If there's one thing the Dad that lives in this house likes, it's some tasty mexican. Having travelled through Central and South America he fell in love with heat. And tortillas. And jalapeños. So I thought I best whip up a bit of a mexican fiesta for the old boy today. I slow roasted some pork … [Read more...]
Sunday roast
August 24, 2014 by 37 Comments
I am hopeless. This weekend I checked the diary and saw that the weekend was free. And for most people that would be a chance to relax, read, get stuck into the garden and do, you know, nothing. For me though, I get itchy feet. I can't sit still. And while we had a day yesterday to do all of the … [Read more...]
Wonderland
June 8, 2014 by 47 Comments
To say I am relieved that last night is done and dusted is a huge understatement. For months now I knew I just had to get through the organisation and planning for our village ball and then....well then...it means that our holiday is here. This morning I am not fresh. I'm exhausted. But my mind is … [Read more...]
7 things to do before people come to stay overnight
May 12, 2014 by 55 Comments
Having done this just a few times since we moved to the country I thought that I’d share with you some things I do before we have people come to stay for the weekend. 1. Wash all bed linen and make beds I try and make the beds with the freshest clean sheets I have. If I’ve got time I will wash … [Read more...]
Fattoush (Lebanese Summer Salad)
May 5, 2014 by 20 Comments
We had a lovely lunch for my Mum's birthday on Sunday. Even though it was at her place we tried to make sure that she spent as much time as possible sipping Prosecco and being the Birthday girl rather than being in the kitchen. My step dad is an amazing cook and entertainer so he took to the BBQ … [Read more...]
Jamie Oliver’s whole baked salmon in salt
April 22, 2014 by 8 Comments
Good Friday round our parts means seafood. And as like other years we usually have a pretty big crowd so a whole baked fish is a good way we've found to feed lots of people. A few years back I watched while my brother in law whipped up a Salmon en croute for us all and this year seeing as he was … [Read more...]
A good Friday
April 18, 2014 by 20 Comments
Without a doubt the best thing about moving down here is having people come and stay and enjoy a weekend or the odd red letter occasion. We've done Christmas, Winter balls, long weekends, birthdays, hens weekends, and we have certainly done the odd Easter. Cushions plumped, beds made, flowers in … [Read more...]
Easter lunch: slow cooked lamb
April 17, 2014 by 35 Comments
A sponsored post for Woolworths Macro An Easter tradition for our family is a long lunch on Easter Sunday. Long after the chocolate hunts are over there is time for everyone to sit around and enjoy something delicious for lunch before heading off for a long afternoon walk in the crisp autumn … [Read more...]
Cauliflower & Parmesan crisps
April 4, 2014 by 31 Comments
You've got to love my Mum Sue. She is a fabulous cook - taught me everything I know about food and entertaining, she and my Dad raised 4 children that are all (pretty) well adjusted and together and she has now taken to new technology with gusto. A few years ago she didn't even know how to turn on a … [Read more...]
Easter Table Ideas
April 3, 2014 by 24 Comments
A sponsored post for Woolworths Select You know me, give me a chance to set a table and I am THERE. Give me an actual annual key day of celebration like Christmas or Easter and I am REALLY there. Suddenly you have a theme that you can work with, a table filled with friends and family and loved … [Read more...]
Feast
March 17, 2014 by 37 Comments
Can you wake up with a food hangover do you think? If you can over indulge to that point, well then I am the girl to do it. You see, being a piggy when it comes to eating means that I always eat more than I should, or need to, and I can at times find myself needing to put on a soft pant post … [Read more...]
Hostess Gifts
February 12, 2014 by 36 Comments
Ever since we moved to the country I have been embracing and been embraced by traditions of old. You'll find me sifting flour! Collecting eggs! Cutting flowers from my garden and of course hosting to odd event here in our home. Throughout all of these lunches, dinners and weekends with friends and … [Read more...]
3 good gins
February 10, 2014 by 31 Comments
It's true, I'm partial to the old G&T. I am! I often joke about it on Facebook, and snap the occasional shot on Instagram, heck I've even written a few blog posts on them and while I might appear as a desperate gin swilling housewife, I'm not drunk all of the time. Huh. I often get asked … [Read more...]
Faux Fuchsia comes to dinner
February 1, 2014 by 19 Comments
I have long been a fan of the lovely Faux Fuchsia. She is hilarious, smart, stylish and not to mention GORGEOUS. She bakes, entertains, applies lipstick and nail polish like I can only dream of and cushions with superior grace and expertise. Yes, I'm gushing...you would too. I was quite beside … [Read more...]
Where to buy tablecloths from
January 19, 2014 by 27 Comments
A well set table is just like a well dressed woman with accessories - they can bring the whole look together. I am slowly starting to embrace the tablecloth for my table - I am not one to have one on the table at all times, but for a dinner or lunch party with friends I am slowly falling in love … [Read more...]
How to host a dinner party
January 16, 2014 by 25 Comments
And when I say dinner party, I really just mean a dinner for friends. Sometimes it can be a little fancy, but most of the time you just need to think of it as an extension of your family dinner. I've hosted a few in my time mostly because there is nothing I love more than cooking for friends and … [Read more...]
How to make a Mojito
December 30, 2013 by 14 Comments
What's better than one jug of mojito? TWO JUGS OF MOJITO. Simple really! Rob whipped us up a few last night as a pre dinner, pre fishing cocktail and I was reminded of how good they are. Mint, limes, white rum, sugar, ice and soda…summer in a glass! Mojitos (to make a decent jug that serves … [Read more...]
Postcard
December 29, 2013 by 17 Comments
Golly GOSH is it ever good to be on holidays. To forget what the day of the week is, to only think of time in meals and what you need to get to make them happen. To swim for hours at a time. To have a nap in the hot afternoons. To see kids happy. To see kids with OTHER adults to hang out with. To … [Read more...]
from the archives: Easy Christmas desserts
December 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This post was originally published in December last year as part of a sponsored series I did for Woolies. Seeing as I am off to Mum's today for Christmas lunch I thought it was appropriate to share some of the shots again as they were so pretty! This was basically just a store-bought pav with lemon … [Read more...]
Damien Pignolet Cooking School
December 1, 2013 by 20 Comments
Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure and luck to spend some time in the kitchen with Australian cooking legend Damien Pignolet. Damien has had over 40 years in the food industry running some iconic and legendary restaurants: Pavilion on the Park, Claudes, Bistro Moncur and Cleopatra Guesthouse to … [Read more...]
