Entries by Debbie Worgan

Diesel ditty                            

by Kai Jensen                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Any resemblance of the tractor in this poem to that of Chris Jesson of Fairhaven Point Way is entirely intentional.

When Chris brings his tractor out

don’t get in the way

if you want to live to walk

your dog another day;

don’t stop to tie your shoelace

in the metal monster’s route

well maybe a brogue or running shoe

– but not a twelve-eyelet boot

and Rover, don’t bite at its tyres

… Read more »

Stone Yard Devotional

reviewed by Wendy Tucker
by Charlotte Wood
This is the seventh novel by the Australian writer, Charlotte Wood. The first novel of Wood’s I read was the multi-award winning The Natural Way of Things, a very disturbing, harsh and political novel. But brilliant. I eagerly awaited the next – a lighter, funnier novel but with a tough ironic bite, called The Weekend with five elderly woman as main characters. I was disappointed but most readers were not – … Read more »

The Colours of Christmas

by Mark Evans

Three of the most popular colours associated with Christmas are red, green and white. The origin of this colour combination is said to be derived from the appearance of Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) with its evergreen leaves and white flowers followed by bright red berries. Amidst the European snow, it symbolised hope in the depths of winter and played a role in winter solstice celebrations, predating the spread of Christmas. Unfortunately for us … Read more »

Panforte di Siena 

by Georgie Adamson

Dense and fruity made with nuts, candied fruit, spices, butter and honey. It looks and tastes great, easy to make and lasts well.

Heat the oven to 150 ºC or 300 ºF.
Line a cake tin with baking paper and grease well.
110g (1 cup) each of hazelnuts and almonds. Spread on a baking tray and roast lightly. When cool, smash up.
1 cup candied citrus peel
1 cup other candied fruit (pineapple, fig, ginger etc)
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tbs flour (it could be GF)
1 tsp … Read more »

Mashed Potato Casserole

by Bhagya

Purists beware! This mashed potato casserole is delicious and can be made ahead. When you want mashed potatoes on the menu but have enough to do on the day, try this!

230 grams unsalted butter, softened, and more for the pan
3 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups sour cream
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped chives
⅔ cup bread crumbs
⅔ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Lightly grease a … Read more »

Hazelnut Biscuits

by Linda Sang

75 g hazelnuts
75 g almonds
100 g brown sugar
20 g butter
1 egg white, lightly whisked.
Icing sugar for coating the rolled balls.

Method

Pulse nuts till well-broken, but not superfine to retain texture.
In a small saucepan, add butter first and melt, add sugar and egg white. Mix well and cool.
Add mix to the nuts and combine well. Mixture should be stiff. If not stiff enough add some more almond meal.
Roll into small … Read more »