I love that apricot jam was the aroma of your childhood India. I don't recall anyone making it but it was a favourite of my grandparents with whom I spent so much time and they would often give me fat slices of white bread with butter and lashings of apricot jam for lunch! Greedy me...how I loved it and they were always up for spoiling me with another slice - I think that 'fatten her up' attitude came about as a result of them living through the war and rations...the difficulties of which extended even to Double Bay!
By the way...I bagged the fruit the minute I saw it was pollinated...before blossom petal drop - I realised a few years ago it's at that point (as you have realised too) that the birds do the damage - but damnation as one can't bag it before it's pollinated! This year was a lucky one here...I haven't had any for quite a number. Your turn NEXT year! X
Hello Sally, it's lovely to hear from you and I'm glad you're enjoying the posts...and vicariously, the garden! Unfortunately I can't post the pumpernickel soda bread recipe as B still uses it regularly in her classes etc. You'll find it in her 'Mix & Bake' by Belinda Jeffery and how I encourage you to do so! Don't know what I'd do without it as once mastered can be whipped up at short notice and it's a hit every time. Look forward to seeing you at the next post. Happy new year! Mx
This sounds like a perfect Christmas. When alone is special and welcome, not sad. When reading is an unhurried pleasure. When food is chosen for its meaning in your own life. (Have you shared the pumpkin soda bread, it sounds delicious.…?). I love reading your posts and vicariously enjoying your garden. Thank you Mickey.
Aah, apricot jam. It’s the Christmas aroma of my childhood…this year the flipping parrots ate the blossoms before they even had a chance to set fruit. Sigh. I’m glad you had yours though, and can imagine the scent drifting through your lovely house.
I love that apricot jam was the aroma of your childhood India. I don't recall anyone making it but it was a favourite of my grandparents with whom I spent so much time and they would often give me fat slices of white bread with butter and lashings of apricot jam for lunch! Greedy me...how I loved it and they were always up for spoiling me with another slice - I think that 'fatten her up' attitude came about as a result of them living through the war and rations...the difficulties of which extended even to Double Bay!
By the way...I bagged the fruit the minute I saw it was pollinated...before blossom petal drop - I realised a few years ago it's at that point (as you have realised too) that the birds do the damage - but damnation as one can't bag it before it's pollinated! This year was a lucky one here...I haven't had any for quite a number. Your turn NEXT year! X
Hello Sally, it's lovely to hear from you and I'm glad you're enjoying the posts...and vicariously, the garden! Unfortunately I can't post the pumpernickel soda bread recipe as B still uses it regularly in her classes etc. You'll find it in her 'Mix & Bake' by Belinda Jeffery and how I encourage you to do so! Don't know what I'd do without it as once mastered can be whipped up at short notice and it's a hit every time. Look forward to seeing you at the next post. Happy new year! Mx
This sounds like a perfect Christmas. When alone is special and welcome, not sad. When reading is an unhurried pleasure. When food is chosen for its meaning in your own life. (Have you shared the pumpkin soda bread, it sounds delicious.…?). I love reading your posts and vicariously enjoying your garden. Thank you Mickey.
Aah, apricot jam. It’s the Christmas aroma of my childhood…this year the flipping parrots ate the blossoms before they even had a chance to set fruit. Sigh. I’m glad you had yours though, and can imagine the scent drifting through your lovely house.