Yesterday the lilly pilly tree was generously trimmed so that we could reach the fruit more easily next year. I made sure that every berry was picked off the branches before they were taken to the greens tip for mulching. We ended up with a whopping 5.3kg.
This was the beginning of the domino effect for the weekend.
I knew that there was no way I could deal with all of that fruit in one weekend so it would need to be frozen. To make room I would need to do something with a lot of the fruit I already had in the freezer. I found blueberries, nectarines, strawberries and peeled bananas.
Luckily I had seen a great Blueberry Frangipani recipe on Friday so that was the first bake of the day.
Now on to finding something to use up the nectarines. After a bit of searching I came across this divine Nectarine Cake.
Smells amazing. Tastes incredible. The only problem was that it didn't use enough nectarines.
Off to find one more option. Donna Hay can always be relied on to help out in a predicament like this. Her Nectarine and Blueberry Slice was the perfect way to end a morning of baking. I did change it a little by using only half the sugar prescribed. Also I added more nectarines just after the beating of the eggs so that there was fruit through the slice as well as on top.
All were received rather enthusiastically by the family so all worthwhile. I now also have room in the freezer to pack the lilly pillies.
There was also a little time to head out and do some trans-planting for Sow. Give. Grow.
After being inspired by Gavin and Gooseberry Jam, I thought I should stop paying for Maggie Beer's retirement and have a go at making some Quince Paste myself. It is on the stove as I type and is looking and smelling delicious.
Now for a giveaway. I have talked about Michael Pollan before and his great little easy read, Food Rules. So much of it is common sense but it was a great book to show the kiddos. They got quite a bit out of it and I still hear them remind each other of some of the rules.
If you would like to go into the draw for a copy, leave a comment on this post by Sunday 22 May. Hopefully some of those lovely little 'lurkers' will join in and say hello.
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Take care
It all looks delicious! I wish that I could grow nectarines in my garden!
ReplyDeletePomona x
Oh how I would love a slice of that cake with my coffee right now. Busy but production weekend. Sometimes that domino effect really takes over hey. Cheers, Wendy
ReplyDeletePomona, I would love to grow them too. I won these in a raffle at the end of last year and everything was just way to busy to do anything with them at the time. Freezing seemed to be the best thing to do. I think there is still one bag in there.
ReplyDeleteWendy, we have just finished the blueberry frangipani and there is some of the nectarine cakes left. They would be the perfect accompaniment for a cuppa. Shame you aren't here. ; )
Oh I'm happy you made the blueberry frangipane :-) That looks like a fine weekend of baking. How did the quince paste go? I still haven't played with them before but rather like Maggie's as well.
ReplyDeleteCHFG, that recipe for the blueberry frangipani was great. I was amazed how easy if was. My favourite kind of recipe. It certainly was a great baking weekend, so a not-so-good weekend of washing and other housework.
ReplyDeleteThe quince paste worked really well. It is one that I will do again. I used little silicone cupcake baking cases and the mixture according to the Taste recipe filled all 12 cases. The paste came out really easily. It is definitely worth making. ; )
I'm not a lurker lol ... but I wanted to let you know that I am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of my very own Matthew Evans book! Thanks to you - I borrowed one from the library, then I had to have my very own copy. I think it will be a good investment.
ReplyDeleteDuchess, isn't it great. He is like an Aussie Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. Gotta love that. Happy reading.
ReplyDeleteWow your baking looks great. I am glad someone else has heard of Food Rules. I am going to buy a copy in the next few weeks unless I win one first, he he.
ReplyDeleteFiona, thanks for the cooking compliments. Good luck with the giveaway. Glad you have joined in. : )
ReplyDelete