Extra-special Pumpkin Soup: Cooking On The Fire

A bowl of extra-special pumpkin soup, ready to eat.

Pumpkin Soup is an easy, hearty dish to cook in the cold months of winter. One thing I love to do is cook my soup and stews on our wood-burner stove. With the fire turned down low, it heats the house and at the same time, our dinner simmers for hours. The flavours merge and mingle and the soup or stew is tender and delicious.

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Robbies: All For Pickles And Pickles For All

Jars of Robbies Pickles and Preserves on the shop shelf.

I have to confess I’m not a fan of pickled onions, but I do love a good sauce and Robbies has “sauces to die for.” 

I first met Josie and Gus Robinson of ‘Robbies Pickles and Preserves’ at last summer’s Athol Valley Market.

“It tastes just like Nana used to make” is praise they hear time and again, and with good reason. 

Robbies pickles and sauces ARE just like Nana made. In fact, many of them are made from the very same recipes and home-grown ingredients that Josie’s own Nana created in her kitchen so long ago.

Josie Robinson of Robbies Pickles and Preserves with her daily green hill view behind.
Josie Robinson of Robbies Pickles and Preserves.
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My Southland Story: Behind The Camera With James Jubb

Mum and Dad relaxing lakeside, watching the kids water skiing on a Southland Lake.

Last year James Jubb created a little gem: a video series appropriately called My Southland Story. Its goal is simple. To tell the stories of Southland and why it’s an amazing place to work, live and play. 

He wants the world to know that if you’re willing to work and to fall in love with the landscape and lifestyle, then you too can live the Kiwi Southern Dream. 

James himself has a good yarn to share about how he became one of Southland’s most passionate advocates.

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