I’ve often shared memories of my childhood and adult life with our kids and grandkids to give them non-apologetic insight into the family matriarch’s personality and values. Our chef son recently suggested I publish some of these stories, many of which all involve food, as memories frequently do. I’m an Australian, a first year baby boomer, so grew up in the 1950s, and my earlier stories reflect the social mores of that day. I have lived in most Australian states, including almost twenty years in various Outback centres and tent camps that were not even dots on the map. The family spent over six years in Denver USA, and both offsprings are still in the US. I currently live in Uruguay on account of my mining professional husband’s work. Mike’s required relocations and travel opportunities meant we’ve enjoyed some interesting cuisines away from home he’s now retired but we decided to remain here in Uruguay, closer to our children, rather than return to Australia. You need to know these basics to avoid confusion as you follow my posts.
Pickled Gizzards is not just another foodie’s collection of favourite Easy, Economical, Tried-And-True, Childrens’ or Famous-Chef recipes. I’m a reasonable cook, and certainly follow recipes when baking cakes and desserts, because that’s all about the chemistry of ingredients in certain proportions combining under controlled conditions for predictable outcomes. However, I’m at my best cooking starters and main meal courses, where there’s always scope for improvisation; and I tend to cook with a bit of this, a good dollop of that and a pinch of S&P to taste.
Normal everyday life is a rich source of ‘food stories’, and I hope you’ll enjoy mine as you become a Dear Reader.