17/06/2026
The beauty of having so many people in one family is that there’s less multitasking & multiple taskers.
“Hey you’re heading down to the garage - can you put this in the fridge for me?” You’re heading up to the
backyard - can you grab the dogs bowls on your way back?” “On your way to your bedroom - can you drop
this off?” The delegation is magnificent. In theory. Because sometimes requests get lost in translation and
the quarter pumpkin I had hoped for the fridge was thrown in the freezer with some sausages. I’d been
eyeing this wedge of pumpkin off for a while with a little frustration but also curiosity - had I discovered a way
to speed up the cooking of such a robust vegetable by simply freezing it ahead, therefore rendering it almost
pre-steamed by the time it thaws? Perhaps not my own discovery, rather the result that of a haphazard child. This week I realised that soup season is here. In some ways I love the fact that my family don’t adore soup as much as I do because it means I can make small quantities and make it exactly the way I want. Out came the frozen pumpkin. I didn’t wait for it to defrost completely, just enough that the skin was
relaxed enough to shave off easily. sautéed half a red onion & multiple cloves of garlic until lovely &
golden & tender. Threw in the pumpkin & a can of the wonderfully rich and thick Ardmona Australia tomatoes.
A perfect oomph of tomatoey goodness. A tablespoon
of chicken stock powder and water just to cover. Everything was soft & delicious & didn’t take long
because of our freezing moment. Fresh basil leaves, blended it smooth, then stirred through a big beautiful dollop of crème fraîche - rich & silky against the bright
tomatoes & that smooth delicious pumpkin. Then made garlic parsley Parmesan toast.
A bowl of heaven. This is a lesson in opportunity - enjoy the mistakes, make with them what you can & always have a pantry full of saving graces like the Ardmona tomato range. It always brings the party to life.
Even if it’s just for one on a cold and dreary weekday. 100 percent Australian tomatoes. Support local. Perfect f
