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Egyptian Walking Onions
Setting off on my quest for Egyptian Walking Onions has been a journey brimming with anticipation and excitement. These extraordinary biennial plants, easily managed as perennials due to their simple propagation, possess the fascinating ability to migrate from their original planting spot. This phenomenon occurs as bulbils sprout atop the plant, causing the stem to bend under their weight. Consequently, these bulbils make contact with the soil, take root, and give rise to new plants. The entire process is not only captivating but also renders the plant entirely edible. Finding a supplier or two After years of diligent searching, often met with disappointment from items labeled as “unavailable” or “sold…
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Gardening feeds the soul
For me, gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life, nurturing both the soul and the family. The anticipation of a change in season or the opportunity to sow new seeds and cuttings fills me with excitement. As autumn unfolds in Australia, it’s the perfect time to kickstart the growth of winter seeds. In the beginning: Navigating the unique growing patterns of South Australia and continually enhancing the soil of our rental has been a learning process for me. To mitigate potential setbacks, I’ve been planting an abundance of seeds, hedging my bets against a higher failure rate compared to my experiences in NSW. In the initial year…
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Our first Cattle
Our journey into the world of cattle began on the humble grounds of our rental property, before the dream of our own acreage turned to reality. When we inked the lease, the owner granted us the freedom to introduce a handful of livestock. Yet, a caveat lingered in the air—a neighbor was entrusted with the land for his sheep, for the first year however the owner said he is happy for us to share or wait till the year was up and take over the full management of the land. Passing of time and new arrivals A year passed, spent observing cautiously as we hesitated to disturb the neighbors’ flock.…
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House Build part 1
Embarking on our journey to build our dream home has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with anticipation and cautious optimism. We secured our land, introduced cows to our newfound haven, but the daunting task of construction loomed ahead. The construction industry’s tales of turmoil and financial meltdowns haunted our thoughts. News of building companies crumbling and independent builders succumbing to bankruptcy cast shadows over the dreams of homeowners left stranded without shelter or funds to complete their projects. As we delved into the world of construction, our nerves reached new heights. In the enchanting landscape of the Adelaide Hills, we sought refuge in GJ Gardener. Their reputable history and…
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Incubating Chicken Eggs
Every homestead needs chickens, but what to do if you don’t have a local source, or maybe you want a harder to acquire breed. this is where incubating can come in handy. Incubating chicken eggs is a delicate process that requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and turning of the eggs. Here’s a general guide on incubating chicken eggs: How to Issues To minimize these issues when incubating chicken eggs, it’s essential to carefully monitor and maintain incubation conditions, handle eggs with care, and address any problems promptly. Additionally, selecting high-quality eggs from healthy breeding stock can improve hatch rates and the overall health of the chicks. If you would…
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The Indispensable Role of Chickens.
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Shepherds pie
In the Adelaide hills, where rolling hills meet vast expanses of farmland, access to locally sourced lamb and hogget is abundant. These pastoral landscapes provide the perfect environment for raising these animals, resulting in meat of exceptional quality and flavor. It’s amidst this backdrop that classic dishes like Shepherds Pie thrive. With its rich, savory filling and creamy mashed potato topping, Shepherds Pie embodies the essence of comfort food. As farm-to-table practices continue to flourish, these timeless recipes serve as a delicious testament to the enduring connection between land, livestock, and culinary tradition. Ingredients: For the mashed potatoes: For the meat filling: Instructions: If you’re looking to explore more savory…
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Braised Lamb Shanks with a Red Wine Reduction.
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Pasta Lemon / Pasta al limone
Pasta Lemon, or Pasta al limone, effortlessly transforms into a sophisticated dish despite its simple preparation. This dish holds a special place as one of my daughter’s favorite pasta creations and is a top recommendation for those aiming to impress within a short 15-20 minute cooking window. The magic lies in its straightforward yet utterly delicious composition—a testament to the idea that culinary elegance can often be found in simplicity. Ingredients: Instructions: If you liked this recipe check out some of our other recipes here. Maybe you would like to read some of our building updates if so head here.
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Homemade Pasta
If you’ve yet to experience the delight of homemade pasta, you’re truly missing out. Its exquisite chewiness and substantial texture surpass that of store-bought dried pasta. In our household, it’s a cherished addition to any homemade sauce and undeniably ranks among our family favorites. We make it a collective affair, involving all the kids in the process, whether it’s hand-rolling or utilizing my trusty pasta roller. Mastering the recipe opens the door to a world of culinary possibilities. This versatile pasta pairs seamlessly with an array of sauces, from the rich layers of a lasagna to the freshness of Pasta al Limone (Lemon Pasta). Once you’ve perfected the art of crafting…
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Our homestead Journey.
The early years Lanky and I (Kezza) first crossed paths at the age of 13, our lives intertwined almost immediately, we became best friends, and later partners, by 18 we had our first child on the way (Anna) and by the time she was 2 we set our minds towards getting ourselves an homestead becoming self sufficient and financially secure. During this time, I gradually transformed our family home into a flourishing food chain. We raised quail and chickens, and I cultivated an abundance of vegetables and fruits. At its peak, our home sustained 80% of our family’s vegetable intake, 20% of our fruit intake, and 10% of our protein…
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Vegan Curry
Our family loves the enchanting experience of curry nights—warm spices, comforting flavors—it’s special. Today, I’m sharing our go-to Vegan Curry. Imagine the kitchen alive with coconut-sizzled onions, the aroma of garlic and ginger creating anticipation. As curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne dance, we build a truly delicious foundation—a ritual marking the start of a culinary adventure. Tofu is an option; we opt for chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, carrots, and bell peppers, creating a vibrant, satisfying curry. The simmering curry fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone with eager anticipation. Seasoning becomes a personal touch, tailoring the dish to our unique taste. Served…
