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Lasagna

Come springtime, our freezer is getting low on meat.  We are nearing the end of the beef, yet it is not quite lamb processing season.  It is during these few months that I rely heavily on mince.  It always seems to be the final cut of meat after indulging ourselves on steaks and roasts over the winter months.  I forget how often I make spaghetti bolognese a week.  But if I find myself with a little extra time in the morning, I'll make this lasagna instead.  It's a f...

Ginger Crunch

A classic ginger crunch recipe that can be made all in the one pot.Preparation time - 15 minutesCook time - 20 minutesServes - 12-16 squaresIngredients:Base:150g butter1/4 cup brown sugar1/4 cup golden syrup1 1/2 cups rolled oats3/4 cups self raising flour1/2 cup desiccated coconut3 tsp ground gingerIcing:100g butter3 tbsp golden syrup2 cups icing sugar4 tsp ground gingerMethod:Preheat the oven to 170C and line a square slice tin with baking paper.In a small pot, over a medium low heat, melt the...

Corn and Bacon Quiches

Try this corn and bacon mixture in pastry or bread for a perfect hand sized quiche.  Served warm they make a great morning smoko at home or out on the farm.Preparation time - 15 minutesCook time - 30 minutesServes - 12 Ingredients:1 block pastry, or 12 slices of bread3 rashes bacon, chopped1 small onion, finely diced1x 400g can corn kernels, drained2 cups cheese, grated3 eggs1/2 cup creamsalt and pepper to seasonMethod:Preheat the oven to 180CRoll out the block of pastry into a large 3...

A Pot Of Choc Slice

I love a quick no bake recipe for early morning baking, while the girls are still asleep and this one pot no bake chocolate slice is perfect.  I like to include our walnuts into the base, but feel free to leave them out, or swap them for something else - cranberries, raisins, nuts or gum lollies all make for delicious alternatives.Preparation - 20 minutesCook time - 30 minutes chilling timeServes - 16 squaresSlice Ingredients:125g butter1/2 cup white sugar1/4 cup co...

Cowboy Caramel Cookie Slice

I often don't have the time to stand there rolling out cookie dough for individual cookies.  So one day I simply pressed my cowboy cookie dough into a slice tin and baked it and we had a delicious cowboy cookie slice that day.  Since then I have made the slice frequently, until one night I decided to add a tin of caramel and the Cowboy Caramel Cookie Slice was born.  The perfect night to have a slice warm with ice cream as it snowed outside and the fire roared merrily in the livin...

Pizza Scrolls

Homemade pizza dough scrolls are the perfect addition to children’s lunchboxes, smoko bags out on the farm or paired alongside a bowl of hearty soup for lunch.  A great way to use up all the leftovers in the fridge; everyone will enjoy these.Preparation - 15 minutes plus 1 hour rising timeCook time - 20 minutesServes - makes 16 scrollsDough Ingredients:1 3/4 cups warm water2 1/2 tsp active dried yeast1 tbsp sugar1 1/2 tsp salt2 tbsp oil - olive or coconut3 1/2 cups high grade flourTo...

Bacon Carbonara

This is a deliciously easy carbonara where the egg and cheese are combined to create a creamy sauce.  The ultimate midweek comfort food.Preparation time - 5 minutesCook time - 25 minutesServes - 6Ingredients⁣400g dried spaghetti250g bacon, diced⁣1 onion or leek, diced⁣3 cloves garlic, sliced2 cups finely chopped spinach or silverbeet leaves5 eggs⁣2 cups cheese, grated ⁣(Colby or Edam)1/4 cup cream or milk2 tbsp fresh parsley/chives⁣⁣ Method⁣Bring a large pot of salted water ...

Roasted Swede Soup

We may grow swedes here for winter feed for our sheep, but that doesn't stop me from grabbing a few out of the paddock for our own lunches.  Swedes are a wonderful cool season vegetable, imparting a warm, hearty flavour to winter soups, especially when roasted.Preparation time - 15 minutesCook time - 45 minutesServes - 4Ingredients1 medium - large swede, peeled, topped and diced2 leeks, sliced1 large carrot, sliced1 tsp paprika1/2 tsp cumin1/2 tsp coriander1/4 tsp ground nutmeg4 cups chicke...

Corned Beef

Corned Beef is an incredibly cost effective way to feed a crowd.  Either serve it hot as a sit down meal, or allow it to cool for corned beef and piccalilli sandwiches.  I usually cook corned beef in the crockpot, however, a pot on the stovetop works well too.Preparation - 10 minutesCook time - 5-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on lowServes - 6-8Ingredients:1 corned beef or silverside1 tbsp brown sugar1 tbsp vinegar - malt or apple cider1 onion, quartered1 tsp black peppercorns1 bay leaf...

One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

This is one of my go to options for when I am short on time and have hungry farm workers or children that require a hearty meal. Made all in the one pot, it is perfect served on cold days with a loaf of warm, fresh bread like my focaccia.Preparation time - 20 minutesCook time - 30 minutesServes - 6Ingredients⁣:1 kilo beef mince1 large onion, diced⁣2 large carrots, diced⁣3 stalks celery, sliced⁣3 cloves garlic, crushed⁣1/3 cup tomato paste⁣1 tbsp dried mixed herbs⁣1 tbsp brown sugar...

Bread Rolls

Growing up Mum would have a loaf of bread perfectly timed to be pulled out of the bread-maker as my brother and I charged through the back door from school. In my eyes there isn’t anything quite so homey as the smell and taste of freshly baked bread.As I’ve grown older I’ve loved working with bread and these bread rolls are one of my go-to’s when feeding our farm team. The recipe makes 12 good sized rolls ready to be pulled apart and crammed full of cold meat and coleslaw. I hope you fin...

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is the carbohydrate comfort food in my eyes. Generously drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with crunchy sea salt and herbs before baking to create a crisp, golden exterior that’s perfectly soft and fluffy inside. A delicious accompaniment to soups and casseroles or as a side dish to simply bulk up a meal. ⁣Preparation time - 15 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes rising timeCook time - 15 minutesServes - one large loaf⁣Ingredients:⁣5 cups plain white flour (you may need up to 1/...

Mighty Meatloaf

This recipe is a real people pleaser, including fussy children. I’ve had one follower tell me their children have affectionately renamed it The Meat Lovers Meatloaf and I am quietly wishing I had come up with that name myself. The original recipe was a hidden gem in a community cookbook found by @kiwinosh and I have since tweaked it over the years to the recipe below.Preparation time - 15 minutes Cook time - 1 hour 15 minutes Serves - 6 Ingredients:1kg beef or venison mince500g sausa...

Homemade Stock

Fresh stock is incredibly easy to make and becomes the foundation for soups, gravies, and casseroles.Consider what bones you are using to make stock. Leg and shank bones are good as they have plenty of connective tissue and cartilage which breaks down to gelatine. Neck bones add flavour and richness. If using fresh bones, roasting them first will add depth and colour to the stock.Adding acidity in the form of apple cider vinegar helps to break down the cartilage. This helps create a protein-rich...

Creamy Potato Soup

A super simple soup using the humble spud.  It is also a great way to use up any of my leftover corned beef. Delicious served with a loaf of crusty sourdough slathered in butter.Prep time - 10 minutesCook time - 30 minutesServes - 4-6Ingredients:50g butter2 onions, diced4 cloves garlic, crushed¼ cup flour2 cups chicken stock2 cups milk6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced2 tsp fresh thyme leaves1 cup grated cheese½ cup sour cream1 cup shredded leftover corned beef or cooked baconMethod:In a...

Throw it all in Curry

I love making this curry with beef, lamb or venison, however, you can really use any meat.  Fish is another great option. The spice list may look long, but it is simple to put together and suits long and slow cooking. It tastes even better when reheated the next day. Preparation time - 10 minutesCook time - 3 hoursServes - 4-6Ingredients:1kg boneless meat, or chops 1 onion, sliced 4 medium potatoes, diced Vegetable options:1 cup cauliflower florets 2 carrots, sliced...

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

The days are getting cooler which means I’m reaching for the cast iron pan to make hearty meals that slowly simmer away all morning. These lamb shanks tick all of the boxes, being warming and nutritious to prepare the shepherds for an afternoon back out in the elements.Preparation time - 20 minutesCook time - 3 hoursServes - 6Ingredients:6-8 lamb shanks50g butter2 carrots, diced1 onion, diced2 stalks celery, sliced3 cloves garlic, crushed2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)2 bay leaves3 tbsp tom...

Nasturtium Capers

These capers made from nasturtium seeds are a great alternative to the store bought caper. Bursting with flavour, they're perfect for potato salads, with fish, on pizza or in a herb butter for steak.Ingredients:Per 1 cup nasturtium seeds you’ll need 250ml water 3 tsp salt 250ml white vinegar 1/2 tsp sugar 5 peppercorns 1 bay leafMethod:Pick the nasturtium seeds and measure them by the cupful into a bowl. Dissolve the salt in the water and soak the seeds overnight.The next day, sterilise small ...

Curried Sausages

I love creating recipes that use sausages. They’re something that always seem to be in our freezer, are extremely versatile and are quick and easy to throw together for a meal. These curried sausages are delicious with mutton sausages, but otherwise use beef. Perfect for throwing plenty of hidden veg in too, and the kids love them.Preparation time - 30 minutesCook time - 1 hour 30 minutesServes - 6Ingredients:10-12 sausages2 onions, diced2 large carrots, diced3 cloves garlic, crushed2 tbsp cur...

Bread and Butter Zucchini

If you find yourself with surplus zucchini and like pickles, then try making this bread and butter zucchini. Perfect on burgers, in cold meat sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to cheese.Ingredients:1kg zucchini, thinly sliced2 cups sliced red onion (about 2 medium or one large)2 cups apple cider vinegar1 cup honey2 tbsp mustard seeds2 tbsp salt1 tsp chili flakes1 tsp cumin or turmeric2 tsp celery seeds (optional)Method:Sterilise 4x 500ml jars. Wash in hot soapy water, dry thoroughly, and place ...

Hamburger Soup⁣ - In a Pumpkin

This is a delicious and nutritious soup packed with beef mince, vegetables and bone broth. The pumpkin itself makes such a beautiful rustic serving dish.Preparation time - 30 minutesCook time - 1 hour 30 minutesServes - 4-6Ingredients:500g beef mince1 onion, diced2 carrots, diced2 stalks celery, sliced4 cloves garlic, diced2 potatoes, dicedHandful of spinach, kale, or silverbeet, chopped1 tin crushed tomatoes3 tbsp tomato paste1 tbsp dried oregano3 tbsp fresh thyme leavesPinch of chili powder an...

White Sandwich Bread⁣

This homemade sandwich bread is rustic and comforting and perfect for slicing, slathering with butter, and serving for lunch.Preparation time - 30 minutes + rising timeCook time - 30 minutesServes - 1 loafIngredients⁣:1.5 cups milk⁣3 tbsp honey⁣1.5 tbsp white vinegar⁣4 tsp active dried yeast⁣3 tbsp olive oil⁣1 egg⁣2 tsp salt⁣5 cups plain white flour⁣Method⁣:In a small saucepan, heat the milk and honey until the honey has dissolved and you can just comfortably keep your finger...

Freezer Meals

I am a firm believer of always having a stash of meals in the freezer. Meals that you can whip out at last minutes notice when days are a little chaotic and the thought of making something from scratch is to put it simply, daunting. To me, winter is the perfect time to start thinking about and stockpiling the freezer. Spring is looming around the corner, where we will be busy rearing orphan lambs and calves and the slower pace of winter makes it easier to spend the morning in the kitchen preppin...

Leftover Roast Lamb Soup

I feel it is important to utilize as much of the animal carcass as possible, so this lamb soup uses the leftover bone and meat from a roasted shoulder or leg of lamb, plus loads of fresh vegetables.Preparation time - 15 minutesCook time - 3 hours for the broth and 45 minutes for the soupServes - 6Broth Ingredients:Leftover lamb roast - bone and meat2L water3 tbsp apple cider vinegar1 bay leafI also add the vegetable scraps from the soup ingredients:Peelings from the kumara and carrotsCarrot tops...

Lamb Tagine

A simple one-pot-wonder that can simmer away all day on the stove top, fire or in the oven. It’s one of those dishes where the flavour enhances the longer it cooks.Preparation time - 20 minutesCook time - 3 hoursServes - 4-6Ingredients:1 boned out lamb shoulder or lamb flap, cut into cubes or 4x lamb shanks2 red onions, sliced1 tbsp each of ground ginger, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and turmeric1/2 tsp ground cloves4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped3 tbsp tomato paste2 tins chopped tomatoes2 cups ...