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Archives for June 2013

Sad

June 30, 2013 @ 13:28 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

Today is my last day as President of the Melton Sustainable Living Group.

I feel sad.

Sad, because for me, this is the end of something I started four years ago.  But by the final year Kim and I began to experience burn out.  It was unsustainable, which is ironic seeing it was a sustainable living group.

It was to be expected really, especially when you give a cause your all, consistently for such a long time.  But no regrets.

I am also sad that so far no-one has nominated for the roles that Kim and I vacated.  Is our legacy so large that people feel intimidated by the task at hand?  I would hope not.

I know that it is not a simple commitment, and does take time, hard work and effort, but it is fulfilling.  After all, a group should be shaped by all it’s members, not just a few individuals.  It is whatever they want it to be.

Anyway, this feeling has enveloped me for a few days, ever since I wrote the final article for the group’s newsletter.  It hit home, hard.  I know that it will take time, but this feeling will fade.

Change is never easy.  It is natural to feel a sense of loss.  Weird, seeing that it was our choice to move on and hand the reigns over to others.

So today I am soothing the melancholy within by listening to my favourite 80’s music, doing a little gardening and giving thanks.

I am thankful for those who have come into my life over the past four years.  Thankful for their friendship and companionship.  Like-minded, friendly people are always a pleasure to have along on the journey of life.

There you have it.  Sad, yet thankful.

Strange how change makes us feel life square in between the eyes, in real ways.  Beats the pants off reality TV any day!

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Filed Under: Gavin, Sustainable Living

Kim’s Cornish Pasties

June 26, 2013 @ 20:58 By Gavin Webber 11 Comments

Many years ago, before we were married, Kim and I took a holiday in Cornwall, UK.  We stayed at a lovely little town called Tintagel, which many told us, was the home of Arthurian legend and myth.

There is even a ruined castle high on a rocky peak that some thought may be the remains of Camelot, and below on the stony shore there is even what is said to be Merlin’s cave.

Anyway, what does this have to do with Kim’s Cornish Pasties?

Well quite a lot actually, for this village is where we tasted our very first genuine pasty, from a little shop on the high street.  I believe it was called Pengenna Pasties, and it is still going strong.  In fact, if you live in the UK, they will even send you some pasties in 1 dozen batches via the post.  Yum.

We bought a single pasty each, and as it was raining cats and dogs, we retreated back to the car.  Once safely inside, we scoffed down these massive hot pasties, steaming up the windows as we ate.  It was a day we both have never forgotten.

So every now and then we get a hankering for a traditional pasty.  Being the resourceful woman she is, Kim has perfected her recipe over the years and I reckon that she makes the best Cornish pasty this side of Camelot!

Sunday night was such a day.  Here is how it all panned out.

Kim’s Cornish Pasties

makes 7 large pasties

Firstly peel about four large potatoes and the biggest swede (rutabaga) that you can find.  Add cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 12 minutes until just soft.

Chop two brown onions

Saute on a medium heat with a generous splash of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.

The next ingredients are peas, about 2 cups

Biodynamic minced beef  about 500 gm (1.1 lbs)

Once the onions are translucent, add the peas.  Cook for about 2 minutes

 Then add the minced beef and,

add two grated carrots.

and heat until the mince is brown and the carrots are soft.

Begin to season the mixture with some gravy mix.  About two tablespoons.

Add about a teaspoon of ground rock salt.

Here is the secret ingredient.  Lots and lots of freshly ground pepper.  If you think you have added enough, add some more.

Once the spuds and swede are cooked, drain well.

Then add them to the meat mixture and mash thoroughly.

The filling will begin to look like this. It needs a little bit more mashing, but keep a few small chunks of spud and swede for texture.

If you don’t have time, like we us, then pre-made shortcrust pastry is an easy substitute for home made pastry.  We have made it ourselves in the past.  The only think I dislike is the plastic, which we recycled.

Make sure that you taste the mixture, and season again to taste.  Add more pepper.

Use a dinner plate as the template and cut the pastry sheets into circles.

The spoon a big lump of filling into the center and form it into a log shape.

Using an egg wash, paint around the entire edge of the circle.

Then fold up the sides, make a fold along the entire edge.

Use a scalloped effect to make it look something like this.

Place on a well greased baking tray, and coat the entire top of the pasty with egg wash glace.

Bake in the oven at 180° C (350° F) for 30 minutes until golden brown top and on the bottom.

Then get stuck in to them.  Delicious.  Just like the ones we ate in the car-park behind the Tintagel post office!

Nothing quite like a home made Cornish Pasty and beats commercially made crap any day.  Simple living at its best.

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Filed Under: Cooking, Kim, recipes

Cheese Making Podcast Episode 6 – Top Cheese Making Tips

June 25, 2013 @ 23:58 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

In this episode of the podcast, I give 10 great tips for successful home cheese making.  

The news feature this week can be found at The Globe and Mail http://tinyurl.com/ktn7mut.  It features Adam Blanchard who is Newfoundlands only Artisan cheese maker.  A man after my own heart.

This weeks listener questions include aging temperatures, liquid under cheese wax, and making a mild blue cheese by introducing a little bit of commercial cheese into your milk.
Until next time curd nerds, Keep Calm & Make Cheese!
Listen to the podcast over at Little Green Cheese.
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Filed Under: Cheese, Little Green Cheese, Podcast

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About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

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