The month of Christmas began with appropriately themed cooking classes run throughout our district, and finished with fabulous family gatherings…
Cooking classes for kids were all about Christmas treats,
and for the adults there was a meal that was budget friendly, various Christmas dishes from around the world and, of course, the Christmas hamper.
Earlier this week we had a day out. I was on a mission, I needed a particular style of large coffee jar, and I needed in excess of 20! Fortunately I had collected 10 already, but I needed more.
I mentioned to Gary that I was heading out to do some Op-Shopping (Charity Shopping), and he was keen to join me on my little adventure. After traveling from one town to the next, and running out of time before the little shops closed, I still needed three more jars, yes, I had managed to collect seven, but was a little anxious to get those last three jars.
In the last small town there were two beautiful Op-Shops, one in the main shopping area and the other at the Anglican Church – I was familiar with both, and I know why, they are not only treasure troves, the people in the stores are always so helpful and kind. The first shop didn’t have any of the jars I was after, even going to the trouble of checking that there were none stored away out the back, as others had done during the day. Our last stop, the Anglican Church Op-Shop, and there were two on display, I was so excited. Hearing that I needed just one more jar, they ducked out to their shed and found another two – I bought the lot!
What a fabulous day – not only did I get to meet with and chat to beautiful people, but I also got what I needed, and maybe a little more – I may have also purchased some beautiful knits for my wardrobe, books to be read, and a few other nic-nacs as well – I couldn’t help myself!
When we were growing up casseroles equalled comfort food. They were prepared for a family meal, a variety of different casseroles were cooked to feed a house full of guests, and they were central to cool weather fundraisers for the community.
Casserole luncheons brought the community together, with each family preparing a casserole to be placed on cloth covered trestle tables that had been set up for the occasion in the local hall. There would be a small admission fee, raffles, maybe a cake stall, and all funds raised would be directed to a local community project, or to a cause that was close to the heart of the community.
While the casseroles back then were cooked in beautiful ovenproof dishes, dishes that could be taken straight from the oven to the table, I feel that they have somehow fallen out of fashion… I suppose now, you could liken them to the modern day slow cooker dish.
I hope that you find this little church as beautiful as we all did.
St Peter’s Anglican Church, known as the “Pebble Church”, is located at 367 Dunolly Rd, Carapooee, approximately thirteen kilometers south of St Arnaud in Western Victoria, Australia. During the gold rush the area was called ‘St Peter’s Diggings’, but known by the local Aborigines as ‘The Carapooee’, (“an earthly paradise”). It was to here that many miners and their families made their way in the 1800’s.
This is a firm favourite in our home, and perfect for this time of year. In fact if you head to one of our local farmers’ markets, I am sure that you’ll be able to pick up most of the fresh ingredients, including the lamb, directly from the people who grow them. You know me, I love to support local, to have a chat to the people who grow the food that we eat, and then to bring the produce home, cook it and eat it.
I discovered this recipe in one of my French cooking magazines, Cuisine Actuelle, some time ago, and then promptly forgot about it. Flicking through my lamb scrap book recently, I was delighted to rediscover the recipe.
Here, beautiful lean lamb backstrap (from Forge Creek Lamb) is coated in a simple blend of olive oil, sumac and crushed garlic (fresh from our garden) and then set aside to marinate for a couple of hours before being cooked in a hot pan. Once rested, the lamb is sliced to reveal the succulent, rose coloured centre, ready to become the star of the show in this delicious salad.
As usual, I just can’t help myself, and have adjusted the recipe to suit our tastes, including the addition of olives and capers. I also swap the cherry tomatoes out for slow roasted Roma tomatoes if I feel like it.
