annabel langbein

Today I received a phone call from NZ reminding me of Annabel's wonderful seasonal recipes. I used to work for her on her organic farm in Dublin Bay, Lake Wanaka. Working on her property was so rewarding, really hard work but very satisfying. I can't remember where I have written about this before but I used to have this beautiful black bird that would join me when I was working in the terraced gardens. He would hop around beside me all day long, just keeping a foot's length away from me....I was always scared I would step on him. Some weeks were busy at the cottage with Annabel's entourage as she was filming her TV series there and beautifully decadent smells would waft from within the cottage out into the garden. When she wasn't at the cottage (as she is based in Auckland) I would often be all by myself on her secluded 23 acre property so my little black bird was very good company. I think he felt the same way too. As I would be digging away worms and bugs would be uncovered and quickly snatched up by him.

Annabel is featured on The Cover of Woman's Weekly this month. It's the NZ edition so it might be hard to come by here but look out for it as her recipes are worth having in your collection of favourites.

Her little cottage is raw and organic in style. Lots of linen on her beds, beautiful rugs laid out on the timber floors and vintage china through her plywood kitchen. Very simplistic. She would always leave coffee beans for me and a special tin high up on the shelf with her gorgeous fruit cake inside...perfect for a refuelling after long days in the garden.

Check out her website at www.annabel-langbein.com/

I've really needed inspiration as far as stocking the pantry and fridge. Aaron has been cooking lots lately as I just can't get my head around meals at the moment so this little reminder has been so refreshing for me and I'm heading off to Hahndorf tomorrow after finishing a few drawings to stock up on organic fruit, vegies, cheeses, breads and yogurts. Hope you feel the same as I do after reading some of her recipes. Have a great Friday!