I love that I can still be harvesting fruit in winter with citrus at its peak providing a great hit of vitamin C when we need it most. The orange and yellow fruit help brighten up the garden too. I have grown ginger in a half barrel for a few years now but this was the first year that I also grew turmeric in a pot and was looking for ways to use it. This Orange Ginger & Turmeric Winter Tonic is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of all these ingredients. 1 cup freshly squeezed … [Read more...]
Grapefruit Cordial Recipe
This grapefruit cordial recipe is wonderful served with soda (add a little tequila for a tangy cocktail) or even drizzled over your favourite citrus muffins, cakes or loaves. When I planted my home orchard, I planted a ruby grapefruit and a golden grapefruit. I stupidly didn't tag them or note which one I had planted where, so of course when one of them died I didn't know which to replace. In the end I didn't replace it but have ended up with a very productive golden grapefruit that produces … [Read more...]
Orange & Strawberry Jam with Vanilla & Mint Recipe
I am a fan of classic strawberry jam but I may never look back after enjoying the layers of flavours in this amazing Orange & Strawberry Jam with Vanilla & Mint. Orange really brings out the fruity flavours of the strawberries and then the vanilla and mint lift it to a whole new level. 1kg strawberries (I used frozen) 4 oranges 2 lemons 2 vanilla pods 1kg jam setting sugar A dozen or so mint leaves Hull the strawberries, cut them in halves or quarters, and put … [Read more...]
Lime & Ginger Cheesecake Slice Recipe
Lime! Ginger! Cheesecake! Mmmm - heaven! This Lime & Ginger Cheesecake Slice recipe has everything going for it: the zinginess of lime and ginger and the soft creaminess of the cheesecake. You can serve it as a slice or jazz it up a bit with edible flowers and fruit for dessert. It freezes well so you can also serve it as a frozen cheesecake in summer. If you don't have limes you could switch these out for lemons or any other citrus. Base 1 packet gingernut biscuits 80g butter, … [Read more...]
Lime Curd Recipe
This Lime Curd recipe is a variation of one of my favourite lemon recipes - lemon curd (also called lemon honey or lemon butter). I was inspired to try this after making a delicious Lime & Ginger Cheesecake Slice. A simple alternative to that involves making gingernut biscuit cases and filling them with lime curd mixed with cream cheese or whipped cream or thickened yoghurt. You could of course use lemon curd but I love the combination of ginger and lime. Lime curd is delicious spread … [Read more...]
Grapefruit Slice Recipe
This year I finally have a big enough crop on my grapefruit tree that I can think about making things beyond the compulsory grapefruit marmalade and occasional fresh grapefruit for breakfast. This Grapefruit Slice Recipe is a nice alternative with a deliciously gooey and moist topping, that you can serve either as a slice or served with yoghurt as a dessert. It freezes well and you can pretty much eat it straight from the freezer so it is great to have on hand for when guests come … [Read more...]
Enjoying Oranges
In a previous post, I talked about growing more citrus in my garden and how pleased I was to have about 20 navel oranges and 20 satsuma mandarins on my trees this year. Oranges are wonderful fruit to have in the middle of winter when there isn't much else around, and they are full of vitamin C and other nutrients. They are great to enjoy whether you peel the skin off in a spiral, cut them into quarters or squeeze them for juice. I thought I'd share a few other ways to enjoy them … [Read more...]
Growing Citrus
Several of my friends have told me that they used to get an orange in their Christmas stocking because it was such a special treat. I don't think many kids would be happy with that these days! Although perhaps not considered quite so special any more, citrus fruits are fantastic to have in the garden to brighten up the winter. Citrus blossom has a delicious scent in spring and is good for attracting bees and other pollinators. Citrus are such a fabulous source of vitamin C and other nutrients … [Read more...]