Without a doubt autumn would have to be my favourite season of the year. I love that we still have sunshine and moderately warm days. I also love watching the trees change as they prepare for the inevitable cold of winter. I love long afternoon walks by the river with the children. I enjoy treading on fallen leaves and crunching them underfoot. I love how picturesque Daylesford is this time of year and try to visit at least once during the autumn months, especially when the Swiss Italian Festa is on.

The only thing I am going to really miss about summer is tomatoes as there is nothing quite like sun kissed, vine ripened tomatoes. This summer I think I had to have tomatoes every day. I adore them in salads on whole wheat crackers with cheese and I also love tomato and onion sandwiches. But most of all I like biting into a warm, juicy, ripe tomato and eating it as one would eat an apple. The kids think I'm crazy - maybe I am, crazy about tadam.

Photo - Enzo Maisano (2008).


During the winter months I refuse to buy those apostate tomatoes that you see at the supermarket. No matter how much I am craving lush, red, juicy tomatoes I refuse to buy into the lie. Those wannabe, red round balls that have been cold stored for months are just evil imposters preying upon my waning self-control.

I rather bide my time and wait until spring, plant my seeds and watch my vines grow. My patience will be rewarded with a bountiful crop that will see us through the summer months and I will be in tomato heaven once again!