tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26626370165594851832024-03-13T10:03:38.807+08:00potionstopesto.blogspot.comCreating a happy, healthy and sustainable environment. nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-18189844222230080332021-08-03T13:28:00.001+08:002021-08-03T13:28:24.202+08:00Vegan Feta<p>It's been a busy Plastic Free July with the last of four workshops being held on the last day of the month.Here is a recipe we enjoyed for morning tea during Food Waste that was popular for morning tea.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsoe2tQ9x6o/YQjOib5sc2I/AAAAAAAAEVs/mOoV1Sa-NY0XdS68_8Vb4Qk4iDHg-CEIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210803_125817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsoe2tQ9x6o/YQjOib5sc2I/AAAAAAAAEVs/mOoV1Sa-NY0XdS68_8Vb4Qk4iDHg-CEIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w202-h202/20210803_125817.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8jmn8un3Vs/YQjOIYvcdJI/AAAAAAAAEVg/p6W3-zLJiyw5aW9uGGJJYXLdgLd4RXYOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210803_125659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8jmn8un3Vs/YQjOIYvcdJI/AAAAAAAAEVg/p6W3-zLJiyw5aW9uGGJJYXLdgLd4RXYOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w174-h174/20210803_125659.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>It is easy, economical and can be made with bulk bought and "naked" ingredients.<p></p><p>Vegan Fetta</p><div style="text-align: left;">200 gm sunflower seeds</div><p>1/2 tsp salt</p><p>1 clove garlic, crushed</p><p>2 Tablespoons lemon juice</p><p>Cover seeds with water and soak overnight.</p><p>Drain, rinse and place in food processor..</p><p>Add lemon and salt and grind till a paste, adding more water if you need to.</p><p>Serve as a dip, a spread or to add creaminess to non-dairy dishes.</p><p>Store in the fridge.</p><p><br /></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div>nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-40212220188438037422020-03-12T10:21:00.005+08:002020-09-15T17:31:36.827+08:00Re scheduled Workshops<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #eeeeee;">These are the workshops I had to cancel during lock down. I will be restricting numbers to 4 for each workshop to allow for distancing and so you can be assured you get as much assistance as you need. An old favourite and a new technique at Stirling Street Summer School 2020. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #cccccc;"><span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Harmony Balls</span></span><br /><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Classes on request, $30</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; line-height: 107%;">Colouring
mandalas, round table discussions, Sufi whirling, our obsession with ball
sports, the seasons - circles in our life. Working ‘in the round’ is inclusive,
soothing, meditative and inspiring. This is a simple technique that uses leftover threads.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;">These embroidered balls are an excellent way to use up tiny scraps of knitting wool, cotton and embroidery thread. Use as a safe indoor ball for young children, as juggling balls. A few small balls can be hung over a cot. Create Christmas and Easter baubles or simply fill a bowl with colour.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Locker Hooking</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Monday 21st September 9.30- 12.30 or Saturday 3rd October 9.30-12.30</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Other dates and times are available, please contact me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Dilkes-Hoffman Ceramic Studio, Margaret River</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">$60, bring your lunch if you would like to continue in the afternoon. </span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;">An Amish craft, Locker hooking was popular in 20's, 30's and 40's.Using homespun yarn, carded wool or upcycled strips of fabric to make rugs, bags and other items. Yarn is pulled through rug canvas in and “locked” into place with a strand of wool, string or fabric, using a tool that is a cross between a crochet hook and a bodkin. Quick, easy, and addictive!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Email me nirala.hunt@gmail.com 0r call 0401 39156 for bookings and more information</span></h3>
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</div>nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-83905333642971062922019-12-02T12:21:00.001+08:002019-12-02T12:50:59.353+08:00Herbs: Harvesting and trashing<div>
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Last week I ran a workshop for <a href="https://www.iaama.org.au/">IAAMA</a>, the International Aromatherapists and Aromatic Medicine Association. Preparation for a workshop starts many days before. This time of year is the perfect time to harvest and dry many of the softer leaves and flowers for the <a href="https://www.nirala-naturally.com/extractions.html">oil extraction</a>s. I decided to take last years dried herbs with me to show the textures of dried leaf, roots and flowers. Although they had been stored in the dark, the contrast in colour and vitality to the newly processed ones was startling.</div>
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It is a good reminder that as the newly dried herbs are packed, it is time to throw out last years supply. This is true too for the herbs and spices in your kitchen cupboard. I have a friend who throws the lot out every January and buys new. You need not be that ruthless. Try the smell test...no smell, no good. Ground herbs lose their viability very quickly, best to buy them as rubbed or as whole leaves. The same applies to spices-buy whole when possible and grind your own. Check the use by date when you by them and store in dark glass, ceramic container with a tight fitting lid or in glass jars in a dark cupboard. Never keep by the stove or in bright light.</div>
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Dried herbs are a boost for your compost pile and make a nice weed free mulch although I would hope you don't have sackfuls to throw out! I have tried some of them on the chickens but they much prefer to eat them fresh and continue to graze on <a href="https://www.nirala-naturally.com/comfrey.html">comfrey,</a> chickweed, dandelion and plantain they can reach through their fence. Old dried spices can be used sprinkled on the garden around seedlings to help deter pests or again, in the compost. You can also mix them with essential oils and use to stuff calico bags to deter moths and silverfish in your wardrobe and linen cupboards. Mixed with resin or gum arabic, they can be rolled into <a href="http://www.crystalwind.ca/find-your-way/neopagan-path/tools-of-the-craft/how-to-make-incense"> incense</a> or beads. Check out the various sites for <a href="https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/rose-beads">Rose bead making</a>, you can add ground spices to these. They are a great school holiday activity and make a delightful present.</div>
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-74737595832882796242019-06-22T12:40:00.001+08:002019-08-19T17:01:56.599+08:00Tea bag avalanche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And still they come! Tea bag strings, in a range of hues and coloured tags that are a reflection of the diversity of my friends and family and the Stirling Street Arts Centre ladies happy to support a bit of creative madness. From Liptons to Twinings, green tea to Earl Grey. Some have quizzes on their tags, some have funny quotes. tea bag tags and strings from Bunbury, Donnybrook, Warnboro, Margaret River and even some carefully collected in Eastern Europe (who strangely all seemed to be named after men!<br />
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To make thread, you first have to remove all the tags. Enter my mother. Now blind and quite restricted by arthritis, misses her knitting and sewing and is always interested in what I am doing. I had taken my tea bag string scarf for her to 'see' and she wondered if there was someway she could help. I had a shopping bag full of tags in the car. It didn't take long for a crowd to gather to see what we were up too and as mum pulled the tags off I knotted the strings as the ladies swapped craft stories. Ever since, detagging has become a part of mums world and she gets regular deliveries from me!<br />
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It takes 2 golf ball sized balls of thread to make a small scarf and one to make enough crocheted lace to decorate the neckline of a dress. I have no idea how many. The colours have the same subtlety of variation of the tea itself, from dark browns to cream and a few pink ones from herbal teas and the knots add texture. Use needles and hook that create a loose result - it becomes too hard to work around the knots if you work on small needles. 3-4mm work for me.The scarves are soft to touch, warm to wear... worth the effort.<br />
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-14840832446286252902018-08-30T13:46:00.000+08:002020-03-12T10:38:41.678+08:00Elder Immune Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was bright sunshine a couple of days ago, now it's hailing outside. It must be August. It is a surprise every year, the days begin to lengthen, everyone begins to look forward to spring, then winter really hits. The temperature has been hovering around 10 degrees but the weather app tells us it "feels like" 5 (unless it is hailing and then it plummets close to zero. No complaints from me, I am grateful for the rain and wish I could send some of it eastwards to the drought affected farmers.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyUy3wJ3UWE/W4YDxv8HB9I/AAAAAAAADh8/cevQMupRYU0OevWoZy2LyVlXnZ0kjRfxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180226_142058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyUy3wJ3UWE/W4YDxv8HB9I/AAAAAAAADh8/cevQMupRYU0OevWoZy2LyVlXnZ0kjRfxwCEwYBhgL/s200/20180226_142058.jpg" width="120" /></a>I adore days like today, a good reason to stay inside and catch up on production, study, craft projects and begin to sort and throw in preparation for true spring cleaning once the sun is back. It seems that this between seasons weather is<br />
when our immune systems become more vulnerable and need some extra support. This summer gifted me an amazing crop of elder berries which is rare in these usually warmer climes. Stripped and dried, they had been waiting for winter. Two weeks ago, on a day rather like today, I turned them into an immune boosting syrup.I have been taking a spoonful each morning as a preventative measure and so far have avoided catching any of the colds and flu around me. The addition of some warming spices makes it easy to take and adding the cooled extraction to the honey helps conserve the properties of our unique raw bush honey.<br />
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Elder Immune Booster<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7q_4NlmXnA/W4YDyslOiwI/AAAAAAAADh4/trxjJEdEav0Dqmv4SHdefmhdPFkL-VpJACLcBGAs/s1600/20180302_084415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7q_4NlmXnA/W4YDyslOiwI/AAAAAAAADh4/trxjJEdEav0Dqmv4SHdefmhdPFkL-VpJACLcBGAs/s200/20180302_084415.jpg" width="120" /></a><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7O_kSRaTYo/W4YF2c7sCAI/AAAAAAAADio/LX9ZGItcEMQXobqkMD10Y1-erhgKkHsegCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180730_145523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7O_kSRaTYo/W4YF2c7sCAI/AAAAAAAADio/LX9ZGItcEMQXobqkMD10Y1-erhgKkHsegCEwYBhgL/s200/20180730_145523.jpg" width="120" /></a>2 cups rainwater<br />
2/3 cup dried elder berries<br />
2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, thinly sliced<br />
4 whole cloves<br />
4 cardamom pods, crushed<br />
2 sticks of cinnamon bark<br />
zest of one lemon, peeled<br />
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Place all ingredients except honey in a saucepan.<br />
Bring to the boil.<br />
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Reduce heat and simmer on a heat proof pad until reduced to about one cup.<br />
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Allow to cool.<br />
Press through a sieve, then strain through a muslin cloth.<br />
Stir in equal amount of honey until dissolved.<br />
Bottle and label with date.<br />
Store in the refrigerator.<br />
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Dose: 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach first thing in the morning as a preventative.<br />
1/2 - 1 tablespoon every two three hours when symptoms occur.<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0Margaret River WA 6285, Australia-33.955 115.07500000000005-34.0603535 114.91363850000005 -33.8496465 115.23636150000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-85780957676104589842018-07-04T09:23:00.000+08:002018-07-04T09:23:37.978+08:00Straws Suck: joining the ranks of the recycling madwomenPlastic Free July again. after the last few years, my single use plastic consuming has dropped drastically. This year the focus of PFJ is on plastic straws. I haven't used them since the children were small, and then only for craft projects, so no challenge for me there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mix your own jasmine tea</td></tr>
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My PFJ pledge is to give up using tea bags...a hidden source of plastic. We have all found the empty tea bags in the compost, tea leaves, tags and string are long gone but the bag persists.<br />
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It is difficult to track down which tea bags contain plastic, which include an adhesive made from pvc or polypropylene used to seal their edges. This is how the fill your own bags work..ironing melts the plastic to seal the bag. The only way to be sure if your bags do not contain any plastic is to contact suppliers. In the Uk, Co Op Foods with Typhoo removed plastic from their teabag range and PG Tips made the change to seal their bags with cornstarch.<br />
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Tea pouches are available, they either have a fold in flap much like a pillowcase or two holes punched in their open end so they can be suspended over a cup. Infusers come in all shapes and sizes.The options are many, not forgetting the delights of a full pre warmed tea pot.<br />
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There are still quite a few teabags in the pantry so I have pledged to collect the tea bags strings to knit a tea bag free celebration scarf.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKr61NtrXyY/WzwbIAQ-pvI/AAAAAAAADf0/ZNhg62eiSCIle1xHtjKpVkGvSKu4-apcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180703_105422_854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKr61NtrXyY/WzwbIAQ-pvI/AAAAAAAADf0/ZNhg62eiSCIle1xHtjKpVkGvSKu4-apcQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180703_105422_854.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is Irene who inspired me to take on this mission: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-06/woman-makes-scarves-out-of-teabag-strings/9841612. Her scarves are a labour of love that have involved the whole community and they look amazing.<br />
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I see the process as a reflection of the persistence and tenacity we need to address the problem of plastic in our environment. One tiny tea bag at a time.<br />
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Irene tells us we will need 2000 strings to complete a scarf. There are certainly not that many in the cupboard so I will cheerfully accept donations.nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-64873221629271003712018-07-01T11:58:00.000+08:002018-07-01T11:58:19.583+08:00The crop that keeps on giving!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made in March</td></tr>
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Three year old capsicum bushes were pumping at the end of summer. Roasted capsicum sauce glows orange in the depth of the freezer, many have been stuffed and much stroganoff has been eaten.<br />
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It's July, just past the shortest day, what to cook? I knew there were lots of greens in the garden and four jars of preserved capsicums dated March are still lurking unopened in the fridge.<br />
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Two were an untried Italian recipe which involved rolling vinegar blanched strips with anchovy fillets and olives. Secured with a toothpick and laid in a jar covered in EVO. 'Pizza!' says brain!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picked in July</td></tr>
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A couple of ice blocks of pesto quickly defrosted while I waited for the oil to soften in the capsicum jar. I sliced a mushroom and some diced sheep's feta . I was worried it may be salty so didn't add olives...a rare event for me! After a stint in the oven, I topped it with baby rocket from the garden, picked in the early winter dark.<br />
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Felt quite pleased with my instant dinner of homemade produce and the fact that I was using some of the summer stash...until I went out between showers in the daylight today and discovered these. The second GF pizza base needs eating...looks like a quesadilla for lunch!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-14152277834031511192018-02-21T15:57:00.000+08:002018-02-21T15:58:04.586+08:00Who said you can't? By late summer, many gardeners run screaming at the sight of yet another zucchini lurking in the garden. The delightful finger long babies guiltily picked at Christmas are long forgotten as more sneak their way into the chook bucket. Every year I seem to come across a new zucchini tip and here I have one new one that dispels the myth about freezing zucs, a dehydrator recipe and a Kofta recipe that is a beauty.<br />
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ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI<br />
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Spiralise your zucchini.<br />
Blanch by pouring over boiling water then refresh with cold water.<br />
Allow to drain.<br />
Pack into a box or sealed bag and freeze.<br />
Defrost in a sieve or colander to allow excess moisture to drain.<br />
Use in your favourite recipe.<br />
It does not need cooking, warm through if you like.<br />
I cooked some mushrooms, melted in a block of frozen pesto and stirred through the zucchini with some pitted olives...divine!<br />
It has a certain chewiness of texture reminiscent of al dente pasta.<br />
One 20cm zuc will feed two people.<br />
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This is an old favourite that I am happy to repeat:<br />
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ZUCCHINI CHIPS<br />
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Slice evenly, sprinkle with salt and allow to degorge.<br />
Pat dry, sprinkle with pepper and salt.<br />
Dehydrate till leathery.<br />
Flip slices and continue to dry till crispy.<br />
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Store in an airtight container.<br />
Serve as a snack or with dips.<br />
Use as a gluten free 'pasta' layer in lasagne<br />
NO fat and virtually no calories!<br />
One 20cm zucchini makes two trays/one coffee jar.<br />
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ZUCCHINI KOFTA<br />
A recipe for the cook who shared the spaghetti secret with me!<br />
Serves 4 with rice and is gluten free. For a vegan option replace dairy with coconut milk<br />
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<b>Koftas</b><br />
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500g grated zucchini, salted and squeezed, save liquid.<br />
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1 green chilli, chopped fine<br />
1 large onion, chopped fine<br />
1/2tsp grated ginger<br />
2Tbsp fresh coriander, chopped<br />
2Tbsp chickpea flour<br />
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Mix all well and form into 16 balls.<br />
Fry quickly till brown or brush with oil and bake at 180 degrees.<br />
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<b>Sauce</b><br />
2 onions, chopped fine<br />
rice bran oil<br />
Heat oil and fry till transparent<br />
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1/2 tsp turmeric<br />
pinch cayenne pepper<br />
2 tsp ground coriander<br />
Add and cook for a minute or so, till fragrant<br />
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225g canned or fresh tomatoes, chopped<br />
zuc water from above<br />
Add to onions and spice, simmer until reduced in volume by half.<br />
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250ml cream or yoghurt<br />
1/2 tsp garam masala<br />
Gently warm through, pour over koftas and sprinkle with whole roasted cumin seed or fresh coriander.<br />
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I hope you all enjoy the last of the season - in the middle of winter!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-68314922006369307682018-02-07T13:53:00.001+08:002018-02-07T16:41:39.847+08:00Big Dig for ChangeMy mind and my garden have been chaotic with more than just the usual summer challenges of watering, possums, rats and other wee beasties. Repairs to the septic system have been in process....the excavating to take place between a wall and a raised garden bed with a total width of 2 metres to maneuver.<br />
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Gardens were dug out, climbing roses pruned to within an inch of their lives to allow the side boundary fence to be taken down for access through the thankfully empty neighbouring block, fences, gates, paving, pots and plants needed dealing with. Everyone close was warned and asked to shut their doors and windows and not hang out washing for the day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDi004xkNTc/WnqP-XF2IvI/AAAAAAAADT8/VmwmDsRkKS0hoa1_nukmdMAcRwweDhjuwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180129_114128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDi004xkNTc/WnqP-XF2IvI/AAAAAAAADT8/VmwmDsRkKS0hoa1_nukmdMAcRwweDhjuwCLcBGAs/s200/20180129_114128.jpg" width="120" /></a>My anxiety levels rocketed as the garden was dismantled with me wearing the hats of planner, site manager, gardener, accounts person and the tea lady. Plants ten years old and more were sacrificed, others pruned to within an inch of their lives. Fences and gates lovingly painted only months ago were taken down, some damaged beyond repair.<br />
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The night before the excavator was due, I stood in the garden at dusk, looking at what we had done and instead of sadness at the destruction of years of hard work, I felt a feeling of space, boundaries coming down. An opening up of new possibilities - room for the new and a fr<span id="goog_111642856"></span><span id="goog_111642857"></span>isson of excitement for the possibilities of change.<br />
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It's a week on,there is paving to be relaid, gates and fences to be rebuilt. A massive pile of prunings, old irrigation and the carpet that was laid to kill the kikuyu grass 17 years ago are piled on the road verge. An unexpected couple of cubic metres of clay dug from the hole will be a bonus in the sandy garden soils and there is the buzz of planning new garden beds. There is relief that the destruction phase is over and rebuilding can take its time. The stress of the costs involved, dealing with various tradesmen, excavating power and phone lines, keeping the mess and confusion to manageable levels have faded. The fears and the uncertainty of dealing with what was, for me, a huge project have blossomed into a new confidence in my abilities. By asking questions, treating others with respect and trusting their judgement, taking care to keep the workers safe and fed, everything progressed smoothly and with good humour. Well done all of us!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-65027938035230907582018-01-11T08:36:00.000+08:002018-01-11T09:37:13.728+08:00Everlasting Fragrance, Hot Chocolate and Impotence <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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The <a href="http://frompotionstopesto.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/john-woodman-and-vanilla-bean.html">vanilla story </a>continues...<br />
There are some botanicals that hold their fragrance for years but was surprised to discover that properly stored vanilla pods can retain their flavour and fragrance for fifty years and like red wine, improve with age. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light in a cool place and you will always have pods on hand.<br />
<br />
Or you can use them.<br />
<br />
Tinctures are one way to capture active principles of plants and that's what we do when we make vanilla essence. The shaking replaces the usual sucussing of the tincture.<br />
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Here's two recipes - one with and one without alcohol.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCccxQ8ojMo/WlXgzD6A8II/AAAAAAAADRA/ZjTMN10V0FgTEivy8AuY5IMwl2pHXw71ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180109_084201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCccxQ8ojMo/WlXgzD6A8II/AAAAAAAADRA/ZjTMN10V0FgTEivy8AuY5IMwl2pHXw71ACEwYBhgL/s200/20180109_084201.jpg" width="120" /></a><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Vanilla Essence</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Vanilla pods<br />
Brandy, vodka or spirit of choice<br />
<b><br /></b>
Chop your pods into 1cm lengths and place in a screw top jar.<br />
Cover with brandy or vodka.<br />
Leave to steep at least a month, longer if you can wait that long, shaking daily.<br />
The liquid should be dark brown and fragrant<br />
Strain through a coffee filter if you wish a clear liquid or leave the seeds as they are.<br />
<br />
<b>Alcohol Free Vanilla Essence</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Vanilla pods<br />
Vegetable glycerine<br />
Distilled water (optional)<br />
<br />
The method is the same as above, simply cover the pods with glycerin or 50/50 blend of glycerin and water and use as you would any other vanilla essence. at suitable for vegetarians unless it is labelled as vegetable glycerin.<br />
<br />
You can also split and scrape out the seeds either before or after infusing them and add to the essence.<br />
Scraped pods can be added to sweet dishes or preserves and removed before serving, they also contain lots of flavour. Try adding to hot milk used for making chocolate for an Aztec experience!<br />
<br />
Vanilla essence made with alcohol can be used in essential oils perfumes as it blends well with all woody, resinous and oriental scents.<br />
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It has no known pharmaceutical use apart from as a flavouring for medicines. A rumor started in the 17th century that it could cure impotence probably came about as it it known to be difficult to fertilise!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-52225695445683433932018-01-09T12:50:00.000+08:002018-01-10T14:54:04.731+08:00John the Woodman and the Vanilla Bean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJz9N9LTkHI/WlRGIa9TAFI/AAAAAAAADQc/5qLBC_1-VOwI0SIMBj8xLM14MI7terYJgCLcBGAs/s1600/forrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJz9N9LTkHI/WlRGIa9TAFI/AAAAAAAADQc/5qLBC_1-VOwI0SIMBj8xLM14MI7terYJgCLcBGAs/s1600/forrest.jpg" /></a></div>
Every winter for twelve years, John the Woodman regularly bought me generous loads of pre split firewood which he stacked neatly. Into his eighties, wearing tiny shorts in all weathers, he continued to arrive in his battered old ute full of seasoned 'ping ping' jarrah. Kind and considerate, always polite, funny and self deprecating, his determination to never to slow down was admirable.<br />
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Always up for a chat, he was especially curious to hear of our holidays in Indonesia, having lived there as a child. We encouraged him to revisit but he always said that he didn't want to see it changed, that he wanted to remember it as it was. John had fond memories of Indonesian food and one night we invited him to share an Indonesian feast starring kangaroo rendang with us, thinking the meeting of two cultures would amuse him.<br />
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I had been lucky enough to be given a kilo of vanilla pods and after the meal had been savoured and a doggy bag packed for John to take home, I bought them to the table for John to see. It had an impact I could never have imagined. As a child in Java, John had played in the vanilla plantations. I am not sure if his parents owned them but he certainly knew a lot about them. It was a profitable business to be involved in and much favoured by the Dutch.<br />
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<i>Vanilla planifolia</i> originated in South America and was 'discovered', along with its culinary partner, cacao and was taken to Europe, where it failed to thrive. The only known pollinator, a melipone bee, did not exist outside of Mexico and the orchids refused to set pods for the next 300 years until Charles Morren, a Belgian botanist, developed a method of hand pollination. Each flower, open for only a few hours for one day must be opened and hand pollinated to produce one pod, each taking about two months to develop.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcrfN96kLWA/WlRAh9n7FdI/AAAAAAAADP4/oR_tR9Ydhoov-2Ao2RTs2u9sxpwQgRCMwCLcBGAs/s1600/vanilla%2Bpods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcrfN96kLWA/WlRAh9n7FdI/AAAAAAAADP4/oR_tR9Ydhoov-2Ao2RTs2u9sxpwQgRCMwCLcBGAs/s1600/vanilla%2Bpods.jpg" /></a></div>
The process of curing the bland green pods to the fragrant sticky brown ones involves sweating the pods at temperatures up to 65 centigrade with high humidity, wrapping and storing and repeating each day. The process may be started by immersing in boiling water or by being laid out in the sun for a few hours in the morning before being rolled up in blankets and stored before repeating until the pods are brown and fragrant. This can take up to 14 months.They are then laid out to dry. Add to the time involved the fact that crops are often decimated by cyclones and tropical storms and do not begin to flower until they are 3-5 years old we can appreciate why the world's favourite flavouring so expensive to buy.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_urBRHcAiI/WlQ_4H7JjEI/AAAAAAAADPg/_8GTtwkxYWwnuDEyfzun2XkJ0jcctTMOwCLcBGAs/s1600/Vanilla%2Bindinesia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="291" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_urBRHcAiI/WlQ_4H7JjEI/AAAAAAAADPg/_8GTtwkxYWwnuDEyfzun2XkJ0jcctTMOwCLcBGAs/s200/Vanilla%2Bindinesia.jpg" width="151" /></a>Johns eyes filled with tears as he inhaled the sweet fragrance. John was a young boy when the Japanese invaded Java and with other Dutch families were herded into detention camps, the men to prison camps. We heard many stories that night of life in the camp, the hardships and lack of anything for the children to do. John was a lucky one. The Japanese were aware that for the vanilla crops to continue, the groves would need to be worked. Being young and agile, John was released early each morning to walk the many miles to the vanilla groves.Using a sharpened stick, he gently eased the pollen out to press behind the stamen. Over and over, up and down ladders, on his own until it was time to head back. He was proud of his work, the freedom it gave him and the extra food he was sometimes able to find. Three years later, the Japanese were defeated and the Dutch East Indies became Indonesia. John and his family went to live Holland from where he immigrated to Australia.<br />
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In 2016, John seemed to be slowing - a couple of accidents in the bush while working alone didn't stop him and his sons gave him a mobile phone. The death of his favourite dog impacted on him and his ute often refused to cooperate. We wondered if it would be better to stop ordering firewood as no matter what, he would deliver, though one of his sons was often with him now. Last year he seemed to vanish from sight, the phone went unanswered and was eventually disconnected and I stopped bumping into him in town. No one seemed to know where he was.<br />
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Just before Christmas I decided to use some of the vanilla and started some vanilla essence, extract and sugar. I gave all my friends a bunch of pods for Christmas. A call one evening in early January told me John had died. It was especially poignant that I had been surrounded by the fragrance of vanilla for the last few weeks. I would have loved to have bought you some John but ever the gentleman, you didn't want a fuss and left quietly.<br />
<br />
This little part of the richness of your life that you shared with us I cherish. Your memory will live on for me in your story, in the warm fragrance of vanilla and as I use the sturdy chopping block you cut for me.<br />
<br />
Go well my friend x Nirala<br />
<br />
<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-5967237827543324672017-12-28T16:20:00.000+08:002017-12-28T16:20:01.557+08:00Wood to water: the seasons turnOur response to light is primal. Its change with the seasons brings a feeling of gentle disquiet, as we ease into its dictates. Spring and autumn are energising, transitional times of change that call for a reevaluation. Yesterday, I cleaned the ash from the fireplace and removed the wood buckets. Watering replaces woodchopping, the outdoor furniture retreats into the shady spots and cooking is planned for early in the morning or after dark.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daikon radish pods</td></tr>
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In the garden, the days take on their own pattern. The early morning is the time to pick leafy greens and soft fruits then, as the dew evaporates, calendula and lavender flowers. Early evening, I am harvesting the winter seed: poppies, coriander, rocket, daikon and watercress and in a week or two will be picking pick sun warmed tomatoes and capsicums at their end of day best. There are water bowls, bird baths, pot plants and the pond that need topping up with water and rainwater tanks to monitor. The reassuring grinding as the mechanisms in watering stations turn on and off tell me my plants will survive if I am not here for a few days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendulas</td></tr>
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I monitor the flow of the river over the weir with great interest, willing it to continue as long as possible. Gently tapping the side of the tanks I check their levels to evaluate how long they will last.<br />
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The wrens and the silver eyes thank me for the a bath under the sprinkler every couple of days.The black skinks have appeared with the bobtails and I hear snakes are about too. The bush rats are into my seed buckets and I have bought them inside to clean and pack away for autumn planting. The warm nights allow us to reacquaint with the ring tailed possums and mosquitos while enjoying the music of the frogs and the moon carolling magpies. The day time chorus is of crows and kookaburras, cicadas and sandgropers.<br />
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It is a shift in awareness from wet to dry, cold to hot - a changing of clothes, diet and activities. The world expands, comes out to play to plan holidays and enjoy the beach and the forest. I am grateful for this reminder of change and renewal in nature. The seasons here may not be as dramatic as in other climates but it is there. Wherever you live and whether you will be eating pudding by the fire or lobster at the beach, I wish you all a gentle joy in the turning of the year.<br />
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Go well, now and always,<br />
<br />
Nirala<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0Margaret River WA 6285, Australia-33.955 115.07500000000005-34.0603535 114.91363850000005 -33.8496465 115.23636150000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-91087039946214867082017-12-04T11:37:00.000+08:002017-12-04T11:37:21.103+08:00Spring harvest<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafIuiPhaG4/Wf6LVQ87sqI/AAAAAAAADIM/O5gDSJrc1Z0-Yhp1Ys5yRirZgs2Yo1nYgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171023_081811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafIuiPhaG4/Wf6LVQ87sqI/AAAAAAAADIM/O5gDSJrc1Z0-Yhp1Ys5yRirZgs2Yo1nYgCLcBGAs/s200/20171023_081811.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEUa5i-yPKY/Wf6KU8itVfI/AAAAAAAADH8/grjk70AZ4to52Au0Ht4dkonBB638ym5LQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170813_120826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEUa5i-yPKY/Wf6KU8itVfI/AAAAAAAADH8/grjk70AZ4to52Au0Ht4dkonBB638ym5LQCLcBGAs/s200/20170813_120826.jpg" width="120" /></a>November, the last of spring and the garden is soft and lush, ablaze with colour and movement. Like the northern hemisphere we are about to go into our time of extreme weather and have mini harvest time for the soft vegetables and flowers that are at their best. Red cabbage has been made into a brilliant red kimchi, the lemons have been juiced, pickled, preserved and made into<a href="http://frompotionstopesto.blogspot.com.au/2009/11/more-hubble-bubble.html"> Lemon Power</a> and gremolata for the freezer. The deep red petals of the 'Mr Lincoln' rose are large, dark and fragrant, not yet beetle prey they are being dried to make Turkish delight for after a short stint being admired in a vase. Calendulas are being deheaded daily, the best season in years. Don't be squeamish about picking them, you will get so many more in return and you can just pick half each day.I will have an abundance for oil extractions and tincture and enough to sprinkle on salads and add dried later to rice before cooking.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vljcoB-1W7U/Wf6IlIEG7tI/AAAAAAAADHo/2WMAGEBKk8Ek7zhRbjS8LUYQ8e2Bg_hAgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171104_153903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vljcoB-1W7U/Wf6IlIEG7tI/AAAAAAAADHo/2WMAGEBKk8Ek7zhRbjS8LUYQ8e2Bg_hAgCLcBGAs/s200/20171104_153903.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjilxwWXsec/Wf6IegkZtSI/AAAAAAAADHk/OxekOIU6xZUAVkJfaRrUPA4suYFhi1CsACLcBGAs/s1600/20171105_083314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjilxwWXsec/Wf6IegkZtSI/AAAAAAAADHk/OxekOIU6xZUAVkJfaRrUPA4suYFhi1CsACLcBGAs/s200/20171105_083314.jpg" width="120" /></a>It is also the best time to harvest my favourite old fashioned mint before it flowers. Diamond-backed moths and rust are making their way up the stems and making a mess of it. Cut now, the damaged leaves stripped, the bunches are hung indoors in the shade. Rub the leaves through a wire sieve when dry. Do not leave dried herbs hanging too long, they get cobwebby and dusty, especially in summer. I think dried mint works better than fresh in spanakopita, palak paneer and mint sauce and I always have some in the cupboard.<br />
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A friend called to ask about elder flowers and came an harvested a basketful for Elder Fizz for Christmas. Inspired, I began a batch too. The grandchildren love this very grown up drink and non drinkers enjoy its champagne like bubbles. There is still plenty of time if you would like to try. Two weeks is the minimum fermentation. Best tip....don't decide to do it the day after recycling has gone unless you have a great stash of wine or beer bottles. I have been promised I can bin dive at a friend's accommodation cottage for my next batch!<br />
<h2>
<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Elder Fizz</span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is a tried and true recipe at our
house, usually made in time for Christmas ‘champagne’ for the non drinkers and
children. The flowers contain natural yeast that assists the fermentation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Will fill 10 wine bottles.</span></div>
<br />
9 litres water<br />
700g white sugar<br />
1 lemon, juice and rind<br />
30ml cider vinegar<br />
12 elderflower heads<br />
<br />
In a large saucepan, bring the water to the boil. <br />
Stir in sugar until it is dissolved and remove from the heat.<br />
Gently shake the flowers to remove dust and insects and remove as much green stalk as you can.<br />
When the water has cooled to room temperature, add the flowers, cider vinegar and lemon juice and rind.<br />
Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm place for 24 hours.<br />
Filter through muslin or a clean tea towel and bottle in clean screw top bottles.<br />
<br />
Let sit for two weeks to mature and serve chilled.<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-70550987959272377792017-11-23T20:22:00.000+08:002017-11-23T20:24:24.678+08:00 Minty and fruity - drying soft herbs and natural pink fizzWarm weather is on its way again and there is a rush on to harvest all the soft herbs before they bolt and flower and send all their energy into seed production. While the weather is still cool and dry, the essential oil content is at its highest level and your herbs will be pungent and potent harvested now. Always pick after the dew has dried and before the full heat of the day.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_rKX5kUrLo/Wha8f5GEhFI/AAAAAAAADK8/8plXFuSXsnAL2KYM4dpnCFa05c1gQtuxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171114_074832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_rKX5kUrLo/Wha8f5GEhFI/AAAAAAAADK8/8plXFuSXsnAL2KYM4dpnCFa05c1gQtuxwCEwYBhgL/s200/20171114_074832.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuR9OUbmvOo/Wha8f39fjxI/AAAAAAAADLA/NjI-eQTSAAMjHDvJn8X01rumqMKS1ztPACLcBGAs/s1600/20171123_160008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuR9OUbmvOo/Wha8f39fjxI/AAAAAAAADLA/NjI-eQTSAAMjHDvJn8X01rumqMKS1ztPACLcBGAs/s200/20171123_160008.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="http://frompotionstopesto.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/spring-harvest.html">The mint I picked</a>, bunched and hung two weeks ago is ready to strip before it collects dust and cobwebs and loses a lot of its colour. The leaves are hard and brittle and should crumble easily. Gently pull the leaves from the stems. Store whole leaves in an airtight jar and store in a dark place. Use for teas and <br />
tinctures. To process for cooking, rub gently through a metal sieve, discarding the hard stems and veins. Chuck out all the old herbs in your pantry as you process the new crop. The sticks make fragrant twigs for the fire or can be chopped up and added to the compost bin. This process will work for oregano, marjoram, yarrow, lemon verbena and sage but not for fleshier herbs like basil and plantain..<br />
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I got creative with the two batches of <a href="http://frompotionstopesto.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/spring-harvest.html">elder fizz </a>now bottled and waiting for labels. A lovely pink version was a great success after I added 4 rosehip and hibiscus flowers tea bags to the hot syrup. A nice natural red fizzy drink for all the grandies. Now for the labels!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-17432186622121701952017-01-27T13:27:00.002+08:002017-11-05T13:06:11.824+08:00Can I have a micro chip please?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My website is down. Ten days now. Ten days of struggling to understand the terminology, searching Google for help, dealing with the few hardy folk who managed to contact me in other ways to place orders, participating in 'live' chat that had was more dead than alive in it's responses and a few days generally tearing my hair out. All this perfectly timed as a follow up to all the advertising that has gone out for March workshops with the website link for bookings.<br />
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Technology...fantastic when it works, a head-splitting, ego crushing nightmare when it doesn't.<br />
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Each day I have logged in to stare at the flat line graph registering zero page views. Today I managed to find out I no longer had an account with my domain host - the result of having changed my email address two years ago. My renewal notice had bounced and I had gone into "redemption."</div>
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This meant I had 45-60 days to reinstate or my domain name would be deleted and removed from the registry which meant anyone who wanted it could pick it up. It has been 57 days...I could not change my details as my account was not active.I could not reinstate until I paid a fee.I could not pay that fee online. Many hours and $140 later, I am waiting to see if it all comes good.</div>
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I have done what I can, a small over sight has cost me dearly. With the speed which technology continues to change, the learning experience I am proud of today may not be appropriate tomorrow. Every new device involves a new set of understandings. I find I need to write things down and keep hard copies more often, I can't rely on my phone or computer to do it all for me when there are internet outages, power failures, updates and all the other strange glitches that can happen.</div>
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When the Australia card was proposed in the early 70's, I opposed what I saw as an invasion of privacy. My opinion has changed. I would like a micro chip in my wrist that I can scan instead of remembering a million passwords, that contains all those cards I have to carry, my medical records in case I have an accident and where I live so if I should go wandering in my old age I could be returned home safely. If you want to steal my identity, you will need to bring a knife!</div>
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Meanwhile, if you need me - nirala.hunt@gmail.com</div>
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Go well,</div>
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Nirala<br />
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-57402054846158655782017-01-05T16:15:00.001+08:002017-01-05T16:17:58.202+08:00Big Girls Panties for 2017<br />
It has been an extraordinary year. A year of extremes: unexpected political events that included Brexit and the American election results, deaths of thousands of civilians in civil wars and terrorist attacks, deaths of popular iconic figures, natural disasters, plane crashes.....and on it went relentlessly.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2U8CNIsmj4/WG320WxIu9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/jpTODBL_OokPh-rWR1sWofm6F6VdOPD-gCLcB/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2U8CNIsmj4/WG320WxIu9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/jpTODBL_OokPh-rWR1sWofm6F6VdOPD-gCLcB/s1600/quote.jpg" /></a>Many people are feeling emotionally battered and bruised, fearful of financial insecurity, political turmoil, terrorism, fearful of the changes in technology that are out pacing the time to learn them, worried about jobs, houses and a safe environment for their children. The 'old ways' no longer work and must break down before a new path can be envisaged. Never has there been a greater need for change. Remember: 'Just when the caterpillar thinks it is all over, it becomes the butterfly.'<br />
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Someone always asks about new years resolutions at some point in January. My unrehearsed reply was:<i> to be brave</i>. Surprising to me as much as anyone else. Fear can paralyse. Courage allows us to open doors, embrace change, move forward. Courage can be smiling at a stranger, saying 'yes', starting a new venture, listening to your heart. Risking a little (or a lot). Some days it's just being brave enough to get out of bed, put one foot in front of the other and face the day. For me, it will mean gently putting aside the thoughts that whisper seductively: can't, don't, shouldn't, and transform fear into excitement, change into progress.<br />
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I wish I still smoked...giving up might be an easier resolution to keep!<br />
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Into my big girl panties!</div>
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nirala</div>
nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-72918816449577088842016-09-07T15:21:00.002+08:002017-01-06T11:22:38.420+08:00Souped up for spring<br />
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One hundred and twenty five kilometre an hour winds are due to arrive some time in the next hour. Its pretty wild and pouring with rain outside for the first week of spring with the odd rumble of thunder passing by.<br />
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Spring is delicious for so many reasons...literally too. Green leafy vegetables plumped with winter rain, bright happy strawberries and the first sexy asparagus at the Farmers Market last weekend- I am happy. The mint in the garden is abundant, perfect for the spring lamb. The ancient chickens have been stirred by a little sunshine and the longer days and are laying at least one egg a day between the three of them. I love the change of diet that comes with the change of season.<br />
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The swiftly changing weather is hard to predict and there are a lot of colds and flu around and our bodies need a boost. I reach for one of the spring gardens unsung heroes, watercress. At its best now in ponds, paddocks and fast flowing streams, n<i>asturtium officinale </i>is actually a member of the brassica family and rivals kale as a superfood . Rich in vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, manganese and other nutrients, leaves flowers and seeds are all edible. It is a useful forage plant but a word of caution: when harvesting in the wild, do not gather from areas that are either down stream from or part of grazing paddocks or have any sort of water contamination. Watercress is a favourite food for a freshwater snail that acts as a host for liver fluke which can effect humans.<br />
Dulse <i>(palmaria palmata)</i> is another super food. Add some dried dulse seaweed (available at your health food shop) and you will gain the benefits of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chromium, iodine, zinc and trace elements.<br />
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This soup is the best spring tonic, warm and nourishing, one of my all time favourite recipes of forager Fiona Bird and is from her book "The Foragers Kitchen" given to me by a dear friend who spends a lot of time on South Uist, the island where Fiona lives. See more about the legend that is Fiona on her Facebook page. Her books are available to order on line in Australia.<br />
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This recipe calls for smoked haddock, (I use smoked cod) and pin head oats. I have used a tablespoon of quick oats with no ill effect. I suspect they are there to prevent the milk curdling as it simmers.<br />
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<i>Smoked Haddock, Dulse and Watercress Soup</i></h4>
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<i>30g butter</i><br />
<i>1Tbsp vegetable oil</i><br />
<i>1 onion, peeled and chopped</i><br />
<i>250g potatoes, peeled and diced small</i><br />
<i>1Tbsp dried dulse flakes</i><br />
<i>2 Cups milk</i><br />
<i>1Tbsp quick oats</i><br />
<i>200g fillet smoked cod</i><br />
<i>300ml water</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp roughly chopped watercress (or more!)</i><br />
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Melt butter and oil in a saucepan, add onion, cook briefly before adding potatoes, dulse and oats.Stir well, cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring to check the potatoes are not sticking to the pan. Add a little of the milk if necessary.<br />
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Add the milk and the fish, skin side up. Cover and continue to cook slowly.<br />
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After 4-5 minutes, lift the fish out of the liquid and peel off the skin. Flake the fish and return to the pan. Add water and watercress and cook 2-3 minutes. Test that the potatoes are cooked before serving.<br />
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Taste for seasoning...smoked fish is nowhere near as salty as it used to be. Add a generous amount of black pepper if you like it and top each bowl with a little extra watercress.<br />
Serves four as a starter but I serve as two hearty main meals to enjoy while waiting for the next sunny day!<br />
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-33324691478818410072016-06-26T12:29:00.000+08:002016-06-26T12:31:26.076+08:00Glass Pickles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">habitat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shade grown</td></tr>
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It is not often that two of my obsessions overlap in a serendipitous way. At the end of autumn I was walking with a friend along along estuary where he lives when I realised we were standing at the edge of a marshy area full of samphire. I have never seen it near home so I harvested a small handful to take home to pickle. This Australian member of the genus <i>salacornia, </i>I believe to be<i> </i>tecticornia halophyte<i>, </i>a favourite plant of mine. Looking very much like the succulent 'Dead Man's Fingers' it thrives in tidal rivers, estuaries and salty marshland where it acts against erosion. A small shrub, it appears to have no leaves, only succulent stems. In shaded areas, it can double its height when given year round water. New growth is brilliant green, during summer the older branches become pink or red.<br />
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Common names include 'sea asparagus', 'sea bean', 'sea pickle' and 'pousse-pierre' after the patron saint of fishermen. AND...here comes the link to another obsession,,,,'glasswort' is another common name for samphire. Prior to the nineteenth century, the ashes of glasswort and saltwort were used as a source of soda ash for glass making. Other varieties are used as a source of biofuel, salt and building materials.High in nitrogen, it can be a good source of fodder. Aboriginal Australians collected the seeds to grind into flour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">washed for pickling</td></tr>
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Samphire is a useful foraging plant. As with any native plants, it is best to check local regulations before harvesting. With samphire and marsh species, it is important to check the waterways in which they grow to avoid contamination. The best time to harvest is in spring when they are plump and juicy and the waterways have had a good flush of rain. I harvested mine at the end of summer and some of the stalks are a bit tough. Only take the top of the green shoots so as not to kill the plant.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQUCeT2ZkcE/V29OXThNtKI/AAAAAAAACv8/cZKGqnF0uuE7wOlhHQWLGg8p5kkl2HYXgCLcB/s1600/20160413_103529%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQUCeT2ZkcE/V29OXThNtKI/AAAAAAAACv8/cZKGqnF0uuE7wOlhHQWLGg8p5kkl2HYXgCLcB/s200/20160413_103529%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="120" /></a>The taste varies from seaweed-salty to green-bland when it is grown in freshwater. It can be eaten raw, steamed or preserved. Traditionally it is served with seafood and historically, in spring, English fishmongers would present a bunch with every purchase (which was often binned by the ungrateful customer as 'poor' food).<br />
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Nutritionally it is a good source of vitamin A, calcium and iron. It can also be a source of selenium, which it draws from the soil and transpires into the atmosphere. This may need a note of caution not to consume large amounts in areas of samphire from soils rich in selenium.This is not usually a problem in Australia as our soils are selenium poor, except possibly where there is run off from commercial grain producing paddocks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spice jars are the perfect shape</td></tr>
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There are lots of methods to pickle samphire. After washing and removing the tough parts of the stems, either blanch in boiling water, drain and let dry then cover with cider or white wine vinegar, with or without spices. Or simply pack into sterile jars and pour over boiling vinegar and seal.<br />
As a side dish, lightly steam and dress with lemon and butter or olive oil. Use raw is salads, pickled with fish, white meats and mild cheeses.<br />
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Samphire plants have recently appeared in nurseries in the coastal plants section. Tough and water wise, they are a worthwhile addition to your garden for so many reasons. I have taken some cuttings.I don't think the homegrown varieties will have that lovely salty taste but if you have high levels of salt in your water source, it could be just the plant for you.<br />
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As for collecting glass...that is purely for pleasure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glass by Gerry Reilly<br />
<a href="http://www.meltingpotglass.com/">www.meltingpotglass.com</a></td></tr>
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<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-65736305217621215382016-02-19T16:09:00.001+08:002016-02-19T16:13:59.774+08:00Bush, Bog Rolls and Bikers <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new track</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No apologies for today's title. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just after Christmas, work began on widening the southern half of the Margaret River walk trail, closing the loop along the river. It being summer holidays here meant an increase of traffic on the northern side.The new path, when it opened was shocking...a wide expanse of bare orange dust, in parts through newly cleared forest. Two weeks later we had an unexpected downpour and our new path turned to mud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were grumblings amongst the regular forest users. They are an eclectic bunch, most of us know each other and our dogs, by sight, if not by name. Since <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehairymarron">The Hairy Marron</a>, the new bike shop, opened at the bridge, the amount of mountain bike traffic on the paths has increased and walkers need to be alert.They don't have time to chat, pat the dogs or to admire the new sculptures by our rock man, who quietly creates sculptures from stones along the path that vanish within a few days. Nor the woman you will find perched on a log or a seat chanting in the early morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock man at work</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the weir, the new path has made the entrance to the southern portion more obvious and is has become a magnet for illegal campers who strew the car park with litter and the forest alongside with used toilet paper and worse.These visitors who speed through miss a lot, the strange sound of the 'nail gun' tree which leads you to think there is a building site in the forest and its mate on the south side who screeches like a possum. They don't see the bright yellow leeches who cross the path after rain and miss the wonderful giant caterpillar that turns into one of the largest moths in the forest and the shy birds that come near if you are silent. I wonder if in spring they see the orchids and the marron who crawl lazily under the bridge?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We live in paradise here, it can make you selfish. Change is often difficult. The forest has changed and more people can now appreciate it, which hopefully will mean care for it too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YujSLJX8pU/VsbHYgbtcYI/AAAAAAAACp0/j2H8Ifvryqk/s1600/2016-01-12%2B08.21.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YujSLJX8pU/VsbHYgbtcYI/AAAAAAAACp0/j2H8Ifvryqk/s200/2016-01-12%2B08.21.21.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New karris to meet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summer rain and following high winds have softened the path with fallen leaves The extreme heat has caused the karri trees to begin shedding their bark and helped it settle into the landscape. <a href="http://www.rotarymargaretriver.org.au/">The Rotary Club</a> has installed some benches and the workmen have left the odd large rock along side the trail that can be used to rest a while too. We are beginning to appreciate the fact we can now walk three abreast and no longer have to watch for snakes in the damp spots close to the water (although the snakes have been seen checking out the new path too.) We have met some new trees and cheer on the Zamia palms pushing through the compacted dirt. At the end of the path, 'Hairy' welcomes us with a smile and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we can appreciate their</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> excellent coffee and the boys in bike shorts setting off on their bikes while we moan about the tourists!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZryWJTzaK6k/VsbGygsMtxI/AAAAAAAACpw/EwgLewVyueM/s1600/2016-01-12%2B08.01.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZryWJTzaK6k/VsbGygsMtxI/AAAAAAAACpw/EwgLewVyueM/s200/2016-01-12%2B08.01.33.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat as my thumb and long as my finger!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-33467999707510198932016-01-30T16:20:00.000+08:002016-01-30T16:20:22.602+08:00Tropical glow without the juicer<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdbGwjaTDc0/Vqxu79LqfhI/AAAAAAAACnQ/8D2zarbcFyg/s1600/turmeric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdbGwjaTDc0/Vqxu79LqfhI/AAAAAAAACnQ/8D2zarbcFyg/s200/turmeric.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The turmeric
is halfway through its growth cycle at the moment. There is no sign yet of the
creamy white fragrant flowers. It will be the end of summer, if not autumn,
before the tops start to die back and a few weeks more till harvest. This is my
third year growing turmeric. I am still amazed it is still alive after our cool
wet winters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was originally
planted in a pot of good quality potting mix enhanced with various manures and
mulched with lupin hay. Being in a pot makes it easier to shift its position if
the weather gets too cold. Last year I placed them in the <i>shade</i> of the north facing fence which here, means it is warmed all
day by the sun. This year they are again north facing but under shade cloth
against the rendered brick walls of the raised beds where I can keep an eye on
them from the kitchen window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first
year I left it be in its pot. That meant that much of the root in the centre of
the pot had become sodden and too rotten to harvest. Still, there was over a
kilo of fresh root in that pot, plenty to play with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucyKyn4_Wos/VqxuxLFaWyI/AAAAAAAACnA/Xs5JQuZgRUw/s1600/2015-09-19%2B12.24.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucyKyn4_Wos/VqxuxLFaWyI/AAAAAAAACnA/Xs5JQuZgRUw/s200/2015-09-19%2B12.24.54.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you wish
to dry your turmeric, it is best done soon after harvest. After washing, finely
slice the roots into equal thicknesses, not bothering to peel them. Lay them on
racks, evenly spaced. You can dehydrate in your food dryer, I simply left them
in the house on the dryer racks and they were dry within a week. You can store
in an airtight jar and grind as needed or grind the whole lot into a powder
ready for cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJSbtPMB8Ac/VqxuxkrCA_I/AAAAAAAACnE/8D2ugiRGjKI/s1600/2015-09-27%2B15.19.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJSbtPMB8Ac/VqxuxkrCA_I/AAAAAAAACnE/8D2ugiRGjKI/s200/2015-09-27%2B15.19.29.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Homemade
turmeric powder may not seem as brightly coloured as commercial powder. This
depends on many factors, including the fact that imported turmeric is
irradiated when passing through customs which strangely enhances the colour.
The taste and the aroma of home grown are infinitely superior in my experience.
This crop from one pot will last me for cooking until the next is ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Turmeric is
much in favour at the moment as a gentle anti-inflammatory due to its active
compound, <i>curcumin, </i>which gives it
the lovely yellow colour<i>.</i> The United
States National Library of Medicine’s database, <i>Medline</i>, a bibliographic data
base, shows over 600 potential health benefits. However, curcumin does not
become active until it is a) heated, b) eaten with black pepper to increase its
bioavailability and c) adding ghee, coconut or olive oil when cooking. So, stop
juicing it right now and start frying it gently and adding it to your meals.
Otherwise you will have a very low absorption rate and waste all those precious
attributes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">t is all
very easy… Look to traditional Indian recipes, they all follow these
principles: curry powder always contains pepper and all curry pastes are gently
fried before adding other ingredients.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GD1qMUcvln8/VqxwmbNU60I/AAAAAAAACnk/U9b5PvkhFj0/s1600/rasam%2Bbmay2010%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GD1qMUcvln8/VqxwmbNU60I/AAAAAAAACnk/U9b5PvkhFj0/s200/rasam%2Bbmay2010%2B007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-43090251004279350232016-01-04T17:34:00.000+08:002016-01-04T17:34:01.635+08:00A Nasty Christmas?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Today is January the 4th, time to get back to work for many of us. Living in a tourist town, the time to walk, swim, shop </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">and</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> drink coffee is before ten in the morning. The summer crowds begin to gather then, driving me to head for home and settle down to work.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC3XeDfMubw/Voo4Ks7r5CI/AAAAAAAAClY/tFqCGF4V0I0/s1600/20151204_164701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC3XeDfMubw/Voo4Ks7r5CI/AAAAAAAAClY/tFqCGF4V0I0/s200/20151204_164701.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">Last year was a particularly good year for </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">nasturtiums</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> in the garden. Now you have all </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">opened</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> your Christmas presents and I won't be spoiling the surprise, I can share how I made them.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Theses recipes are from 'Cooking with Flowers'...coming soon!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tOANdKG10s/Voo3tSqDRJI/AAAAAAAACk0/zvxDciIE3Iw/s1600/20151120_125330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tOANdKG10s/Voo3tSqDRJI/AAAAAAAACk0/zvxDciIE3Iw/s200/20151120_125330.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">Nasturtium Vinegar</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Fill a jar with the reddest nasturtium flowers you can find.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Top up with good white wine vinegar and put lid on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Allow to steep for a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Strain and bottle.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ez0lQ0F2UHg/Voo32FE-AZI/AAAAAAAAClA/Z7VV56TFy1E/s1600/nasties1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ez0lQ0F2UHg/Voo32FE-AZI/AAAAAAAAClA/Z7VV56TFy1E/s200/nasties1.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Pickled Nasturtium Pods</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Fill a jar with young nasturtium seeds, they need to be small and green. If they are pale and hard, they are too old to pickle and will turn out like ball bearings, leave them for next years crop of plants.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Cover with water.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Rinse each day for 3 days.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">The water will smell dreadful, it is the bitter principles leaching out.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Day 4, place in a sieve to drain and dry slightly before returning to the jar.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Top up the jar with cider vinegar to cover the seeds and replace lid.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Leave a week or more before using as a great substitute for capers. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">So, that as the present...</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Here's the recipe that went with it:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 20.0304px;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="line-height: 20.0304px;">Nasturtium Dressing</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 egg yolk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1 tsp French mustard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2 tsp sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2 Tbsp
nasturtium vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2 drops of
Tabasco<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salt to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or with a stick
blender.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunflower or
grape seed oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gradually drizzle in until the mixture thickens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2Tbsp
pickled nasturtium seeds, chopped fine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 small gherkin, chopped fine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1-2 tsp finely chopped fresh lemon thyme</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serve with seafood, potatoes or as a salad dressing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you would like to see it a stronger shade of pink, chop 4
red nasturtium flowers and stir through. Stir again before serving OR mix in 2
tsp of tomato sauce if flowers aren’t available.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zPQ2zQGrnA/Voo3_bNo_bI/AAAAAAAAClM/pwGhS1VGEeM/s1600/20151209_123734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zPQ2zQGrnA/Voo3_bNo_bI/AAAAAAAAClM/pwGhS1VGEeM/s200/20151209_123734.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-4737293320312031622015-12-08T11:54:00.001+08:002015-12-08T11:54:19.076+08:00Dog food from the stars<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3GVVPdyn1I/VmZSP4wTrQI/AAAAAAAACis/bqnLQS4_EA4/s1600/chickweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3GVVPdyn1I/VmZSP4wTrQI/AAAAAAAACis/bqnLQS4_EA4/s200/chickweed.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found the
last of the chickweed hiding in the shade in the vegie patch today, a sign
summer has arrived. During the cooler months it acts as a lush green ground
cover over much of the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chickweed,
named <i>stellaria media</i> for its small
white flowers, is one of my favourite wild herbs. Rich in vitamin C, it is a
useful winter green in salads and as a cooked vegetable if you can harvest
enough of it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Medicinally,
chickweed is one of the best herbs for inflammation and itching and useful in
the treatment of eczema and psoriasis, bites and stings. Chickweed dries well so you can store enough
to last the warmer months. Harvest before the flowers open and chop into 1-2 cm
lengths before spreading on a rack. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My chickens
love its soft juicy leaves and I encourage it to grow along the fence line
where they can graze on it through the wire. My biggest animal success with
chickweed has been with the dogs. I rescued Louis, my long haired dachshund six
months ago. He was underweight, nervous and had scaly, itchy skin and scratched
and lost hair continually. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have fed
my dogs a 50% meat/50% raw vegetable diet for years and to this I now added two
big handfuls of fresh chickweed, 5 tablespoons of ground linseed for each kilo
of lean meat and for Louis 2 fish oil capsules. I also make a strong brew of
chickweed vinegar which I add one tablespoon of to the final rinse when he gets
bathed. His coat is glossy and the hair loss is much reduced. He still
scratches but much of that is due to the seeds and prickles he picks up while
being the mighty hunter he thinks he is!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never have
the dogs had vet visits for anal gland problems. Toto lived to the ripe old age
of 20, despite losing all his teeth when he was 11. Lady, the other dach, is
now 17 and doing well on the diet too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1erxOwuK0M/VmZStFGZo-I/AAAAAAAACi0/TI_zv1IPqp0/s1600/2015-10-09%2B17.32.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1erxOwuK0M/VmZStFGZo-I/AAAAAAAACi0/TI_zv1IPqp0/s320/2015-10-09%2B17.32.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dog Dinners<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 kg lean
meat (I mostly use kangaroo)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">800g carrots<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 stalks
celery, with leaves<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 stalk
broccoli (eat the florets yourself)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">½ beetroot<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Handful of
fresh parsley<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Tbsp
ground Linseed (flax)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grate all vegetables in a food
processor and mix in linseed and meat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Store in meal size containers and
freeze.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add fish oil capsules daily as
needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also feed the dogs chicken necks
and the occasional raw bone and avoid processed food as much as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-50549746252326655612015-07-31T16:56:00.003+08:002015-07-31T18:47:22.817+08:00Clean Green ScreensLast weekend, as part of the celebration of Plastic Free July in Margaret River, I ran a Clean Green workshop. What a fantastic morning we had making various brews. Ten lovely women, all committed to finding safer, greener and sustainable alternatives. Morning tea in the winter sunshine was an opportunity to share ideas, solutions and alternative options for everything from plastic wrap to firelighters and everything in between. Looking around the happy places, I couldn't help but think 'I love my "office".' It got me thinking about other cleaning dilemmas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lemon power</td></tr>
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I have recently (bravely) become a lap top girl with a touch screen. It sits on my kitchen bench and it can get really grubby, just like the screen on the mobile. A bit of searching and I came up with an alternative to those little (plastic) bottles of clear liquid they will happily sell you at the electrical stores that will cost you cents to make.</div>
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<b>You will need:</b></div>
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A clean micro fibre cloth (other cloths and paper can trap particles that may scratch your screen.)</div>
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White vinegar (not any other sort)</div>
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Distilled water (tap water contains chemicals that may harm your screen)</div>
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A clean, recycled spray bottle</div>
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Mix a brew of half /half vinegar and water and pour into the spray bottle.</div>
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Turn off and unplug your computer/phone/tablet.</div>
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Squirt a little of the mixture onto your cloth. It should be damp, not soaking.</div>
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Gently, with minimal pressure rub the damp cloth in small circles over the screen. </div>
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If you press too hard, you may damage your screen.</div>
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If the screen is very sticky, repeat using another part of the cloth.</div>
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When the screen is smear free, use the mixture to clean the case too. </div>
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Beautiful!</div>
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I will be repeating the Clean Green workshop on September 4th.</div>
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-73367919368519593812015-02-20T17:38:00.000+08:002015-02-20T17:38:12.357+08:00Nothin mousey about him!!<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcAyBEeWuUQ/VOb5MhQCbPI/AAAAAAAABQo/K9E47jxC9h8/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.26.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcAyBEeWuUQ/VOb5MhQCbPI/AAAAAAAABQo/K9E47jxC9h8/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.26.31.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every spring I rustle around in my seed collection to plan the summer vegetable patch. In the cupboard I came across an envelope that Lyn, an avid seed saver, had given me last autumn."Mouse Melon" said the label. Visions of a melon, just perfect for one or two serves, that didn't need a lot of space to grow, swam into my imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tiny little plants that came up looked very much like baby Black Eyed Susan and soon sent out tendrils to grasp the trellis. When it reached a metre high, no flowers in sight and began rampaging through a neighbouring rosebush I thought it was time to find out more.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1YSGfblvKE/VOb5jkrmLrI/AAAAAAAABQw/Kv8DzQ4EUN4/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.56.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1YSGfblvKE/VOb5jkrmLrI/AAAAAAAABQw/Kv8DzQ4EUN4/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.56.05.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkNivRWBBzo/VOb5jkhwgGI/AAAAAAAABQ0/F8gWRX6wbyU/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.27.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkNivRWBBzo/VOb5jkhwgGI/AAAAAAAABQ0/F8gWRX6wbyU/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.27.02.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear little thing turned out to be a cucumber designed as a watermelon. Native to Mexico and Central America,its Latin name is Melothria scabra. Iwas reassured to find they were'slow to start'</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">then read on that they can 'often reach ten feet. In the UK they grow them indoors.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are waterwise and drought tolerant. I can vouch for that as the old barrels are notorious for drying out. Now, at the end of summer, it is looking a bit raggedy but still producing and doing no harm to the Rose it is hanging over. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really is a darling little plant, its 'cucmelons' hang like lanterns and totally foil the parrots, who have never seen anything like it before.</span></span><br />
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</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89OGj8ULVDs/VOb5tIy7zjI/AAAAAAAABRI/jatmhvIKA08/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.58.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89OGj8ULVDs/VOb5tIy7zjI/AAAAAAAABRI/jatmhvIKA08/s1600/2015-02-08%2B09.58.07.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The skin is slightly lemony and gets a bit tough if left unpicked for too long. They are wonderful in salads and as a garnish and apparently pickle as well as their larger cousins. I haven't managed to keep enough to pickle yet, too busy playing 'show and tell' everywhere I visit.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="background-color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t really is a darling little plant. I will be saving seed if you folks in Western Australia would like some, send a stamped, self addressed envelope to me at PO Box 353, Margaret River and I will send you some.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Gardening,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nirala</span></span><br />
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2662637016559485183.post-8585852285687930572015-02-11T17:23:00.001+08:002015-02-11T17:47:53.076+08:00Rats! This summer every vegetable eating creature on gods' earth has descended upon my garden, with the rats taking the prize as biggest pest from the 28 parrots, whose little ringed necks I would happily strangle if I could catch them.<br />
The rats have always been around, each year when the thumping and squeaking in the ceiling get too much, we trap and bait until life quietens down again. Not this year.<br />
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The cost and the damage<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the jarrah</td></tr>
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In the last two months we have had to run new phone cables and rewired the whole meter box. two weeks ago a nest of baby rats died in the air conditioning ducts in my car during a heat wave, costing me many hundreds of dollars to remove them and the stench. Every day, another precious cucumber is chewed to nothing. I did have one win thanks to the cucumbers when I found one dragged up to the hot water system. When I removed the cover I found a lovely nest ready for babies. The cover remains off for now and the dog keeps a close nose on that spot.<br />
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I entertain dinner guests with the sight of rats chasing each other along the dining room window sill -it can be a bit off putting for our city friends! Never mind the crowds in the fig tree at sunset throwing figs and the race track around the verandah which operates day and night.<br />
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The strategy<br />
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Two sorts of traps and three different baits later and we have more rats than ever.<br />
Making sure the chickens were fed only in the morning feeders were kept empty overnight.<br />
Making sure the dog bowls were not left out.<br />
Block all possible entry points with either scrunched up bird wire or timber.<br />
Check wood and compost heaps and hay for nest sites.<br />
Feed baby rats to your chickens...free protein!<br />
Throw things at them. (I use this with the parrots too, I am not allowed to shoot a gun in town, doesn't work for them either but I feel better)<br />
I am strongly considering posting a Jack Russell up into the ceiling for a nights hunting while I sleep elsewhere!<br />
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And the smell...<br />
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The past few nights have been quiet although the dead smells that ooze from the ceiling have chased me from room to room.<br />
If you can get a volunteer to go into the roof and pick up bodies, this is the best remedy but they seem to die under the insulation or in hard to get areas so this is not always a solution.<br />
A small ceramic or glass bowl with a square of folded kitchen paper topped up regularly with eucalyptus oil is cheap and effective. I am also burning incense while home.<br />
Open all doors and windows and run all extractor fans as long as possible during the day.<br />
The hotter the weather, the sooner the smell will fade, go to the beach is my best advice,<br />
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If you have any ideas to share, I would love to hear them but right now, I'm off to the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocking the superhighway-they just ran in the gutters instead</td></tr>
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nirala hunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102926372524059682noreply@blogger.com0