I love the silly season. Yes, we’re all ridiculously busy and it’s so hot, but I love the way we kick back and relax with our nearest and dearest, and that we make a special point of catching up with all the people we’d love to see more often if only we weren’t so busy.
In my kitchen in December are some gorgeous hydrangeas, a birthday gift from my dear friend Liz (of Bizzy Lizzy’s Good Things). I’m also enjoying this beautiful basket of pastries from our neighbour, Bev , so beautifully wrapped that I’m reluctant to open it.
How cool is this magnum of Jacob’s Creek Limited Release 2003 Shiraz Cabernet that proudly bears my name? It was given to me as a souvenir of my visit to the winery earlier this year, another gift that seems too good to open. I’m waiting for the right moment for this one.
Don’t you love these cheery cupcakes made by Craig, of Iced Out Cupcakes? Regular readers of my blog will know just how much we love Craig’s cupcakes in our household, and these festive ones are particularly cute!
Also in my kitchen are some goodies that we’ve picked up on our travels – some yummy cinnamon prunes and cherry cordial from Ballinaclash orchard near Young, NSW, and some of Poppa’s Very Cherry Jam from the delightful Poppa’s Fudge & Jam Factory, also in Young.
We’ve been spicing up our cooking with a terrific curry powder made by my daughter’s friend, Mark, and some pomegranate-flavoured Pukara Estate balsamic vinegar, courtesy of our friends Jan and Jeff.
And still the gifts keep coming, this time a jar of raspberry jam and a jar of apple, golden syrup and pecan chutney, made by our friends Christine and Gavin.
There are also New England Larder Vanilla Figs from our friends, Jo and Steve, and some coffee that I brought back from my recent visit to Hawaii. Aren’t we blessed to have so many generous and thoughtful friends?
We also have a Christmas bauble filled with Haigh’s dark chocolate hearts. I know I talk about their chocolates a lot but I’m a great fan of Haigh’s and I had great fun checking out their new store in the Queen Victoria Building when I was in Sydney recently.
And finally, what would Christmas be without a bowl of cherries? I can’t imagine a more beautiful centrepiece for the Christmas table than a simple bowl of cherries.
If you would like to take a peek into other bloggers’ kitchens this month, visit Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Merry Christmas and may this festive season be the icing on the cake for you and your loved ones.
How gorgeous, Christine. And wishing you a very happy birthday today, my dear friend! Glad you like the hydrangeas! I wish you could have seen the lovely little girl that I bought them from at the farmer’s market… her dad was so proud of her! I hope your day is filled with good things. Looking forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve xoxo
Thanks Liz, I adore hydrangeas and would love to have seen the proud stallholder at the farmers market. Looking forward to seeing you too.
Merry Christmas, Christine! What treasure you’ve got in your kitchen! I love the bespoke labelled Jacob’s Creek! Lizzy’s hydrangeas are soo delicate and perfect – isn’t she just lovely? And it wouldn’t be Chrissie without cherries, would it? 🙂 x
Merry Christmas Celia, and thanks for allowing us all to share our kitchen goodies.
Hi Christine. Wow, you do have some wonderful gifts. Lovely friends.
Yes, Glenda, I feel very blessed!
Cherries for Christmas sounds so exotic- or maybe just so Australian! Here I am thinking of citrus and pomegranates for Christmas- although you can get anything anytime now! Most of our fruit comes from South America this time of year!
Lovely post- hope your new year is filled with much goodness as well!
Thanks Heidi, it’s lovely how all these different traditions develop isn’t it. Happy new year to you too!