Kate McGhie’s ‘Apple Blossom Pie’ is a celebration of all things country.
In her introduction to her collection of recipes she writes: ‘I feel very lucky I was born a farmer’s daughter into seven generations of a family who worked the land.
‘Our farm in Victoria’s Western District produced everything we ate – there were Berkshire and large white pigs; dairy cattle that provided us with milk, thick cream, cheese and whey for the piggery; sheep, goats and beef cattle.
‘Our veggie garden was massive (it took about 100 steps in one direction and 200 in another) and the potato patch was huge, with many varieties.
‘The orchard was shared with possums and birds.
‘The people who knew the farms with the best cooks and ‘a good table’ were the local vicars (yes, I know vicar sounds a bit strange, but that is what the grandparents usually called them. Otherwise it was the Minister or Reverend, usually reserved for Sundays) or priests.
‘Our home was on God’s gourmet trail, which was both a compliment and at times a disadvantage.
‘Such visitations did not always work in favour of us children – even though we had made or assisted with many of the baked items, we were instructed to decline offerings if it were noticed the visitor scoffed more than their fair share.
‘Which they often did.
‘This ritual became known as FHB (family hold back).
‘The Michelin Restaurant rating was nothing compared with the rigour with which many a country cook’s kitchen prowess was appraised by church representatives.
‘You knew immediately your rating according to the table grace being said by the vicar or priest.
‘If it started with “Behold Jehovah” well that was a Michelin star rating in today’s terms. The less enthusiastic would start with “May the Lord give thanks for what we are about to eat.”
It was an idyllic life which immersed me in a lifelong love affair with food.’
The hardback ‘Apple Blossom Pie, Memories of an Australian Country Kitchen’ is available from the Rural Bookshop for $49.99. Phone toll free 1800 025 308 or go to ruralbookshop.com.au to place your order.
