Life has been CRAZY!

Starting a new job and learning a whole bunch of new things definitely adds to it. A week before starting my new job the universe must have decided it was time to dish out all the bad karma that had been coming my way. It lasted for about a month… but I’m finally feeling like the good karma is coming back, and I’m feeling a bit more balanced. To give you an example…. my poor car met the side of my house one morning. I don’t know how, why or what.. but anyway… it’s all good now.. and I have an excellent panel beater if you need a recommendation! 

Some of my favourite blogging gals; Daisy, Lianne, Ling, Julie and Liz; gathered at Daisy’s house for a Sweet High Tea. I was having one of my rough weeks and had NO idea what to make. Every time I tried to look for something to make, I just didn’t find anything I wanted to commit to. Usually I’d find something challenging and amazing, but this time, I wanted to just find one, easy thing I could whip together after a sleep in. When I flicked to this recipe, the name had me sold. The method; easy as, and the wow factor… right up there!

Even though it might not be the season for strawberries, there aren’t any shortage of them around. It’s definitely a cake I’ll be making again. I can imagine it looking amazing on a picnic spread when the warmer weather comes back

 I also brought along leftover slices of my crowd favourite Guinness Gingerbread. Still a winner, why haven’t you tried making it yet?!!

Instagram. Bringing people together since…. it launched.

Roxanne the manager at Barmah Park has read my blog for some time, even won a giveaway I ran some time ago, and shared some banter with me over social media. When she said we should come down and try the restaurant she and her parnter were working at, it was perfect timing, as Haz, Az, Taz and myself were due for another op shop crawl down on the Mornington Peninsula and would OF COURSE need somewhere to eat.

To be honest, it’s not a place I would have thought to stop at for lunch. Off the main highway, it has  gorgeous views of the vineyard from the dining room.

Apologies now for average photos.. I was suffering from man flu at the time. 

We started with a wine tasting, then got down to business with the food.

Barmah Park Mezze Plate for Two: salmon scone, gypsy ham, crispy sea salt, calamari, chorizo sausage, baked tart, mediterranean vegetable salad, a dip, handmade grissini & toasts

The dip was our favourite thing, but the calamari had a real sweetness to it that we unfortunately weren’t too fond of. I could have just stopped at this plate, it was a lot of food even for the 4 of us!

Local mussels steamed open in a tomato, coriander, chilli & lemon broth served w/crusty bread

Crispy sea salt calamari w/ caramelised orange soy dressing

Slow roasted pork belly served with seared scallops, a watercress, walnut & apple salad & drizzled w/ a sticky caramel and star anise sauce

Baked pumpkin and feta gnocchi

Wedges with sour cream & sweet chilli

Wedges and pork were good, crispy, crunchy and comforting. The gnocchi was by far the crowd favourite among us. It was everything you would possibly ever want in a dish. I would not share this if I ordered it for myself! 

Taz really wanted dessert, and whilst we were bursting at the seams, I’m glad we did as they were sensational! The sticky date was light and fluffy, not heavy and stodgy. And the strudel, not only pretty but one tasty little parcel!

Sticky date pudding

Apple and berry strudel

Barmah Park has a lovely setting for lunch. Perfect for those cold wintery days where you want to stay warm inside, but still want to feel like you are enjoying the outdoors. With an almost panoramic view of the vineyard, settle down with a big bowl of gnocchi, a glass of their wine and watch the day go by

Thanks Roxanne and Barmah Park for hosting us for lunch. 

See what my partners in crime thought:

• The Chronicles of Ms I-Hua and The Boy 
• Off The Spork 
• I Eat Therefore I Am

I’ve harped on about not being a coffee person HEAPS of times before. Only having a coffee perhaps… 3 times a year? 

Hmmmmm…. yeah… I think I’ve been reborn… since High Coffee, I enjoy coffee now. And not some watered down latte with 3 sugars… oh no… the stronger the better, and don’t even attempt to offer me sugar. I refuse to get addicted to it though, which is probably what put me off coffee to begin with. I didn’t want to be one of those people who can’t function without their morning coffee. 

I was invited to attend the Lavazza A Modo Mio class at the recent MICE (Melbourne International Coffee Expo). Since I was a coffee n00b, I was a bit snobbish when it came to capsule/pod machines. I used to make the coffees at my first job at a bakery (that was about 10 years ago now!). I also make the coffees at my Grandma’s house, with coffee beans, and the traditional manual milk frother. The concept of capsules didn’t seem like the purist approach to making coffee which I didn’t like. Well, did this class change my mind.

• The pods are foil sealed ground coffee; this means they stay fresh. If you were to open a foil sealed bag, or freshly grind your beans, you need to use the whole amount ASAP for optimum freshness, where as you can keep capsules around for a while as they are individually sealed.
• The machines we played with replicate the pressue of the big, professional machines
• ‘Modo Mio’ translates to ‘My Way’ – this means you can program the machine to suit the way YOU like YOUR coffee. Instead of using the pre-programed buttons, you can program the machine to produce the amount of coffee you like.
• Lavazza capsules contain 7.5g of coffee per capsule, where as other brands *cough* Nespresso *cough* *cough* only 5-6 grams per pod.
• You can also get hot chocolate sachets to use with the milk frother 

There are 8 different varieties available, so there will be no doubt you’ll be able to find one to suit your tastebuds; including a decaf one for those interested. I’m still working my way through them all, so I can’t really tell you which one my favourite is, but I’m liking Divinamente and Magicamente.

I was also lucky enough to be given a machine (thanks Lavazza <3 ) I’ve been trying my hand at latte art. I’ve been failing big time, but I am determined to get there! …. just not in one day, as I don’t want to drink 30425434 coffees!

The model I have is the Lavazza A Modo Mio Premium Milk which has a handy automatic milk frother on the side. With the touch of a button I have perfectly warmed and frothed milk. It can also cold froth milk if I fancied and ice coffee or ice chocolate instead. This model retails for $299.99. They also have a less expensive model on the market Lavazza A Modo Mio Premium for $249.99.

Of course I couldn’t help but make a coffee dessert with my new gadget. This one is one easy mousse to make, with tasty results!

You’ve probably heard the name Bickford’s before. In fact, you’ve probably even bought it before and didn’t really notice.

I used to buy the lime cordial all the time when I was in an extreme Lemon, Lime & Bitters phase. I’ve since moved on from LL&B, and started dabbling my hand in cocktails. Some cocktails need juice, and turns out, I was actually buying Bickford’s Premium Juices when I went down the supermarket aisle without even realising. What I didn’t realise is how many different kinds of juices they made:

• Coconut Juice
• Pomegranate Juice
• Cranberry Juice
• Blueberry Juice
• Super Berry Antioxidant Juice
• Prune Juice

Not only are they good to drink on their own, but they are great as a mixer at parties, or use them as a base and turn them into fabulous mocktails and cocktails that will dazzle your friends.

Bickford’s was the first to launch a pomegranate juice in Australia back in 2006. It is 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugar, preservatives, colours or flavours. It is naturally high in antioxidants and vitamin C; so grab a bottle of this instead of orange juice the next time you are down with a cold. The cranberry juice is also a natural source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

I recently hosted a retro party and made big bowl of party fruit punch. I didn’t spike it as we had a pregnant lady among us, and a few people that didn’t drink alcohol. It worked out great, everyone could help themselves to the punch, then head over to the liquor station and spike their own punch… as little or as much as they liked! …. a few more than others.. you know who you are!

So a great party punch idea would be this one. If you want you can add a bottle of Prosecco, or just add a bottle of soda water to give the fizz. Chuck in a whole heap of brightly coloured chopped up fruit, and you’ll be wowing people in no time!

Pomegranate & Cranberry Punch

• 1 cup ice
• 1 bottle Bickford’s Pomegranate Juice
• 1 bottle Bickford’s Cranberry Juice
• 1 bottle of Prosecco or 1 bottle of soda water, chilled
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• Pomegranate seeds, optional

Empty everything in a large punch bowl (or stock pot if you don’t want to spend extra money!) and stir to combine.

Another great mocktail to make with the pomegranate juice is one with either ginger beer, or ginger beer and some orange juice. If you feel like boozing it up, add some Cointreau instead!

Pomegranate, Ginger & Orange Mocktail

• Bickford’s Pomegranate juice
• Ginger beer
• Orange juice

1. Fill a glass ⅓ of the way up with orange juice, ⅓ of the way with pomegranate juice, and top up with ginger beer.
2. Garnish with a slice of orange, and stir with a straw.

Why not give the traditional Pimms cup a twist with pomegranate?

Pomegranate Pimms

Recipe from taste.com.au

• 200ml Pimms No.1 Cup
• 200ml Bickford’s Pomegranate Juice
• ice cubes
• 1 cup (250ml) soda water
• 1 cup (250ml) lemonade
• ¼ telegraph cucumber, halved cut into long thin slices
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup mint leaves

Place Pimms, Pomegranate Juice and ice cubes into a jug. Fill with soda water and lemonade. Stir in the cucumber, orange and mint. Serves 6.

If pomegranate ain’t your thing, maybe you should try the coconut juice. Bickford’s launched their Coconut Juice back in 2010 and is an excellent source of potassium, an essential electrolyte for rehydration. It is 99% juice (contains preservative), but has no artificial colours or added sugar.

This drink can be mocktail or cocktail, either way, it looks fancy pants! Omit the vodka if you don’t want the booze, and it tastes just as great!

Coconut & Lychee

• 4 lychees (canned is fine)
• 4 lime wedges
• 200ml Bickford’s Coconut Juice
• Vodka (optional)

Place 1 lychee in a martini glass, if using vodka, add ½ shot, then top up with coconut juice. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serves 4.

This one is a bit more old school, but a smooth drink to knock back.

Coconut & Gin

• 1 sugar cube
• few dashes of Bitters
• ½ shot gin
• 200ml Bickford’s Coconut Juice
• lime zest for garnish

Place sugar cube at the bottom of a lowball glass. Add a few dashes of Bitters, ½ shot of gin and muddle together. Top up with coconut juice and garnish with lime zest. Serves 1.

This one might be too sweet for some of you, but you can add less honey if you want. It’s a great flavour combo, and whisks you away to a sunset beach straight away. (warning; not literally!)

Coconut, Honey & Rum

• ½ shot white rum
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 200ml Bickford’s Coconut Juice
• ½ shot lemon juice

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until combine. Serve in a martini or margarita glass, garnish with a cocktail umbrella if you so choose. Serves 1.

The possibilities don’t end here though. You can check out the Bickford’s website for more cocktail and mocktail ideas. http://www.bickfords.net/products/premium_1lt_juice.html

Don’t forget, they are refreshing and delicious on their own as well. A glass with your breakfast will help perk you up. If you need help to get things moving, perhaps try their prune juice… pour it over your All-Bran and you’ll really be in business.

Their Super Berry Antioxidant Juice was launched in May 2011 and contains a unique blend of 5 super fruits; grape, cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry and strawberry. What better way to start the day than with a glass of that? … or end it with a splash of vodka. It’s still healthy … right?

Bickford’s Premium Juices and other products are available at all good supermarkets.

Giveaway:

For your chance to win a Bickford’s prize pack (worth $150 RSP), which includes:

• 6 Bottles of Bickford’s Premium Super Fruit Juices (one of each flavour)
• A Crystal Set of 6 Cocktail Glasses from Wheel & Barrow
• Ice Bucket Double Wall S/S 1.3L Black/Silver from Wheel & Barrow
• Ice Tongs from Wheel & Barrow
• Straw Spoon from Wheel & Barrow

All you need to do is tell me what cocktail you would make with any of the Bickford’s juices.

Entries close 5:00 pm AEST on Tuesday 11 June, 2013.

For terms and conditions, please go to: http://blog.nuffnang.com.au/terms-and-conditions-of-bickfords-juice-giveaway

 COMPETITION CLOSED:

Congratulations to Agnes! I will be in contact to arrange delivery of your prize

Howdy folks! Lack of blogging as I’ve started a new job! .. thus cramming my brain with information during the day leaves me pretty much brain dead when I come home from work, and just wanting to veg out in front of the TV. New job is going swimmingly well, the people are awesome, the work is interesting, but there is SO MUCH to learn!

I made this dish earlier this year, can’t remember when exactly, but it was from Real Living magazine. My friend Katie had made it using the pork fillet as the original recipe says to and raved about how good it was; but I had pork mince in my fridge, so tried it with that instead. With pork mince being a little cheaper than fillet, it was much easier on the wallet, and tasted just as good I’m sure!

A great dish to make and have leftovers for work the next day… which is good for me, as my new work place is in an industrial area, and the only options for lunch are Subway (urgh!) and a greasy truck driver tuck shop (ewwww!!)

Who doesn’t love a high tea? Being a tea person, I LOVE high tea. A cuppa Earl Grey, a selection of treaties, and a chin wag with a friend.

A new player in the market, and a perfect fit for coffee centered Melbourne is High Coffee which is now being offered at the Market Lane Bar at the InterContinental Hotel in the Rialto Tower.

Now I have coffee about …. hmmm.. maybe 3 times a year. Yeah I know.. wow watch out, don’t get addicted now! But I can say, after an afternoon that involved an exceptional espresso martini and a grappa infused espresso… I am a coffee fan. Both drinks were great on the palate, and worked perfectly with the food served.

HIGH COFFEE MENU

Three tiers of delectable treats, and an additional plate of hot savouries was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in between retail therapy with my BFF. I really liked the mini pie and the cheese muffin. The scones were cute and tasty too. It was a great mix of food, and we were grateful they were only small morsels so we could sample a bit of everything and not feel so full that we needed to go book a hotel room upstairs! Although we probably could have used a nap, but we had more shopping to do!

♠ ♠ ♠

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto | High Coffee

Cost: $55 a head, includes Espresso Martini, choice of coffee, savoury and sweet bites

Served Daily: 2pm – 5pm

Where: Market Lane Bar, lobby level InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

Address: 495 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria Australia 3000

Reservations are recommended:

Market Lane Bar: +61 3 8627 1568 or email marketlane@intercontinentalmelbourne.com

For more information head to: http://www.melbourne.intercontinental.com/dining/market-lane-bar/high-coffee/

 Iron Chef Shellie and guest dined with compliments of InterContinental Melbourne and Run Forrest PR.

Wanna know something ridiculous?

I was scared of these little green balls. I used to see people put them into their mouths and exclaim about the burst of liquid in their mouths. 

I was mortified. 

Then one day I tried one, and I fell in love. Since then, I’ve been hooked. Even mastered the art of making the best damn ondeh ondeh around. My friends love them, and I love to see the joy it brings to their face as they eat them, and the ego boost I get when I hear how good they are

Being half Malaysian, we know them as Ondeh-Ondeh (or Onde-Onde). Lots of people on instagram like to tell me I’m wrong and tell me they are Indonesian and their name is Klepon. I have nothing against Indonesian version, but I’m sorry, Ondeh-Ondeh is far more fun to say, and that’s the name I grew up with. 

Ondeh-Ondeh is a traditional kuih in Malaysia. Kuihs are a bite sized snack or dessert food; also spelt kueh or kway. These little morsels are usually made with sweet potato or glutinous rice flour that has been infused with pandan (screwpine leaf) and filled with palm sugar (gula melaka), boiled then rolled in fresh grated coconut. When you boil the ondeh, the palm sugar melts inside, which gives you the liquid centre that bursts in your mouth when you take a bite. 

This recipe is a family recipe. I’ve been asked many time to share it…. so if you don’t hear from me next week, it’s because my family has “taken care” of me, and I’ll be lying somewhere in the middle of the ocean for sharing this recipe  

These are the balls that started it all.

The balls that brought us all closer together.

The balls that broke the ice between us.

It was Valentine’s Day. I was without a date (no big deal, V.Day is a crock of sh*t anyways), and wanted to treat myself to a special meal.

The caption that went with my instagram….”Nothing like putting balls in your mouth on Valentine’s Day #ballsinmymouth”.

It was great to see how many of you could be inappropriate with me!  

Since then, the #ballsinmymouth craze has taken off, and there is no turning back now!

These come from Bill Granger’s new book; Easy. 

I went to the extra effort of making my own naan with Thermanator the Thermomix.

The curry sauce has quite a kick to it, so if you aren’t too good with spice, maybe add less of the korma paste to the sauce.

Delicious, hearty and perfect for a Wintery night in, even if you have a date or not!  

Pinot Gris served with Asian-style fish and seasame salt chips.

Wine.

The universal gift when you:

a) Don’t know what to get someone

b) Need a gift for a wine lover

c) The ultimate thing to re-gift if you are a non-drinker

I used to be guilty of the re-gifting option, but lately, I haven’t re-gifted any of it. I’ve either put it in my secret squirrel hole to mature, or cracked it open to share with friends. 

So the next time you are at the liquor store trying to decide on what wine to get for either yourself or someone, you may want to try Taylors.

Look at how many awards their Shiraz has won!

‘Bringing great wines to life.’

Established three generations ago in South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley, Taylors Wines is a family-owned Australian wine company that was born from a passion of producing exceptional,  hand crafted wines. With a philosophy that embraces balance, elegance and finesse in every wine, Taylors truly brings great wines to life.

From a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon to delicate and refreshing Riesling, Taylors Wines boasts a world-class collection of unmistakeable quality and style. Plus, with a comprehensive Environmental Management System and a commitment to sustainability, Taylors Wines understands that green is just as important as red and white.

Twitter: @Taylors_Wines

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taylors-Wines

http://www.taylorswines.com.au/

Two lucky readers will win two bottles of Taylors Wines!

x1 Taylors Estate – Shiraz 2010 & x1 Taylors Estate – Pinot Gris 2011 each.

To enter, leave a comment below telling me how you like to enjoy a glass of wine.

Winners will be chosen at random, and contacted via email to arrange delivery of their prize. Winners will also be announced here.

Competition closes Wednesday 22nd May 2013 midnight EST. 

The giveaway is open to Australia only. Winner must be of legal drinking age and provide proof of age.

COMPETITION CLOSED:

Winners:

Maureen & Ira!

Congratulations, please check your email to claim your prize. 

Where do your favourite hot chips come from?

Are they at the footy, smothered in tomato sauce?

Grill’d? Schnitz? Heston’s triple cooked chips?

I personally LOVE the chips from Grill’d; so when I was offered to try the new Deli Chips from Birds Eye, the flavour combinations had me drooling over the keyboard a little.

The two flavours are Sea Salt & Rosemary and Parmesan, Garlic & Basil. They taste great on their own, or smothered in tomato sauce

They are made from 100% Australian potatoes, so essentially, eating chips is helping our Aussie farmers… oh if I have to!

At only RRP $3.49, they are available at your local supermarket.

I cooked mine in the Airfryer (essentially a mini fan-forced oven), and they came up a treat. Crunchy and loads of flavour. I attempted a Thermomix brioche recipe, but didn’t really know what I was doing to shape the buns, hence they look a little weird. Also served it with Thermomix ketchup and tried to make it like the Denise burger from Huxtaburger. Served with a nice cold beer, it’s a wonder how I’m still single really

For more information check out http://birdseye.com.au or check out the facebook page.

Iron Chef Shellie sampled Birds Eye chips thanks to Birds Eye and Thrive PR.