Citrus trees are weird dudes. Wired for reproduction, they are unlike almost any other plant in that they’ll always put more energy into flowering and fruiting than growing. Even when they’re tiny and should *absolutely* be working on putting on leaves, citrus trees will stuff […]
Some years ago I was lucky enough to find a copy of Italian Liqueurs: History and Art of a Creation. If you have an interest in making liqueurs that are a bit out of the ordinary, this book is well worth finding. It’s not only […]
This lemon pound cake is adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, but simplified a great deal because Cook’s never misses a chance to put in extra steps or add stuff to the washing up. Extra steps better be there for a reason, because they stand between me […]
I have a weird obsession with making liqueurs. They’re old fashioned, but that’s something I love about them. Just like a champagne cocktail, they are unexpected and delightful. My three-year-old particularly likes scouring op shops with me for pretty little liqueur glasses, and ceremonially choosing […]
Is there any fruit that feels more like a sunbeam, than a lemon? Limoncello, the happy yellow essence of perfect lemons, is one of those universally welcome gifts. It’s equally good as a digestif after long summer meals with friends, or as a cheer-me-up in […]
Late summer, yay! Peaches are good and cheap. This is the perfect time to pick up a bottle of grappa and make peach liqueur. It’s straightforward to put together, but you have to start with the right peaches. If you’re thinking Look I don’t know, […]
Krupnik (or Krupnikas) is a luscious sweet liqueur made from honey, alcohol and spices. It’s traditional to Christmas Eve and is popular in Poland, Belarus and Lithuania, and now Melbourne. Krupnik can be served hot or cold, and the spice mix is very much up […]
Late Spring! The branches in my little berry patch are getting heavier every day, and everyone’s eyeing them off. The birds, the toddler, and me. Soon it will be time to set up the nets. Not that it will stop anyone, but I’ll feel like […]
One of my very favourite things to make each year, is several batches of a lovely orange aperitif from Southern France, called Vin d’Orange. Sounds fancy, but it’s simple to make – perhaps an hour if you take your time. The aroma of Seville oranges […]
It might sound a little odd, but this is a heavenly liqueur that’s well worth the small effort. Fig leaves are easy to find over the back fences in summer, particularly if you do the smart thing and live in a suburb of Melbourne that’s […]