Good From Scratch

Michael celebrates the end of summer with one of his favourite fruits.

Michael Van de Elzen celebrates his favourite fruit

This time of year marks the last of the crops from our wonderful plum trees. When we bought our block in Muriwai, 40 minutes west of Auckland, we didn't realise just how lucky we were to have established plum trees. Every year they produce the most fantastic bounty. I'm not sure which varieties we have, except that one of them is Black Doris.

Whoever planted them must have loved plums as much as we do. The early varieties start ripening in January, and the last ones go all the way through to March.

We make plum cider using our apples and plums in the mash, and a divine kasundi, a spicy plum and tomato relish.

However, the best preserves are the bottled plums that last us for the rest of the year.

When I bottle plums, I like to add in spicy cinnamon sticks and star anise. Even a touch of black pepper helps to spice them up a little bit.

Plums can be used so many ways, from chutneys to relishes, in a plum crème brûlée, or as the base of a plum frangipane tart.

Another favourite is my yoghurt roulade with stewed plums. It's a refreshing way to finish a big meal on a hot night, sitting under a tree with a nice cup of tea. Get the recipe on page 39.

This month I've also shared a quick and easy lamb dish that's perfect for an endof-summer barbecue.

Then there's our broccoli tarts (pictured at right, aren't they beautiful). We make these a lot in the Good From Scratch Cookery School, and they're always a hit.

If broccoli isn't your thing, other fab toppings include cauliflower with blue cheese, or for something a bit different, roasted baby carrots with sheep milk feta and a lemon-heavy pesto. I love big fat field mushrooms (first roasted in the oven with a drizzle of oil and some sea salt), topped with gorgonzola cheese. Yum!

COOK WITH MICHAEL

We're running the last of our summer classes at the school in March. The gardens are booming with produce, so it's a great time of the year to visit. We also have gift vouchers for those ‘hard to buy for' people. Visit www.goodfromscratch.co.nz to book a class or attend an event.