Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas from mine to yours




Next time I post I imagine I will be quite a few (kilo)grams heavier because the next few days are all about feasting. This afternoon we are off to friends for a Christmas Eve feast of duck (cooked french-style), then tomorrow my mum does a mean turkey accompanied by anything and everything doused in brandy. Then boxing day is all about seafood with salmon, abalone, crayfish and mussels (caught locally off Bruny Island yesterday) all on the menu all washed down with lashings of champagne. My goodness I feel slightly ill already...

Still a lovely sight is the Merry Berry Fruit Box supplied by Hillbarn this year... if only I lived near Launceston!

Anyway, hope you have a lovely holiday surrounded by things you love. I have had such a wonderful year this year and hoping next year will bring lots of joy, love and storage!

Here are some lovely Christmas pix discovered whilst trawling the net...









Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Summer Reading List - Food



I am having a couple of weeks off work over Christmas which I am soooooooooooo looking forward to. I know it will go by in a flash, so I am already thinking about some of the things I want to get done that are also relaxing and fun.

One job I have been meaning to do for ages that I think will make my life a whole lot easier is sorting out a recipe file. A go-to list of healthy and homely meals that will solve the what's for dinner tonight age old dilemma. I have collected a few cookbooks to go through that will hopefully sort me out!

1. We have been very inspired by the River Cottage series and feel like Hugh is a good friend. I bought the The River Cottage Family Cookbook a few weeks ago to put under the tree for moi, so can't wait to unwrap it and dive in. I am also hoping to use this as a guide for the garden as well.

2. A Cook's Guide to Grains: Delicious Recipes, Culinary Advice and Nutritional Facts was a birthday present that got put aside but has some really interesting thoughts on the history of grains as well as some intriguing grain based recipes, including homemade cheese crackers and Herring in Oatmeal.

3. "Marie Claire" Seasonal Kitchen: Inspired Recipes and Food Ideas. I have had this book a while and looking forward to giving it the time it deserves. It is divided by seasons and uses seasonal fruits and vegetables. It also has some great sections including my favourite called Deli Desserts, which is about quick-fix dessert ideas from the Deli or Supermarket shelves. For example, cut Turkish Delight into tiny cubes and layer in tall glasses with strawberry coulis and vanilla ice cream, or smash toffee brittle into small pieces and sprinkle over rich chocolate ice cream. Genius advice for the uninspired!

4. Babycakes: Vegan, (Mostly) Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York's Most Talked-about Bakery. Michelle over at Hugo and Elsa put me on to this one. I haven't received my copy yet, but given that we have a lot of food intolerances it sounds like childhood will not be denied cupcakes. And frankly we could all feel better about eating delicious cakes sans wheat, sugar and dairy.

5. Also waiting to be read is Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, I know there was quite a lot of buzz when this was released - which was ages ago, but intriguingly A A Gill describes it as 'Elizabeth David written by Quentin Tarantino'.

Most of these books are not new releases, but I am hoping to stockpile a list of classic and inspiring recipes for family meals in 2010. Wish me luck!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

The Market -




I haven't given you the wrap up from the last ever Mother's Market, which was a lot of fun. Despite a resulting insurance claim, due to some monumental destruction wrecked by my good self in the car park.. Ho Hum...

Anyway I am looking forward to my last Market of the year. The always glam Market at the Masonic Temple.... 2 levels of potential for any last minute Christmas present buying. It is also a lovely place to meet your peeps and hang out with some coffee and cake.

Hope to see you there.... more information at The Market

Terrapin Puppets look very much like Muppets




Hobart Folks - Terrapin Puppet Theatre is having a sale of some of their retired puppets. I picked up this lovely King from a 1983 show called Thunder and Lightening. He was designed by Jenny Davidson who started Terrapin way back when.

Head to their office on the 3rd floor of the Salamanca Arts Centre to check out what is still available. I think I might give this one to the Big One for his Christmas Present...

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Snaps from the Market



Last weekend was a lot of fun, met loads of lovelies (hello Nicky) and got to hang out with some handmade homies (shout out to Rosie, Grace, Luisa, Marita and Jane - loved the Biscotti), and, managed to buy some very cute Christmas presents and stocking stuffers, sorry no photos - don't want to spoil the surprise.

I will be playing shop at the Mother's Market on Friday night (4-8) and Saturday (9-4) at St Georges Hall, Cromwell St, Battery Point. It is the Last Mothers Market Ever so it should be a lot of fun and loads of beautiful wares.
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