by Krista | Dec 25, 2014 | Summer
I grew up celebrating a Danish Christmas, and Bear grew up celebrating an Australian one, so it was a new experience for both of us when our friend Oma invited us to celebrate a Hungarian Christmas with her, Opa, their kids, grandkids, and assorted stragglers like us.
Most people wouldn’t dream of hosting a Christmas party in a still-being-built house with no walls, windows, or doors, but Oma isn’t most people. She is hospitable to her bones and didn’t give a second thought to the construction site that is currently her home. Instead she decorated steel support beams with tinsel and set up a Christmas tree against a backdrop of sheet rock and set tables end to end so we could all sit together and enjoy the stellar views that a wall-less house provides.
With the help of her daughter and granddaughters, Oma put on a magnificent feast featuring all sorts of deliciousness. The amazing part was that all of the food was cooked in a bbq or on a fiddly camp stove because Oma doesn’t have a proper kitchen yet.
Ann and Katelyn sauteed a massive pot of cabbage until limp, then simmered it with vinegar, salt, sugar, and caraway seeds for a scrumptious cabbage dish that tasted just as good cold as hot.
The enormous ham was so delish it didn’t make it out of the kitchen without nameless grandchildren pinching pieces off when Mum wasn’t looking.
In addition to the ham there was boned and stuffed turkey, tender roasted duck, and Red Emperor fish stuffed with lemon and roasted.
Numerous salads from Hungary were perfect for the sultry Summer day we were having. Liz and I chopped up piles of veggies for a do-it-yourself salad, Jess made creamy mayonnaise for an onion-y potato salad, and I sliced Oma’s garden-fresh cucumbers for this light and garlicky cucumber salad.
There were plenty of Hungarian desserts too, none of which I can remember the names for. But they included a cream cake made with sponge fingers soaked in Oma’s home-brewed Bailey’s, and two pastries, one stuffed with poppy seeds and the other with a sweet walnut filling. (update from Hungarian friends Zita and Liz – they’re called beigli :-))
Oma kept our glasses filled with her homemade plum wine, and we ended our feasting with cuppas, Christmas crackers, and gift-giving.
It was a beautiful Christmas thanks to the generosity of these two lovely folks.
Christmas Day was spent at home, just the two of us, and it was lovely. I made cheesy biscuits and gravy for brunch, and helped Bear make his Christmas cake: a two-layer dark chocolate confection, one a round cake studded with dark chocolate pieces and raisins soaked in Oma’s homemade rum, and the other a bundt cake with fresh cherries soaked in more rum. He set the bundt cake on top of the round, then filled the center with more boozy cherries and a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, maple syrup, and vanilla. A skiff of dark chocolate icing completed the cake. Delicious!
It’s been a wonderful Christmas thus far, and, starting tonight, I’m taking a two-week holiday to rest, spend time with my hubby and good friends, and get restored and refreshed for the year to come.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season filled with treasured moments with people you love.
See you January 9, 2015!! xoxo
by Krista | Dec 23, 2014 | Summer
I’ve never gone into the Christmas holidays more unprepared than I am this year, and, oddly enough, I’ve never felt more peaceful.
Bear and I decided to give ourselves permission to have the most relaxed, laid back, no-expectations Christmas possible, and it has been truly wonderful. In the beginning it was difficult for me to accept that it really was OK to do nothing, a little bit, or as much as we were up for, but now I’m so very happy in the sure knowledge that it really is.
Today was the first day we both woke up wanting to be Christmasy and holiday-ish. No doubt due to finishing major projects and getting some long overdue rest. So off to town we went with big ol’ smiles on our faces.
We had so much fun lingering over breakfast and coffees, pottering about finding little treasures for ourselves and others, stopping in at all our favorite shops to see what we could find. We chose a Christmas tree – a cute little live Juniper that will be planted in the yard when the holidays are over – and stocked up on fresh bread rolls and mince pies at the bakery. Bear bought a ginormous ham that will feed us for WEEKS, and we picked up semi-dried tomatoes, grilled capsicum, marinated artichokes, cheeses, mustards, mussels, sardines, and all sorts of things for a humdinger of a smorgasbord. We had a grand time.
To celebrate the completion of projects and the return of some vim and vigor, we treated ourselves to an hour in our new favorite spot in our village of Allora, the Frog and Swallow Cafe, run by our friends, John and Jackie.
It’s a blissful spot, a cool and peaceful respite from the summer heat. We ordered cold drinks and our food, then sat down to luxuriate in uninterrupted reading. Bear sipped on iced coffee whilst perusing a car magazine, and I drank sparkling water and paged through an inspiring French cookbook.
Lunch arrived, and after one bite of the crispy cheese tuile atop my Cheese and Onion Tart I was a happy woman.
For dessert we sighed swooningly through bite after bite of Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with cream. Oh. My. Neither of us could think of a better or more delicious way to start off our holiday celebrations.
Now we’re back at home wrapping pressies, listening to Christmas music, and taking breaks to watch movies and take naps.
Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing holiday with people who make your heart happy. XO
by Krista | Dec 5, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
It is well and truly summer now in Australia and how I love it!!! Yes, it’s been outrageously hot the last few days, but it always cools off beautifully in the evening, and mornings are absolute sunshiny perfection.
Yesterday I spent a wonderful afternoon in my veggie garden, basking in sunshine and gathering my first harvest of baby heirloom beets, radishes and swedes.
I was never much of a gardener, but now it seems part of me, awakening that earthy side that loves going barefoot and wearing sundresses whenever possible.
After a slow start my tomatoes are producing and I’m so happy!!! To me nothing quite says summer like ripe tomatoes still warm from the sun. I’ve been eating them like mad in salads with eggs and of course with big chunks of buffalo mozzarella.
As I prepare for Christmas I’ve been having fun altering beloved recipes to suit the piping hot climate I live in now.
Instead of fresh from the oven pies I make white chocolate cranberry tarts. Instead of lovely roasts and stews, I’m sticking to splendid sandwiches layered with delicious meats and slathered with caramelized onion spread. Rather than steaming cups of hot apple cider, I’ve been making apple cider popsicles spiced with cinnamon, cloves and star anise. They are so good!!
Have you ever spent Christmas in a hot place? What cold foods would make you feel holiday-ish?
Spiced Apple Cider Popsicles
Ingredients:
8 cups apple juice (fresh is best, but bottled works fine too)
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
4-6 cloves
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in crockpot or in saucepan over low heat.
- Simmer on low for 1-2 hours until juice has absorbed the taste of the spices and the house smells heavenly.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- When cool, pour into popsicle (ice block) molds and freeze 3-4 hours until solid.
- Remove from molds and bite, suck and lick your way through the appley goodness.
by Krista | Jan 2, 2012 | Bootstrap Monday
Hello luvs! I’m writing to you by the light of my Christmas tree, sipping ginger berry tea and listening to the frogs outside. I know Christmas is long gone, but I was so sick over the holidays that I didn’t get to put my tree up until Christmas Day, so I’m breaking all holiday rules and keeping it up for as long as I like. 🙂
Although I’d never choose to be sick over the holidays, it did guarantee me my wish of a quiet Christmas. It was really nice to have time to curl up with old movies from the library, read more from the endlessly interesting “At Home” by Bill Bryson, and listen to Old Time Radio mysteries while playing solitaire.
Bear took good care of me and when I had stronger moments would take me for drives in the gorgeous countryside. From my comfy seat on the passenger side we explored side roads and small country towns, discovering whole fields of cheery sunflowers and tidy little farmsteads. I loved it. One night he took me to a nearby town and drove around showing me wonderfully gaudy Christmas lights while we nibbled on pretzels and dark chocolate and sang along to Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
One of my favorite holiday memories is from Christmas Day. Bear and I donned our wellies, called Fletcher (the lovely Belgian Shepherd who keeps me safe) and went for a Christmas Bush Walk.
The weather was perfect, gorgeous blue sky and brilliant sunshine with cool breezes rustling through the gum trees.
The meadows abounded with wildflowers and as we strode through the tall grasses we startled more than a few kangaroos and wallabies having their afternoon naps. It was grand fun to see them bounding along only a few feet ahead of us.
We found all sorts of interesting thing on our bush walk:
A tree struck by lightning, its hollow trunk providing a cozy nest for various creatures.
The old grave of an unknown settler.
And a nearly perfect circle of trees we dubbed The Sacred Grove.
One day soon I’m going to go out there again with a blanket, my journal and Fletcher for some peaceful reflection and maybe a nap.
Now, dear ones, tell me all about YOUR holidays! 🙂 What is your favorite memory?
by Krista | Dec 19, 2011 | Bootstrap Monday
Storm clouds are brewing and chooks are clucking contentedly outside the door as my dog Fletcher snoozes on the rug.
I just finished watering my gardens and am pleased as punch to see the melons flowering, rainbow chard flourishing in brilliant colors, little bell peppers and tomatoes making their appearance, and cheery snapdragons blooming faithfully day after day.
Nine baby chicks joined the family yesterday and they are fuzzy and tipsy and cute as can be. The last batch are rowdy teenagers now and we’ll introduce them to the chook yard today or tomorrow. The new goats are out of quarantine so the herd has swelled to 16!! I love looking out my windows and seeing them grazing in the backyard, mowing down the weeds as effectively as a lawnmower. Bear has taken to calling me “Heidi the Goat Girl” since for some reason the goats have taken a fancy to me and come at a gallop when I call them.
It’s been such a lovely week of surprises. 🙂 My friend Elizabeth spent a couple of days on the farm and we had such a good time sewing and cooking together, talking a mile a minute. My Mum and Dad sent me the best Christmas parcel full of Danish and Canadian and Bjorn treats to make me smile and laugh, my own copy of our favorite Christmas book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, and beautiful decorations for my Christmas tree. Then my friends Joe and Shirley had us over for a splendid Aussie BBQ and surprised me with coffee from Tim Hortons in Canada. And Shirley showed me a gorgeous lily that smells like chocolate! Such happy little surprises. 🙂
A lot has happened this week and I have heaps of things to share with you.
Firstly, I’m so honored to be interviewed by the fabulous ladies at Well Designed Journeys about my travels and some favorite food destinations. Click here to read it and please leave a comment there and let me know what your answers would be!
Second, I’m very excited to have my Christmas in Australia article up at The Travel Belles. Click here to read how the holidays are celebrated where there’s not a lick of snow in sight. I’d love to hear how you would celebrate Christmas in an environment completely the opposite of what you’re familiar with.
Third, I’m very proud to host a guest post by my dear friend and true kindred spirit, Breanne from A Vintage Box. I met Breanne and her splendid husband Jared for the first time on a chilly day in Vancouver, Canada, after months of reading each other’s blogs. We were instant “bosom friends” as our beloved Anne of Green Gables would say, and have stayed in contact ever since. (Click here to read about our adventure there.) Tomorrow she will be writing about one of their most delightful holiday party traditions, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Fourth (I told you there are heaps!!), the very first Rambling Tart Newsletter will be coming out this week. I had every intention of sending you one every month since last spring, but as you know my whole world went topsy-turvy (click here to read more) and I never had the chance. But now that I’m settled down again, I’m getting back on track. 🙂 If you would like to receive it, please click here to sign up. I promise to never spam you and hope the Rambling Tart Newsletter will inspire you with ideas for building a beautiful life.
Phew! Now I wish you could join me for a cup of tea and a slice of Plum Tart with a soft, nutty crust slathered in rich cream. After using up most of my plums in Spiced Chilled Plum Soup, I used the rest in this oh-so-homey tart. I love it any time of day, but it’s awfully nice for breakfast with coffee or tea. I tidied up the back porch and now it is perfect for sitting and visiting while eating a slice of tart and watching the antics of the local wildlife. I saw my first kangaroo hopping by the other day!
What is your favorite homey dessert?
Plum Tart with Nutty Crust
Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup almond meal (finely ground almonds)
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 sticks cold butter, diced
1 egg yolk
2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and quartered lengthwise
heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Combine all ingredients except plums and cream until mixture forms a dough. (Will be rather wet)
- Press 3/4 of the mixture into an even layer along bottom and sides of 9″ tart pan with removable bottom.
- Arrange plums, skin side down in whatever pattern you desire.
- Drop small spoonfuls of remaining dough across plums (like you would for a cobbler).
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until crust is lightly browned and plum juices are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and cool 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature drizzled with heavy cream.
In addition to the ham there was boned and stuffed turkey, tender roasted duck, and Red Emperor fish stuffed with lemon and roasted.
Numerous salads from Hungary were perfect for the sultry Summer day we were having. Liz and I chopped up piles of veggies for a do-it-yourself salad, Jess made creamy mayonnaise for an onion-y potato salad, and I sliced Oma’s garden-fresh cucumbers for this light and garlicky cucumber salad.
There were plenty of Hungarian desserts too, none of which I can remember the names for. But they included a cream cake made with sponge fingers soaked in Oma’s home-brewed Bailey’s, and two pastries, one stuffed with poppy seeds and the other with a sweet walnut filling. (update from Hungarian friends Zita and Liz – they’re called beigli :-))
Christmas Day was spent at home, just the two of us, and it was lovely. I made cheesy biscuits and gravy for brunch, and helped Bear make his Christmas cake: a two-layer dark chocolate confection, one a round cake studded with dark chocolate pieces and raisins soaked in Oma’s homemade rum, and the other a bundt cake with fresh cherries soaked in more rum. He set the bundt cake on top of the round, then filled the center with more boozy cherries and a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, maple syrup, and vanilla. A skiff of dark chocolate icing completed the cake. Delicious!
It’s been a wonderful Christmas thus far, and, starting tonight, I’m taking a two-week holiday to rest, spend time with my hubby and good friends, and get restored and refreshed for the year to come.
