Orange rind stars….

Peel the Orange then cut out your shape, poke a hole near the top and thread through some string, then let them dry….perfect as decorations or gift tags.

 

Spring pickings….

 

Picked these in the back yard this morning…

What’s happening in the garden….

 

A wander round the courtyard….

 

Another breakfast tray…

Sourdough toast with home made Hummus and Avocado dip, tomato, spring onion and herbs from the garden….

 Rose geranium tea….

Breakfast is served….

 

Greens fresh from the garden, Parsley, Silverbeet, Borage leaf, Rocket and Broad Been leaf, sautéed with a little garlic and an egg….delish! 

Looking like a bit of spring in my patch….

 

Violets Violets Violets….

Pick a couple of handfuls of Violets, put them in a jar and cover with vinegar, leave in a cool dark place for about 4 days then strain off…you will be left with a beautiful violet vinegar.

To make a violet leaf oil, pick a large bowl of young Violet leaves.

Add 300 mls of warm oil, I used Sunflower oil as I don’t want it to solidify in the fridge…blitz in a blender, then strain through muslin.

There you have the perfect match for a Violet vinaigrette.

 

Mandarin cream tarts….

Today I made some mandarin cream by blitzing a cup of mandarin marmalade with 3 tablespoons of cream, then stirring in 2 tablespoons of sour cream and the juice of one Kafir lime. Then I spooned the mix into store bought pastry cases and decorated them with edible flowers from the garden, they really are delicious.
 

Violet vinegar.

 

Steep a good handful of fresh violets in  400 mills of just simmered vinegar( white balsamic is great) in a mason jar. keep in a dark place for 3 days….strain off and decant into a bottle….great for vinaigrette, or a teaspoon for curing hiccups 

Nasturtium crust mini quiches…..

 

Line muffin tins with large nasturtium leaves, fill with olives,cooked pumpkin, bacon and eggs beaten with a bit of cream. Top with cheese and bake at 180 degrees for about 20 minutes or until set.

Delicious warm but probably just as good cold for a snack.

Breakfast Tea Tray....

 

I went to the Opp shop yesterday and found this lovely tray, it was so discoloured, but with a bit of silver polish it looks great...I feel like I’m on a posh railway journey every morning.

The greens are Borage leaves  from the garden, the toast is Olive sourdough with Avocado, Red Leicester cheese and Borage flowers.

Evening in the garden....

 

Cockatiels on the Conifers....