Almost 2009

I made a calendar.




If you like the look of it, and would like one to hang on your wall all next year (or give it to someone you like), email me: magter[at]optusnet.com.au

14 cm x 29.7 cm $17 plus postage (Aussie dollars. A bargain if you live o/seas!).

More Christmas Food!

Poached salmon in aspic. Mum poaches it to tender perfection. Mmmmmmm-m.


Poppyseed cake ("Makowiec"), and gingerbread-chocolate cake.

Just the most delicious cheesecake I have tasted in DECADES!!!! From Europa cake shop on Acland Street, St. Kilda.

Barszcz Recipe

Recipe for traditional Polish Barszcz, which is a peppery, clear beetroot soup based on vegetable stock (no meat, as per Polish Catholic tradition for Christmas Eve fare).


1 large or 2 small leeks, green ends trimmed.
2 large or 3-4 small carrots.
2 parsnips
1 small celeriac, peeled, OR half a bunch of celery, leaves cut off.
Few bay leaves.
1 or 2 heads of garlic, cut in half widthways (across the cloves)
small handful of whole black peppercorns
2 850 g tins of sliced beetroots
salt to taste

Throw all of the above in a large stock pot, and add 3-4 litres of water. Bring to a boil and boil gently for 45 minutes. Remove and discard all solids, and strain liquid through cheesecloth/clean teatowel. Add a small pat of butter to make lovely oily droplets floating on top. Serve with "Uszka" (mushroom dumplings) (making them is VERY time-consuming, so we buy them from more energetic Polish people in Melbourne).

Merry Christmas!

With a tum full of yummy food I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays!