tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24791927419888844942024-03-19T15:06:34.600+11:00Girl About TownFollow the adventures of Girl About Town as she cooks up a storm and eats her way through Canberra's cafes and restaurants. Nigella eat your heart out!Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-49446651196301361912011-12-10T21:44:00.003+11:002011-12-10T22:00:09.609+11:00Review: Debacle revisited - for dinner this time<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last weekend Mr D. and I had a big weekend of mountain biking in the <a href="http://au.sports.yahoo.com/banzai/cycle/opinions/show/2537662/first-24-hour-mtb-race-at-botanic-garden-in-sydney/">Sydney 24 hour race</a> at the beautiful <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_bgt/annan">Australian Botanic Garden at Mt Annan</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a team of four and had heaps of fun – think lots of dust and dirt, large rocks to drop off, tree trunks to dodge, big hills to climb, flowing downhill trails, little bright lights at night, plus a few minor spills and thrills along the way, and you get the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All this riding of course leads to a big appetite - we usually crave protein with big savoury flavours after lots of exercise like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTovjJsGWHBAFlUAhEOj-VOiANoXFM3c9ELFswn3PhL1wN4hu8L-J6xieow5B2FoRwMz83sma60-k30QbHLhIyE_MNQhdSpiIK8Akb1fivDJ4YEhoUr2dNDSv9grhiAyd8dC_KhXVQWc/s1600/20x30-JBYA1703.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTovjJsGWHBAFlUAhEOj-VOiANoXFM3c9ELFswn3PhL1wN4hu8L-J6xieow5B2FoRwMz83sma60-k30QbHLhIyE_MNQhdSpiIK8Akb1fivDJ4YEhoUr2dNDSv9grhiAyd8dC_KhXVQWc/s640/20x30-JBYA1703.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look exhausted and hungry to you? At this point I was thinking thank goodness this was my last lap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. told me he had fantasies of burgers and chips on his last lap of the race - but not just any burger, a really good home-cooked style burger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we live within stumbling distance of one of our favourite Canberra eating places, Debacle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So on Sunday evening we hobbled down the street with our tired legs after we had arrived home, showered and snoozed for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great thing about Debacle is that it is open long hours and we can usually get a table when we rock up (we’re usually here for <a href="http://girlaboutcanberra.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-great-breakfast-debacle.html">breakfast on weekends</a> or <a href="http://girlaboutcanberra.blogspot.com/2011/06/pizza.html">take-away pizza</a>). Plus the service is usually friendly and efficient, which is what you want when you're tired and hungry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. was not disappointed when his beef burger arrived. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an old favourite on the Debacle menu. Piled high with melted cheese, a fried egg, bacon, onions, barbecue sauce, beetroot, fresh rocket and tomato, Mr D. eventually found the tasty beef patty hidden under there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is one of those people that digs out the patty and leaves the rest of the burger untouched on his plate, something that greatly amuses me who likes to eat everything together.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHozR11iMWOA0G6XaRdJquKWxEfF8O3xQoNtJJWkkxMApQKkoDxAZzBgiAQ7rkiB6a3ZLIKp7A8L9bFX6QxFQ_p2D7PRl5Vfu3W8871fkTJRuij0nj3WlVYC2pu37Z-bqaiVPw5OLS68/s1600/Debacle+dinner+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHozR11iMWOA0G6XaRdJquKWxEfF8O3xQoNtJJWkkxMApQKkoDxAZzBgiAQ7rkiB6a3ZLIKp7A8L9bFX6QxFQ_p2D7PRl5Vfu3W8871fkTJRuij0nj3WlVYC2pu37Z-bqaiVPw5OLS68/s640/Debacle+dinner+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef burger - $19.90 - tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As well as the standard menu, Debacle usually has interesting blackboard specials which change every few weeks or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was here that I spied the American-style barbecued pork ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had wanted to have ribs for ages, after having tried them for the first time many, many years ago in the USA as a wide-eyed teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ribs came with spicy potato skins and a sweet bourbon sauce.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_La-CEiPemRpWZUnGt2i9Rs1tzi3yMyQjpfOu2rFe-JjmbIyTVGqw-ZpEYHpg7-NZczhxRSo5IDhoiR1f-VZN2b_EqvUbKBJzUfCYEWFv1PkZgRilV06R4dKaeWL3mII70QZ2SHYc9c/s1600/Debacle+dinner+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_La-CEiPemRpWZUnGt2i9Rs1tzi3yMyQjpfOu2rFe-JjmbIyTVGqw-ZpEYHpg7-NZczhxRSo5IDhoiR1f-VZN2b_EqvUbKBJzUfCYEWFv1PkZgRilV06R4dKaeWL3mII70QZ2SHYc9c/s640/Debacle+dinner+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbecued USA ribs - $22.90</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A huge serve of ribs arrived in big slabs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The potato skins were quite delicious, being crisp and well seasoned with a nice amount of chilli cutting through. The bourbon sauce was tasty and sweet, but I was hoping it would be finger-lickingly sticky and coat the ribs with a thick juiciness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead the sauce drowned everything in its liquid at the bottom of the bowl, which meant the ribs didn’t have that intensity of flavour I was after and the spicy potato skins soon became soggy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the dish not quite to my taste because of this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m one of those people that will leave most of the dish on the plate if it is not quite what I’m hoping for, to Mr D.’s slight annoyance, especially when he is footing the bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did you order it, then?”, he asks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I wanted to try something a bit different”, is my reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m willing to take a chance on most things when it comes to food, because you never know when you might just get the best meal experience of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This obviously wasn’t one of those times, but at least I satisfied my curiosity about pork ribs for a while.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thankfully a couple of schooners of our favourite Japanese Sapporo beer (which is on tap at Debacle) washed everything down beautifully with its crisp, clean flavour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, do you like to take a chance when ordering restaurant meals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what food do you get cravings for?</span></i></div>Debacle<br />
30 Lonsdale St<br />
Braddon ACT<br />
Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner<br />
<a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/debacle">http://www.outincanberra.com.au/debacle</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/344/1544382/restaurant/ACT/Canberra/Debacle-Braddon"><img alt="Debacle on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1544382/minilink.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-82610701779968100532011-11-27T21:52:00.000+11:002011-11-27T21:52:25.599+11:00Yummy banana coconut cupcakes with lime and coconut icing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was in the mood for cupcakes this weekend just past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My freezer was piling up with over-ripe bananas, so it was a perfect excuse to do some baking.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These banana coconut cupcakes are very simple to make and utterly delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bananas and rolled oats provide moisture, while the shredded coconut provides beautiful chewy texture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fresh lime juice makes for a magically sweet and tangy icing to set them off, while the toasted coconut on top adds a wonderful nutty taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These little babies are not too naughty either, which is a good thing seeing as I ate so many </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijOzuPSJXYg8v5L-iBlaLtFnktnTeb_C5r62YBfkiKCkQq96kPxp_Ow8hespJ9pZI_3lWD53L3aIUwBE7rrhLaksGN1hbbLH28dVYci5C-f05VUpod9ZKYTGpdkFH3wqoFw9zvbiJlpk/s1600/Banana+coconut+cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijOzuPSJXYg8v5L-iBlaLtFnktnTeb_C5r62YBfkiKCkQq96kPxp_Ow8hespJ9pZI_3lWD53L3aIUwBE7rrhLaksGN1hbbLH28dVYci5C-f05VUpod9ZKYTGpdkFH3wqoFw9zvbiJlpk/s640/Banana+coconut+cupcakes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Makes 12 cupcakes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana coconut cupcakes</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup rolled oats</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2/3 cup milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11/2 cups plain flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup shredded coconut</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup mashed banana (from around 3 medium- sized very ripe bananas)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">100 ml canola oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon vanilla extract</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lime and coconut icing</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Juice of 1 lime</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11/2 cups icing sugar, sifted</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup shredded coconut</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and set out 12 paper cupcake cases on a baking tray</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine the rolled oats and milk in a small bowl and set aside to soak.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, coconut and salt in large bowl and stir until evenly combined.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whisk the banana, eggs, oil and vanilla together in a medium bowl using a fork, then mix in the rolled oats mixture.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and fold together with a spoon until just combined.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spoon the mixture into the cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and skewer into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once cooked, allow the cupcakes to cool on the tray.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the icing, mix the icing sugar into the lime juice until it forms a smooth paste.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cook the shredded coconut in a frypan without oil until golden brown.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spoon the icing onto the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the coconut, ready for serving.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 166.7pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 166.7pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: Un-iced cupcakes will freeze beautifully.</span></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-35859039734440152442011-11-19T22:04:00.001+11:002011-11-19T22:08:25.487+11:00Heavenly Meringues<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve always been a bit wary about making meringues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem so soft and delicate and, well...mysterious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little bit of fear of the unknown has held me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy, I know, given how easy they are (as I recently discovered). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4ctY95x-byVXl24kNAjkASp1Lb-b5l_3D6Mww9aBJZY_5ZaCXkRwryvsS7Vxv_ypugxJiV5MhUpdxfpbguEAaS_y6aAI4kEBzf7QoBDTh7icczmr8SO7p74hH_ghk8OnA7yv8XUUXwM/s1600/Meringues+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4ctY95x-byVXl24kNAjkASp1Lb-b5l_3D6Mww9aBJZY_5ZaCXkRwryvsS7Vxv_ypugxJiV5MhUpdxfpbguEAaS_y6aAI4kEBzf7QoBDTh7icczmr8SO7p74hH_ghk8OnA7yv8XUUXwM/s640/Meringues+1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was inspired by the latest issue of <a href="http://www.donnahay.com.au/magazine">Donna Hay Magazine</a> (the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary issue), which had an amazingly simple yet brilliant recipe for meringues, including a variation for chocolate ones.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I whipped these little beauties up, and they were absolutely delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a lovely thin, cracking crust on the outside, with a soft and fluffy and wonderfully chewy centre. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was a little surprised that the plain ones didn't stay snowy white, developing a beautiful light golden colour instread. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Mr D. and I greedily</span> devoured them with fresh strawberries and cream.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSJ5p9mvsOimDVLDtmvpFy_d9u9fYtCL6P4cbx6yECfchCIXCyqPhNYGgbR9YaZ59qckkmrtyXKiNv84bIzL7jHDW9K8K2sAs_r0ap6RXZ8i1Jv8ZxiD7PM9eMRvFRns88Z2nnZMokOs/s1600/Meringues+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSJ5p9mvsOimDVLDtmvpFy_d9u9fYtCL6P4cbx6yECfchCIXCyqPhNYGgbR9YaZ59qckkmrtyXKiNv84bIzL7jHDW9K8K2sAs_r0ap6RXZ8i1Jv8ZxiD7PM9eMRvFRns88Z2nnZMokOs/s640/Meringues+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After experiencing these heavenly little delights, I will never buy those tough supermarket ones again!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s the recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meringues</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(adapted from Donna Hay Magazine, Issue 59)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Makes 12</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 eggwhites</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup caster sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon white wine vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 120 degrees C. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the eggwhites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk until soft peaks form.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gradually add the sugar and vinegar and whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place spoonfuls of the mixture on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and bake for 25 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn the oven off and allow meringues to cool in the oven for 1 hour.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve with fresh strawberries and cream.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For chocolate meringues, after Step 3 gently fold 100g melted good quality dark chocolate through the mixture to create a swirl, then continue with the recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chocolate meringues won’t be quite as big and fluffy as the plain ones, and a little more crumbly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So tell me, is there a food that you were once hesitant to cook, only to realise it was actually really simple?</span></i>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-76352358029676726632011-11-12T22:49:00.002+11:002011-11-13T16:33:42.912+11:00Herbalicious Sage Burnt Butter Spaghetti<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now is the time of year when all my herb pots start coming to life again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been neglected over winter, my little sage pot in particular just keeps coming back again and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fresh sage leaves have now resprouted like little pieces of soft felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful muted green colour, they smell like menthol when I pick them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V9htM8UNOClJrGagUdXhliZJW9odk3GKjRPH-W447ylm5uOXaprJfxtet53PCCEbSSKzkOq_RhomPvo7w8TzHhqDANn6jECgdQvAjzM-ch1miZoUD1EzN5i4Tp1GmeE9NQNob_q7zXY/s1600/Sage+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V9htM8UNOClJrGagUdXhliZJW9odk3GKjRPH-W447ylm5uOXaprJfxtet53PCCEbSSKzkOq_RhomPvo7w8TzHhqDANn6jECgdQvAjzM-ch1miZoUD1EzN5i4Tp1GmeE9NQNob_q7zXY/s640/Sage+1.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sage is an ancient herb, apparently with lots of medicinal properties including being good for memory (here's an interesting <a href="http://www.herbalist.com/wiki.details/79/category/11/start/0/">web page</a>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It took me a while to give sage burnt butter with pasta a try, mainly because I wasn’t sure I would like the richness of all the butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the process of cooking the butter until it turns a nutty brown gives it a beautiful depth of flavour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to use just a little bit of butter mixed with extra virgin olive oil to cut the richness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fresh sage leaves cooked in it have a delicious, slightly crunchy texture and delicate flavour which also cut the richness beautifully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like sage burnt butter sauce best with thin spaghetti, as I find the dish can be a bit stodgy with thicker pasta or gnocchi.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJWjfrR4EvGMbOCNVqvgnHTt5WOsuD5rwtDqiIdvV3M2yodZu-qPS41MwqXIYTmj8ejAt2MBeQmpiePPCmo_m1MXiNt_zkpFhoLQRbP2t-pphaESpmpNumFMrW6TT5i884Lle_hThQ9E/s1600/Sage+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJWjfrR4EvGMbOCNVqvgnHTt5WOsuD5rwtDqiIdvV3M2yodZu-qPS41MwqXIYTmj8ejAt2MBeQmpiePPCmo_m1MXiNt_zkpFhoLQRbP2t-pphaESpmpNumFMrW6TT5i884Lle_hThQ9E/s640/Sage+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This classic dish has become one of my quick and easy favourites, especially when I can use the fresh sage from my garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only thing is, this dish on its own doesn’t have the freshness of vegetables which I sometimes crave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the last time I made it, I served it with a simple but lovely salad - cherry tomatoes, sprinkled with a little salt and pepper, dressed with some red wine vinegar and more extra virgin olive oil. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is my recipe.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serves 2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">150g thin spaghetti pasta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup fresh sage leaves, loosely packed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25g butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup extra virgin olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup parmesan cheese, grated</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the spaghetti is cooking, place the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the butter is melted, add the sage leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep cooking until the butter just turns brown (watch it carefully and be careful not to overcook it).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By this time, the spaghetti should be cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drain it and place it back in the pot to keep warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the sage burnt butter sauce and mix through the cooked spaghetti.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve the spaghetti into two bowls, and scatter with the grated parmesan cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve immediately.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accompany with a simple salad of fresh tomatoes or greens if desired.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, do you like to grow your own herbs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what’s your favourite recipe using them?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-27381594753688917632011-11-05T16:56:00.002+11:002011-11-08T22:21:29.941+11:00Girl's night in - Three tasty little morsels for when you're home alone<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m one of those people who loves their own company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Mr D. is out, this usually means making dinner for myself and luxuriating on the couch watching my favourite cooking shows on TV (the ones that bore Mr D. to tears </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to confess I’m quite lazy sometimes on these occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been known to dig into a bowl of cereal or two-minute noodles to avoid having to cook for myself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- terrible, I know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in an effort for redemption, here’s some ideas for a few little dishes that are quick and easy, with minimum shopping, minimum fuss and minimum washing up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can whip them up in around 10-15 minutes and have them all to yourself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Eggs on toast</strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Split and toast an English muffin, top with a couple of slices of premium leg ham and two softly poached eggs (ones that are runny in the middle still), squirt with barbecue sauce (or tomato or whatever) and scatter with baby spinach leaves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IFe_nIaA4fxjveT3l_OEDmEogpZyaz6sj0oXAXKmneP1sJLhAVdYx_eVVvnSTNE5MCDYQeTwI_P2TFaQwmpUdDTThmWivPWM1YaL7XrgRP-HHuRFY-8DbGXCucojiv2d32cCR2Ib3ss/s1600/girl+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IFe_nIaA4fxjveT3l_OEDmEogpZyaz6sj0oXAXKmneP1sJLhAVdYx_eVVvnSTNE5MCDYQeTwI_P2TFaQwmpUdDTThmWivPWM1YaL7XrgRP-HHuRFY-8DbGXCucojiv2d32cCR2Ib3ss/s640/girl+photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Haloumi with salad</strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take slices of haloumi and lightly fry until golden brown, sprinkle with heaps of freshly squeezed lemon juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve with a quick salad of rocket/baby spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes and pumpkin seeds (pepitas), dressed with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add some toasted bread and hommus if you feel like it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvVWJV30QD3t0zWaSGLNSwjSF6mvWRWhfruV7JrMjNru2j-oeq_wOKDwUNs3MWs5KptGN1BKIg84O_Y1Xp6mWGgN11unAkd6WFDns-D9jB_BBUjf0Ici4V-tJiWysyIm_5ZwCthgcvvQ/s1600/girl+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvVWJV30QD3t0zWaSGLNSwjSF6mvWRWhfruV7JrMjNru2j-oeq_wOKDwUNs3MWs5KptGN1BKIg84O_Y1Xp6mWGgN11unAkd6WFDns-D9jB_BBUjf0Ici4V-tJiWysyIm_5ZwCthgcvvQ/s640/girl+photo+1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Crepes with blueberries</strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take some frozen French crepes heated in the microwave (these are one of my favourite convenience products), add some thick natural yoghurt, scatter with fresh blueberries and drizzle with real maple syrup.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fmXWjPOFpapK8aEZ1FzcSeKTM3i2xtIPOwVHBiWpf5VwAa0Tiikh4n0zucNHFFqRyW_h3af35XtfXSOcxIjjyI-UcJtnsezCz4elgUwtTN3unfL256KUORJ39ZWm2wKpPS7kg7vrW7A/s1600/girl+photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fmXWjPOFpapK8aEZ1FzcSeKTM3i2xtIPOwVHBiWpf5VwAa0Tiikh4n0zucNHFFqRyW_h3af35XtfXSOcxIjjyI-UcJtnsezCz4elgUwtTN3unfL256KUORJ39ZWm2wKpPS7kg7vrW7A/s640/girl+photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, what’s your favourite thing to cook for yourself?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-74089004759589162172011-10-29T20:55:00.003+11:002011-11-10T19:54:02.466+11:00Review: Mojo Rising – Lonsdale St Roasters, Braddon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is it about a little cafe that draws people in and keeps them coming back, again and again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good food?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good coffee?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little bit of magic, or mojo, perhaps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it is, there is something about Lonsdale St Roasters in Braddon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place is ultra-hip, ultra-cool and very, very trendy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every weekday morning I walk past Lonsdale St Roasters on my way to work, longingly looking inside as I go by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envy all those hip, trendy people inside who can luxuriate over breakfast and a coffee during the week, while the rest of us mere mortals have to be in the office by 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every now and again, when I make a special effort to get going early, I manage to squeeze inside Lonsdale St Roasters (and some mornings it really is a squeeze, but the service is quick).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heady aroma of roasting coffee beans jolts all my senses awake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am glad, for the coffee is good and the coffee is strong! (So strong it will grow hairs on your chest!). It is the best coffee I’ve had in Canberra. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3djLUhYLVNR4Nfgl5f3MK3xZHAzflozyTP0MpcZVZvBIHkAFCEHwvucvCyYNfoOBx5GyR7ya_2raxwUANVH_Zz9zAMyjBm2tXgzchAbIPvNu03rhEOjoiP0V2GkJdKadTT9g0cOTWok/s1600/LSR+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3djLUhYLVNR4Nfgl5f3MK3xZHAzflozyTP0MpcZVZvBIHkAFCEHwvucvCyYNfoOBx5GyR7ya_2raxwUANVH_Zz9zAMyjBm2tXgzchAbIPvNu03rhEOjoiP0V2GkJdKadTT9g0cOTWok/s640/LSR+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every so often, I grab breakfast on the run from this tiny cafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the raisin toast with oh-so-sweet-and-delicious cinnamon butter served in a little tub on the side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in a while, if I am lucky, on a weekend morning I can sit down and eat breakfast and drink coffee and hang out, just like all those trendy, hip things I have envied during the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it’s the gorgeous waffles with honey butter that make my heart sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music box plays cool, sultry blues like Billie Holiday, melding with the coffee aroma like a couple embraced in a slow dance. The darkened cave-like room hums with energy and I just mellow out and relax, absorbing it all and recharging my tired soul.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuhaPkkdb0iyIR4q1OycXz5nJiUvj5xLuGknD3gSbBKNTdHNCT1s1Zxnbo9X7C3gkZ-xLtHFpMij2c7jlgF0ADUBAe430aNqDjx3ryVLZrDxZ9t2F6KDbtfJy0igAYZw8ZzTtJ_pY_tQ/s1600/LSR+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuhaPkkdb0iyIR4q1OycXz5nJiUvj5xLuGknD3gSbBKNTdHNCT1s1Zxnbo9X7C3gkZ-xLtHFpMij2c7jlgF0ADUBAe430aNqDjx3ryVLZrDxZ9t2F6KDbtfJy0igAYZw8ZzTtJ_pY_tQ/s640/LSR+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles with honey butter - $7</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once in a while, I also venture to Lonsdale St Roasters for lunch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The energy buzzes as I catch up with good friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packed to overflowing as usual with beautiful, trendy people, the little cafe opens its windows and the people all tumble onto the pavement, sitting in the sun on upturned milk crates and tiny stools, among all the bicycles parked out the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only there could be proper chairs and tables and umbrellas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess shabby-chic is part of the quirky charm, but still!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk5XVK0IJ5aaGddi9RgR7iyvS8eTLtfI2q0wFn_NTdy39c1rqidJNSoYwQBEgp_yfOFoNy80PocwQeOTQxgLmxsGwQPuFHA1UPKLnC7jZR2fiTT8B948z8TPoePRPUAK8FRNmBM8vt8M/s1600/LSR+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk5XVK0IJ5aaGddi9RgR7iyvS8eTLtfI2q0wFn_NTdy39c1rqidJNSoYwQBEgp_yfOFoNy80PocwQeOTQxgLmxsGwQPuFHA1UPKLnC7jZR2fiTT8B948z8TPoePRPUAK8FRNmBM8vt8M/s640/LSR+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The panini are a lunch-time specialty, and Lonsdale St Roasters has got them down to a fine art, along with the kitsch artwork on the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slow roasted meats with chilli and spice, cransky, chorizo and roasted portabello mushrooms are the stars, arriving in beautiful, crusty toasted bread rolls with other tasty fillings like rich, melted cheese and tasty relish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, while this food is good, it is very heavy going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to see some fresher, lighter meals as well. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0CE_koigDIPu_FfiOGiRSXYsumlX8rRM_cXAfsj4KgrfPNPiflIuaWp0ebjSIgRD4cna_YJLnld8ITHKCQRp3d2v0VUqA9tzcY257aNhqN49lGmLoHDYjU7ylxupCOHhd6xIFuye7GY/s1600/LSR+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0CE_koigDIPu_FfiOGiRSXYsumlX8rRM_cXAfsj4KgrfPNPiflIuaWp0ebjSIgRD4cna_YJLnld8ITHKCQRp3d2v0VUqA9tzcY257aNhqN49lGmLoHDYjU7ylxupCOHhd6xIFuye7GY/s640/LSR+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panini with roasted portabello mushrooms and melted gorgonzola cheese - $11</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLlSYVZDDdDzhKC4oryRWE_J2nI8m0_zdlX4qio6RWTXMrekg_rzbGyAY1zwGjpmtqw3RE0AE4EbYjbxyVzq-juBBxkR9Qrdc0PxE5cMglxh0HYALjUGEgY44tg_zMCBxzriHINWxas4/s1600/LSR+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLlSYVZDDdDzhKC4oryRWE_J2nI8m0_zdlX4qio6RWTXMrekg_rzbGyAY1zwGjpmtqw3RE0AE4EbYjbxyVzq-juBBxkR9Qrdc0PxE5cMglxh0HYALjUGEgY44tg_zMCBxzriHINWxas4/s640/LSR+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panini with cransky and sauerkraut - $12</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I walk by Lonsdale St Roasters on my way home again every evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little cafe is dark and quiet now – it’s well past closing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look through the window as I pass, thinking when I might come in again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mojo keeps drawing me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the great coffee.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, what keeps you coming back to a place again and again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do you believe in mojo? </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Post Script:</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lonsdale St Roasters now has umbrellas set up outside. Yay!</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lonsdale St Roasters</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7 Lonsdale St</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Braddon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open Monday – Sat for breakfast and lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closed on Sundays. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span></div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lonsdale-Street-Roasters/131032203595170?sk=wall">Lonsdale St Roasters Facebook page</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/344/1579774/restaurant/ACT/Canberra/Lonsdale-Street-Roasters-Braddon"><img alt="Lonsdale Street Roasters on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1579774/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com17 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia-35.27493 149.132115-35.2793095 149.1248195 -35.2705505 149.1394105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-50534960747055155992011-10-22T21:17:00.003+11:002011-11-13T16:39:08.086+11:00Beer Degustation at the Durham Arms, Kingston<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer degustation? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds interesting, I thought when I was invited to lunch to celebrate my little brother’s birthday recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was surprised to learn that the <a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/thedurham/">Durham Arms</a> pub in Kingston was the venue (fondly known as the “Dirty Durham” and a renowned Canberra weekend watering hole).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out the Durham is a bit sophisticated these days, putting on special <a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/events?page=1&s-client=70">events</a> once every few months which are worth keeping an eye out for on their web site.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovlTobIVwVAmhLokl0ddsBtBARsWRX9oXz6p6F_Ntmw-nYkU0DQ0l-7PAZd3fwpsqyzqP8qQXJMw82Knv-OxTsAjfdVqNef4vxoDnwyOFQYhc92LFJ9j3TLVLoAII8I7Bbs5uy7CjYQ0/s1600/Beer+D+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovlTobIVwVAmhLokl0ddsBtBARsWRX9oXz6p6F_Ntmw-nYkU0DQ0l-7PAZd3fwpsqyzqP8qQXJMw82Knv-OxTsAjfdVqNef4vxoDnwyOFQYhc92LFJ9j3TLVLoAII8I7Bbs5uy7CjYQ0/s640/Beer+D+pic+1.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how do you match beer and food?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I learned was that what goes for food and wine also goes for food and beer– subtle flavours go best with light-flavoured beer; strong flavours go best with full-bodied beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this particular event, beers from the <a href="https://www.littlecreatures.com.au/">Little Creatures Brewery</a> in Western Australia and <a href="http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/">White Rabbit Brewery</a> in Victoria were showcased with some simple but lovely food – six courses and six beers in total.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Durham was pretty well packed to capacity, with around 100 people gathered for the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of the brewers from the White Rabbit Brewery were there to talk to the group, introducing the beers as we went through the different courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I absolutely love degustation meals because you can try so many dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The six-course menu was carefully planned to bring the best out of six different beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what we had.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyumhm7XMaKJIcEErQVWrHf_mupd0mT4YPGKRz3jdJ52wP9Om235agaKa7FVCnnhvmBtoJftdETC7iR2z7eax4mcRIrqkXVqrOGB1yFbkkBDN2yYMSq0ctbKBAMH1S7WN54Ay-uHP_ZA/s1600/Beer+D+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyumhm7XMaKJIcEErQVWrHf_mupd0mT4YPGKRz3jdJ52wP9Om235agaKa7FVCnnhvmBtoJftdETC7iR2z7eax4mcRIrqkXVqrOGB1yFbkkBDN2yYMSq0ctbKBAMH1S7WN54Ay-uHP_ZA/s640/Beer+D+pic+2.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Course 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheese soufflé with rocket and hazelnuts, paired with Little Creatures Pilsner</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gentle flavour of the cheese soufflé, complete with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, was really set off by the very light-flavoured beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The toasted hazelnuts were delicious with this dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Course 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moroccan lamb cutlet with pumpkin mash, paired with White Rabbit White Ale</em></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tasty cumin-spiced lamb was complemented by the almost herby ale. The beer’s tasting notes say there are hints of coriander, juniper berry and orange peel flavours from the brewing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the sweet and crunchy, ruby red pomegranate seeds that came with this dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Course 3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chargrilled prawns marinated in lime and herbs, paired with Little Creatures Pale Ale</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The delicious prawns went beautifully with this clean flavoured beer with hints of citrus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Course 4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roast beef with roast potatoes, tomatoes and beans, paired with White Rabbit Dark Ale</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The stronger flavours started coming out with the beef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This traditional dish was gorgeous paired with the full-bodied ale.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Course 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mango tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream and toasted coconut, paired with Little Creatures Pipsqueak Cider</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The apple cider had just the right balance between sweet and dry – a real palate cleanser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crisp, clean flavour of the cider went beautifully with the sweet fruity dessert and rich ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was my favourite.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Course 6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheese platter paired with Little Creatures Rogers Ale</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The beer was interesting – I could really taste coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tasting notes say roasted hazelnuts, toffee and caramel malt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The very strong flavour went well with the cheese platter, although not my favourite.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sle6AC_RnB0NCf10YHBwuReqmOcKKd72mFYy6yeuvRtZmrTwCX1xYSeNQYkjtIQzfy6pt29FK_C5UQItVRi230Ekz4Y41ZVEsYxyEcMGn6ps2Xr5qgM4SuWnqSmdTdafbAZKNOuXXtE/s1600/Beer+D+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sle6AC_RnB0NCf10YHBwuReqmOcKKd72mFYy6yeuvRtZmrTwCX1xYSeNQYkjtIQzfy6pt29FK_C5UQItVRi230Ekz4Y41ZVEsYxyEcMGn6ps2Xr5qgM4SuWnqSmdTdafbAZKNOuXXtE/s640/Beer+D+pic+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top left: Key ingredients for beer making - four types of barley and some malt pellets (the green ones in the middle, which looked and smelled a bit like rabbit food!)<br />
Top right: Beers (left to right) Little Creatures Pilsner, White Rabbit White Ale, Little Creatures Pale Ale<br />
Bottom right: Beers (left to right): White Rabbit Dark Ale, Little Creatures Pipsqueak Cider, Little Creatures Rogers Ale</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was really impressed with the Durham kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were very accommodating to Mr D., who has serious fish and nut allergies, making him his own special versions of the dishes so he could it enjoy the lunch as much as everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made sure we gave them plenty of notice about it when we booked and they were great.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ll definitely look out for future Durham food events as a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the nice thing about going out for a huge boozy lunch on a Sunday is being able to go home to snooze on the couch for the rest of the afternoon, which is exactly what I did. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, what’s your favourite beer and food combination?</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Durham Arms</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green Square, Kingston ACT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/thedurham"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.outincanberra.com.au/thedurham</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The advertised cost of the degustation lunch event was $59 per person.</span></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1Kingston ACT 2604, Australia-35.3144981 149.1439643-35.320497100000004 149.13479479999998 -35.3084991 149.1531338tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-75887074486830286872011-10-14T22:50:00.004+11:002011-10-14T23:24:35.206+11:00Review: Mutiny, Fish and Chips - The Fish Shack, Civic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK76m7NIZrx0JVoJ4JxLjpdgquRLAMMRMg6h8on6W9FjCUVxGCTEkBF7AXLWtD2L-NfxkgzQdvRChCULzzBGy1ql8wEuSx_M8pWw-HfvuAyrO9Ka3GUuXtvQjHskyT32kT-u7K3E33Lw/s1600/Fish+shack+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK76m7NIZrx0JVoJ4JxLjpdgquRLAMMRMg6h8on6W9FjCUVxGCTEkBF7AXLWtD2L-NfxkgzQdvRChCULzzBGy1ql8wEuSx_M8pWw-HfvuAyrO9Ka3GUuXtvQjHskyT32kT-u7K3E33Lw/s640/Fish+shack+5" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Ever wanted to rock the boat, shake the tree, rattle the cage, stick it to 'the man'? I am meek and mild at the best of times, but every now and again I like to stir the pot a bit and cause just a little bit of havoc, especially when food is at stake. One day I even managed to cause a small mutiny in the office over fish and chips. You see, my boss wanted to have a bit of a team lunch - a picnic in the park eating fish and chips. A lovely idea, to be sure. Only the plan was to get the food from a greasy old takeaway joint down the road - not so lovely after all - there were even threats of chiko rolls and deep fried Mars bars! So I decided to take matters into my own hands and checked all those fabulous food blogs for a well-rated alternative. And so I came across the Fish Shack.<br />
<br />
The Fish Shack is a bright orange little shack in the middle of Civic. Open for a few months now, it does a roaring trade and fresh take on the old favourites - beer battered fish, salt and pepper squid, tempura prawns, Thai fish cakes and much more (<a href="http://www.thefishshack.com.au/menu.html">view the menu</a>). And they are pretty damn good - the fish is very fresh, the batter is light and crunchy and the chips are lovely and crisp. At lunch time there can be a bit of a wait, so a hot tip is to ring your order in ahead of time so it's ready to collect when you arrive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJiArWHGPJL6ecHctP3H2IUgRvn5FbYyL5phKmEEzkFcpiAYDJrTzh8Crgc7wZ4z-qmOPTJ867VjhwEwKio4CYJOpn1nt_BpEgyGN64FWKzl1VOBYB6wA_Fn3LmD6yLvGMZ9uvrTkprQ/s1600/Fish+shack+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJiArWHGPJL6ecHctP3H2IUgRvn5FbYyL5phKmEEzkFcpiAYDJrTzh8Crgc7wZ4z-qmOPTJ867VjhwEwKio4CYJOpn1nt_BpEgyGN64FWKzl1VOBYB6wA_Fn3LmD6yLvGMZ9uvrTkprQ/s640/Fish+shack+1" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempura prawns and chips - $13.50</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OaP-hYAxToNZq51NSpGjIv3X1lvoNkBPQuWYxVPdAX0FaBEuTHw9M37CHW1PxtdTF_vgxFpGX62JCzVUqg4BxqvVMxJ1ZQqLPXBoZmZkXs8sLOVrWRmH-OStmeQkzii8wm2L8ecv9rw/s1600/Fish+shack+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OaP-hYAxToNZq51NSpGjIv3X1lvoNkBPQuWYxVPdAX0FaBEuTHw9M37CHW1PxtdTF_vgxFpGX62JCzVUqg4BxqvVMxJ1ZQqLPXBoZmZkXs8sLOVrWRmH-OStmeQkzii8wm2L8ecv9rw/s640/Fish+shack+2" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt and pepper squid and chips - $12.50</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3DEBzCa9GIoh9o9Z61vmPSlP8eOKxvfcV9raw-SMhiVdrTLsa6e7nhg0skFfobXInD92B7n1bHbFDm6zwcO6V8lrWmJBz1YwoeS61U9GIokqldC2wIwkEM8QjpHRTioab6rujkr0S2E/s1600/Fish+shack+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3DEBzCa9GIoh9o9Z61vmPSlP8eOKxvfcV9raw-SMhiVdrTLsa6e7nhg0skFfobXInD92B7n1bHbFDm6zwcO6V8lrWmJBz1YwoeS61U9GIokqldC2wIwkEM8QjpHRTioab6rujkr0S2E/s640/Fish+shack+3" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Premium beer battered classic fish and chips - medium size - $9.50</td></tr>
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Back to the mutiny... I managed to convince all my work colleagues that we could do much, much better than the greasy old takeaway joint. What could the boss do when the power of the people was against him? All ended well, of course, and we had a beautiful hour in the sunshine eating our yummy Fish Shack food. The boss still had the greasy old takeaway joint food, though. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoXOyVLJivLDS_b5BtFz_6MNYmfTczblArc6w_HzwtvOQyZ37fMHE05VfuzcmkoumWA8pX1mAAmQ6l_-3Bc9phiE1Q6Ah7Ea7tNPxm_osRr_5j5aoaM9mdcjfBg6VWQVn3qRa9b92nHk/s1600/Fish+shack+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoXOyVLJivLDS_b5BtFz_6MNYmfTczblArc6w_HzwtvOQyZ37fMHE05VfuzcmkoumWA8pX1mAAmQ6l_-3Bc9phiE1Q6Ah7Ea7tNPxm_osRr_5j5aoaM9mdcjfBg6VWQVn3qRa9b92nHk/s640/Fish+shack+4" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<em>So tell me, where's your favourite fish and chips joint? And what little revolutions have you started?</em><br />
<br />
The Fish Shack<br />
Petrie Plaza (off Bunda St)<br />
Civic ACT<br />
ph. 6248 5885<br />
Open for lunch Mon - Sat, dinner Tues - Fri<br />
<a href="http://www.thefishshack.com.au/">http://www.thefishshack.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/344/1615190/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Fish-Shack-Canberra"><img alt="Fish Shack on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1615190/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-13031213329351591272011-10-07T17:56:00.007+11:002011-11-13T16:32:51.693+11:00Secrets of Some Little Tarts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a trip to Sydney one weekend not too long ago, we (being Mr D. and I and our friend the lovely Ms Y.) happened by chance to spy the <a href="http://www.bourkestreetbakery.com.au/">Bourke St Bakery</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were driving through Surry Hills on a Sunday afternoon on our way home to Canberra. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On spying the little shop, Ms Y. and I cried out excitedly in unison, “Pull over, pull over!” to Mr D. who was the one driving, “It’s the Bourke St Bakery – it’s famous!”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">True to its reputation, there was the line of customers reaching out the door and along the footpath, waiting patiently for the delicious fare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took our place in the queue, trying to peak inside the windows of the tiny shop to see what was on offer that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After around 15 minutes, Ms Y. and I emerged triumphant, with some wonderful fresh pastries in hand – a ginger crème brule tart, a rhubarb and custard danish, and a pain au chocolat (yum!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate them happily in the car on the drive home, very pleased with ourselves at such a lucky find, which started a discussion about the delights of the Bourke St Bakery cookbook.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know the Bourke St Bakery guys put this cookbook out a few years ago, but my first-time experience of the bakery that day brought home how nice it might be to make some of the delectable treats at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confirmation from Ms Y. that the cookbook was indeed full of fabulous recipes firmed up my desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, I had a birthday coming up soon and my lovely father was good enough to give me a copy as a special gift.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, here the story of the little tarts begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was careful about not being too ambitious too quickly (crème brule tarts, danishes and chocolate croissants are just a little beyond me at the moment, but I promise to give them a go), so I figured some sweet short-crust pastry tart cases filled with three of the simple but delicious-looking suggestions from the Bourke St Bakery cookbook were a good start.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The recipe for sweet short-crust pastry was reasonably straight forward, but also quite time consuming – it is important to rest the pastry in the fridge for quite a while on several occasions throughout the process (so it’s best to allow a whole quiet afternoon of baking in peace to do this).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to see how baking the tart cases in a 12-hole regular muffin tin would go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not quite as pretty a result as using proper tart tins (the fluted ones with the removable bases), the tart cases turned out to be quite a good size for dainty little desserts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tart cases had a lovely biscuit texture (but not too crumbly) and their sweet buttery flavour was very pleasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another bonus was that they froze quite well in an airtight container, so they could be whipped out at reasonably short notice for an impressive dessert after all the hard work had been done in advance (or they can be frozen at the point where they are ready for baking).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgNJjGiSbcKudfTsvnokW_8tW0TkunvRpOVIA8pF8tKOWqIuyE7Y0jmS7Kw2fqM83zf7SqYc-9yzOPusiYmHbhil7LrPRH8ziWY91qPib351reYHnMxhDM9e3b_96RDZPDZ11wgqrXEQ/s1600/tarts+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgNJjGiSbcKudfTsvnokW_8tW0TkunvRpOVIA8pF8tKOWqIuyE7Y0jmS7Kw2fqM83zf7SqYc-9yzOPusiYmHbhil7LrPRH8ziWY91qPib351reYHnMxhDM9e3b_96RDZPDZ11wgqrXEQ/s640/tarts+6" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three fillings I chose were ricotta and strawberries, lemon curd and chocolate ganache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three were lovely, but read on to see which one stole the show...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ricotta and strawberry tarts were definitely the beauty queens, with their crowning glory of fresh strawberry pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ricotta filling was lovely, being rich and creamy with a touch of vanilla. And the fresh strawberries cut through the richness well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the whole ensemble was just a tad too rich for my taste and next time I would use low-fat ricotta instead of the full-fat type.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DDUlQ7Jz7kw_2rnj3K_w5lRuL-7lufpvIkzIuuuV8RY1zYn64mtdNoHQ5Wi156a2UNqOFK5CUGRXbv3ngLc0x2qKqG7B2oNIDKlMSweNHyTNWbqidwMVxUbNciz0DxD_8M46uZXQOp4/s1600/tarts+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DDUlQ7Jz7kw_2rnj3K_w5lRuL-7lufpvIkzIuuuV8RY1zYn64mtdNoHQ5Wi156a2UNqOFK5CUGRXbv3ngLc0x2qKqG7B2oNIDKlMSweNHyTNWbqidwMVxUbNciz0DxD_8M46uZXQOp4/s640/tarts+7" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lemon curd tarts were the elegant dames of the show, with the pale yellow curd providing a lusciously refreshing filling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silky smooth texture of the lemon curd paired beautifully with the biscuitiness of the tart case.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H3opfPME8NQRpREbiMkeuc37U8Wjn7851PYCnCmzKbiZxJljuq9Q-TKAgBPZKyCc9NdYLpRRn0GoAl-S_D071cz0cszQnkbzJ3TW5oycJw8gdsETD0MNVg1E3GrJTj7_GwTRMIj9L8s/s1600/tarts+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H3opfPME8NQRpREbiMkeuc37U8Wjn7851PYCnCmzKbiZxJljuq9Q-TKAgBPZKyCc9NdYLpRRn0GoAl-S_D071cz0cszQnkbzJ3TW5oycJw8gdsETD0MNVg1E3GrJTj7_GwTRMIj9L8s/s640/tarts+11" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The chocolate ganache tarts, however, were the real stars of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, they may have been the little plain janes of the three contestants (the just didn't want to photograph well...sorry about the slightly fuzzy picture), but their taste was out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cream chocolate filling in its tart case formed a little pot of squidgy chocolate heaven, just perfect for dunking fresh strawberries into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus the chocolate ganache was such a cinch to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used really good quality milk chocolate bits (not dark ones) from Koko Black and melted them with a little hot cream and voila!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The resulting molten chocolate was so good that I ate around half of it straight from the saucepan, licking the wooden spoon clean. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7T5Lf-QeemGgkP89DMr7WzSrCzNYeyqeH3scNK4XsBwSvyyCdgPPofgJ96maazuW7wHi94i9AYkMNQclHzrlLcdkALi1Wxi-GyV8Vv135aHT61Rzk0SZc5nkwUV6-g-bgcS8b2g_yk0/s1600/tarts+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7T5Lf-QeemGgkP89DMr7WzSrCzNYeyqeH3scNK4XsBwSvyyCdgPPofgJ96maazuW7wHi94i9AYkMNQclHzrlLcdkALi1Wxi-GyV8Vv135aHT61Rzk0SZc5nkwUV6-g-bgcS8b2g_yk0/s640/tarts+8" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So tell me, when it comes to desserts, do you like to go all out for the magnificent beauty queens or are the simple little plain ones your favourites?</span></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for the recipes....</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet short-crust pastry tart cases</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adapted from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bourke St Bakery Ultimate Baking Companion</i> cookbook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Makes 12 small cases</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">200 g unsalted butter, cut into small cubes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 ml (1/2 tbs) vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">50g caster sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">80 ml water (1/3 cup), chilled</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">330 g plain flour, chilled</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove the butter from the fridge about 20 minutes before starting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place the flour into the fridge to chill at the same time.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine the vinegar, sugar and cold water in a bowl and stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the flour, salt and butter to the bowl of a food processer and pulse for 3 - 4 short bursts to partially combine (you should still be able to see little pieces of butter through the mixture).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jFXmwJLrAb7JfxM60jm9si-0bV5J2ZogDFG9uzSWUiJrFygJ3lz9WWmU0oFBVYPYe4mSvEM0oIG6B-R8TLVANZJzDUDed52yAj87LkqTc8JOnBv-iwZC3VdNUh3k3-hN-8VaMzfheOg/s1600/tarts+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jFXmwJLrAb7JfxM60jm9si-0bV5J2ZogDFG9uzSWUiJrFygJ3lz9WWmU0oFBVYPYe4mSvEM0oIG6B-R8TLVANZJzDUDed52yAj87LkqTc8JOnBv-iwZC3VdNUh3k3-hN-8VaMzfheOg/s640/tarts+1" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn out flour mixture onto a clean work surface and gather together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkle over part of the sugar mixture and smear it over the flour mixture with the palm of your hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat two or three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the dough still doesn’t come together, keep sprinkling with a little more cold water and smearing again until the dough just comes together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should still be able to see flecks of butter at this stage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd23A1B2ply9YaJviDmdiUNKzjnVEeq4mOGYixn5L2ihC1-NCwMhUk3OG4Izfes4CqKANZSi0Bck8ZEKDZAmGXTxTb4G_UZorEBqKiU7pLApirhFmfwbdyBr_9mjhLwR3fR157_2Tuzc/s1600/tarts+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd23A1B2ply9YaJviDmdiUNKzjnVEeq4mOGYixn5L2ihC1-NCwMhUk3OG4Izfes4CqKANZSi0Bck8ZEKDZAmGXTxTb4G_UZorEBqKiU7pLApirhFmfwbdyBr_9mjhLwR3fR157_2Tuzc/s640/tarts+2" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shape the dough into a disc and refrigerate for at least two hours.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdryNzvMTtDkNCQP2ldn4y5a7BDmWksfmr3qGFhbmD65VEHLEHvRUXGbkhSLIaJdyAdj7i74TdRhMmVQjzj2-BI0ZyyXlko1C2fftooe9eMTrQtNyO-lf1CR_CgS2XgwCyuHkd6bVpNE8/s1600/tarts+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdryNzvMTtDkNCQP2ldn4y5a7BDmWksfmr3qGFhbmD65VEHLEHvRUXGbkhSLIaJdyAdj7i74TdRhMmVQjzj2-BI0ZyyXlko1C2fftooe9eMTrQtNyO-lf1CR_CgS2XgwCyuHkd6bVpNE8/s640/tarts+3" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove the disc from the fridge about 20 minutes before you want to roll it. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean work surface and rub some over a rolling pin, but use sparingly.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gently roll the disc out until it is around 3mm thick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the rolling pin, gently transfer the dough onto a very lightly floured baking tray, then cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlc-xUhgchXMUvpgkYrHnM3mg1yLHm03SuBoEZ0jN6RSjKgbSO1zbRn-2HZSYPdOMPhxpSfgTGX0t0Rl6_DzISlZ_LiqEh5ho6kFV5LKha_HRug98UoJVmt0o_CTCsaW5j7VfojkabrA/s1600/tarts+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlc-xUhgchXMUvpgkYrHnM3mg1yLHm03SuBoEZ0jN6RSjKgbSO1zbRn-2HZSYPdOMPhxpSfgTGX0t0Rl6_DzISlZ_LiqEh5ho6kFV5LKha_HRug98UoJVmt0o_CTCsaW5j7VfojkabrA/s640/tarts+4" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brush a 12-hole regular muffin tin with a little melted butter or canola oil.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lay the pastry out onto the clean work surface again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut the pastry into little rounds using a round cutter of 10cm diameter. The offcuts can be rerolled and you should be able to get 12 rounds in total.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place a pastry round over the centre of each muffin hole, then use your fingers to press the pastry gently but firmly into and around the hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place the muffin tin in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Line each tart case with foil, gently pushing the foil all the way into bottom of the case, and fill with uncooked rice ready for blind baking.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2frXEZzXScZMHHUHOK8LQMaUPmO5pDRvm1zZdu-5DL-J9xSruaSEcdt69AGY9owhY_ANraUvabQKXhYktof8GI-iwv3ekWT1ChJCzKmrC2zkw-pAZPQNqVk_xAnZACyiZXy4BAiO06E/s1600/tarts+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2frXEZzXScZMHHUHOK8LQMaUPmO5pDRvm1zZdu-5DL-J9xSruaSEcdt69AGY9owhY_ANraUvabQKXhYktof8GI-iwv3ekWT1ChJCzKmrC2zkw-pAZPQNqVk_xAnZACyiZXy4BAiO06E/s640/tarts+5" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake the tart cases for around 20-25 minutes until they are golden all over (particularly in the centre).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a couple of minutes out of the oven, gently remove the tart cases from the tin and cool on a wire rack ready for filling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ricotta and strawberry filling</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adapted from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bourke St Bakery Ultimate Baking Companion</i> cookbook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fills 12 small cases</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">500 g low-fat ricotta cheese, liquid drained</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">50g icing sugar, sifted</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 vanilla bean, soaked in hot water, split lengthways</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">500 g strawberries, hulled and quartered</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put the ricotta and icing sugar into the bowl of a food processer along with the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Process until smooth and well combined.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spoon the ricotta mixture into the tart cases, top with the strawberry segments and serve immediately.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lemon curd filling</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adapted from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bourke St Bakery Ultimate Baking Companion</i> cookbook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fills 12 small cases</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">100g caster sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">125 ml (1/2 cup) lemon juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">125 ml (1/2 cup) pouring cream (35% fat)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put the eggs, sugar and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl and whisk together until the sugar dissolves.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour in the cream and mix well to combine.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water) and use a whisk to stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and thick (about 10 minutes).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove from the heat and stir for another minute or so.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If there are small white bits in the mixture (as happened to me because the bowl was a little too hot and the egg cooked a little too much), don’t panick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pass the mixture through a metal sieve while still hot for a really fine, silky texture.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the mixture in a clean cold bowl, cover with plastic wrap so that it touches the surface of the mixture (this stops a skin forming) and refrigerate overnight.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spoon the lemon curd into the tart cases and serve.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate ganache filling</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adapted from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bourke St Bakery Ultimate Baking Companion</i> cookbook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fills 12 small cases</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">400 g good quality milk chocolate buttons</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">250 ml (1 cup) pouring cream (35% fat)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put the chocolate in a heat proof bowl.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put the cream in a saucepan over high heat and bring to boil as quickly as you can (make sure it doesn’t evaporate too much).</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour the hot cream straight over the chocolate and stir gently until the chocolate has all melted, then pour the melted chocolate mixture into a jug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour the chocolate mixture into the tart cases, then place tarts in an airtight container and stand at room temperature overnight to set.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Serve tarts with fresh strawberries on the side for dunking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-52711428214112659732011-09-30T21:14:00.004+10:002011-10-02T21:42:33.422+11:00Review: More than a Pretty Place? The Oaks Brasserie, Yarralumla<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What better thing is there to do in Canberra on a nice day than ride your bike around Lake Burley-Griffin? ... Combine it with a brunch stop, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. and I headed off one recent weekend morning on our bikes to do exactly that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After chasing Mr D.’s cracking pace for kilometres, we finally arrived at one of the most scenic parts of the lake foreshores – Westbourne Woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bike path wound its way through a stand of big, old shady trees and scraggy bushes, then across a little wooden bridge over a pond with water lilies, and up a long, long grassy hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of the hill stood a beautiful garden, and nestled in the garden was a little white cottage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYArs1hEJ6htJE6-e8rjQokXCO2atdwBKmuJbOgVyN61w51ry6ZzltbjOb0wcezElatS2SmNaPX5iXKpq-pCEXNp_oa4ZiWluaSf3skkjKgSHagvjKJFM6A3qDwObJ0bcEgEsRQDrA82o/s1600/Yarralumla+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYArs1hEJ6htJE6-e8rjQokXCO2atdwBKmuJbOgVyN61w51ry6ZzltbjOb0wcezElatS2SmNaPX5iXKpq-pCEXNp_oa4ZiWluaSf3skkjKgSHagvjKJFM6A3qDwObJ0bcEgEsRQDrA82o/s640/Yarralumla+4" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvVlz8WbzkXTU0j4z7r215HwYnZawJMm_cVnYxBRA5U-Vd1RW4vJmQ7Tm_Ka93uyCVPddQ0sGkRzZDZdSstj89B6tyeYa8Tv98Q-4dRWd6wE4kwIesXNaSJK9KxGVTl19zEbrIvrDC5Q/s1600/Yarralumla+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvVlz8WbzkXTU0j4z7r215HwYnZawJMm_cVnYxBRA5U-Vd1RW4vJmQ7Tm_Ka93uyCVPddQ0sGkRzZDZdSstj89B6tyeYa8Tv98Q-4dRWd6wE4kwIesXNaSJK9KxGVTl19zEbrIvrDC5Q/s640/Yarralumla+5" width="478" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The little white cottage in the garden was The Oaks Brasserie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cottage has been on the site since Canberra’s very early days, providing a home to Canberra’s first official nurseryman, who nurtured trees to beautify the young city and grow new forests in the surrounding hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays, almost 100 years on, the cottage is right in the middle of beautiful parkland on the shores of the lake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptIPiNgc-pO6Ao7ufMp8XF2Ty3dr7kqslNvyL289Nj7SFyEIAmTMgnTW9rIr_6Zy_iNF2ZsREjm2vrnP5tcW6Is9xDcc3HKQiL3RxnNpHDgWC_WyUsYFV2_tdUXuTCgyu20dWxHh46Ek/s1600/Yarralumla+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptIPiNgc-pO6Ao7ufMp8XF2Ty3dr7kqslNvyL289Nj7SFyEIAmTMgnTW9rIr_6Zy_iNF2ZsREjm2vrnP5tcW6Is9xDcc3HKQiL3RxnNpHDgWC_WyUsYFV2_tdUXuTCgyu20dWxHh46Ek/s640/Yarralumla+2" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Oaks Brasserie really does trade on its fabulous location - it is not known for its food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this day, the breakfast menu was weighted with heavy eggy dishes and a little uninspired, with the effect that Mr D. and I settled for a simple croissant and jam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The croissants seemed to be from a frozen box instead of a bakery and the coffee was not great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the service was attentive and friendly, if a little inexperienced.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN1exofe25kMJSsrUCEeSwzHQBlNjh0XjAMDJ-rz6BYzCp4SvNygl167KnRGQ_YVBXOlX-P4pp9yI85Ulrz7qRzu9kIBDR1t-Y6dDWyFCSBHB8yQ6lbCELUVQb8pks-_k_aYcy-dxWOc/s1600/Yarralumla+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN1exofe25kMJSsrUCEeSwzHQBlNjh0XjAMDJ-rz6BYzCp4SvNygl167KnRGQ_YVBXOlX-P4pp9yI85Ulrz7qRzu9kIBDR1t-Y6dDWyFCSBHB8yQ6lbCELUVQb8pks-_k_aYcy-dxWOc/s640/Yarralumla+6" width="476" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had to laugh when I saw the section of the menu especially for dogs – yes, the cafe will serve your pampered pooch a plate of tasty pasta, chicken or sausages as long as it is well behaved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dT0PXUh5hIHtPyPkf6NlpW69Yp-5imSTomZzyYguifz9LK0-gEmojpRbzP7mtto4XiQ5NFhzh7rjTHBhVJRdaJjnOoowuHwSyGI0WFfjEXq1xy1sydnrsxrTWxH5o0t4B2m-7HbqzZg/s1600/Yarralumla+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dT0PXUh5hIHtPyPkf6NlpW69Yp-5imSTomZzyYguifz9LK0-gEmojpRbzP7mtto4XiQ5NFhzh7rjTHBhVJRdaJjnOoowuHwSyGI0WFfjEXq1xy1sydnrsxrTWxH5o0t4B2m-7HbqzZg/s400/Yarralumla+1" width="296" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of animals, the birds also gave me a laugh that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pair of currawongs and some other birds greedily eyed off our breakfast the entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick as a flash, one of the currawongs swooped down and grabbed the last quarter of Mr D.’s croissant while he was away from the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t quick enough to shoo him away, the cheeky rascal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you see him smiling to himself in the photo?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91bia9nEvhIx7LGOhUkxUf_E8uN49DcAE16dGyDn3QxwHXBuqmTnyGc5h4cRNoMl9zvEQRThx9FCliDC-WnnQiH-kN-UmkiPzVsW14DsOhSe2atOEAp9tVX0ccLInEsYGsEGJzyz11_8/s1600/Yarralumla+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91bia9nEvhIx7LGOhUkxUf_E8uN49DcAE16dGyDn3QxwHXBuqmTnyGc5h4cRNoMl9zvEQRThx9FCliDC-WnnQiH-kN-UmkiPzVsW14DsOhSe2atOEAp9tVX0ccLInEsYGsEGJzyz11_8/s640/Yarralumla+7" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, a pretty place The Oaks Brasserie certainly was that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But like so many other pretty things, there seemed to be not much else behind it.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell me, do you choose a book by its cover?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it all about what you might find behind?</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Oaks Brasserie</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cottage 1 Yarralumla Nursery </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weston Park Road</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yarralumla<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACT </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open daily from 10am – 5pm for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am for breakfast</span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://citysearch.com.au/places/act/yarralumla/yarralumla%20gallery%20and%20the%20oaks%20brasserie">http://citysearch.com.au/places/act/yarralumla/yarralumla%20gallery%20and%20the%20oaks%20brasserie</a></span>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com5Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia-35.3073815 149.09821499999998-35.321659499999996 149.0708215 -35.2931035 149.12560849999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-58805576508881071622011-09-23T19:17:00.002+10:002011-11-13T16:31:59.289+11:00Italian Cooking Adventures at 3seeds<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a special thing when you have a good friend who shares your passion for something you love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my case, I am lucky to have the Divine Ms M. to share my love of all things food related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She </span>and I have been friends for donkeys’ years, sharing the highs and lows of high school, uni, relationships and lots of other experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we’ve lived in separate cities (even separate countries) and gone down different paths, we’ve always managed to keep in touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago, the Divine Ms M. moved back to Canberra with her young family, to my delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then we’ve tried to catch up when we can for girls' lunches to talk about what’s been happening in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Divine Ms M. and I had been trying to do a cooking class together for well over a year, but never managed to coordinate due to one thing or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, after careful scoping and scheduling, we finally locked into doing a cooking class at 3seeds recently.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3seeds has just moved to the <a href="http://www.fyshwickfreshfoodmarkets.com.au/">Fyshwick markets</a> and offers a range of wonderful cooking classes, including tapas, desserts, Thai and Middle Eastern, to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular day, the Divine Ms M. and I have chosen an Italian pasta class. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not disappointed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our chef and instructor, Andrew, greets us warmly and asks us all to put on our aprons and name tags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gathers thirteen of us around the large communal stainless steel kitchen table, explaining what we will be cooking today - <a href="http://3seeds.com.au/index.php/pontiac-potato-3/pasta-2-heavier/">basic egg pasta</a>, sweet potato gnocchi, <a href="http://3seeds.com.au/index.php/pontiac-potato-3/pontiac-potato/">fresh pesto</a> and simple <a href="http://3seeds.com.au/index.php/pontiac-potato-3/roasted-tomato-sauce/">roasted tomato sauce</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table is laden with bowls of beautiful fresh produce from the markets below and we are ready to start.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtnScBWfa1JS5TiK3SLfuBh5ZtssehLybgnkcrpSZRtGCv2ZjK9e13ALpQpyqpFh-i4iM-qRRs7ZavGKgkjdBPTG3pzZUEL_n8Bzmyupn5UxS_H16bXqm63OVCxkSqA1iJEQUvUdksLo/s1600/3seeds+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtnScBWfa1JS5TiK3SLfuBh5ZtssehLybgnkcrpSZRtGCv2ZjK9e13ALpQpyqpFh-i4iM-qRRs7ZavGKgkjdBPTG3pzZUEL_n8Bzmyupn5UxS_H16bXqm63OVCxkSqA1iJEQUvUdksLo/s640/3seeds+pic+1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First is the gnocchi, which requires peeling and mashing recently boiled potatoes and roasted sweet potato.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only potatoes with red skin should be used, Andrew advises, and it's best to mash the potato using a potato ricer or mouli to get a nice, smooth result (although you can use a sieve). The two types of mash are mixed with flour (at a ratio of 1.5 : 1 : 0.5) and kneaded lightly into a surprisingly soft dough. Then it’s a matter of making little sausages out of the dough, ready for cutting small pieces off and throwing into boiling salted water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the sticky little dollops poke their heads up to the surface, they are cooked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWBYpTtBe7arFaxKhHYCxsEAtHijePFA9W-wHDG_oTpC5V1-UIKI0sNvDDnlEmafHB7u-r8QcUlCjyHRZNLjviwfIJqhDw8fYZLC-0DJBOKxrHvqtgw9dkFrEQcwyhNW8ULWlvP01_2M/s1600/3seeds+pic+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWBYpTtBe7arFaxKhHYCxsEAtHijePFA9W-wHDG_oTpC5V1-UIKI0sNvDDnlEmafHB7u-r8QcUlCjyHRZNLjviwfIJqhDw8fYZLC-0DJBOKxrHvqtgw9dkFrEQcwyhNW8ULWlvP01_2M/s640/3seeds+pic+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next is the egg pasta, which requires blitzing flour, eggs and salt together in a food processor and kneading it strongly into a firm dough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tip from Andrew is to be sure to use special<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>’00’ flour for best results (you can find this in most supermarkets).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXGB2K-h7YtLxphDJuz2R6h2_UUHkJX38eLYESPH1BvwviYb5TozU7mbfoJycPUBHm1eyqSEuONdNbnHIfzL6qG4c1J9EwgA0S5PEMqjHcGtiRldCMyvaSJOdBah-m7ZqVUqezmGe2Dk/s1600/3seeds+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXGB2K-h7YtLxphDJuz2R6h2_UUHkJX38eLYESPH1BvwviYb5TozU7mbfoJycPUBHm1eyqSEuONdNbnHIfzL6qG4c1J9EwgA0S5PEMqjHcGtiRldCMyvaSJOdBah-m7ZqVUqezmGe2Dk/s640/3seeds+pic+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>After resting the dough, the most fun part is rolling it through the pasta machine, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The Divine Ms M. and I enjoy working as a team. </span>I decide that my next toy will be a large electric kitchen mixer with a pasta attachment! (hint, hint, Mr D.! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we are finished, there is flour and pasta everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pasta cooks within a couple of minutes in boiling, salted water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQnR855kcrcJY0EO5UzqyW5_W27EM4rYPKiLRmWcYrGwv9DX9BEbEz8slKlxaYCugohzPC7QSE5PDyhg3G13Bm3FlwNTciWI7rQBx1Mu3Bp4tMANISj99gZyWfj4PSw6fGZwBo0LpEDU/s1600/3seeds+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQnR855kcrcJY0EO5UzqyW5_W27EM4rYPKiLRmWcYrGwv9DX9BEbEz8slKlxaYCugohzPC7QSE5PDyhg3G13Bm3FlwNTciWI7rQBx1Mu3Bp4tMANISj99gZyWfj4PSw6fGZwBo0LpEDU/s640/3seeds+pic+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, the tomatoes are halved and then squeezed firmly to remove their seeds and juice and placed on an oven tray for roasting, along with some salt and pepper and what we think is a rather large amount of sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew assures us that this is necessary to balance out the salty and slightly bitter flavours in the sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, a bit of sugar can fix all sorts of cooking stuff ups, he tells us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to remember that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The roasted tomatoes are mixed with some finely chopped red onion that has been sweated in a frypan with butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of us think olive oil would be better (especially for our arteries), but Andrew assures us that butter tastes better and makes a richer, glossier sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mixture is then blended with a stick blender to make a smooth pasta sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are surprised how orange the sauce ends up, so different from the rich red colour of the tomatoes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, the fresh pesto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is simple too – some lightly toasted pine nuts (toasting brings out the beautiful nutty flavour much more strongly, Andrew advises), fresh basil and rocket, shaved parmesan, roasted garlic (for a much more mellow flavour than raw garlic), lemon juice and salt and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are blended until smooth in the food processer, then olive oil added slowly through the top of the machine while it is running. We are encouraged to taste test as we go, to get the balance of flavours just right.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Fl_uMn4di0gQ4oN1AN8uSZED6QzUDTRkeRndLq5EPGQFcUYnRtCliG9rUVqT9Qikg_gJ0NkLZeB9xX83YssSiqPnyKEdWFkgS-CTNkMlrRfHCs6OVoR1X26zpu7D_ez7e6JCl-7ST0/s1600/3seeds+pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Fl_uMn4di0gQ4oN1AN8uSZED6QzUDTRkeRndLq5EPGQFcUYnRtCliG9rUVqT9Qikg_gJ0NkLZeB9xX83YssSiqPnyKEdWFkgS-CTNkMlrRfHCs6OVoR1X26zpu7D_ez7e6JCl-7ST0/s640/3seeds+pic+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We serve up the two dishes, the pasta paired with the pesto and the gnocchi with the tomato sauce, and enjoy the feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pasta is topped with some more toasted pine nuts, fresh tomato and grated parmesan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gnocchi is topped with some house-made Persian feta – light on the tongue, lusciously creamy, a little tangy, a little salty, and particularly delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flavours of the dishes are fresh and clean, affirming how good it is when you can make an entire dish with beautiful ingredients and a little time and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all agree the food is wonderful. We are all totally inspired!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the recipes are simple, the expert instruction from Andrew (who is clearly passionate about what he does) makes the difference. He helps us turn what would normally be good food into great food. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSZlGI7kYKaIA8DSAiL6je290ZYoawCXFRIi-DzFHQ5p2HHCDlG1L5Bdk9gpff6uU599RfN9zvKk-evpCR3bgIjqRdMGnnMev8IxFgSddKehKqFF44uQYuHIvwvOCvjaIYtZ62fZoeZs/s1600/3seeds+pic+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSZlGI7kYKaIA8DSAiL6je290ZYoawCXFRIi-DzFHQ5p2HHCDlG1L5Bdk9gpff6uU599RfN9zvKk-evpCR3bgIjqRdMGnnMev8IxFgSddKehKqFF44uQYuHIvwvOCvjaIYtZ62fZoeZs/s640/3seeds+pic+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s very pleasant to sit around with everyone in the group, getting to know them over the great meal we have all played a part in creating, along with a lovely bottle of wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Divine Ms M. and I have a fantastic time and vow that we will do it all again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully it won’t take us a year to organise it next time. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>So tell me, do you like to share your passions? And what inspires you?</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3seeds</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fyshwick Markets<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(above Ocean Fresh)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mildura St </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fyshwick<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACT 2609</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3seeds.com.au/">3seeds.com.au</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The class cost $110 and ran for 3 hours (including eating time). Girl About Town paid her own way.</span></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com3Mildura St, Canberra ACT, Australia-35.323738 149.1565898-35.327109 149.1529638 -35.320367 149.1602158tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-35800061649210920292011-09-16T22:14:00.004+10:002011-10-10T18:30:10.272+11:00Great Food Apps<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am totally addicted to my i-phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much so, that it’s almost a permanent attachment to my hand (with Mr D. threatening to confiscate it <span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonderful world of smart phone apps is ever expanding, especially when it comes to great food apps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am never without inspiration thanks to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I’d like to share some of my favourites with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/nigella-quick-collection/id366478575?mt=8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Nigella Lawson’s ‘Quick Collection’ </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">- $4.49</span></i></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCVnGirJPPfYfldNdpZusdMNTJT7XdhZELv6O736Y_adbQQGugvuFWI_KnjdD_Xj5_YQrimpXl0AmbDZ1x-YrwgTTVIZi-jgqBDbQGEsRP9vWfQCzGwNnn-RqQ7T9sF_cbWXP5STvHo8/s1600/Nigella+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCVnGirJPPfYfldNdpZusdMNTJT7XdhZELv6O736Y_adbQQGugvuFWI_KnjdD_Xj5_YQrimpXl0AmbDZ1x-YrwgTTVIZi-jgqBDbQGEsRP9vWfQCzGwNnn-RqQ7T9sF_cbWXP5STvHo8/s1600/Nigella+app.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 63.75pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: top; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 63.95pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><imagedata cropbottom="11678f" cropleft="9258f" cropright="46997f" croptop="39042f" o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Angela\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png"></imagedata><wrap type="square"></wrap></span></shape></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/jamies-recipes/id398011800?mt=8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jamie Oliver’s ‘Jamie’s Recipes’ </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">– free (plus add-ons $1.99 each)</span></i></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWODV3yoFBq29HxK0n7VWc_yTC3kljUcME6g0XDOYJf7ql0SJZ0xYMMAe6vp1whqB_W_XKk9I5XIumMvpMCQdoOAxP4myHESbMpqhGPVo4WNd2XmBtnM9vahM28dABkvc0WysPRf-4D4/s1600/Jamie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWODV3yoFBq29HxK0n7VWc_yTC3kljUcME6g0XDOYJf7ql0SJZ0xYMMAe6vp1whqB_W_XKk9I5XIumMvpMCQdoOAxP4myHESbMpqhGPVo4WNd2XmBtnM9vahM28dABkvc0WysPRf-4D4/s1600/Jamie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/taste.com.au-winter-cooking/id381232588?mt=8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Taste.com.au ‘Best of Winter App’ </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">- $0.99</span></i></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTO3CY4QbP80fblJXd49fwiX0997jMpvc9rTf6KMlxdQRUhlOFE0cnJQBsrLlqjF25R91VTSz5qVMr8fbsjAg9DHR5X5l0taIrloln32tgi0VfaSRxESjrI6P12j7s7oLhgFFFD-6HJM/s1600/Taste+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTO3CY4QbP80fblJXd49fwiX0997jMpvc9rTf6KMlxdQRUhlOFE0cnJQBsrLlqjF25R91VTSz5qVMr8fbsjAg9DHR5X5l0taIrloln32tgi0VfaSRxESjrI6P12j7s7oLhgFFFD-6HJM/s1600/Taste+app.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></i></b></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/how-to-cook-everything/id367690249?mt=8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">How to cook everything </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">- $5.49</span></i></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4faO6J86TsTKK6A1gt6fBe0fN1u3gyCdYF8latBI8-2tLC0v1mPjU9gX0War4hqJ78anjhD_s1Q4fYyv0QmuuzuGA2MCfNBmt6HIssIeeAbWHGADPKTQ3jNEPh6G0JQv5NdiSmLGRZwo/s1600/How+to+Cook+Everything+App.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4faO6J86TsTKK6A1gt6fBe0fN1u3gyCdYF8latBI8-2tLC0v1mPjU9gX0War4hqJ78anjhD_s1Q4fYyv0QmuuzuGA2MCfNBmt6HIssIeeAbWHGADPKTQ3jNEPh6G0JQv5NdiSmLGRZwo/s1600/How+to+Cook+Everything+App.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best design:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to be the Nigella app for pure food porn pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful photography and design, like a delicious set of playing cards.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best feature:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely the Nigella app’s voice activation, which lets you scroll through the pages of a recipe without having to get your sticky fingers all over your phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Taste app comes a close second with its very cool ‘Inspire me - Shake to update’ feature (another lot of food porn playing cards).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best everyday recipes:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jamie Oliver’s app wins hands down for simple, healthy recipes to cook at home during the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best looking recipes include tofu stir-fry with noodle salad, chicken curry with fragrant rice pilaf, tomato pappa (bread soup), to name a few.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best chocolate recipes:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is always a key test for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t go past Nigella’s app – two lots of chocolate brownie and chocolate cookie recipes, plus lots more of her quick and easy favourites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Taste app again comes in a close second, with some lovely looking chocolate pudding recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Most informative:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever wanted to learn how to use your fancy chef’s knife properly in four and a half minutes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jamie Oliver’s instruction videos are awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worth a mention are the ‘How to Cook Everything’ app’s cute little instructional diagrams in its ‘how to’ items.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best variety:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will never run out of ideas with the 2000+ recipes on the ‘How to Cook Everything’ app.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, disappointingly, there is no food porn pleasure to be had with this one – not a single photograph (except for the mug of the author, famous New York food blogger <a href="http://markbittman.com/">Mark Bittman</a>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This post wouldn’t be complete without my most used app.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t do without my app for Google Reader, for keeping up with all those fabulous food blogs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/app-google-reader/id323605210?mt=8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">App Google Reader </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">- $0.99</span></i></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eC9l203b_YXTuz-Ku4IfmJhb89yA0jXptDtW5wLGczMvSKPsCY13yVYRKIEjqzHv9O-_29enoDX4YZDnV0kbQ91vv22SAQn0PCymEgioTGQ_ZA7VA9LARA9GdNxwgHsUgJdRyjICOZQ/s1600/Google+Reader+App.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eC9l203b_YXTuz-Ku4IfmJhb89yA0jXptDtW5wLGczMvSKPsCY13yVYRKIEjqzHv9O-_29enoDX4YZDnV0kbQ91vv22SAQn0PCymEgioTGQ_ZA7VA9LARA9GdNxwgHsUgJdRyjICOZQ/s1600/Google+Reader+App.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note 1: You will need to have a <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/#overview-page">Google Reader</a> account already set up to use the Google Reader app.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note 2: Jamie Oliver's app and Google Reader app are available also for Android. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note 3: All prices in Australian dollars, current at time of posting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye out for more apps in future posts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell me, do you have a favourite food app to share?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-14830137157013089682011-09-09T19:19:00.002+10:002011-11-13T16:31:10.638+11:00Review: The Great Breakfast Debacle<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have a lovely little ritual on Saturday mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will usually find Mr D. and me enjoying brunch at Debacle in Braddon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place is our ‘local’ and we love it - we just have to stumble out of bed and wander down the road to get our fix of good coffee and yummy food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vlD6nb_Zwuym1yjtHnQrE89I8BLoF88yleyhPt8HNWE9b7HXEsv08Oz_Utpwq3yPwzYbBcm7F6oSPb8YusM2pRLLPhyphenhyphenaCHx99jFFUxncJn-NTG5u1gOVwdXka6lryCpk_jXPR4G2TdA/s1600/Debacle+4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vlD6nb_Zwuym1yjtHnQrE89I8BLoF88yleyhPt8HNWE9b7HXEsv08Oz_Utpwq3yPwzYbBcm7F6oSPb8YusM2pRLLPhyphenhyphenaCHx99jFFUxncJn-NTG5u1gOVwdXka6lryCpk_jXPR4G2TdA/s640/Debacle+4.bmp" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Debacle is wonderfully laid back and relaxed, and a great place to meet up with friends, although mostly it’s just Mr D. and me doing our own thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re usually able to walk straight in and find a cosy table just for the two of us, even on a busy Saturday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The service is always friendly and efficient, which is what we want for a hassle- free start to the weekend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our favourite dish is the crepes with lemon curd and fresh lemon wedges to squeeze all over them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crepes are always light and fresh, although I tend to scrape most of the huge dollop of rich, buttery curd to one side.</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZI7V6M0D5P0ObwKaeJjK8LKXhU7XkE1bSd8gLGrH1EikSvF99h2_EBOPndryN2Shxiq0tmHiLCrr7lVHoEH8CWDclPOSMg4v1zzrLeni34BKYBzF_Mt-PwbU3uM-cCdgEZhPERahLag/s1600/Debacle+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZI7V6M0D5P0ObwKaeJjK8LKXhU7XkE1bSd8gLGrH1EikSvF99h2_EBOPndryN2Shxiq0tmHiLCrr7lVHoEH8CWDclPOSMg4v1zzrLeni34BKYBzF_Mt-PwbU3uM-cCdgEZhPERahLag/s640/Debacle+1.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French crepes with lemon butter and icing sugar- $11.90</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pancakes with pear, berry compote and ricotta are a close second for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so dense and satisfying, loaded with all that creamy ricotta, I can only ever get through half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also a big fan of the freshly squeezed juices on offer – the apple and ginger juice is a particularly spicy and delicious pick-me-up!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvGnnXIlU0SUOgPuDAnSt0zy7c7ckRm_Zew13R1MY90U4cjTSv__82m1AomI_Z_3slmXADxtX43fsh2hf4u96lYLS-CunCycMsBPvfTLpeYWOCTcpOxSweQdcAB5wZ-l-WC0e1qOFbU0/s1600/Debacle+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvGnnXIlU0SUOgPuDAnSt0zy7c7ckRm_Zew13R1MY90U4cjTSv__82m1AomI_Z_3slmXADxtX43fsh2hf4u96lYLS-CunCycMsBPvfTLpeYWOCTcpOxSweQdcAB5wZ-l-WC0e1qOFbU0/s640/Debacle+2.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancakes with grated pear, wide berry compote and ricotta - $13.90</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. and I like to take our time on such lazy weekend mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seated across from each other, Mr D. will engross himself in his favourite newspaper on his i-pad, while I become absorbed by the latest postings from my favourite food blogs on my i-phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of us will say a word, simply just enjoying each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bliss!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Debacle definitely doesn’t live up to its name for a great weekend breakfast experience. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Debacle</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">30 Lonsdale St</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Braddon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/debacle"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.outincanberra.com.au/debacle</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, do you have a favourite food ritual?</span></i></div><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1544382/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Canberra/Debacle-Braddon"><img alt="Debacle on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1544382/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com130 Lonsdale St, Canberra ACT 2612, Australia-35.2717552 149.133238-35.2892737 149.10405550000002 -35.2542367 149.1624205tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-22597165105010339962011-09-02T21:41:00.002+10:002011-11-13T16:30:23.430+11:00The Best Steak Dinner?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why is a good steak so hard to cook at home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does it always end up cooked to a rubbery bit of old shoe leather at one extreme or a bloody mess at the other?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t know, but I am slowly learning a few little tricks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s taken me lots of years of practice to get a consistently passable result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first started cooking steak regularly in the early days of Mr D.’s and my relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would really appreciate my cooking when he came over to my place, and I liked to try and impress him (or not) with my try-hard culinary skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around once a week or so, I would cook Mr D. a steak dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I cooked it, my little apartment would fill with smoke and we’d have to open all the windows for half an hour to let it clear (which was a bit tough in winter in Canberra). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure the neighbours were far from impressed with the smoke alarm always being set off by my cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I later discovered a little tip about oiling the meat, not the pan, so these days there is far less smoke.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where there’s smoke, there’s fire of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so long ago, I made my usual steak dinner dish for Mr D. and I – including deglazing the pan with balsamic vinegar and then cooking some sliced onions in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoosh, went the vinegar when I poured it into the hot, hot pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An alarmingly large flame shot up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It scared the living daylights out of Mr D., who thought I was about to burn our kitchen down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another little tip – take the pan off the heat first before you add flammable liquid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that little incident, Mr D. always makes sure he knows where the fire extinguisher is kept. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever wondered how some steaks get that lovely crust on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another trick I learned from watching all those cooking shows on TV – season the steak well with salt and pepper first (no oil), then cook in a hot non-stick frypan (no oil).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s really all about the meat itself, I’ve discovered after a bit of trial and error. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favourite – a nice bit of lean rump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And accompaniments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good steak just has to be served with crisp fries, I reckon – just like the French do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry on my first grown-up holiday to France a few years ago with Mr D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After fantasising about all the wonderful French food I would eat, I discovered the national dish was steak and chips (or at least in the el cheapo bistros which were generally all we could afford to eat in at the time).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynVtF7-uIgYA6HLcHzZcqwkL3xyYXHmBfiDVVKJi45aiBORwYXYT7_lD3P4s3UkHsSpynSh4apeSCp7RqVqET2PNgtPxAcS9MqbMvEnKS3cympdDetZba6ItSH7-howGj7zf4tTA0fB4/s1600/Steak.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynVtF7-uIgYA6HLcHzZcqwkL3xyYXHmBfiDVVKJi45aiBORwYXYT7_lD3P4s3UkHsSpynSh4apeSCp7RqVqET2PNgtPxAcS9MqbMvEnKS3cympdDetZba6ItSH7-howGj7zf4tTA0fB4/s640/Steak.bmp" width="640" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, do you like to cook a good steak at home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or will you die trying?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-84102219610272484772011-08-26T21:59:00.009+10:002011-11-13T16:37:01.126+11:00Review: Wilbur's at Hackett Shops<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Canberra is a funny town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the best places to eat are tucked away in little suburban shopping centres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s only the locals that have this special knowledge, and they usually don’t let on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it was armed with local knowledge that we headed down to Wilbur's at Hackett shops for a relaxed Saturday family lunch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGY92fn_eLYmmqsh5shn8XGJZCHXFNLqeFfvImnSf6hXkVCEkvuRl9JKvsO3Er3BoQTWV2OF-I9dSRcD1bweLh5ZD7J0TEHzGr5ui_mv6V7xCZQcvdG27i3c5ev_t1vLq_25y1rW9O2A/s1600/Wilburs+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGY92fn_eLYmmqsh5shn8XGJZCHXFNLqeFfvImnSf6hXkVCEkvuRl9JKvsO3Er3BoQTWV2OF-I9dSRcD1bweLh5ZD7J0TEHzGr5ui_mv6V7xCZQcvdG27i3c5ev_t1vLq_25y1rW9O2A/s400/Wilburs+3.bmp" width="297" /></a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Family gatherings are always a rather loud, noisy affair, expecially for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you can imagine the poor staff when in I walked and asked for a table of eight for lunch, right then and there, no booking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The friendly waitress blanched for a millisecond and then said, sure no problem, of course they could fit us in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then mum, little sister, her baby boy, little brother, uncle and auntie, grandmother and Mr D. piled in - pram and all.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wilbur's is a reasonably cosy little place, with bright red leather seats placed around a slow combustion fire place and small tables tucked into corners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice for a lazy coffee and newspaper reading afternoon (and the coffee is good).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the eight of us were seated in a long row, hastily rearranged just for us and the pram.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. and I were hungry - a tasty margherita pizza and garlic pizza bread to share between the two of us sounded like a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thought we would get a couple of small pizzas to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What came out was huge! The two pizzas were large enough to feed a small army (or at least six people).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This turned out to be a good thing, as the pizzas were delicious and I was rather greedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">So much so, that </span>I only thought to photograph the food half-way through devouring it. I won’t tell you how many slices I ate. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The margherita pizza had lots of tasty, fresh tomato topping with melted bocconcini and basil, the crust was crisp on the bottom as it should be - very, very good as far as pizzas go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The garlic pizza was covered in melted mozzarella and parmesan and was pungently garlicy – a definite thumbs up.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxANF0B_xrpDkzm9hS9VAh8j8y0VCa-nZoGT4PwnKL_8rdKuEGlpkacKK9jrU1geOmdNwtHgoMtz-RHNCHWJMkZTIHorfRPD0AW-8iSI9G63c6Q7ynVwqU1bgc5eAYAAWJUoiKfu2uUvI/s1600/Wilburs+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxANF0B_xrpDkzm9hS9VAh8j8y0VCa-nZoGT4PwnKL_8rdKuEGlpkacKK9jrU1geOmdNwtHgoMtz-RHNCHWJMkZTIHorfRPD0AW-8iSI9G63c6Q7ynVwqU1bgc5eAYAAWJUoiKfu2uUvI/s400/Wilburs+2.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilbur's margherita pizza - $17.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsBWp7tFcF4P7Zy5bSqkdqJl_c_Yny5PYb1LNQt6ysEdtjh7Nn2LWJUWRSqwA2OYCsoIU-M8MQ4UrvuN_Ni-E9yNXheBSWbaAIarUp_eN3tnGz0lA7X54qEHk8cvNY1uZIij5gOyqgCY/s1600/Wilburs+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsBWp7tFcF4P7Zy5bSqkdqJl_c_Yny5PYb1LNQt6ysEdtjh7Nn2LWJUWRSqwA2OYCsoIU-M8MQ4UrvuN_Ni-E9yNXheBSWbaAIarUp_eN3tnGz0lA7X54qEHk8cvNY1uZIij5gOyqgCY/s400/Wilburs+1.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilbur's garlic pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sharing food brings my family together – along with lots of joking, poking fun, teasing, fighting and laughing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something that the newest member of our family is discovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My three month old baby nephew is very cute and the centre of attention at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not quite at the grabbing stage yet, but it won’t be long before we have to move all the sugars and cups of coffee and cutlery out of the way when we take him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I c</span>an’t wait!</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No doubt we'll all be coming back to Wilbur's.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wilbur's</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hackett shops</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14 Hackett Place</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hackett ACT</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Open Tues-Sun for breakfast and lunch, Tues-Sat for dinner</span></span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/articles/newhackettcafebringsshopstolife">http://www.outincanberra.com.au/articles/newhackettcafebringsshopstolife</a><br />
<a href="http://wilburscafebar.blogspot.com/">http://wilburscafebar.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>So tell me, are you greedy too when it comes to good pizza? And do you have a large family that loves to get together to eat?</em></span></span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1572922/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Canberra/Wilburs-Cafe-Bar-Hackett"><img alt="Wilbur's Cafe Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1572922/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-41214885514550784022011-08-19T22:34:00.006+10:002011-11-13T16:29:36.122+11:00The Lighter Side of Chocolate Brownies<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate brownies that are less fattening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Do they really exist? </span>Yes, my friends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- it’s true!</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I found this great little <a href="http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/recipes/survival_I/treats2/chocolate_brownies">recipe</a> in the Australian Institute of Sport’s cookbook ‘<a href="http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/recipes/survival_I">Survival for the Fittest</a>’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cookbook was designed to help athletes stick to their strict nutritional requirements through fun and interesting recipes.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like to add in white chocolate bits instead of walnuts, because Mr. D has a nut allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking of trying pepitas next time to give the brownies a lovely crunchy texture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how did I come across this cookbook, you might be thinking, for I am hardly an elite athlete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It all started when I was approaching a birthday marking a certain significant decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a fit of madness and a desire to prove my youth and vitality would last forever, I signed up to a gruelling 8-week novice triathlon training program (including an introduction to the cookbook).</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I never looked back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I soon discovered that I was no top triathlete (no surprises there!), I did build up a huge amount of confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This set me on a path of crazy mountain biking endurance events and other adventures over the next few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so much fun, I even managed to pull in Mr D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he’s an even bigger try-hard mountain biker than me </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get out there, have fun and eat well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let these chocolate brownies show you the way.</span></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nD5aImprdz_tl4y9ruV6fbedGPvaPW8-R7GIXE3jED557zLYCA8TySXmN59jnfI32Dtt7BfEL3Xx-4CQC_Puoblf3G6flskV0GMxcC9Sgy6GrAeQmxdTerhIP4NaVO01s0r9z4DajI8/s1600/Chocolate+Brownies.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nD5aImprdz_tl4y9ruV6fbedGPvaPW8-R7GIXE3jED557zLYCA8TySXmN59jnfI32Dtt7BfEL3Xx-4CQC_Puoblf3G6flskV0GMxcC9Sgy6GrAeQmxdTerhIP4NaVO01s0r9z4DajI8/s400/Chocolate+Brownies.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-45932140468998360792011-08-16T23:43:00.004+10:002011-11-13T16:28:59.943+11:00Review: Brunching at Bills in Sydney<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d always wanted to try Bill Granger’s cafe in Surry Hills, ever since I bought his first fabulous cook book a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a recent weekend trip I finally got my wish!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived after a brisk walk from our hotel downtown, just far enough to get our stomaches really growling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was late on a Saturday morning and people were lining up out the front waiting for tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will we or won’t we, we thought – is it worth the wait?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we were patient and managed to get a table for five of us within about ten minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This proved to Mr D. that good things come to those that queue </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a beautiful, sunny spring day and pleasant to sit outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter was friendly – he liked us, he said, because we were nice, polite customers. The coffee was good and strong.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choices, choices – what to order?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four out of five of us were going to run the City to Surf the next day, so a fair amount of carbo loading was in order.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GAhWVJJpZigUYE-LzkzeAuO0nH7dJqUjGxs52YYHX1eNGRhOHUy-nyoGxFzOPv_DaGCVDcEaRjC1LB3cPbfz4hPOwQZNGoGo3zPnV4MuBQ7TlutIjFSRQ33T3GmaOG8juKfplmiT8es/s1600/Bills+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GAhWVJJpZigUYE-LzkzeAuO0nH7dJqUjGxs52YYHX1eNGRhOHUy-nyoGxFzOPv_DaGCVDcEaRjC1LB3cPbfz4hPOwQZNGoGo3zPnV4MuBQ7TlutIjFSRQ33T3GmaOG8juKfplmiT8es/s400/Bills+1.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. and I couldn’t go past Bill Granger's famous ricotta hotcakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were light and fluffy and soaked up all the luscious maple syrup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can t</span>ry making them at home with his <a href="http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/44/ricotta-hot-cakes-with-honeycomb-butter">recipe</a>.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe2UIddqhPikZaNcqz2v-Mnm0bpilwYb4jZU7kMr2KYxALE4SAn4NyUm85dRM9DUtrTavHcnQh2j478sR3-t8ZM1ILTiGyVfKGqebyK5lrj03R18PLy_YLR3CF86leqj5iIQteFAjmqs/s1600/Bills+5.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe2UIddqhPikZaNcqz2v-Mnm0bpilwYb4jZU7kMr2KYxALE4SAn4NyUm85dRM9DUtrTavHcnQh2j478sR3-t8ZM1ILTiGyVfKGqebyK5lrj03R18PLy_YLR3CF86leqj5iIQteFAjmqs/s400/Bills+5.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricotta hotcakes with fresh banana and honeycomb butter - $17.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our good friend Ms Y., a staunch vegetarian, chose the delicious corn fritters, opting for smooth avocado over crispy bacon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However</span>, she was unfortunately charged extra for the privilege.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraWpeJN-Dt9-gKrmbqwveXmV83LQjRDiV_cyNzRzywn9KUWYapHv2nkOCh6jmhpemDfWmgOG7p5oOkQ_SLHbgH9vyHteqvvl_VbS_EClL0V7rejjL9-4D03XcCQlZ5LXZxzwuCPrQSkE/s1600/Bills+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraWpeJN-Dt9-gKrmbqwveXmV83LQjRDiV_cyNzRzywn9KUWYapHv2nkOCh6jmhpemDfWmgOG7p5oOkQ_SLHbgH9vyHteqvvl_VbS_EClL0V7rejjL9-4D03XcCQlZ5LXZxzwuCPrQSkE/s400/Bills+2.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet corn fritters with roast tomato, spinach and avocado (instead of bacon) - $18.50 (+ $4.50)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lovely Ms E. chose soft boiled eggs with toast soldiers for dunking, a dish which always brings back happy childhood memories for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yolks were lovely and runny.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2TKgrRCxkUkqmZoPEUzLOLHNWUuYOJ-yENZFGlSlvF2NlVI39CQDTlrVj-ZN-dyubsPDEspaYyi_E2aKaG2Wht1DgC5FsrIjpqVPDljI3rTL94FG3kuGJtvkbn_BUQpKyIGes9VjTaY/s1600/Bills+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2TKgrRCxkUkqmZoPEUzLOLHNWUuYOJ-yENZFGlSlvF2NlVI39CQDTlrVj-ZN-dyubsPDEspaYyi_E2aKaG2Wht1DgC5FsrIjpqVPDljI3rTL94FG3kuGJtvkbn_BUQpKyIGes9VjTaY/s400/Bills+3.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two soft-boild eggs with buttered sourdough soldiers - $11.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While Mr J. decided to go all out with the big breakfast option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A mighty feast!</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBwoH90_4y9nkPo9LqWqDqu1J0U8nvYcx4qTGu4gyjvveAcMD_1AwUFidvSix-Q-3QLd_m-v4DHrUXStn8fPQzvjUEcNHgI6_9r7jH-IW_nRRlo8WE22DWW49x5hugTVBBc23gTfGtkc/s1600/Bills+4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBwoH90_4y9nkPo9LqWqDqu1J0U8nvYcx4qTGu4gyjvveAcMD_1AwUFidvSix-Q-3QLd_m-v4DHrUXStn8fPQzvjUEcNHgI6_9r7jH-IW_nRRlo8WE22DWW49x5hugTVBBc23gTfGtkc/s400/Bills+4.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Aussie breakfast - $24.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good food, good company, lots of laughs - life doesn't get better than that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bills</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">359 Crown St</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surry Hills, NSW</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><a href="http://www.bills.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.bills.com.au</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open 7 days</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell me, where do you like to brunch with friends? </span></i></div><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750276/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Bills-Surry-Hills"><img alt="Bills on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750276/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-40384507277045129342011-08-09T23:05:00.003+10:002011-11-13T16:28:05.512+11:00Secret Wine Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a secret society in Canberra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its members gather every Mid Winter to appease the gods with offerings of fine wine and gourmet food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Led by the ‘High Winer’ (like the Grand Poobah), members must prove their worth by creating amazing culinary dishes to share and pontificate about the merits of the various bottles of ‘nectar of the gods’ they consume.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ‘Winers ‘ group of Canberra friends has been meeting for almost twenty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every few months we get together for blind wine tastings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and then we find some beauties, and every now and then some absolute shockers come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never get consensus about most favourite and least favourite, and no one ever guesses them totally right, but we have good fun trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The High Winer does a fabulous job of keeping our unruly mob under control as the tasting evenings progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Mid Winter feast is the Winers’ annual highlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always a great amount of unspoken friendly rivalry to see who can whip up the standout dish of the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year ended up being a bit of a French provincial theme, and the competition was fierce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The evening started with hors d'oeuvres of asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto, dates stuffed with fetta and dried apricots topped with soft blue cheese.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The real standout dish of the evening was the entré of tomato and capsicum soup, topped with a basil leaf, and served with sourdough bread. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fresh, clean flavours were lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly impressive given our friends who made it are currently going through a major kitchen renovation and cooked the dish in their bedroom using an electric wok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch out for the recipe in future posts.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGV541TDsBKm67h1N4fByssuiRkZvIzCTgCfYsnOmebNZt_z84quImskl8UQhtYPunGvoeGQzqd4h7kH3fp8BM1b4oneHObkm-zftEBEvpBErmIFWhA9_2MOdZoA-2HMAqhGHiBZkyX8/s1600/Wine+wankers+combined+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGV541TDsBKm67h1N4fByssuiRkZvIzCTgCfYsnOmebNZt_z84quImskl8UQhtYPunGvoeGQzqd4h7kH3fp8BM1b4oneHObkm-zftEBEvpBErmIFWhA9_2MOdZoA-2HMAqhGHiBZkyX8/s400/Wine+wankers+combined+photo+1.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had two dishes for main course - a hearty beef braised in Guinness, and coq au vin (chicken in red wine) made by Mr D. and yours truly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooking a new recipe for other people is always a little nerve-wracking, so we were rather relieved that the chicken turned out to be melt-in-the-mouth tender and the sauce rich with wine, rosemary and thyme flavours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The polenta was a beautiful accompaniment, smooth and creamy with parmesan and a touch of butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the recipes below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dessert was a classic cherry clafoutis (cherry custard tart), which complemented the rich mains wonderfully with its eggy lightness and lovely fruity sweetness (again, watch out for the recipe in future posts).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a grand finale, the chocolates with coffee were amazing works of art in their own right – little Christmas trees of white chocolate filled with the smoothest, most delicious strawberry mousse (the little gems can be bought from the chocolate counter at David Jones).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AQIwGbA41x6t0Q1WVS3RDc7Z9f7ZQCXYfYYLdW7TKDzWnl7CLz2E-EkWzVN-Yu7tLbhYP64g7kHKfLOD4iFmXgU2cakBdjOxzQRJ14LNVUbzqjy3M1CQyUnJj-a8-mNE_GoxxCnYTNs/s400/Wine+wankers+combined+photo+3.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And what of the wine, you may ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some fabulous bottles produced – an Orlando St Hugo’s Cab Sav 1996 from the Coonawarra ($65/bottle); a Hardy’s Eileen Hardy Shiraz 1996 from McLaren Vale (hard to find now; $100+); and a Finniss River Sparkling Shiraz 2008 from South Australia (another one that’s hard to find now).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last was my absolute favourite, with the bubbles bringing out a wonderful full body with blackberry overtones – fabulous with the dessert!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNbLcjMsI23sd3kqg8az1lewjv2cYHyf9v341uOUq3gcGst6aPJ6EGzyBgSCD1FtZ__7cmF6k7qbFzNewUcPVNnR_8gdZBMSQj6X_0EpSLOhDUJd8RqQ9li855Q6pAn561nZuZ2TXulI/s1600/Wine+wankers+combined+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNbLcjMsI23sd3kqg8az1lewjv2cYHyf9v341uOUq3gcGst6aPJ6EGzyBgSCD1FtZ__7cmF6k7qbFzNewUcPVNnR_8gdZBMSQj6X_0EpSLOhDUJd8RqQ9li855Q6pAn561nZuZ2TXulI/s400/Wine+wankers+combined+photo+2.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coq Au Vin </span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(chicken in red wine)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr D. and I always cook our dish for the Mid Winter feast together (which is great, but it means that I have to let go – a bit hard for a total kitchen control freak like me!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found this great Womens Weekly recipe for coq au vin (</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=783166">see the recipe</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We doubled everything up so we could feed a large group of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing the recipe doesn’t tell you is to tie all the herbs together with kitchen string first so you can fish them out later – we ended up having a very twiggy dish </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Creamy polenta</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The creamy polenta accompaniment was perfect for the chicken and all that rich sauce (</span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/9506/creamy+polenta"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">see the recipe</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used chicken stock instead of water to give a slightly more intense flavour, and didn’t bother with the cream – the parmesan and butter were more than enough to make the dish nice and creamy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAZH1fpTvi8lor2nZlBY-cgncKBM3bUikSAnwQ3upgr7IAH9xfbaZZ6_0DniW2fCr2w9Rio3Uddhi_Cc6I0FqMoc5BqX-4zPAU4eAslSP8lJ09si8hFM3fS4j_j1Eqt0Y45Zr-NiWAmY/s1600/coq+au+vin.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAZH1fpTvi8lor2nZlBY-cgncKBM3bUikSAnwQ3upgr7IAH9xfbaZZ6_0DniW2fCr2w9Rio3Uddhi_Cc6I0FqMoc5BqX-4zPAU4eAslSP8lJ09si8hFM3fS4j_j1Eqt0Y45Zr-NiWAmY/s400/coq+au+vin.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, what do you love to cook for your friends?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-20870576331126673232011-08-04T20:40:00.001+10:002011-11-13T16:27:11.238+11:00Review: Steak Dinners at the ‘Kingo’<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you fancy a succulent steak dinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the ‘Kingo’ (as Canberrans fondly call the old Kingston Hotel) could be the place for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr D. and I recently attended a good friend’s birthday bash there and had a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first time I had visited the old dear (the hotel that is) in many years, and I was pleasantly surprised.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a uni student in Canberra many moons ago, the Kingo was one of those places you went when you wanted cheap beer, cheap grub and a game of pool. The Kingo still delivers these, but the decor is so much nicer than I remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 1920’s heritage-listed building is looking pretty good these days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Kingo is renowned for its cook-your-own steak bistro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me a snob, but isn’t the whole point of going out for dinner so you don’t have to cook your own food?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was relieved to find there was quite a decent steakhouse in the room next door with no self-cooking required, which is where we were headed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In fact, the steak was beautifully cooked. When it arrived, the steak was medium-rare to order, tender and juicy, and full of the beautiful charred flavour you can only get by cooking on a proper chargrill – delicious! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Served with crispy fries and fresh salad, the decent-sized angus scotch fillet proved good value at $29 per serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I particularly liked the fact that our chosen sauce was served on the side, as there’s nothing worse than soggy chips (and everything else on the plate) drowned in the stuff! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dessert menu was basic pub food, but done well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both ordered the individual pavlovas with passionfruit syrup (Mr D. didn’t want to share!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a conspicuous absence of fresh fruit unfortunately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the pav itself was lovely and fluffy in the middle, with a very light, crisp crust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the couple across from us devour a sticky date pudding, which looked pretty scrumptious as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good value again at $7 a serve.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for a bit of trivia!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Kingo is rumoured to have been home to some Cold War espionage activity in the 1950s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ASIO agents supposedly based themselves at the hotel so they could monitor KGB spies visiting the Soviet embassy across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For you political history buffs, the Kingo is infamous as the place where the ’36 Faceless Men’ of the Labour Party met in 1963 to develop their party manifesto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the unknown officials who ran the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Menzies used knowledge of this meeting to his advantage to create a perception of secrecy and lack of accountability around the then Labour Opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held onto power in a thriller of a Federal Election later that year, winning by the narrowest of margins. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Kingston Hotel</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">73 Canberra Avenue </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Griffith<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open 7 days for lunch and dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.outincanberra.com.au/kingstonhotel"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.outincanberra.com.au/kingstonhotel</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s your favourite steakhouse?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-43967573158834047292011-07-31T21:07:00.001+10:002011-11-13T16:26:37.382+11:00Going bananas! Winter baking at its best<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The beautiful scent permeates the whole house, carrying a delicious promise as it travels from room to room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the smell of banana bread baking on a cold winter’s afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of Mr D.’s frequent requests and very easy to make.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favourite banana bread recipe is based on Sophie Dahl’s recipe in her delectable book “Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights” (<a href="http://teacupscupcakes.blogspot.com/2009/10/late-night-baking.html">see a version of the recipe</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brown sugar results in a luscious dark, caramel overtone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I substitute canola oil for the butter in the recipe, with excellent results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another little secret I have discovered is to turn the fan off in my fan-forced oven, to avoid the top of the cake from burning (as it’s in the oven for about an hour).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My final tip is to use over- ripe bananas that have been frozen then thawed; the freezing and thawing process results in much easier mashing and a smooth texture to the resulting banana pulp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blackened over-ripe bananas can simply just be placed into the freezer whole (in my case, for months at a time in an ever-increasing pile) and then defrosted in the fridge overnight or in the microwave for a few minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eaten at my desk at work, a slice of banana bread with a coffee is often my saviour on those rushed mid-week mornings when there’s no time for breakfast at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it satisfying but not too heavy, and it keeps me going for hours.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLsOngIxlqZyfiTI570E_7DQ19YeejU6U7nc3bV1Vs74b-sArkIdnE58devWlZJDSE0_DG42sIK091UiaVctrDADeVTLCzKPlSJEuU5vvS_9L3Ad7iSwdUzkX1aokaLYYJOLohdMlplI/s1600/Banana+bread.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLsOngIxlqZyfiTI570E_7DQ19YeejU6U7nc3bV1Vs74b-sArkIdnE58devWlZJDSE0_DG42sIK091UiaVctrDADeVTLCzKPlSJEuU5vvS_9L3Ad7iSwdUzkX1aokaLYYJOLohdMlplI/s400/Banana+bread.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s your favourite banana bread recipe?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-59988089074111986562011-07-21T22:35:00.013+10:002011-11-13T16:25:54.947+11:00A Weekend in July - Canberra's Farmers Market<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">What's better than a sleep-in on a cold winter Saturday morning in July? A trip to the Farmers Market, of course. OK, who am I kidding! But how can I refuse an early morning wake-up call from my Mum? She goes religiously every week and loves to have company So I roll out of bed, dress up warm and head out in the freezing grey light of day. I'm off to satisfy my primeval hunter-gatherer urge and keep my Mum happy.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of hours later and I've bagged myself some fresh beetroot and walnuts, as well as load of firm, furry kiwifruit. Meanwhile, Mum chats to all her favourite stallholders, who now know her on first name basis. She's turned just a little bit country since moving just out of Canberra a few years ago, so she's right into this scene.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The Canberra Farmers Market website has some useful information about the stallholders and products on offer (see <a href="http://www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/">http://www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/</a>). Not all the stallholders are there all the time, so it's the luck of the draw, especially in winter when things are quieter. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4wxTiPAiwnZBhmAE73wvqvfw2CKoMdrqU_HWY8wGHeMPEXMmjgie4v7XLNpRM_gP37wM-BHuvZ0bY2lJO6VC6uOHvD0fDfiyx9ajOpBHiuArxedwWSWaYMBYM5phWQ5hPxfT0u9jmaE/s1600/Farmers+market+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4wxTiPAiwnZBhmAE73wvqvfw2CKoMdrqU_HWY8wGHeMPEXMmjgie4v7XLNpRM_gP37wM-BHuvZ0bY2lJO6VC6uOHvD0fDfiyx9ajOpBHiuArxedwWSWaYMBYM5phWQ5hPxfT0u9jmaE/s400/Farmers+market+3.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfLb4ZhsMoxeMEdQGiXCXgbyN2Awuj0fnVO5AUk_yd0BQc1HSX5TIkcZ5Cu_celtu0WKrtOOWpOyl8JqXfMFYLWJ3zjhxQJvr6gdGoe1zCsxxebV-JIrkLvkI4xY1bnnjgEh058wrtWQ/s1600/Farmers+market+6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfLb4ZhsMoxeMEdQGiXCXgbyN2Awuj0fnVO5AUk_yd0BQc1HSX5TIkcZ5Cu_celtu0WKrtOOWpOyl8JqXfMFYLWJ3zjhxQJvr6gdGoe1zCsxxebV-JIrkLvkI4xY1bnnjgEh058wrtWQ/s400/Farmers+market+6.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So what do I make with all my goodies? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">A <strong><u>beetroot, walnut and feta tart</u></strong> for starters. Perfect for a light and tasty meal. The combination of sweet beetroot, crunchy walnuts and salty feta is classic.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Some people get a bit squeamish about handling fresh beetroot because of the way the juice stains everything a brilliant bright pink. Don't let it put you off - I don't think it's that bad and the taste is worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Ingredients:</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">fresh beetroot - 1 bunch, around 500g</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">olive oil - 1 tablespoon</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">puff pastry - 1 sheet (store-bought)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">cream cheese or ricotta cheese - 100g</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">fresh walnuts - 1/2 cup, chopped roughly</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">feta cheese - 200g, cubed</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">rocket - 1 cup</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">red wine vinegar - 1/2 tablespoon</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Method:</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Wash the beetroot and place in baking dish. Drizzle with half the olive oil and place in the oven for 30 minutes or until tender (turning after 15 minutes). Allow the beetroot to cool enough to handle, then peel and cut into cubes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Cut the puff pastry sheet in half so that you have two even rectangles. Using a sharp knife, score a 1cm border around the edge of each piece, taking care not to cut all the way through.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Spread the cheese within the border of each piece of pastry. Scatter the beetroot, fetta and walnuts on top of the cheese. Then sprinkle the tarts with a little cracked black pepper.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Place the tarts on a non-stick baking tray and bake for 12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Dress the rocket with the red wine vinegar and remaining olive oil and scatter over the cooked tarts to serve.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Serves 2 as a light meal.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovGjBQP1evu1RvKCf4JEpFkCcifhjRioAIfeKJaWePL5vk7FE_oCmu2m6UkL_ErKzjKycnaOsh5LZI-PDpeVD3JiIYSql1RarD1H5pLUrU3vjh9kIjeHKGackTSm8TJbqythP-i2ag4s/s1600/Farmers+market+7.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovGjBQP1evu1RvKCf4JEpFkCcifhjRioAIfeKJaWePL5vk7FE_oCmu2m6UkL_ErKzjKycnaOsh5LZI-PDpeVD3JiIYSql1RarD1H5pLUrU3vjh9kIjeHKGackTSm8TJbqythP-i2ag4s/s400/Farmers+market+7.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Followed by some sweet <strong><u>kiwifruit jam</u></strong>. Sounds a little unusual, I know, but tastes quite good - think toffee-apple with slight tang. Try it with some hot buttered crumpets, or freshly baked scones and cream.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Ingredients:</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">kiwifruit - 1 kg</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">jam setting sugar - 1 kg (available from supermarkets)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Method:</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Wash two medium (400g) glass jars and their lids with warm soapy water. Dry the jars the in the oven at 120 degrees C for 15 minutes to sterilise them.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Cut each kiwi fruit and half and scoop out the flesh with a teaspoon. Place fruit and sugar in a large heavy-based saucepan and put on low heat until the sugar fully dissolves. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Bring fruit mixture to the boil, stirring every now and then. Skim off any foam that forms using a large metal spoon. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- After around 10 minutes, test to see if the jam is set by spooning a dollop on a cold saucer. Run your finger through the middle - if the jam stays on each side of the line your finger makes, it's ready.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Spoon the hot jam carefully into the jars, seal them and turn upside down so the heat sterilises the lids.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- When cool, store the jars in the fridge.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjfh0h0M819zkvHu82RLtLJ8qxFzAg5e4ab4fqLUyKR6MifSd_SD3JY-dAcUZ_S4onp7aYvGEKOyxpDL7qBI-m0TAJ7H7ByyunicyKSrKyImOabsKXjpB5fzyO6KqTlHkX_v8XMzhi_E/s1600/Farmers+market+9.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjfh0h0M819zkvHu82RLtLJ8qxFzAg5e4ab4fqLUyKR6MifSd_SD3JY-dAcUZ_S4onp7aYvGEKOyxpDL7qBI-m0TAJ7H7ByyunicyKSrKyImOabsKXjpB5fzyO6KqTlHkX_v8XMzhi_E/s400/Farmers+market+9.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><em>What's your favourite market experience?</em>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-92102714384296223052011-07-04T22:16:00.004+10:002011-11-13T16:41:24.755+11:00Fabulous Foodie Online Shopping SitesI have to admit to being just a little bit addicted to online shopping. It's fun, fast and cheap. What's not to love! Here are five of the best sites for you fabulous foodies. Enjoy!<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/">1. The Book Depository</a></strong><br />
Great for browsing through luscious cookbooks to add to your collection. Bargain prices, free shipping and reasonably quick delivery.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gourmetshopper.com.au/"><strong>2. Gourmet Shopper</strong></a><br />
For those sometimes hard to find gourmet food supplies.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.everten.com.au/">3. Everten Online</a></strong><br />
If you have a secret kitchenware fetish, this is for you.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.finefoodwholesalers.com.au/">4. Fine Food Wholesalers</a></strong><br />
For a fascinating foray into the secret society of gourmet food producers across Australia.<br />
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<a href="http://au.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx"><strong>5. StrawberryNet</strong></a><br />
OK, I couldn't resist including this one. Perfect for pampering yourself!<br />
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<em>What's your favourite online shopping site?</em>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-69114693298795537832011-07-01T21:43:00.004+10:002011-07-01T22:42:02.645+10:00My Love/Hate Relationship with MasterChef<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ve reached the halfway point for MasterChef Australia Series 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone getting bored yet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love it or hate it, there is no escaping it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Five things I love about MasterChef Australia:</span></div><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing some of the world’s top chefs in action - no, I don't mean the contestants!</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MasterChef master classes – ‘don’t try this at home, kids!’</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gary’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies in the kitchen – a man after my own heart!</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The website - </span><a href="http://www.masterchef.com.au/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.masterchef.com.au</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> – great for recipes and catching up on those missed episodes, so you know what everyone's talking about at work</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knowing I can cook better than that - OK, mostly</span></div></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Five things I hate about MasterChef Australia:</span></div><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The contestants – especially the sulky ones who cry all the time and can’t cook! (which is pretty much all of them)</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The way Matt gluttonously licks his fingers clean after a judging session – looks like we've finally found a use for that crevat!</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Total greaseballs running a river of sweat from their greasy head straight into their food – yuck!</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">George’s kooky commentary – George, get a decent writer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">please</i>!</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stupid pretentious food – George, what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> you thinking with that corn custard!? </span></div></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the Age’s hilarious weekly column - it sends up the MasterChef series mercilessly! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/execute_search.html?text=Masterchef&ss=theage.com.au">read the article</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you love/hate about MasterChef?</span></i></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-28839139177580103112011-06-27T22:08:00.005+10:002011-11-13T16:24:55.709+11:00Quick and Dirty – Pasta Carbonara to the Rescue!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m driving home from my uni class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost 8pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the heck am I going to cook for dinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I walk in the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My partner Mr D is laid out on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi Sweetie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How was your day?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m glad you’re home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s for dinner?</i>). For all you indignant readers, Mr D has cooked the last two nights in a row and we have an understanding that it’s my turn to cook. Damn, I knew I should have negotiated smarter!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have no idea what’s in the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I open it with trepidation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s this? A packet of prosciutto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m saved!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest is easy – parmesan cheese, eggs, frozen peas, garlic, spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I take my booty and lay it out on the bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right, let’s go! I put a large pan of water on the boil, chop the garlic, tear the prosciutto into little bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pinch of salt into the boiling water, then in goes the spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I heat a large frypan and cook the garlic and prosciutto for a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the peas go in for two minutes, until they are frost-free and warmed right through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it’s off the heat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It doesn’t take long to grate the parmesan cheese and put it in a cup with the eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I mix it all together, the pasta is cooked (about 10 minutes all up).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next is the fast and furious bit, and it’s important to be quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drain the water from the pasta and return it to the pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tip the prosciutto mixture onto the pasta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I speedily stir the egg and cheese mixture through the pasta to make sure the egg doesn’t set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick grind of black pepper and it’s all done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Into two deep bowls, and voila!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner is served – in about 20 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s the quick bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dirty bit is all the dishes (sigh!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried spaghetti pasta – 200g (about one large handful)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Garlic – 3 cloves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prosciutto – 100g vacuum sealed packet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frozen peas – 1 cup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parmesan cheese – ½ cup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eggs – 2 large ones</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ground black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serves 2 hungry people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What's your favourite quick meal?</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaasZI_t0LehHAgF0YaqWTsbH4LWF11dIc7dX9QUYWbDQ4ZfIkE0LFR4JqDBlkLWWBvbDtkcZecVRoYGyAIDH_9HrnfSQIuDWOJAVhE4bXVy8H50ZenHr4oAfL374fhT9qoYIN53UCic/s1600/Pasta+carbonara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaasZI_t0LehHAgF0YaqWTsbH4LWF11dIc7dX9QUYWbDQ4ZfIkE0LFR4JqDBlkLWWBvbDtkcZecVRoYGyAIDH_9HrnfSQIuDWOJAVhE4bXVy8H50ZenHr4oAfL374fhT9qoYIN53UCic/s400/Pasta+carbonara.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2479192741988884494.post-5309446715071266732011-06-25T21:59:00.007+10:002011-11-13T16:24:19.580+11:00My Friend the Chocolate CakeAlmost everyone has a favourite chocolate cake recipe. Mine is beautiful simplicity. I found this recipe many years ago in Good Taste magazine (<a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/12451/quick+mix+chocolate+cake">see the recipe</a>). This recipe is special to me. It was one of the first cakes I managed to master. When I bake it, I remember when I first discovered my love of cooking. <br />
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Cocoa is the flavour base instead of dark chocolate, delivering that deliciously melt-in-the mouth chocolately taste without the sickly richness. Over the years, I've played around with the recipe and made it my own, which represents what cooking is all about to me. For example, canola oil works fabulously instead of butter, while a splash of Cointreau in the chocolate icing makes for a lush adult version.<br />
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<em>What's your favourite chocolate cake recipe?</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKlXCbUE_crUQq52reTF8eoGWT1II9uBTgBvvFMilQ7wXNve4fIdQHLWvIRJ9Bp9SVb7ogm9cPz9MMgblGbd92OX4zrSc0EqXtvH4sf9lYep6p2yjCgvnqVkqmYREpZYeEWxuNMyTRnk/s1600/chocolate+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKlXCbUE_crUQq52reTF8eoGWT1II9uBTgBvvFMilQ7wXNve4fIdQHLWvIRJ9Bp9SVb7ogm9cPz9MMgblGbd92OX4zrSc0EqXtvH4sf9lYep6p2yjCgvnqVkqmYREpZYeEWxuNMyTRnk/s400/chocolate+cake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Girl About Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025907817014542580noreply@blogger.com0