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Maybe she’s born for it

Maybe she’s born for it

by Kat | Jul 26, 2026 | Family History, Life, Philosophy

A lifetime of experience, and over six generations of gardeners who came before me. Exploring how my roots made me the gardener I am today.

My mother’s mother’s mothers

My mother’s mother’s mothers

by Kat | May 10, 2026 | Family History, Life

How the women who came before me have shaped my life at The Outpost today. The story of my matrilineal line.

Coconut lemon slice (new and improved)

Coconut lemon slice (new and improved)

by Kat | Nov 9, 2025 | Cook, Sweet

One of my Gran’s best recipes. Now tastier, lower in sugar, and higher in protein.

Gran Shirley’s quick pickle

Gran Shirley’s quick pickle

by Kat | Feb 23, 2025 | Cook, Savoury

An easy-to-prepare vegetable accompaniment for summer meals from the summer garden.

Gran Shirley’s Cauliflower and Pineapple Pickle

Gran Shirley’s Cauliflower and Pineapple Pickle

by Kat | Jul 14, 2024 | Cook, Preservation

Years in the making. Literally, because growing the cauliflower took that long. Gran Shirley’s pickle was worth the wait.

A week away

A week away

by Kat | Oct 29, 2023 | Family History, Life

I left the farm for a whole 8 days! I had so much fun! Here are some highlights.

Gran Shirley’s Coconut Slice

Gran Shirley’s Coconut Slice

by Kat | Aug 20, 2023 | Cook, Sweet

A classic slice from Gran Shirley’s recipe book. Simple, reliable, and always popular.

Sponge-top pudding

Sponge-top pudding

by Kat | Jun 18, 2023 | Cook, Sweet

A comforting baked pudding that uses whatever fruit is in season. Simple enough for a weeknight.

Making Nana Retter’s Fruit Cake

Making Nana Retter’s Fruit Cake

by Kat | Jan 29, 2023 | Cook, Family History, Sweet

Last Christmas I joined a long line of women who have made this cake. My great grandmother’s recipe, finally made.

Gran Shirley’s Sally Lunn

Gran Shirley’s Sally Lunn

by Kat | Jul 31, 2022 | Cook, Sweet

Gran Shirley’s answer to a potato glut turns out to be delicious. Worth making even without the glut.

About Kat

Kat avatar

Kat is a gardener and purrveyor of Kat's Nip. Most Sundays she writes about her life on her lifestyle block in Te Hiku (Far North), New Zealand.

Latest posts

  • Planning Kat’s Garden with Kat’s Garden Guide
  • Transplanting seedlings
  • Does your vegetable garden feel overwhelming?
  • Maybe she’s born for it
  • Choosing seed potatoes
Kat's Garden Guide on a smartphone and tablet. Text reads "What your garden needs, right now. One simple reference for managing your vegetable garden, year round. Available now!"

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