I needed a weekend out of the house, and not just on the soccer field. After a few days of emails, we decided to go for a bushwalk in the Blue Mountains. It was 29 degrees and hot in Sydney, but 20 degrees and raining in the Blue Mountains. Factor in humidity, wet surfaces and leeches, some of us wished we had stayed back at home.

The walk itself was quite easy-going, except for the one thousand steps we had to take to get to the top. It was wet and misty, which made the trek a bit more adventurous. We didn’t come across many other bushwalkers, but we did come across copious amounts of leeches. There was one stage where five of us had to spend a good few minutes picking out leeches off our bodies. They mainly targeted our legs, I don’t think wearing shorts was a good idea after all.

Leech

The leeches were an absolute pain in the ass. Every thirty seconds we would have to check our legs and shoes to see if they were there or not. Though in hindsight, it did make us walk faster and avoid the heavier downfall of rain while we were eating at the Megalong Valley Tea Room.

At the end of the walk we were all fully drenched by the rain and hungry. Squishies suggested we recharge ourselves with a pie at the Megalong tea rooms, at that stage we were willing to eat anything.

Megalong Tea Room is about a 15 minute drive from Echo Point in Katoomba . It’s a nice drive with long and winding roads through the bush, which were particularly scenic due to the fog and rain. Once you come down the valley you’ll hit a main road with bush and mountains on each side. On your right will be the Megalong Valley tea room, look for the Peter’s ice cream sign and you can’t miss it.

There is an old school feel about the place, with everything from the floorboards to the interior. The place is 54 years old so they must know a thing or two about feeding hungry bushwalkers, particularly ones drench from the rain.

As common courtesy we decided to sit outside, it just looked too nice inside for a bunch of dirty bush walkers. The decor is minimal and looks like someones backyard, but it’s a nice and relaxed feel.

Leek Soup ($9.50)

After a long walk in the rain, a soup would hit the spot. Teresa opted for the leek soup which was the soup of the day. It’s hearty, thick and sweet, definitely hitting the spot when eaten with the soft bread rolled slashed with creamy room temperature butter.

Ploughman's Lunch - Cheddar and Brie cheese, Leg Ham, Corned Beef, Selection of Home-made Pickles and Chutneys served with fresh Bread ($16)

I opt for the Plougman’s lunch which I’ve heard of, but never tried. It is apparently a cold snack or meal originating from the UK, with many considering it a cultural icon. A bit like our meat pie though isn’t it ? Anyway, it’s a generous selection of cheddar and Brie cheese, Leg Ham, Corned Beef, Selection of Home-made Pickles and Chutneys served with fresh Bread. It’s a hearty choice but I’m a bit let down by paying $16 for this. In saying that, what more could I expect for a Ploughman’s lunch ? Tasted bloody good though, all I needed was an ice-cold beer to wash it down as I’m sure that is what they did in the 50’s.

Home-made Creamy Cheese, Onion and Garden Sage Pie ($9.50)

We came here for the pies after endlessly hearing glowing references from squishies and F in the car. “Best pies ever” and ” These shit over Harry’s ” were some of the claims we had to put up with. Also for $9.50, they better be bloody good right ?

Thankfully the pies were amazing. The puffy, crispy and buttery pastry encased all the different pie flavours. My favourite was probably the non meat version of creamy cheese, onion and garden sage. The aroma let out by the onion and sage engulfed the table, making me have seconds thought about not ordering a pie. Each pie comes with a side of chutney, a nice home style alternative to tomato sauce.

Home-made Steak and Onion Pie ($9.50)

Home-made Steak and Kidney Pie ($9.50)

Apple Pie - Locally Grown Apples wrapped in a light Pastry, Baked and Served Warm with lashings of fresh Cream or Ice Cream ($10)

They say it takes two to tango, the same can be said about apple pie and vanilla ice cream. I don’t often see this combination on dessert menus, it’s simple but a classic in my opinion. One spoon of the pie and ice cream brought back memories of when my parents use to buy me a Macca’s apple pie and a 30 cent cone, except this pie was a million times better. The apples were soft but still had a bit of texture to them and I could still see slices of apple in the pie. The pie pastry was a tad crunchy too, with a bit of effort required with the spoon to crack it open.

Freshly Baked Scones with generous servings of Home-made Blackberry Jam and fresh Cream ($8.50)

Scones would have to be one of the most fail proof desserts of all time. The scones were nice but not spectacular, but it was the fresh cream and blackberry jam which we kept coming back for. The jam in particular had everyone talking, it was made up of fresh ripe berries with the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness. We suspect it’s all from the freshness of the berries, and not with excess sugar. What I liked about the jam the most was the texture, I could taste lumps of berries as well as the delicate crunch from the seeds.

So good, oh so good.

After a long day walking it was a relief to be able to kick back with some good food, good views and a good coffee. The food at Megalong tea room is honest and home made style rather than modern cafe style which you expect back in Sydney. As a result, it’s a great throwback to what country style food could be like. If I’m in the area, I’ll definitely come back as this sort of comfort food is exactly what you need after a long walk in the bush.

Megalong Tea Room

Megalong Road

Megalong Valley NSW 2785

Phone (02) 4787 9181

web : http://www.megalongtearooms.com

Note : Cards not accepted, bring cash. 10% surcharge on weekends, which I thought was a bit rough.

© Howard for eatshowandtell, 2010. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: cake, coffee, tea

Luke Nguyen is the consulting chef behind Fat Noodle, he is of course the chef behind the ever popular Red Lantern restaurant in Surry Hills as well as the series, Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam which recently aired on SBS. I’ll admit that I’ve kept an eye on this chef, a first generation Vietnamese Australian I’m proud to see a follow Vietnamese person go well and bought the Red Lantern cookbook last year wanting to get a little more in touch with the type of food I ate growing up.

Chefs confirming orders at the Open Kitchen

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Read the rest of Fat Noodle Launch, Star City, Pyrmont (908 words)

© Minh for eatshowandtell, 2010. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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We were given what seemed to be A3-sized menus (they were huge!) and spent some time trying to decide which set to order. There was the Fine Gueule 3-course set for $120 where you get to select each course from quite a few dishes, or there was the Fin Bec 7-course degustation set for $135… or the Fine Bouche 10-course degustation set for $165. We thought the Fin Bec degustation would be enough to showcase what Bilson’s have to offer (and would be more financially sensible), but we couldn’t resist the extra dishes in the Fine Bouche degustation. Well, to be honest, I think the fact scallops featured in the set kind of cinched it for us. We’re so terrible.

Amuse Bouche - Blue Swimmer Crab, Grape, Verjus Jelly, Almond Cream

© squishies for eatshowandtell, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: beef, Dessert, poultry, Seafood

Their challenge recipe is based on recipes from The Washington Post, Cordon Bleu at Home and Baking Obsession. I’m a huge fan of tiramisu, and have often made it from store bought mascarpone cheese and Savioardi biscuit. However, this time, Deeba and Aparna insisted that we make everything from scratch.

This month I created a ‘pyramisu’, a tiramisu filling inside a chocolate shaped pyramid.

For my Tiramisu, I decided to pair it with some cereal milk crumbs and cereal milk ice cream adapted from David Chang’s Momofuku cook book.

Cereal milk ice cream & cereal milk crumbs

Cereal Milk ice cream and milk crumbs

The recipe in the momofuku book was for a cereal milk panna cotta, however I’ve adapted it with the help of David Lebovitz to convert it in to ice cream.

The mixture for the ice cream consisted of cereal (cornflakes), milk, cream, sugar, salt and egg yolk. After the custard had cooled down, it was placed into Mr Snowy, our basic ice cream maker, only to produce a beautiful velvety ice cream. Surprisingly the smell of the cornflake was quite prominent, which was further complemented by the crispy milk crumbs.

The Pyramisu

Different layers and textures of the Pyramisu

Last month while in Japan, I had the opportunity to visit Kappabashi street in Ueno, which is one whole street with stores after stores selling pots, pans, cooking utensils, anything you can think of to do with cooking, except the produce. Whilst there, without knowing it, I somehow spent a couple of hundred of dollars. Once I got back from japan, sifting through all my purchases, I found a Pyramid mould, something I doubt I would use often. To make use of one of my impulse buys, I thought I’d present my tiramisu in the form of a pyramid, hence my Pyramisu.

The top layer, apex, was filled with mascarpone cream, then topped with savioardi biscuit quickly dipped in espresso mixture, then topped with another layer of mascarpone cream, then sprinkled with some savioardi biscuit dunked in espresso which I dried in the oven then crushed, and finally filled to the base with mascarpone cream.

Revealing the Pyramisu

Inside the Pyramisu

On the day that I was making my DBC, the temperature was 35 degrees celsius, making it very difficult to take photos of my final product nefore everything started melting. I presented my Pyramisu with the Momofuku cereal milk ice cream and milk crumbs, accompanied by a slick of caramel and surrounded by left over espresso saviordi biscuit crumbs.

Tiramisu being one of my favourite dessert, I ate the whole thing myself. Overall, I think the rich coffe flavours of the tiramisu went well with the cereal milk ice cream, the combined flavours were further enhanced by the accompanying caramel. I think this is one dessert that I’d be happy to make over and over again to serve to family and friends.

Thank you to Deeba and Aparna for this wonderful challenge. I loved every component of it, from learning to make your own mascarpone cream and Savioardi biscuit, to the flexibility of presenting it however way you like, a blank canvass for your creative outlet.

I would also like to thank Ellie from Almost Bourdain for continuously motivating me to quickly complete my DBC.

TIRAMISU (Recipe source: Carminantonio’s Tiramisu from The Washington Post, July 11 2007 ) This recipe makes 6 servings Ingredients: For the zabaglione:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar/50gms
• 1/4 cup/60ml Marsala wine (or port or coffee)
• 1/4 teaspoon/ 1.25ml vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

For the vanilla pastry cream:

• 1/4 cup/55gms sugar
• 1 tablespoon/8gms all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon/ 2.5ml vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3/4 cup/175ml whole milk

For the whipped cream:

• 1 cup/235ml chilled heavy cream (we used 25%)
• 1/4 cup/55gms sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon/ 2.5ml vanilla extract

To assemble the tiramisu:

• 2 cups/470ml brewed espresso, warmed
• 1 teaspoon/5ml rum extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup/110gms sugar
• 1/3 cup/75gms mascarpone cheese
• 36 savoiardi/ ladyfinger biscuits (you may use less)
• 2 tablespoons/30gms unsweetened cocoa powder

Method: For the zabaglione:

1. Heat water in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, place a pot with about an inch of water in it on the stove. Place a heat-proof bowl in the pot making sure the bottom does not touch the water.
2. In a large mixing bowl (or stainless steel mixing bowl), mix together the egg yolks, sugar, the Marsala (or espresso/ coffee), vanilla extract and lemon zest. Whisk together until the yolks are fully blended and the mixture looks smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to the top of a double boiler or place your bowl over the pan/ pot with simmering water. Cook the egg mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 8 minutes or until it resembles thick custard. It may bubble a bit as it reaches that consistency.
4. Let cool to room temperature and transfer the zabaglione to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until thoroughly chilled.

For the pastry cream:

1. Mix together the sugar, flour, lemon zest and vanilla extract in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. To this add the egg yolk and half the milk. Whisk until smooth.
2. Now place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from curdling.
3. Add the remaining milk a little at a time, still stirring constantly. After about 12 minutes the mixture will be thick, free of lumps and beginning to bubble. (If you have a few lumps, don’t worry. You can push the cream through a fine-mesh strainer.)
4. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until thoroughly chilled.

For the whipped cream: Combine the cream, sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or immersion blender until the mixture holds stiff peaks. Set aside. To assemble the tiramisu:

1. Have ready a rectangular serving dish (about 8″ by 8″ should do) or one of your choice.
2. Mix together the warm espresso, rum extract and sugar in a shallow dish, whisking to mix well. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with a spoon to break down the lumps and make it smooth. This will make it easier to fold. Add the prepared and chilled zabaglione and pastry cream, blending until just combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Set this cream mixture aside.
4. Now to start assembling the tiramisu.
5. Workings quickly, dip 12 of the ladyfingers in the sweetened espresso, about 1 second per side. They should be moist but not soggy. Immediately transfer each ladyfinger to the platter, placing them side by side in a single row. You may break a lady finger into two, if necessary, to ensure the base of your dish is completely covered.
6. Spoon one-third of the cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers, then use a rubber spatula or spreading knife to cover the top evenly, all the way to the edges.
7. Repeat to create 2 more layers, using 12 ladyfingers and the cream mixture for each layer. Clean any spilled cream mixture; cover carefully with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu overnight.
8. To serve, carefully remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the tiramisu with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer or decorate as you please. Cut into individual portions and serve.

MASCARPONE CHEESE (Source: Vera’s Recipe for Homemade Mascarpone Cheese) This recipe makes 12oz/ 340gm of mascarpone cheese Ingredients:

• 474ml (approx. 500ml)/ 2 cups whipping (36 %) pasteurized (not ultra-pasteurized), preferably organic cream (between 25% to 36% cream will do)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Method:

1. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a wide skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water is barely simmering. Pour the cream into a medium heat-resistant bowl, then place the bowl into the skillet. Heat the cream, stirring often, to 190 F. If you do not have a thermometer, wait until small bubbles keep trying to push up to the surface.
2. It will take about 15 minutes of delicate heating. Add the lemon juice and continue heating the mixture, stirring gently, until the cream curdles. Do not expect the same action as you see during ricotta cheese making. All that the whipping cream will do is become thicker, like a well-done crème anglaise. It will cover a back of your wooden spoon thickly. You will see just a few clear whey streaks when you stir. Remove the bowl from the water and let cool for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, line a sieve with four layers of dampened cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Transfer the mixture into the lined sieve. Do not squeeze the cheese in the cheesecloth or press on its surface (be patient, it will firm up after refrigeration time). Once cooled completely, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate (in the sieve) overnight or up to 24 hours.
3. Vera’s notes: The first time I made mascarpone I had all doubts if it’d been cooked enough, because of its custard-like texture. Have no fear, it will firm up beautifully in the fridge, and will yet remain lusciously creamy.
4. Keep refrigerated and use within 3 to 4 days.

LADYFINGERS/ SAVOIARDI BISCUITS (Source: Recipe from Cordon Bleu At Home) This recipe makes approximately 24 big ladyfingers or 45 small (2 1/2″ to 3″ long) ladyfingers. Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, separated
• 6 tablespoons /75gms granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup/95gms cake flour, sifted (or 3/4 cup all purpose flour + 2 tbsp corn starch)
• 6 tablespoons /50gms confectioner’s sugar,

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C) degrees, then lightly brush 2 baking sheets with oil or softened butter and line with parchment paper.
2. Beat the egg whites using a hand held electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulate sugar and continue beating until the egg whites become stiff again, glossy and smooth.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly with a fork and fold them into the meringue, using a wooden spoon. Sift the flour over this mixture and fold gently until just mixed. It is important to fold very gently and not overdo the folding. Otherwise the batter would deflate and lose volume resulting in ladyfingers which are flat and not spongy.
4. Fit a pastry bag with a plain tip (or just snip the end off; you could also use a Ziploc bag) and fill with the batter. Pipe the batter into 5″ long and 3/4″ wide strips leaving about 1″ space in between the strips.
5. Sprinkle half the confectioner’s sugar over the ladyfingers and wait for 5 minutes. The sugar will pearl or look wet and glisten. Now sprinkle the remaining sugar. This helps to give the ladyfingers their characteristic crispness.
6. Hold the parchment paper in place with your thumb and lift one side of the baking sheet and gently tap it on the work surface to remove excess sprinkled sugar.
7. Bake the ladyfingers for 10 minutes, then rotate the sheets and bake for another 5 minutes or so until the puff up, turn lightly golden brown and are still soft.
8. Allow them to cool slightly on the sheets for about 5 minutes and then remove the ladyfingers from the baking sheet with a metal spatula while still hot, and cool on a rack.
9. Store them in an airtight container till required. They should keep for 2 to 3 weeks.

© Linda for eatshowandtell, 2010. | Permalink | 45 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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So the first restaurant he’s lined up is Foveaux and we found ourselves getting there quite early. We were asked and ushered downstairs to a cozily decorated bar room with big comfortable, plush couches and gauzy curtains hanging from the ceiling. It was also quite dim with most of the lights coming from low-wattage bedside lamps, you know, the ones with actual lamp shades!

After kicking our heels at the bar for 15 minutes, we decided to venture upstairs to start on our dinner (I was hungry and too excited to wait any longer). Completely trusting his choice on going for the tasting menu, which was $75 for 6 courses, I barely glanced at the menu as we ordered.

Oysters with Chardonnay Vinegar Pearls and Salmon Roe ($4 each)

© squishies for eatshowandtell, 2010. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: beef, Dessert, pork, poultry, Seafood