THE Tinonee garden of Alice Mitchison produces an abundance of gramma pumpkins.
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In coming weeks she will look to the number that are ready for harvest and prepare to transform them into a delicious, sweet bakery treat.
At 88-years-of-age Alice lays claim to "making the best gramma pies", according to her daughter-in-law Jenny, and autumn heralds the season that will see the traditional pie baked and quickly consumed by family and friends.
It is an old-fashioned dessert that is not known to many modern families and Alice is looking forward to transforming her gramma pumpkin crop to showcase the vegetable for the annual Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event, a 'Cuppa In The Country'.
Last year Alice baked 15 pies to contribute to the fundraiser that added more than $3000 to coffers of The Cancer Council. This year no target has been set on the number of pies to be baked but Jenny is happy to set a new fundraising target, "I'm ambitious ... I want to raise more than $3000!"
Gramma pie sales will play a part in achieving that goal, but Jenny says so much more will be on offer to people who chose to attend a 'Cuppa In The Country' on May 23 from 9am to 1pm.
Jenny's home sits on a rural property just outside of Tinonee and its beauty is the stage for numerous stalls that sell baked goods, craft, homewares and bric-a-brac. The Lions club hosts a barbecue and according to Jenny, its members now assist with directing traffic as people arrive for the event. Hundreds of people come for a 'Cuppa In The Country' and Jenny is delighted with the increasing level of community support. They hosted their first event in 2008 after a member of their family, Maurie Beard, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Maurie lost his life to the cancer and now Alice and Jenny continue to fundraise for The Cancer Council.
"It's a giving day. It's exciting and it's also about helping people to connect with their community," Jenny said.
"It is just a lovely day out in a beautiful place. Last year we did a farm walk to allow people to see the beautiful view we enjoy from the mountain. It's about 3km and the view from the top is amazing."
The entry fee is $5 and Jenny says that gives you access to "continual cups of tea or coffee and as much cake and sweet treats as you like we are pretty generous!"
Raffles also contribute to the fundraising campaign and this year Jenny says the major prize is a patchwork quilt crafted by members of the Craft Cottage in Taree.