Autumn is officially here since the onset of March. So while most of the rest of the world gets ready to pack away their woolens and potter out in their spring gardens, we in Australia are dreaming of chilly evenings and warming broths. I have a lot on my mind. Amidst infusing the blog with some design elements and improved photography, I am constantly browsing new cookbook releases and bargain hunting for interesting props to photograph with. I am also trying to venture out to our Thursday farmer's market eager to score some great fresh produce to cook with. On my list of things to do is acquire some prized Martin Boyd or Guy Boyd pottery, explore the new tea parlor at the mall and sample their endless treats, propagate some new rosemary cuttings from the overgrown bush in my garden and test out some more fun ice cream recipes before the chill really sets in. Some other things that have me excited ...

Piri Piri Starfish by Tessa Kiros
If you are a fan of Tessa Kiros and her brilliant books that warm your soul and draw you right in, then you can't miss her latest offering. Piri Piri Starfish, her latest book is about her experience in Portugal .... about family, old traditions, fresh food and slowing down your pace. The beautiful, duck egg blue toned cover with a picture of a glass with a fish sticking out just calls you to pick up the book. I had a browse at our local bookstore and have ordered my copy. I can't wait to explore it.

Produce Bible by Deborah Madison and Leanne Kitchen
Mine is named Grower's Market but is the same book. Produce Bible is a brilliant addition to your cooking library. It is an invaluable source of information with almost 200 recipes accompanying fresh seasonal produce categorised cleverly. Who knew that undressed, raw and totally natural food could look so good? The photography is brilliant!

Scalloped Edges
Scalloped edges have an old worldly charm about them .... whether it is a lace or a plate or just plain paper. I have been experimenting photographing with cute little Robert Gordon patty cases with polka dots and scalloped edges. They look very naughty! I also have a few dinner plates in solid colors with scalloped edges distressed with a dusting of gold. Very elegant, these make the simplest of dishes appear very special. So if you don't have scallops, get one today and feel the Victorian charm come over you.

Ramekins
I am thinking ramekins .... perfect for individual little serves of hot puddings and poached fruits topped with crumble. Ramekins are autumn's little helpers. Just like cupcakes, there is something very satisfying about having your own little dessert rather than digging into a communal plate of sweetness. I recently got some vintage Raynham pottery square ramekins in pastels. They make even the blandest of desserts [not that desserts are bland really] look gorgeous.

Artisan Bread
They are crackling, they are comforting and they are addictive. They make you want to explore more farmer's markets in the hope of finding more advanced textures and all sorts of wholesome nuts and grains embedded in their sourdough greatness. Artisan is such a wonderful word. Like the bread it is used to describe, I can't get enough of just rolling it off my tongue every chance I get. There are heaps of websites, dozens of books and even more blog excerpts on the joys of artisan baking. One could get lost in all the intriguing information. I would recommend Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking and the blog Zoe Bakes. Artisan Baking and The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread are also worth checking out.

Maxwell & Williams - Stoneware that looks like cast iron
Can you say cute? On my day of retail therapy last weekend I chanced upon these gorgeous Maxwell & Williams oven ware in brilliant reds and muted blues. When I touched these Le Creuset wannabes with their pretty handles and cute lids, my heart skipped a beat! Could it really be, I asked myself? For they were not cast iron at all, but pottery at it clever best. The size, shape and tint would have you believe that it was a heavy, cast iron utensil. But it was light and extremely pretty stoneware at bargain price. I got 2 small red cocottes and a square baking dish. Another brand that I swear by for beautiful and elegant dinnerware is Casa Domani. See the lovely, handpainted Portofino pebble bowl and you will know why. I have been collecting exquisite pieces from their Chantilly and Baya range for a while.