I first used stinging nettles for a Wine & Food Ladies Dinner at Stawell in 2007 (I think it was a George Columbaris recipe.) When catering for these events you were given the recipes in advance that they wanted to be served.

It is fantastic to report that the second luncheon was a success. With strong winds and rain, the weather turned on her charm of 12 degrees.

Daisy approached me about helping at the little explorers section of the Harvest Festival at Sovereign Hill in the aftermath of the Grampians Grape escape.

All of it comes together in the end. This is the part of my job I love the most. Getting students used to the fact that the teaching style is different from the regular high school classroom.

I was contacted by the Grape Escape and told my name had been put forward as a local chef for the Ready Steady Cook competition. I was surprised and hesitant. After I sat on it for a bit, I called back and said YES!

In just over a week, even though it feels like a month has already passed, I am finally sitting down to share the Grape Escape experience with you. 

I was in my element! It finally happened, I bought my house about 7years ago and always dreamt of hosting a luncheon at mine with local foods and old techniques.

September 2021, I bought a variety of seeds from 'The Little Veg Patch' after I built up the garden beds. I'd never grown eggplants before

Growing up, I heard of the Quandong, however, I had never seen, harvested, or tasted Quandong until recent years.

The good old Scone! There’s a reason why these are a spoken treasure and it's because when made correctly they are a delight that is achievable by anyone. 

Me? I am a camper, but if the extra items are there to turn it into glamping I'll embrace the opportunity. 

It’s beautiful when things grow - Last Christmas, my mum gave me an almond tree. I didn't think that I would see seeds on it in less than 12 months.