It's getting close to Christmas now for all. I did say I would share a recipe, so will get this posted today. I know for those of you who are feeling somewhat cold at the moment, this sort of fare is quite far down on your list of would-be 'delights'. For us here in Australia, cold fare seems to be the in thing, and I've often found that this is well received.
Thank you all again for commenting on my most recent needlecase, and also for becoming part of my life. People have been so supportive, it has given me so much encouragement. I do so appreciate all this kindness. I will also take this opportunity to wish one and all a safe and happy Christmas, wherever in the world you may live.
I have this in an old cookbook I bought in the 70's, published by the Ladies' Show Auxilliary for one of our small country towns here, ie Tara. It's simply called the Tara Tucker Book. Okay, enough.
Delicacy Salad -
½ cup hot water
3 dessertspoons gelatine
½ cup cold water
½ cup vinegar
1 dessertspoon lemon juice
4 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
a few drops of green food colouring
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup well drained canned crushed pineapple
Soften gelatine in hot water; add sugar, salt, cold water, vinegar and lemon juice. Place on very low heat on stove, stir until sugar and gelatine is well dissolved. Colour pale green [just a few drops!!]. Allow to cool slightly in the refrigerator and when the mixture is beginning to thicken a little, add the cucumber and crushed pineapple. Place in your favourite mould container. Refrigerate overnight. To serve, unmould onto serving platter and decorate. This can also be set in small individual dishes, as single serves.
I have included this photograph to show a 'slice' ready for serving. I find this is not for everyone. I know my husband will not even try it, so I always warn people to take a small piece first as it may not be to their liking. It has a slightly tangy flavour, and makes a welcome addition to a buffet table. Enjoy.
This post is totally off course for me. I am not a cook of note these days. I used to do lots of interesting baking in years gone by, but lately I've lost interest. However, I do still make the odd more plain fare, rather than something lavish [waistlines, arteries!!!].
Our neighbours have had a bumper pumpkin harvest this year, and of course, we've benefited from same. I knew I had an extremely easy recipe for a tasty loaf, so yesterday decided I should try to use some of these pumpkins!!! I'll share the recipe with you. It's copied out on a small piece of paper, so I can't tell you where it's come from. I've changed it a little. We usually just butter the slices, but to be honest, some cream cheese frosting flavoured with lemon rind/juice might be worth a try too.
Pumpkin Bread: [1] Into a large mixing bowl place 2 cups self raising flour, ¼ teasp bicarb soda, ½ teasp cinnamon, ½ teasp nutmeg, pinch salt - rub in 2ozs [60grams] soft butter or margarine, and then ½ cup chopped pecans. [2] Into another bowl place ½ cup soft brown sugar, 1 egg, grated rind of one orange, ½ cup milk, ½ cup cold mashed pumpkin, and mix until combined. Stir the 'wet' mix into the 'dry' mix, and mix lightly. Don't overmix. Bake in a loaf pan at approx 125°C [fan forced oven] for approx 55 minutes [timing will depend on tin used and your own oven]. This loaf has a lovely flavour and texture. I think the orange rind gives it something.
