Well, the end of the year is getting close. It’s time to dust off 2014 and prepare for 2015 to be the best year ever. In My Kitchen is an initiative by Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and it’s an opportunity to peek into the kitchens of food bloggers from around the world.

Starting off, I will admit that I have never made a traditional Christmas Pudding. I have only eaten it twice in my life. Both times I was less than impressed. We’re having John’s family up for Christmas and it might be the last time that John’s mother recognises her family so it’s important to me to make something she’ll remember. She always made a Christmas pudding, so I’ve made this for her.

THIS pudding was a practice. If you want to set your pudding on fire, I will rent John out anytime. We took a LOT of photos and by the time we finished, there was enough rum on this cake that it was possible for anyone to get drunk on just one piece.

Remember my sourdough bread made from Esmerelda my starter that I received from Celia at figjamandlimecordial.com? I’ve been practicing making bread and I brought one across the street to Big John and Jan. Big John made me a beautiful wooden tray last year and the day after I brought over the bread, Jan came over with this bowl, still smelling of orange oil.  It’s beautiful!

In my kitchen is some granola from Irrewarra Granola Company. I received some “Original Recipe’ and some ‘Just Chunks’ and both are hand-mixed with natural ingredients. Irrewarra is Australia’s largest manufacturer of handmade granola and it’s sold throughout the country.  See that bowl of chunks – John ate nearly the whole thing while he was watching tv.

I’m going to write a post about this book soon but I just love every word in this book. There’s so much about herbs and spices that I don’t know enough about, plus there are fantastic recipes to try.  Ian “Herbie” Hemphill is my spice hero and Herbie’s Spices has pride of place in my pantry.

I was offered the opportunity to test out products from The Aromatherapy Company – their Therapy Kitchen collection.  The products are made in New Zealand and sold in locations in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong as well as online to worldwide destinations.  When I opened the package, the scent of lemongrass, lime and bergamot was intoxicating.  I have just begun to use the products so I’ll write more about these later.

My daughter-in-law Ming from Atlanta sent me a dozen jars of my favorite blueberry jam from Panorama Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia. It’s made from small wild blueberries just like I grew up eating in Maine. I eat this in tarts, on toast and sometimes just off a spoon.

Finally, we’ve had some family things going on recently so poor Charlie went without a clip for far too long.  He met his new best friend Dazza (Darren) from Dog Gone It groomers in Buderim today.  Dazza took one look at Charlie who then looked at George, Dazza’s little dog and he started to pee on George’s head.  Not the best way to start a good relationship.  Chuck was really glad to see us when it was all over but for the first 15 minutes he refused to look at me.  When we got home I gave him his Christmas present from Dog Gone It and now we’re best friends again.

Before you feel sad for the hairless little dog in the photo, remember that it’s summer and he swims every day, several times a day. No furs mean it’s easier to get out of the side of the pool rather than walk out the beach end.  I’ll have photos of his extraordinary diving ability soon.

If you want to see links to heaps of other food bloggers’ kitchens or join in the In My Kitchen fun, visit Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and check it out.  It costs nothing and all you need to do is post about what’s going on at your place, in your kitchen.

Merry Christmas!