There are chutneys; and there are chutneys. But none quite like the one my friend Agnes Stuart entered in the District Show and won 2nd Prize against the more experienced Country Women’s Association Jam and Chutney makers from all over the district. It’s amazing what some cumin and cloves can do to spruce up the old tomatoes and sultanas.
Down at my local parish church St Canice’s last night, I missed all the Fire and Water, processing and singing, at the Easter Vigil Mass. After all the Easter Ceremonies leading up to the weekend, I choose the non-singing early Mass this Sunday morning for a quieter experience.
Even the priest talks of the ‘power of quiet’ as he compares last evening’s ceremonies with this morning without even a hymn. What he was saying resonates. In this world of internet, we are so busy checking emails or social media contacts; listening to music, or reading anything and everything that’s dished up as news online, that we forget how wonderful it is to find ourselves with some ‘quiet’. I won’t get into the extended religious aspect of that line of thinking, but I immediately know what I will do with my day.
Coming back home, I change my mind about an Easter lunch at my favourite Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point and opt for dragging out the remains of last night’s leg of lamb and enjoying it with the delicious Alice Stuart 2nd Prize-winning Chutney, alone! Of course, I think it proper on a high feast day to imbibe, and I use this as my excuse for draining the remaining glass/es of (one of) last night’s delicious, half-drunk bottle of New Zealand Pinot Noir.
Happy Easter!
The famous Alice Stuart home-made chutney, Winner of the 2nd Prize for Chutney at the District Show, complements the left-over cold roast leg of lamb for Easter Sunday lunch
An early Easter Sunday Mass at St Canice's, without the fire and water; bells and singing of the Easter Vigil. Gerhard's flowers contributing to the Joy of Easter.
Mick darling,
I think that was a very wise decision, particularly as Fratelli Paradiso was closed for Easter Sunday! Chutney and lamb looking delicious.
Like the blog. Hope it doesn’t ruin the story but Paradiso was closed. Good Italians.
Cheers,
Michael.
How was I to know Fratelli was closed? That’s where I was heading all morning in my mind; just waiting for noon when the kitchen changes from breakfast to lunch when I’d be sure to get my favourite outside table.
Then I just happened to open my fridge door and saw last night’s leftover cold lamb . . . .
It’s not Alice Stuart who won 2nd Prize. I used Agnes Stuart on my entry.
Don’t expect another bottle because I’ve forgotten what I put in it!
PS You had better fix up the reference to “alice” in the body of the text , I didn’t win for chutney only marmalade
(MMComment: I’ve now changed the heading!)
Agnes Stuart: I LOVE it. So glad her brother will be my travelling companion..
Juanita.
Is Agnes Stuart B3???
(MM Editor’s Comment: Jonathan, Yes! the imitable one, although usually billed as a ‘jam maker’. Chutney making is a new endeavour.)