The Good Life - Inspired by Our Neighbours in France.

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The vegetable plot at our country cottage has been temporarily abandoned due to a couple of persistent rabbits and the lack of time we have spent there during the last 12 months. This hiatus won't continue indefinitely even though does fell like it has been forever since we temporally abandoned city life for the fresh air  and call of the kookaburras in the country............. Too much to do.......... so little time!

Despite the war being waged in my city garden, my quest for "the good life in the suburbs" hasn't been forsaken. In attempt to appease my desire  to become more self- sufficient, without renouncing any of the little savoir faire I possess,  this week I decided to turn my hand to cheese making, an action catalysed by having a family-run fromagerie, where fresh milk is turned into cheese, at the bottom of our sloping garden in France.  Maybe any knowledge I gain during this exercise will help me with conversation when we meet our new neighbours ? ......... Point to note: Must improve my French!
So for those of you who are on a quest for "the good life", or  are in a similar situation as moi with your new neighbours in France, here is a quick summary of the process to inspire you into action!

Step 1 - Milk was gently warmed and left standing to curdle, with the curds eventually sinking in the whey.

Step 2 - Curds and whey were separated through an old open-weave cotton cloth - substituting for a muslin cloth.


Step 3 -  Voila the fromage which is quite delish.

Post Script.
1. I won't be going into competition with our new neighbours in France!
2. A few zucchinis, a cucumber and some chard has been picked from my vegetable garden in the city, but sadly the war continues in the tomato plants, lemon tree, roses and camellias.

Possum damage to one of my beloved camellias. Will it recover?

* = Courtesy of Assentis Pasta