PLUM-P IT UP

THIS CAKE IS A FAMILY FAVOURITE. IT CAN BE MADE WITH FRESH OR CANNED PLUMS.

PLUM UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

Ingredients:

100 g brown sugar

100 g butter, softened

15 plums, halved and de-stoned

4 eggs, separated

2 egg whites

¾ cup caster sugar

¼ tsp cream of tartar

¼ cup olive oil

¼ 3 cup milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

100 g plain flour

120 g almond meal

1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C.

2. Grease and line a 23 cm springform round cake tin. Place a piece of aluminium foil on the outside of the cake tin and wrap it around the bottom and sides. This will help stop the leakage of the cake.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: JACI HICKEN

3. Cream together brown sugar and butter until soft and well combined. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the cake tin.

4. Place the plum halves, skin side down, in the cake tin on top of the brown sugar and butter mixture. Start from the outside, working your way into the middle with the fruit.

5. Place the egg whites in a bowl of a mixer with ¼ cup of caster sugar and the cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks form. Remove the egg whites from the bowl and put aside until needed.

6. Place the egg yolks in a bowl of the mixer, along with ½ cup of caster sugar. Whip until the egg yolks have reached ribbon consistency.

7. Add the milk, olive oil and vanilla to the egg yolks and stir to combine.

8. Into the egg yolks, mix in the flour, almond meal and baking powder to make a batter.

9. Fold the egg whites into the batter, then pour the batter onto the plums.

10. Place the cake in the oven for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

a home visit and free measure and quote. www.choicesflooring.com.au www.homemakersfurniture.com.au www.sleepzonebedding.com.au

Furnish your home in style with a range of quality furniture at affordable prices. From lounges and recliners to La-Z-Boy and stylish chairs from I.M.G Norway.

We offer an extensive range of curtains, blinds, shutters and outside awnings. Call now for home decorating advice and for a free measure and quote service. Also in store we have a large range of home giftware, quality manchester and travel goods.

Bedroom furniture and a large range of mattresses at competitive prices. It’s easy as 1,2,3 with Sleepfit FIRM, MEDIUM, PLUSH.

67 UNION STREET, KYABRAM | Ph: 5852 2388

DON’T YOU KNOW THAT YOU’RE TOXIC? TREAT AND PREVENT MOULD BEFORE IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH AND HOME.

STORY: TAYLAH BAKER

The mistress of mould can be a hostile home-invader. It can seep into surfaces practically overnight, leaving marks of black, green, grey or brown accompanied by an unpleasant smell that ain’t roses.

Before calling in the professionals, try Our Home’s top tips for removal and prevention of mould in the home.

WHAT CAUSES MOULD?

Two words excess moisture. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundries are prime crime scenes of mould due to their lack of natural light and ventilation.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR, EXACTLY?

All in all, you’re just another blotch in the wall. Well, not entirely.

Before mould seeps in and stains your home, be on the lookout for common early warning signs:

• A musty odour.

• Water stains or discoloured walls or ceilings.

• Bubbling, cracking or peeling paint or wallpaper.

• Recent water damage, flooding or high humidity levels (thank you, 2022 floods).

• An onset of unusual, persistent health symptoms.

How To Treat Mould

Products and practices for getting rid of mould are endless, but Our Home believes the following steps are highly effective:

• Start by opening doors and windows to increase ventilation.

• While wearing gloves, a mask and eye protection, mix one part bleach with three parts water. Alternatively, you can use mould killer.

• Spray the mixture onto mould and scrub with a stiff brush.

• Finally, rinse the area with clean water and sugar soap, before allowing time to air dry.

Remember: Speed and accuracy are mould’s worst enemy.

LET’S NOT GO THERE AGAIN

To prevent mould returning or forming in the first place, it’s not enough to simply remove the dampness and humidity (although, it does help).

When it’s sunny, allow as much sunlight into the area as possible, and when it’s wet and humid, put your air conditioner on a dry cycle or use a dehumidifier.

Leave room between the furniture and wall for airflow.

Keep up with regular vacuuming and dusting. A clean home is a happy mould-free home.

And finally, become the Inspector Clouseau to mould’s discoloured panther, checking the area for evidence of mould and catching an infestation before it can grow.

Growing your own produce can seem daunting at first, even for the greenest of thumbs.

We’ve laid out a few handy tips and tricks for getting started on your way to fresh food all year round, and hopefully a fuller wallet.

1. Choose the right location: Find a spot in your yard, or if you’re going for a mini-scale herb garden, on a windowsill/spot indoors that gets plenty of sunlight and is easily accessible for watering and maintenance.

2. Prepare the soil: For outdoor patches, remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, and mix in organic matter like compost or manure to enrich the soil. For potting mix, ensure you’ve opted for a planter with large drainage holes for proper circulation.

3. Select the right plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type. Consider starting with easy-to-grow options like tomatoes, basil and lettuce.

4. Water regularly: Give your plants a thorough shower once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the needs of your plants. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.

5. Harvest frequently: Regular harvesting encourages the growth of new leaves and fruits, and prevents the plants from becoming too leggy. Use pruning shears or scissors to snip off leaves or fruits, and enjoy the fresh taste of your own home-grown herbs and vegies. Here are the fruits and vegies you should be looking at investing in for each season:

Visit

SUMMER – Cucumber – Lettuce – Passionfruit – Blackberries

AUTUMN – Tomatoes – Zucchini – Mandarins – Pomegranates

WINTER – Rosemary – Coriander – Broccoli – Carrots

SPRING – Eggplants – Sage – Spinach – Strawberries