I often say that in coming to the Barossa, I truly learnt to live by the rhythm of the seasons, and Christmastime is no exception. Apricots are the first of the stone fruit to ripen in our orchard. Whilst an early season can mean apricots needing to be picked a week or two before Christmas, the onset of apricot season is usually heralded by Christmas Day itself. Either way, we’re always guaranteed of having at least some fresh apricots ready to enjoy over the festive season. Perfect timing! What fresh fruit do you look forward to most across the festive season? Read the rest...
A Christmas Message from Maggie Read the rest...
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. What do you have planned for your Christmas menu? Read the rest...
Our family never manages to eat the Christmas pudding on Christmas Day. What tends to happen is that it’s covered well and put back into the fridge. In the evenings that follow, it is taken out, a slice at a time, and warmed a little, to enjoy with a cup of tea after dinner. Pudding keeps for a long time, as does my brandy butter - that is, if you don’t eat it by the spoonful each time you pass the fridge like I do, butter fiend that I am. It wold be much better for me if I didn't make the brandy butter at all, but then it wouldn’t be Christmas! What sits on your dessert list for Christmas Day? Read the rest...
I have never lost the excitement of Christmas day and all it entails. From my earliest childhood memories, this has nothing to do with extravagant gifts, but rather it’s about sharing the day, and the pleasures of a bountiful table, with family. Each year when our children were young, to the advent of our grandchildren, our delight has always come from the children. I have photos from over the years of the same scene in our front room. The pine tree takes centre stage, with its Christmas-y scent pervading, adorned with ornaments of varying levels of sophistication, depending on which grandchild has helped Colin to decorate the tree. One constant is the silver cardboard and tinsel star at the very top, made by Saskia and Elli when they were little. There is no such thing as less is more when it comes to the tree! What sentimental favourites always land on your Christmas tree, year after year? Read the rest...
