Apricots & Apron Strings
- Words by Peppermint
It’s nice when somebody creates something with thought; something that feels at once intimate and inviting. In terms of cookbooks, Julie Jansen’s independently produced Apricot & Apron Strings achieves just that: like a warm homemade muffin on your favourite chipped china plate, its charm is an irresistible one. Locally produced in Melbourne and printed on 100% recycled paper with vegie inks, you’ll find a homely mix of Julie’s favourite tried and true recipes from over 30 years in the kitchen, with plenty of her own foodie wisdom thrown in for good measure. Though we know a few mums might enjoy unwrapping this little treat on Sunday (or waking up to the smell of the Orange Almond Cake – shared below – wafting out from the kitchen), there’s no reason Dad should miss out on the chance to don his favourite apron too.
Orange Almond Cake
with Orange Blossom Cream
Serves 8
Ingredients:
2 large oranges (preferably organic), well washed
6 eggs
2 cups almond meal (ground almonds)
1 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Orange Blossom Cream:
½ cup thickened cream
½ cup Greek style yoghurt
1 ½ tablespoons caster sugar
1 ½ teaspoons orange blossom water
Method:
Place oranges in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 1 hour, ensuring oranges are constantly covered with water.
Drain oranges and allow to cool. Cut in half, remove any pips and roughly chop. Place orange pieces into a food processor with remaining ingredients and process for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
Pour into a greased and lined 20cm square cake pan and bake in a preheated 170°C oven for 45 minutes, or until light golden on top (and when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean).
To prepare orange blossom cream, whip cream until thick, then fold through remaining ingredients until just combined. Chill until required.
Serve cake with orange blossom cream.
Tips:
To speed up the cooking of the oranges, piece their skins with a knife and place in a microwave safe bowl or jug. Add 1 litre boiling water, cover and microwave on HIGH for 20 minutes or until soft.
Known as orange blossom or flower water, this fragrant essence is made from the distillation of orange blossoms and used in sweet and savoury cooking. You can find it in some supermarkets, health food and Middle Eastern grocery stores.
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
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As issue 64’s gorgeous cover artwork by artist @LisaCongdon proudly proclaims: you belong here. Yet for trans and non-binary people, acceptance still remains hard won – and increasingly under threat.
In our latest issue, we spoke to actress and transgender rights advocate @GeorgieStone, multi-hyphenate life coach, pilates and meditation teacher, diversity educator and runway model @RudiLandmann, artist and seven-time Archibald finalist Kim Leutwyler (@CarlosBob) and multidisciplinary artist Sunday Jemmott of @SundaysArtClub about their wins and worries – and why belonging matters deeply.
Read more from our ‘Transforming the Narrative’ feature in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: @NickCog, @KateLukePhotography for @DangerousFemales, Kim Leutwyler, @RissVisualStudio
#PeppermintMagazine #YouBelong #TransLivesMatter #NonBinary #HumanRights
Who’s going to the sold out Liberty Fabrics Showcase in Brisbane or Melbourne? 🙋♀️
To say we’re excited is an understatement! Maybe we’re biased because our lovely Laura (Sewing Manager) is walking in the fashion parade along with many other incredible sewists in our community, but also - there’s SO many good things: retail stalls featuring exclusive products, rare finds and all things @LibertyFabrics, and sneak peeks at brand-new quilting and fashion collections, including the Liberty Fabrics Spring/Summer ‘Floral Rebellion’ collection.
Also - Liberty legends Mary-Ann Dunkley (Head of Design) and Anna Buruma (ex-Head of Archive) are flying in from London especially!
Keep an eye on our socials this weekend for BTS! 🌸🌼🌺
Brisbane 7/2/26
Melb 14/2/26
From @Laura_The_Maker:
If you know me irl then you probably know that I only do one take for my reels so enjoy this vid of me saying thousands of words about an exciting collaboration I’m participating in for 2026!
Thanks to the teams @2GreenZebras @Regent_Street_Fabrics and @StyleArc for including me on the runway. I absolutely can’t wait!
Obviously I’ll be hoping for enough scrap fabric to make some kind of accessories…
#libertyfabrics #libertyfabricsshowcase
🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
Calling all sewists! 📞
Have you made the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress yet? Call *1800 I NEED THIS NOW to get making!
This gorgeous green number was modelled (and made) by the fabulous Lisa of @Tricky.Pockets 🙌🏼
If you need a nudge, @ePrintOnline are offering Peppermint sewists a huge 🌟 30% off ALL A0 printing 🌟 when you purchase the Special Release Waratah Wrap Dress pattern – how generous is that?!
Head to the link in bio now 📞
*Not a real number in case that wasn`t clear 😂
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
