RIPE ... FIGS

YOU know autumn is around the corner when the figs on the trees start to change colour from pale green to dark purple. And the sturdy old fig trees that have been planted all over Melbourne's suburbs give forth enough fruit to feed you and your loved ones as well as marauding flocks of lorikeets, rosellas, flying foxes and the like.

Hamper champs

Small, robust, flavour-filled tasties will go the distance on race day without spilling on fancy frocks.

Right on track

The spring racing carnival has started. As ever, it's about much more than the horses; it's also a celebration of fabulous fashion and delicious food.

5 FIVE THINGS TO DO WITH ROSE WATER

JACK and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of rose water! Rose water, with its heady aroma and distinctive flavour, is used extensively in Middle Eastern cooking, in particular Iranian food.

Tangerine dream

Mandarins evoke bitter-sweet memories of the past.

Nuts To You

Forget the humble sandwich, peanut butter is now a top-end dessert ingredient, writes Samantha Selinger-Morris.

Eat

REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS * * *