Pickled Beetroot
I could introduce myself by telling you all about my tree-change from Sydney to a little country town in Victoria five and a half years ago, I could tell stories about renovating an old, run-down, leaky, one-hundred year-old home, talk about my life as an artist, my challenges and successes as a work-from-home mum, my experiences during IVF, my transition from nurse to corporate sales to marketing, back to sales and then to self-employed mum … Any of these would probably make someone’s ears prick up out there but, to be honest, all I want to talk about right now is pickled beetroot.
This is the second year we have pickled beetroot, mostly because it is the second year that we have been given so much of it at the one time. This is why it is important to me. Not because it is in season and not because it has grown so prolifically again this year for people, but because people thought to share it with us. So much so that pickling it is the only way that we can make sure it is not wasted.
This is what I dreamt of years ago. A simpler life and a fuller life. A slower life more in tune with nature and less dictated by greed, money and competition. Good friends, a happy family, home grown vegetables and fruit, an open fire, grape vines to sit under in Summer and the good health to allow me to enjoy all of these things. So every time I receive fresh vegetables from friends who live just down the road, and every time I give our excess fruit and veges to friends, I am reminded that I have finally arrived exactly where I wanted to be.
QUICK RECIPE for Pickled Beetroot: Cut the beetroot into slices or small chunks and steam until softened. In a separate pot, simmer some white vinegar, sugar, a cinnamon stick, mustard seeds and bay leaves for approximately 5 minutes. Once the beetroot is soft enough, place it in a sterilised glass jar (we use old coffee jars). Fill the jar and then top up with the vinegar mixture. Let it sit for a couple of weeks and you’re ready to go. (If you have enough, make a few extra jars for your friends. It means the world.)
I feel I should now point out that I do not have the time to pickle beetroot every day, but this is Sunday, my favourite day of the week where it’s all about our family. The day where my husband, son and I go up to the markets in the morning and grab a coffee from Cliffy’s on the way home. The day we spend in the garden together, pulling out weeds and planting fruit trees, the day we go for a couple of wines in the afternoon while the roast dinner is cooking in the oven for our return. The day I get to pickle beetroot.
Every other day is filled with running a household, looking after my little boy, trying to be a good wife, running a young tea business, planning my next IVF round (eek), cooking, cleaning, washing and very importantly, painting. I will fill you in on my other days in time to come but for now, let’s just bask in Sunday…
