Thingamabobs and Whatchamacallits

  I don't know if the following is true or not, but it was on a bookmark I found during a trip to Australia and it makes a good story!!                                                               Kangaroo  The kangaroo's English name came from the Aboriginal words for "I don't understand you." According to the legend, Captain James Cook and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks were exploring Australia when they happened upon the animal.  They asked a nearby local what the creatures were called.  The local responded "Kangaroo", meaning "I don't understand you", which Cook took to be the name of the creature.  The kangaroo is an Australian icon: it is featured on the Australian coat of arms, on some of its currency, and is used by many Australian organizations, including Qantas.   On my trip we actually ...

  Have you ever passed by a fig tree and noticed the fragrant smell of the leaves?   Or, at fruit ripening time, stopped to pluck one (or two, or more!) to pop into your mouth while the fruit is still warm from the sun?   Or marveled at the wildlife the trees feed if they are lucky enough to get to the fruit before you do?   The fruit is wonderful, not only fresh from the tree, but in pies, cakes, pickled, with various meats, and, of course, fig jams.   Recently I discovered a recipe online for Fig Leaf Liqueur (sorry, but I don’t have the source so I can’t give credit!) Until I made my first batch, I had never paid attention to the aroma of the leaves.   RECIPE 12 Fig leaves (pick with caution if you are allergic to the milky white Latex, which can cause irritation) 750 ml water 625 ml white sugar 750 ml vodka (or you could use gin)   *Bring add sugar to water and bring to boil.   Heat over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. ...