Maggie Beer

Maggie’s Kitchen Diary

A Very Merry Christmas

December 25 2016 Maggie’s favourites

From my earliest memories, Christmas has always been a real time of celebration for my family. When I was really little it was all about the presents, even so, going back as far as when I was five or six years old, the really special memories are of food. The first Christmas feast I clearly recall centred on the icebox on our back verandah working overtime in its attempt to keep the drinks cold, let alone the food. From then on Christmas meant a groaning table topped with the ham and goose, plus chooks from our backyard. Gathered around the table would be our family, as well as friends without families of their own, who were warmly welcomed. And that tradition has continued for me, with our daughters and grandchildren; it always comes back to a shared table of good food. I truly hope your Festive Season brings every reason to celebrate, and that you can do so surrounded by loved ones over a special meal. Merry Christmas to you and yours! -MB Read the rest...

The Eve Of Christmas

December 24 2016 Maggie’s favourites

All the makings of a beautiful meal! I love to gather my favourite plates, glasses and linen ahead of tomorrow's cooking so there's one less thing to worry about when lunch is ready. And in my mind, a table setting is never complete without fresh flowers! -MB. Read the rest...

Follow Your Nose!

December 20 2016 Food wise

The very best apricots will always be the tree-ripened fruit you pick yourself, but buying from a specialist greengrocer or farmer’s market that doesn’t refrigerate their fruit is the next best thing. Never squeeze apricots to check for ripeness, colour and, above all, fragrance should be your indicators. And you will know what I’m talking about when it comes to the aroma of a ripe apricot, there’s no mistaking it. I often have bowls of apricots in my kitchen instead of Summer flowers, their perfume is so intense. -MB Read the rest...

We Have A Winner!

December 14 2016 News

This whole series was a joy, but seeing the amazing three finalists strut their stuff in the Bake Off shed last night, I want to congratulate each of them, but Olivia was a star amongst stars and a fabulous winner! -MB Read the rest...

Summer Salad Essential

December 13 2016 Food wise

Cucumbers are perfectly timed for their regular appearances across Summer, making a great addition to a simple salad, used as an essential part of crudites, or grated into a thick set yoghurt for a more traditionally Greek take on things, but it’s quite a rare occasion when a recipe really makes cucumbers the star of the dish and I’ve often wondered if that’s because the cucumbers that eventually make their way onto our plates via transport and storage aren’t a pinch on what comes out of a home garden. The difference with a homegrown cucumber, besides the unparalleled freshness, is the water content is at its maximum when just picked and that makes for the very best crunch, and flavour - well worth any gardener’s effort to have on hand in the heat of Summer. -MB Read the rest...

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