to a very quick start to 2016.

Thanks to Maureen over at The Orgasmic Chef for taking over the monthly installment get together and round up from our dear friend Celia.  I am looking forward to tagging along with everyone.

In my kitchen…

Is the most beautiful gift from Celia all the way from Australia!  It is currently holding a place in John Kehoe’s book, Mind Power.

In my kitchen…

Are bone handled tea knives, a gift from my mom who knows how much I love bone handled cutlery.  Can’t wait to butter a scone using them.  Think I will have to arrange a tea party. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Is a homemade cake platter.  I have been hunting for one to hold 6 “Mandy sized” cupcakes but all have been too small.  So while in Joburg, I found the perfect plate and shallow bowl which I inverted and stuck to the base of the plate using epoxy.

In my kitchen…

Is a pretty blue “silpat” baking mat from my cousin Renee – which reminds me I still need to make the crackers I have been trying to make since December.

In my kitchen…

Is a gorgeous toothpick holder, a gift from my ever loving Pete.

In my kitchen…

Were some healthy snacks, fab chocies and what was my favourite spice until it was finished, all from my lovely sister in law Trishy.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Maureen’s blog if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and remember Maureen needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – December 2015

Wow, the end of another year!  Before we wipe our eyes we will be sharing bits and piece in our kitchen in 2016.

As always a big thank you to our friend Celia for bringing us all together each month with these fun IMK posts. 🙂  I am looking forward to next year. xo

In my kitchen…

Was one of my favourite meals, Green Thai Curry Chicken.

In my kitchen…

Are a few “inherited” glass pieces from new friends Anton and Diane.  Their mom/in-law passed and I was lucky to receive a few treasured pieces.  Mints have never looked prettier in a crystal lidded jar.

In my kitchen…

Is probably my favourite piece from Anton and Diane as it reminds me of a mixing bowl my Nana had.  Funny how the brain remembers things as my aunt still has my Nana’s bowl and it looks quite different to mine.  I was so excited about this bowl that I had to use it right away.  I will share the recipe soon.

In my kitchen…

Is a matching serving dish and bowls, also from Anton and Diane.  The bowls are the perfect size and just what I have been looking for.

In my kitchen…

Are more gifts from Anton and Diane.  These mini baking tins are adorable.  I see some Christmas baking coming on.

In my kitchen…

Is the most wonderful gift from our neighbours who are only out at the river over weekends.  I keep an eye on their home when they aren’t here, well only when I have to really and they gave me a loving gift as thanks.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – November 2015

I can’t believe we are nearing the end of another year and there is only one more installment after this before we wave good bye to 2015.  As always a big thank you to our friend Celia for bringing us all together each month with these fun IMK posts. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Are Strawberry Popcorn seeds which Pete found while we were out shopping the other day.  Can’t wait to plant them.

In my kitchen…

Are beautiful mini wooden spoons Pete brought back from Malawai for me. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Technically not in my kitchen but I wanted to share with you, is a teeny tiny book Pete got for me.  It is just bigger and fatter than a matchbox and is filled with the most wonderful quotes.

In my kitchen…

Are our new favourite in-between snack.  They are wonderfully light and crispy and go well with everything from a cup of tea to a glass of wine.

In my kitchen…

Is my new favourite all rounder cleaner.  I know it says for carpets and fabric but I am using it for just about everything – especially the spots where a free living cat is marking in our home.  Wish I could catch him to have him neutered and homed.

In my kitchen…

Are some lovely shells we found on a deserted stretch of beach on a recent walk.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – October 2015

As always a big thank you to our friend Celia for bringing us all together each month with these fun IMK posts. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Were some sticky chicken wings – haven’t had them in a while and they were fabulous.

In my kitchen…

Is a quinoa salad, always such a wonderful taste explosion.

In my kitchen…

Was some scrumptious macaroni and cheese, unbaked, my lazy way of making it.

In my kitchen…

Is a bottle of Amarula, a gift from my brother Greg and his wife Karin.  I can see getting rid of my winter weight will have to wait a while longer. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Is a beautiful gift from Greg and Karin’s children, Tom and Anne.  A decorative whisk.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – September 2015

Yippee, Spring has sprung – here’s to it getting warmer and warmer.

As always a big thank you to our friend Celia for bringing us all together each month with these fun IMK posts. 🙂

In my kitchen…

As promised is an updated on the  “Kitty bubbly”.
It was very fruity and I would say bordering on semi sweet but was pleasant enough to toast with and share with friends.  If you are like me and prefer a brut sparkle, this is not for you.

In my kitchen…

Is Jollof rice spice Pete brought back from Nigeria.  Haven’t used it yet but Jollof rice is a common meal in Nigeria which Pete enjoyed while there so I shall have to find an authentic recipe to try.

In my kitchen…

Is a nunu giraffe spoon Pete got for me at the Giraffe Sanctuary when we were in Kenya.  I still think about how sweet and gentle the giraffe are.

In my kitchen…

Is wine which never made it to my kitchen.  I drank it while in the comfort of our hotel room in Kenya.  Imperial vin is produced and bottled in Moldova which is a country in Eastern Europe, landlocked between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east and south.  Was it worth its price tag of R120, no but it was enjoyable enough as a once off.

In my kitchen…

Is something else which obviously never made it home but I wanted to share with you.  Each afternoon at around 17h15, the door bell would ring in our room at the Kempinski and we would be handed a single serving of something sweet and delicious.  My favourite was this pistachio nougat with crushed fresh rose petals.  Heaven on a plate.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – August 2015

Yippee, one more month until Spring.  Can’t wait.♥

BTW:  Pete and I are in Kenya so I may only chat with you when I get back. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Village life truly is wonderful, especially when friends give you beautiful spinach from their garden delivered right to your front door!  Thank you so much Wayne and Kelly – honestly was the best spinach I have enjoyed.

In my kitchen…

Are 2 new custard jugs which I, well, just couldn’t resist, besides, every home needs 2 custard jugs.

In my kitchen…

Are 2 new sets of espresso cups and saucers, well, just because my other sets do’t match each other – I know, I have issues. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Are mini sauce containers – you know, my other obsession, nunu things. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Is what I would love outside my kitchen.  Wish I could remember where I saw this pic but I love the idea of recycling wooden palettes for a wall garden.  Think I would have one with herbs and the other with seasonal flowers.

In my kitchen…

Is a new pack of Daim chocolates which Pete brought home recently from one of his international trips.  Good thing they are so teeny as I feel less guilty after having a whole one. 🙂

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – July 2015

It seems I spoke to quickly last month as we have had a month of cold days.  One month down, 2 more to go.  Here’s hoping they pass mildly and that Spring shows her beautiful face with warm days.

In my kitchen…

Can’t think why I never included this a couple of months back.  It is a bottle of bubbly Pete bought for me when we were in the Game store in Maputo, Mozambique.  I only wanted it because of the kitty picture.  Still haven’t opened it so have no idea whether it is drink worthy.

In my kitchen…

Is a kitty mould from my wonderful neighbours Dean and Lesley.  I think I shall use it to make a few catnip treats for my fur babies.

In my kitchen…

Is a birthday present from my brother Chris and sister in law Elmien and their 4 littlelies.  Thanks guys!  I hope you will come and visit soon so I can make a few cupcakes for you.

In my kitchen…

Is a jar of homemade pickled onions made for us by our friend Cazzie.  They are nearly ready to be eaten.  Can’t wait to taste what they are like with the chilli.

In my kitchen…

Are Sistema mini sauce and salt and pepper containers from friends Frans and Yolandie.  It was part of my birthday gift from them.  They know we always take a picnic with us on the boat or when we go into the park so these containers will be very handy.

In my kitchen…

Is a Thai Green Curry paste, which I am sure will be used quite often through the winter cold nights.  I use it most often for coconut curry.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – June 2015

It is officially winter.  So far, so good; here’s hoping the rest of winter is as mild.  In fact, the weather has been so good that I have been spending as much time in the garden as I can so the start of this months post its just outside my kitchen, around the corner outside the back door.

Just outside my kitchen outside the back door…

I have been filling pots with a few flowering winter plants to keep things upbeat for those cold days.

My precious little boy was around to help take a few photos.As you can see he was being very helpful!
And I have transformed the herb patch into a flower patch.

In my kitchen…

Is a flask I have had for the better part of 15 years which I used on a daily basis for a long while and then Celia mentioned in post how she is now officially an old Chinese woman as she has an insulated flask on my kitchen bench to which I commented: “Eek! I must have been an old Chinese woman about 15 years ago when I got one of those insulated flasks – I made my tea in it for years. Hee hee.”  So Celia, not that I am Chinese but I will be honoured to be an old woman with you. 😀

In my kitchen…

Is the most precious birthday present from my cousin Renee.  I thought I was spoilt with the lovely mug and chocolates until I opened the wrapping to find a gift voucher for a pedicure!  Oh how I cannot wait to redeem it.  Thank you so much Renee for spoiling me so very much!

In my kitchen…

Is a wonderful birthday gift from my friends Wayne and Kelly who were also kind enough to have me over for a Spanish Omelette breakfast because my Pete was away on my birthday.  Very special to spend the morning with you both.  Thank so much for spoiling me so much.

And if that is not enough their darling little granddaughter made me a birthday card!  Thank you sweet little Abby, you are a pure delight to be around with your sparkly personality.

In my kitchen…

Are more birthday pressies from friends.  Thank you so much Wayne and Cheryl for including me on my birthday at your home for a roast dinner!  You can make me roast potatoes any day of the week and still to get a beautiful bottle of wine was very special.  Thank you too Bertie and Mags and Tony for the the wine and chocolates.

In my kitchen…

Is the prettiest cake platter and server from my sweet neighbours and friends Dean and Lesley.  You guys really spoilt me with the lovely gift, thank you so much!

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Our dear friend Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial links all our monthly instalments on her blog so we won’t have to miss out on any of the wonderful kitchen views and as always a big thank you to Celia for the fun of being able to pop in around the world to see what everyone has to share every month.

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – May 2015

Even though it is my birthday month, all the gifts below were just because gifts and thank you gifts.  Very special!

Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial must spend hours linking all of the instalments of IMK every month as there are so many wonderful blogs to visit.  Thank you Celia for the fun of being able to pop in around the world to see what everyone has to share every month.

In my kitchen…

Is the most thoughtful gift from my sister in law Elmien.  When I was last up in Johannesburg visiting and seeing their new home for the first time, I commented on how much I like one of her plant pots and how I cannot find the gift tags she uses down here and next thing, when the folks were here visiting, along came a gift for me.  Dankie Elmien, ek waardeur dit baie!

In my kitchen…

Along with the pressie from Elmien was a gift from my brother Chris (Elmien’s husband) – aww, they miss me.  Thank you Honey Bunny.

In my kitchen…

Is a big bottle of my dad’s favourite spice which has also become mom’s favourite and all my siblings.  It’s a good spice.  Thank you for brining one along for me too daddy. Love you. xo

In my kitchen…

Is some fabulous tea from the UK and some home grown olive oil.  Friends of Pete’s from varsity days, now living in London came home for a visit and made time to come and visit with us and brought along the most thoughtful gift for me!  Thank you Ian & Ruth.  It was wonderful finally meeting you and here’s to us coming and visiting you in the UK soon.

In my kitchen…

No sooner had Ian and Ruth left that my brother in law and sister in law from Plettenberg Bay came to visit for a weekend and brought Pete and I a beautiful gift bag filled with loads of treats.  Don’t tell Pete I managed to finish the Lindt chocolate all on my own.  Thank you D and Trishy.  Missing you – come back for another weekend soon!

In my kitchen…

Are two nunu mini sauce jugs.  Can’t believe I forgot to share these with you last month.  My friend Yolandie sent them down with her son who was here doing swimming trials.  She said she saw them and bought them for me because she knows how I love little things.  So sweet of you Yolandie, thank you so much!  Hopefully we can use them later this month when you are here.

What’s in your kitchen this month?

Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – April 2015

Eek, I have not posted since my last IMK post.  Clearly the weather has been too good to pass up on.  Oh I wish!  I have been knee deep in Neighbourhood Watch everything.  It has become somewhat of a full time job.  Must say though, we are still enjoying summerish days.  Long may it last. 🙂

I, along with so many others are so grateful to our friend Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for her wonderful idea of sharing what’s in our kitchens every month.  It makes the world a little smaller and brings us all a little closer together.  Thank you Celia for the fun of being able to pop in around the world to see what everyone has to share.

In my kitchen…

Is my first attempt at icing a cake using my favourite Ateco 852 nozzle.  I made the cake to share with friends and my aunt for tea. While all the girls were thoroughly impressed, I was left a little disappointed.  No matter as I can decorate plenty more cakes.

In my kitchen…

Is an early birthday gift from my sister in law Karin and brother Greg.  I often quote Karin and what she has shared with me from this wonderful book and recently asked for her help with a few recipes for folk who were coming to stay who are vegetarian which resulted in receiving my very own copy.  Thank you Karin!  I LOVE my book.  I can highly recommend getting a copy of your own The Cake the Buddha Ate if you need inspiration for vegetarian recipes. ISBN 978-1-77009-772-8

In my kitchen…

Was a great new find at Woolies.  I have never been able to purchase panko crumbs unless from a Chinese Store and ridiculous premiums so was thrilled beyond bits and piece when I saw this pack the other day.

In my kitchen…

are more flower decorations for cupcakes.  I cannot help myself when it comes to buying anything for cupcakes.  Yellow seems to be my favourite colour.  I’m not much of a pink kind of person and don’t really think you would use blue flowers so yellow it is.

In my kitchen…

Was a brilliant find when I was visiting with my folks in Johannesburg.  Mom took me to a new baking store which opened just down the road from home and lo and behold there was exactly what every other store to date in South Africa has not been able to provide me with – various sizes of icing nails.  I have only been able to source a size 6 which does not work for me.  Now to get practising with make perfect roses.

In my kitchen…

Just in case, you know, just in case 3 spares isn’t quite enough, I got another spare icing/frosting bag – the day might come when I want to frost using different coloured icings at once, so now I am fully prep’d.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – March 2015

I’m not quite home yet from my trip away with Pete.  I will catch up with you all this coming week. 🙂

Thanks to our friend Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial who hosts our monthly IMK event, we are able to peek into kitchens all over the world.  Thank you Celia for the fun of being able to pop in and see so many wonderful things that everyone shares.

In my kitchen…

Were chocolate cupcakes with my first attempt at icing roses.  Up to now, I have had the incorrect nozzle.  What a different having the correct one makes. I am looking forward to practising a little more with my new favourite Ateco 852 nozzle.

In my kitchen…

Is a new 2 tier cake stand.  It had a gold handle which I didn’t like so sprayed it white until I can get hold of some silver paint.  It was ridiculously cheap.  Not sure why I never bought more!  They make fabulous gifts.

In my kitchen…

Are the cutest mini sauce bowls – I REALLY don’t need them but couldn’t resit buying a set.

In my kitchen…

Are pictures of our three cats.  I have been trying forever to get decent shots for Kim but alas this is the best I can do.  They are the most uncooperative four legged felines I know!

In my kitchen…

Is rhubarb seed, a gift from our friend Wayne after he heard how much Pete loves rhubarb.  Now, the pressure is on me to get these lovely little seeds growing and eventually to make a pie. 🙂

In my kitchen…

Is a second batch of lovely teas to sample, sent to me by Alison over at Teavivre.  I am looking forward to doing another degustation.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – February 2015

I am so far behind that I started typing January in my title.

Thanks to our friend Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial who hosts our monthly IMK event, we are able to peek into kitchens all over the world.  Thank you Celia for the fun of being able to pop in and see so many wonderful things that everyone shares.

In my kitchen…

I honestly squealed with delight when I opened our post box to find Celia’s envelope with my sourdough starter Connie, South African cousin of Celia’s Priscilla.  I have just bought some bread flour and will get cracking and report back on how I am getting along.  Can you believe loaf after loaf will be baked from that wee packet of dried starter.  So exciting!

In my kitchen…

Is a pair of herb scissors.  I have wanted a pair for the longest time and found this pair at a very reasonable price.  For the most part, I have used them every day for the past 2 months.

In my kitchen…

Are 2 homemade cupcake separators.  I was taking two dozen birthday cupcakes to a friend’s party and only have a holder which holds 12 and couldn’t find another the day I was in town so into the garage I went and found 2 pieces of wood, used Pete’s round hole cutting thingy with his drill plus a little bit of spray paint et voilà I now have dividers which fit perfectly into an old Tupperware which has a handy carry handle.  I can’t bare the thought of having cupcakes bump into each other en route somewhere and have the icing all messy so this was the perfect solution.  Now, here’s hoping Pete wasn’t saving the wood for something else.

In my kitchen…

I have been searching forever for mini wooden spoons and came across these which were dirt cheap in a store I never frequent as its not in my normal stomping ground.  The shape wasn’t quite right so back into garage for some sandpaper and a few minutes later I had just what I wanted, although the handles are a teeny bit short.

In my kitchen…

Is some beautiful olive oil and balsamic vinegar from the Tokara wine estate.  They were part of a Christmas gift from my cousin.

In my kitchen…

See, now this just goes to prove how far behind I am… Pete brought this  Pret orange and cardamom chocolate back for me from the UK last year.  It was fabulous!  I loved how both the orange and cardamom came through in the flavour and very true to their natural taste.  Probably just as well we can’t get these chocolates here otherwise I would eat far too much of it.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up and please note Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In My Kitchen – December 2014

Well, the end of the year jumps on you before you know where you are.  Just a few more sleeps and we will be at the beginning of another new year.

As always a big thank you to Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting this fun monthly event.  It’s great fun peeking into so many beautiful and different kitchens each month.  Please remember Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In my kitchen…

A full month ago (I really do need to keep up to speed) were cupcakes for our neighbours.  Their beautiful little daughter Jasmine was born after mommy went through 2 days of labour so I thought celebratory cupcakes were in order.

Love the detail on the teddy’s

All pretty in pink for baby Jasmine

In my kitchen…

Is a red quinoa salad.  Not sure the red is any different to the white and would probably mix the two just for colour effect.  I keep saying quinoa on its own is very bland but in this salad is an absolute winner!

In my kitchen…

Well, actually in my bathroom but I wanted to share with you the beautiful hand crafted ebony candle stick Pete brought back from Malawi for me.

In my kitchen…

Is a new kettle.  Our old one suddenly gave up the ghost and was I in for a surprise to see how expensive kettles have become.

In my kitchen…

Is a new shelf in the spice cupboard.  What a difference a little extra space makes.

Things are still skew from the water damage we had. Oh what a memory, something I hope never to endure again.

In my kitchen…

Is some raw honey Pete and I bought on a trip away and on reading the label comes from just down the road from where we live.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – November 2014

How did we get to the second last month of the year so quickly!  Clearly there is truth in time passing quicker the older you get.

As always a big thank you to Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting this fun monthly event.  It’s great fun peeking into so many beautiful and different kitchens each month.  Please remember Celia needs all IMK posts submitted by the 10th of every month.

In my kitchen…

Are the most magnificent mini roses from our garden.  I bought 2 new rose bushes seeing as I killed our best rose bush when I transplanted it a couple of months ago.  My sadness of losing the other bush is quickly forgotten with these beautifully coloured roses.

In my kitchen…

Is millet.  For the life of me, I cannot remember who’s blog I saw millet on so my apologies for no link love.  I will post a millet and grape salad recipe next week.

In my kitchen…

I found 2 new varieties of Pete’s coffee pods, up to now I have only been able to find the Foreign Ground Brazil Single Origin.

In my kitchen…

Is our new 56 litre LG Mirror Microwave.  Sorry it is not a picture of ours but I ran out of time so quickly got this one from the brochure.  I am not entirely convinced this new modern “metallic” look works for me as each item (fridge, dishwasher, washing machine etc) is a different shade of “silver” even within one brand so its’ awfully difficult to match items.  Bring back classic white which doesn’t date and matches everything.  I have two complaints about this new edition to our kitchen.  Even though I only use it to reheat and make the odd gravy, I still want to be able to see inside the unit when it is on – some genius thought about the aesthetics (not sure why you need a mirror on a microwave – possibly do your hair while heating lunch?) and not the functionality so you are left guessing when something is going to boil over!  It doesn’t have a kitchen timer either which was so handy on our old microwave.  My suggestion to you would be not to buy a mirror unit, unless you want to sit in front of it to do your hair or make-up.  I have also had many unsuccessful calls to LG, their service is shocking – they are useless!  Right rant over.

In my kitchen…

Are “Nigerian” from Lebanon ice cream powders.  Pete, like me, loves finding something different on the shelves in supermarkets and he came across these.  Albeit they are instant – mix powder with milk, he says they are really very nice.  I will report back on what I think.

In my kitchen…

Is the smallest tin of condensed milk I have seen – 78g.  Pete knows how I love small, what I call “nunu” things so when he found this he couldn’t resist buying it for me.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – October 2014

The past month has been wonderfully warm and sunny and flown by in the flash. Seems we are in for a hot summer and the end of the year is nearing – can’t believe this is the third last instalment for the year.

Thanks as always to the lovely Celia over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial for hosting this fun monthly event.  We get to peek into so many beautiful and different kitchens each month.  If you haven’t already, why don’t you share a little of what is in your kitchen.

In my kitchen…

Is an indulgent purchase of beautiful silver napkin rings.  I walked passed them in a store I hardly visit; picked them up a zillion times and argued with myself that I really don’t need them – It’s not like we entertain every other day BUT then I went back to the store and well, 12 of them made their way into my basket!  I am thrilled to say I used them for a dinner with friends and they looked fabulous on the table.

In my kitchen…

Is another indulgent purchase – oops!  In my defence these lovely mini serving dishes were dirt cheap and I only bought 2.  I am sure I will regret not getting more as they are perfect for serving a starter on.

In my kitchen…

Is a much loved tray friends gave me for my birthday while we were living in Mauritius.  They both worked on the glass mosaic and made it personal with cupcakes and tea – my favourites!

In my kitchen…

Are yellow wood trivets which I inherited from my parent’s-in-law.  It’s been a while since I used them on the dinner table – we seem to serve everything from the hot tray lately.

In my kitchen…

Is a mesh food dome.  I have so many of these stashed away in the cupboard – we used them all the time when we lived on the island, not so much here any more, hence the stash in the cupboard.

In my kitchen…

Is a fresh batch of thinly sliced rusks, just the way Pete likes them for his morning cup of coffee.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – September 2014

Yippee, it is officially Spring – days will be getting warmer and evenings will be getting longer – oh happy days.

Thanks to the lovely Celia’s over at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, we get the opportunity to peek into so many wonderful and different kitchens every month.  If you haven’t already, why don’t you share a little of what is in your kitchen with us.

In my kitchen…

Are the most beautiful napkin / flower holders.  We originally only had 3 and my sister-in-law Trish had the other 3 so I asked I could have her 3 – she lovingly obliged.  They originally belonged to our parents-in-law.  I would love to hear where they originated from.

In my kitchen…

Are an ever growing pile of matches which Pete collects from the various countries he visits.  Seems though, our Lion (not photographed) brand of matches are still the best.

In my kitchen…

Is a bacon, mushroom and leak creamy pasta – a fabulous dinner with plenty leftover for lunch.

In my kitchen…

Is dried lemon grass which I found at Woolies.  I am looking forward to using it in a curry soon.

In my kitchen…

Are drying peppadews – the seed with be planted soon and hopefully we we will have lots of peppadew baby plants.

In my kitchen…

Is a Mandy special – I never inherited my mom’s ability to arrange flowers.  I thought strelizia’s and red Brazilian peppercorn branches would make a nice display.  I will endeavour to get better.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – August 2014

Yippee, just one more month to go until Spring.  I shall be counting the sleeps, but before we get there, here is what is in my kitchen this month.

In my kitchen…

Is a belated birthday gift from my folks.  I have been wanting a tier cake stand for a long while but couldn’t find a plain white one until I nearly tripped over one a couple of weeks ago, plus it was the last one in store (other than the display) so it must have been waiting for me.

In my kitchen…

Are egg cups.  These are something else I have been searching for and every person I ask seems to think I am mad and repeat back to me, “egg cups, you are looking for egg cups?”.  Clearly we are the only household left who enjoys boiled eggs with toast fingers.

In my kitchen…

Is some of the wine which I meant to share with you last month.  We bought these when we were at the wine estate.  I love that these are part of Graham Beck’s Game Reserve campaign.

In my kitchen…

Is the best champagne sealer I have ever come across.  This one allows you to seal a bottle super tight by turning the handle.  The more you turn, the tighter the seal as opposed to the other clip on versions which don’t work quite as well.

In my kitchen…

Are tea-light stands.  They add a lovely low light elegance to a dinner table.

In my kitchen…

Are beautiful old cookery books which my Aunty Christine was kind enough to share with me for a while.  I want to read each book page for page – never know, I may even do a series on one of these, like I did with our very much loved Woman’s Home Companion Cook Book.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – July 2014

I was worried that by the time July rolled around we would be freezing.  I am pleasantly surprised  to say that for the most part we only have the odd really cold day with loads of berg winds in between.  Long may it last.

In my kitchen…

Are two fabulous Kenyan teas which Pete brought back for me on his last trip there.  It is hard to choose a favourite but like I have said before, I could move to Kenya for their lovely tea.

In my kitchen…

Is clearly very strong Kenyan coffee because even the picture is blurry.  The aroma of this coffee is intoxicating and the flavour is very deep and rich with lovely earthy undertones.

In my kitchen…

Is another blurry photograph – clearly I have a little sugar rush from enjoying one too many of these wonderful little morsels.  These have been a standard Duty Free item since we can’t get these addictive chocolates in SA any more.  Sadly they don’t last very long in our home.

In my kitchen…

Are mini spicy cherry liqueurs, a product of Namibia.  I keep forgetting to taste one so have no idea what they taste like.  I am sure though, they will warm the cockles of your heart on a cold Namibian winter evening.

In my kitchen…

Is my latest addiction.  I found these heavenly morsels as a treat for Pete but alas I polished all 4 packets before he even got home!  They are so good I called the company who make them to compliment them on their product and they kindly sent me a voucher for 8 more packets!  Oh dear, I see extra running in my future to compensate for the increased calorie intake!

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.

In My Kitchen – June 2014

It can’t possibly be half way through the year already!  I remember reading Celia’s IMK posts when we were living in Mauritius and promising I would join in just as soon as we got back home – that was 3 years ago!  Before any more time runs away, lets have a look at what’s in my kitchen.

In my kitchen…

Are strelizia’s aka bird of paradise, aka crane flower from the garden brightening up the cold days.

In my kitchen…

Was a fun gift idea of Pete’s which we put together for a friends birthday.  We used old tins, sea sand, plain white candles and glass lantern covers.  You can replace the tins with metal mugs, add shells or pebbles on top of the sand, use fancier candles, possibly add a ribbon.  We like the simplicity of these.

In my kitchen…

Is a lovely olive dish and forks, a birthday gift from my brother Chris and his wife Elmien.

In my kitchen…

Is an impromptu gift from my dad.  These biscuits are frightfully moreish!

In my kitchen…

Is a new brand of coffee pods I found for Pete’s Nespresso machine.  I am wondering if they are a little more expensive being individually wrapped which doesn’t suit the container I keep all of Pete’s other pods in so these get forgotten in the cupboard.

In my kitchen…

Is a cake stand, a gift from my cousin Renee.  I love the detail on the rim.

What’s in your kitchen this month?  Please remember to link back to Celia’s blog Fig Jam and Lime Cordial if you partake in the fun and drop her a quick note to let her know when your post will be up.