Winter Solstice or Solace – 17 June 2022

I’d rather think about winter solace and how we can comfort ourselves on the shortest day and longest night of the year. Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth’s poles are at their maximum tilt away from the sun. It’s on the 21st of June in the Southern Hemisphere and 21st-22nd December in the Northern. Of course, this means the 21st of June is also the summer solstice for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere (lucky you!). I wish my Northern Hemisphere friends a wonderful summer, but for those of us in the South – let’s dig into some foods that comfort and warm!

It’s been a week like no other as the handover of our TV business Flame Media progresses. However, I have had some wonderful emails of thanks, support and tributes to John. Things are busier than ever, but I hope you like my new newsletter design? Well, I did say last week, that it’s A New Chapter

During the week I enjoyed going out to Sydney Showground, home of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to record an interview with Olivia Calver for the fabulous ABC TV show Landline (pictured above). Landline is Australia’s only national agricultural TV programme covering stories from Australia’s rural and regional heartland. I was honoured to talk about the RAS’ incredible 200-year history and its contribution to agriculture and education via the Sydney Royal Competitions: Wine, Beer & Cider, Cheese and Dairy Produce and the many competitions which make up Fine Foods (Aquaculture, Branded Meat, Olive Oil & Olives, Professional Bakery, Specialty Foods and Smallgoods & Charcuterie). And, of course, the supreme competition in Australia The President’s Medal.

A fun time was had by all when 17 fabulous women (pictured below) I went to high school with assembled for another reunion lunch with a friend who had flown in from the USA, but had missed our big celebration earlier in the year. The Tropic Manly (which I had reviewed previously) did a wonderful job looking after us with great staff, wonderful food and good humour. Thank you.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and the week ahead. I probably won’t get one out next week as I am going to Mudgee for four days to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
 

The media is full of stories about iceberg lettuce shortages, the use of supplementary cabbage in KFC products, the scarcity of berries, prices of broccoli and broccolini and now even cabbage is getting prohibitively priced. Even the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese mentioned “Cabbagegate”. My first thoughts were for the farmers, they aren’t getting these fabulous prices, rather they are so short in supply. We have had endless rain and now an extended cold snap down the Eastern seaboard.

My next thought was that it is simple to substitute and buy less expensive produce. But then, not everyone is necessarily confident in doing this, so here’s my quick guide on ways to substitute your veg without breaking the bank.

Brussels Sprouts Over Cabbage
Easy Pulled Pork with Apple and Brussel Sprout Slaw. Move over KFC, this slaw is entirely made up of seasonal veg which are not in short supply – apple, fennel, brussels sprouts, green onions, lemon juice and olive oil.

Avocado & Tomato Salsa Over Salad
Avocado & Tomato Salsa or make avocado into pesto and use it with frozen peas and forget the asparagus for Linguine with Avocado Pesto, Asparagus and Peas.

Baby Gem or Cos Lettuce Hearts Over Iceberg Lettuce
Try it in Minced Beef in Lettuce Leaves or Pork Larb.

Asian Greens Over Broccoli or Broccolini
Make a Hot & Sour Soup with any veggies which are inexpensive.

Silverbeet or Cavolo Nero Over Spinach
Braise silverbeet instead or English spinach or try Stracciatella Soup with Cavolo Nero and Lardo. Rainbow chard, collard greens or beet tops are also good.

Pumpkin
Is versatile and great for bulk and warming winter meals. Try Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Cheese Crostini or replace spinach with silver beet in my Pumpkin, Leek & Spinach Frittata.

Frozen Berries or Dried Fruit Over Fresh Berries
In Warm Winter Fruit Salad or try mandarin with yoghurt for breakfast instead of berries.