Roasted Tomato and Fennel Jam

When I see big red ripe tomatoes on the sale table at my fruit and vegetable shop I can't resist. Those red tomatoes can be turned into so many delicious things. They are usually about $1.99 kg.

This week I decided to try a recipe I found on a blog early this year. A tomato jam made in the oven!

The sugar and spices getting friendly

This sits for 15 minutes or so. The juice from the lemon and the tomatoes starts to melt the sugar.

Now for a warm bath at 180deg

Sticky sweet and spicy 

YUM

I toasted turkish bread, spread with cream cheese, topped with ham and the Tomato Jam. This is going to the top of the list. Wonderful.

Food - markets and more food

The best part about living in Spring Hill is the close proximity to the city centre and to the Valley and China Town. I even walked to James Street on Thursday to see a movie - only took me 30 minutes. Easier than trying to find a car park!

The Wednesday markets in the city are very colourful and busy.

French cheese

There are some new stall holders which of course makes the shopping experience even more interesting

Fabulous custard apples

The daffodils were every where

The days have been warmer but the nights are still cold. I made a big pot of Ribollita a vegetable soup with kale and pork and fennel meatballs

So comforting on a cold night

I went through some of my old cook books and looked at recipes that I had tagged but haven't got around to making yet. The first was this little treat.

Sweet potato fritters

Needless to say these are moving close to the top of the favourite list - and so easy to make

Broccoli, chilli, anchovies - yum

The broccoli was on special so you make pasta with it of course.

A new version

I have been making this dish for years. I can't think of broccili without mentally pairing it with chilli and anchovies - don't forget the pasta. I found a slightly better version in this month's 'Delicious' magazine. I also made a fabulous potato and zucchini bake that didn't last long enough to be photographed. Next time - yes there will be a next time - it was delicious

Lovely Spring Hill houses

 I have been walking every day taking new routes around the suburb. There is so much to see and enjoy. My goal is do do 10,000 steps per day. At the moment my average is about 8,000. I am getting there.
As we have no flower gardens here I have to make do with what I 'find' on my walks. No I don't steal out of gardens - just snip off those that are poking out over the footpath.

This weeks find

Time for my walk.