Tasting some Tamarillo's or should that be Tamarillos or maybe Tamarilloes??

Linking up with the lovely Veggiegobbler.   I've decided to join in her Thursday Garden Gobbles - what's happening in our gardens this time of year.

It's sort of an in-between time here, while we wait for things to cool down and plan for the winter plantings.

These tamarillos looked a little sad on the tree, so it was time to do something about it.

They seem to fruit a couple of times a year without much ado, and are getting a little sweeter as they go along.... which is nice, as they can be a little tart at times!

So I decided to just steam them to remove the skin just like tomatoes (they look a bit weird I thought).

Then I just poached them lightly in a little sugar, honey and vanilla, and let them cool in the syrup.

Yummo!  especially with some home made (easiyo) greek yoghurt, it is a nice contrast.

These trees are fairly new to us, I'm sure there are many more ways to deal with tamarillos.  However, I was definitely surprised how much they looked like tomatoes!

Sorry VG but I won't be able to join in next week - but I've got a good excuse!  We are off the California for a 10 day break........ squeeeeeeeealllllll!

Cheers for now
Wendy

If you listen very carefully .....

you can just about hear the grass grow!

Lots of rain here of late. No damage thankfully.  Living in a fog of humidity at the moment though in the aftermath.

I have been a bit slack in the blogging department of late, hope to relaunch into things with some more frequent posts ..... soonish!

Take care.

cheers Wendy

The Grille Team - heading for the block

Awwwww.... chickens they start out so sweet don't they??

Then they grow up

The solution this year (apart from deciding not to breed so many next summer) was to sort out the roosters, put them all together in the shadehouse.  Strangely enough, there has been no fighting since we put them in together without any hens around.  Go figure!

So the veggie garden /shadehouse is now our rooster pen.  These guys are destined for the pot.  Sad but true.  The word rotisserie has been tossed around a few times also, as this is hubby's new toy on the fire pit.

When you start out with chickens, they are so cute and I love them. .... but then they grow up and usually half will be roosters.  So in a practical sense, this is our next step in being a little self sufficient.

Hubby did make a little temporary shelter for them, with a roost and all, but it seems that height is preferred. I guess it is cooler at night too. I find it amusing to see them perched on what was previously a grill frame for growing beans.

They are doing a good job in the meantime of clearing out the veggie garden, before it is rotary-hoed and made ready for winter crop of vegetables.

I am planning on concentrating on pekin breeding too, so next seasons crop of chicks will be pure bred pekin bantams, and hopefully more saleable. 

cheers for now 

Wendy 

Out with the old in the the new - happy 2013!

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!



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Flower Float Bowls

This is such a hot time of year, but it’s nice that some things are flowering away.  I love these flowers - so pretty, but they don’t last long. 

They are Native Passionfruit flower.

I picked up these flowers this morning.  I thought the tree was a Candlenut but hubby informs me that it is a type of flame tree (Little Kurrajong - Brachvchiton bidwilli)  - and yes he is a bit of a know-all when it comes to anything of a botanic nature.

I just love the colour of these.  Not much of a show on the actual tree, but pretty as they fall on the ground, or in a bowl.

So nice to be thinking cool thoughts at the moment!  

Joy of joys!  Son's OP result has come in (for those familiar with the Queensland system it was a 4) and we are all very happy.  It should see him offered his first choice of Engineering at Queensland University.  He is happily working two part time jobs at the moment, saving money and having some free time over the holidays.

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So much sadness though in the States at the moment after the latest shootings.  Sending thoughts and prayers to those affected.  Such things are totally beyond comprehension.

cheers for now Wendy 

PS: Waving hi to my 50th (I can't believe it!) follower Caroline.  Welcome along Caroline.  I am a bit of a sporadic blogger, but hope to work on that in 2013.