Autumn, you are confused…and I’m worried

Posted on May 22, 2016 by cityhippyfarmgirl

With 10 days to go before winter technically starts, Autumn isn’t looking overly well…autumnal.

As I write this it’s a sunny 26C, the sea temperature is as lovely as it was in peak summer. The tomatoes are still flourishing, again like mid summer. The sun is still with a bite to it that makes you seek shade, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, (responsible sun use in this country is not something to be taken lightly.)

While a recent trip to the Blue Mountains saw lots of beautiful Autumn colour changes, this isn’t particularly evident closer to sea level. It’s simply too warm, too dry and with that I have a garden regularly gasping for water.

I live in an area where there should be seasonal changes showing by now, and when those differences are rather minute?

I can’t help but be a bit worried.

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How about you? Are your seasons as they should be? Is there rain?

Seasonal Eats- The Winter Edition

Posted on June 4, 2015 by cityhippyfarmgirl

The eggplant and basil have slowly slipped away and been replaced with potatoes, brussel sprouts and beetroot. Meals are being planned around pumpkin, mandarins are being snacked on and kale? Well kale is fairly consistently there.

I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. I feel that we are incredibly lucky living in an area that has such abundance in food varieties, despite the different seasons. The cooler seasons where in some parts of the world, the eating would start getting incredibly restrictive, here just gives us a different array of colours, tastes and still we get to keep it relatively local. That right there, is pretty damn wonderful.

no more eggplant

Some delicious things to look out for coming into the winter season

beetroot (roasted and turned into dip)

broccoli (served olive oil and awesome salt)

cabbage (sauerkraut yes please)

cauliflower

daikon (pickled)

kale (sausage rolls yes indeed, recipe to come for that one)

leek (leek and potato soup)

potatoes

carrots

limes

mandarins

quince

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What’s cooking in your kitchen at the moment? Is it now the beginnings of Winter or Summer for you?

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Shades of Autumn

Posted on May 24, 2015 by cityhippyfarmgirl

climbing boys, (Jack and the Beanstalk urban style)

calm within the morning chaos

chasing leaves

and ginger pear treats…

shades of autumn in her many ways.

cityhippyfarmgirl

Autumn or Spring? Where are you at in the seasons and what have you been up to this week?

Autumn I’ve been expecting you

Posted on May 8, 2014 by cityhippyfarmgirl

Hello Autumn, I’ve been expecting you.

so long summer

Posted on March 30, 2014 by cityhippyfarmgirl

And just like that summer was gone.

No drawn out goodbyes, and long lingering looks back.

The windows are now lowered as the cooler dusk air sneaks in.

A quiet goodbye to the carefree summer bare-feet,

next summer those same small bare-feet will be bigger.

The warm early morning starts that have you throwing open back doors,

the kitchen air still thick from the heat of the day before.

So long summer, with your long golden lit afternoons,

and to the melodic cicadas singing their songs.

Farewell to the invitingly warm sea pools,

with their noisy jostling swimmers.

The pools once more reclaimed,

by those that don’t fear the sharp coolness of the water.

Until next time summer,

so long.

Indian Spiced Pumpkin Scones- Frugal Friday

Posted on May 17, 2013 by cityhippyfarmgirl

With cooler weather finally arrived, it’s quite nice to have the oven on again for longer periods. No sweltering in the kitchen, followed by desperate throwing open of windows to catch a passing breeze. Instead, an inviting warm cosiness, that encourages lingering within the kitchen and regular taste testing.

Team that kitchen warmth up, with the last of the afternoon sun and a hungry belly- and scones it is. Not just any scones though. Savoury scones, that speak of autumn colours and warming spices.

Just the thing to go with a chunky soup.

Indian Spiced Pumpkin Scones

50g softened butter

1 cup mashed local pumpkin

1 tsp dried coriander

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp tumuric

1/2 tsp cardamom

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2- 3 cups s/r flour*

(*depends on the water content of your pumpkin)

Cream butter and spices together. Whisk in all other ingredients except the flour. Fold in flour with a knife. Turn out on to a floured surface and lightly knead, just until the ingredients come together. Make a roundish shape circle with the dough, and roughly divide. Pop on to a baking tray and bake at 210C for about 20 minutes.

Cheap, easy, and seasonal.

warm seas and soft light

Posted on April 16, 2013 by cityhippyfarmgirl

This is my favourite time of year

warm morning seas

soft afternoon light

and cooler nights.

Hello autumn

you’ve arrived.

autumn

Posted on April 15, 2012 by cityhippyfarmgirl

a changed beat

different air

cool nights and sunny days

autumn is here

along with school holidays

long walks in the park

the crackle of brown leaves under foot

perfect to build up and then run through

changing colours, changing light

changing rhythms

long days and aimless running

need lots of snacks

healthy ones

Tahini Balls

1 cup whole oats

1 cup desiccated coconut

1/3 cup unhulled tahini

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup hazelnut meal

1 tsp vanilla

sesame seeds

Mix it all together, add a couple of tablespoons of water just to bind it. Roll into balls with dampened hands, then roll in raw sesame seeds. Keep in the fridge.