August 2009

Monthly Archives
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Bizzy Birds Cafe, Rylstone

An escape to the country for a weekend is the perfect way to shake the hustle and bustle of the city out of my head. This is a luxury that happens too infrequently for my liking. There is something about the green rolling hills, perfect blue sky, grazing cattle and the crisp, clean air. I start to feel that a huge weight has been removed from my shoulders and I truly relax. This weekend escape saw me heading straight for the picturesque beauty of the famous Mudgee wine district of New South Wales, Australia. There is so much to see and … Continue Reading

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Steamed treacle pudding

One of the fondest memories of my childhood would have to be tucking into a heavenly warm slice of steamed pudding. Again, it is one of those comforting desserts to enjoy during winter. One should not worry about the calories of such eating, but merely enjoy the taste sensation. Live life for the moment. Having this recall, I realised that my ‘lil’uns’ had yet to experience the delights of one. Pouring over the contents of my Recipe folder, I found an easy to make recipe and decided to see if they liked steamed pudding as much as I had in my youth. … Continue Reading

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“The Saucier’s Apprentice” by Bob Spitz

As many of you have become aware, I love to read. I have a pile of books on my bedside table and I read each night before I go to sleep. I tend to go through phases on which genre I might read at any given time. At the moment, I am going through the ‘Culinary Adventure’ genre. This genre is a bit like a novel in that it tells a story. It usually encompasses someone’s journey (maybe a chef or food critic) into the culinary world, notes are taken and then the whole experience put down into book form. They … Continue Reading

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Winter

I love Winter. In fact, I love everything about Winter. I love the way the icy air licks at my skin as I bound from bed in a race to get dressed. I love gathering en-masse in front of the screen with a robust glass of red to cheer the Wallabies home.  I love the fashion of stylish winter coats, woollen pants and scarves. I love the closeness of huddling with the ‘liluns’ in front of the fire sipping rich hot chocolate, pink marshmallows bobbing in the froth. I even think I love those very early Saturday mornings cheering my baby ‘lilun’ on from the sideline of her netball game, … Continue Reading

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Pretty little herb known as Mache

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The other morning I ventured in to my trusty fruit and vegetable man, George, and happened upon the prettiest little plant. Post investigation, I am duly informed that this perfect little specimen is called Mache or Valerianella locusta. It is a culinary herb otherwise known as ‘Lamb’s lettuce’. It’s delicate, petite leaves are sweet and tender with a mild nutty flavour. Mache has varied uses. It can be eaten raw as a salad vegetable, lightly blanched, used as a flavouring for stews or casseroles and finally as a decorative touch to a dish. It remains a popular herb in Europe where it is … Continue Reading

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Masterclass with Valli Little at the Hyatt

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Tuesday 28th July, 2009 The sun flickered through the window of the ferry, warming my face, as we waited to dock at Circular Quay. It was a perfect day for a harbour crossing from Mosman Wharf. The walk from the Quay to the Hyatt Hotel was equally pleasant. I would have liked to have strolled at a leisurely pace like the tourists meandering their way around The Rocks, taking in the sights. Or alternatively, bask in the sun on a seat with a lover. However, today I would not risk being late. Today is “Masterclass Day” with Valli Little. This is a day I have been looking forward … Continue Reading

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Sydney Writer’s Centre