In My Kitchen - February 2016

Here's what's happening in my kitchen at the moment...

Chocolate Covered Everything

That saying "too much of a good thing" definitely applied our Christmas chocolate supplies.  I do love chocolate, but the amount we were given for Christmas was more (much more) than we could eat straight from the box, so I've been making the most of it by putting it into all sorts of sweet treats. Chocolate Mousse anyone?

Condiment Caddy

My newest obsession is trays and caddies to store cutlery, sauces, condiments, napkins etc for easy storage and portability.  I've got one for Japanese sauces (above), one for knives/forks/spoons/S&P, one for vinegars, one for pickles, one for hot sauces, one for all the stuff I need for when I fire up the BBQ... the list goes on. They are really handy to grab off the shelf or out of the pantry... not to mention aiding and abetting my OCD.

Homemade Pasta

When you have laying hens, you'll find any excuse to use their delicious eggs.  Pasta is a case in point.  Nothing compares to the silkiness you get from rolling your own dough made with the freshest eggs.  I made these tiny tortellini one afternoon, but ran out of time to photograph the final dish.  If you're interested in making your own filled pasta, my recipe for Ricotta and Spinach Tortelli with a Simple Tomato Sauce is very similar in ingredients and technique.  But be warned, you my never want Barilla again.

Spice Temple by Neil Perry

One of our favourite restaurants is Spice Temple.  When there's something we want to celebrate, we make a booking.  But now, with the publication of this book, we can knock out a bowl of egg noodles with XO and bacon whenever we darn well feel like it... no birthday or anniversary required.

Tomatoes:

Homegrown tomatoes are the best.  Every year I stress out about not planting enough, then by late February I'm cursing because I have so many tomatoes, I'm stuck in the kitchen on stifling days making ketchup, tomato sauce and passata... this year, I'm sure, will be no different.

Coffee, always Coffee

After quite a lot of scorching weather, we've had a few milder days to see out the end of the boys school holidays.  Cooler weather and imminent early starts mean sleep ins and coffee in bed.  Ethiopian from the local roasters.

So, that's my kitchen for now.

Pop on over and check out the links to bloggers’ kitchens around the world at In My Kitchen with Maureen at Orgasmic Chef.