Rollin’ in the Valley… Part I

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Anybody who knows me will tell you, I’m very patriotic.
I love South Australia.
So, when I was asked to join the Clare Valley Cuisine and Clare Valley Tours food expedition Last week, this gals answer was a resounding… HELLS YEAH!
I’m always super excited about attending any event that brings together my two great loves, food and travel.
However I will admit, even being a proud South Aussie, I hadn’t personally been to Clare in a number of years… That is unless you count all the gorgeous wine I’ve voraciously consumed from the Valley, thus making me somewhat of a local… Right…?

My memories of the Clare Valley exist only from my childhood, when I spent a few school holidays at my friend Linda’s, grandparent’s farm in Farrell Flat.
This tiny little town didn’t have a deli, so we often went to Clare to stock up on lollies (as you do when you’re 10), and the occasional trip to Burra.
Being on the farm was hilarious…
Linda and I we’re often in trouble for eating her Nan’s freshly cooked Lamb roasts.
She oddly, had a penchant for cooking it the night before and then serving them cold at lunch.
We’d sneak out at midnight and attack the fresh roast like a couple of Hyena’s, devouring whole chunks then later blaming the poor dog.
It drove her Nan berserk and, being the little bastards we were, we thought it was hysterical… Ahhh such good times.
I also remember their Oranges.
They were the good ones. The tangy, delicious type that gives you cramps, because you can’t stop eating them.
I spent a number of hours in a citrus induced, groaning fetal position on that farm…

Anyhoo, given the opportunity to rediscover this South Australian food trail gem, I was excited, and when I received the itinerary and saw what we had in store for us, I seriously couldn’t wait to get on that bus!
On our trip, we had Dave our host and driver, three of my fellow food bloggers, Dougal McFuzzlebutt, Camellia and Jo.
We had the amazing local chefs Tze Khaw and Patrick Cheong, as well as two other industry professionals Tomas and Leon, the brilliant food photographer John Kruger and then lastly, me, the newbie of the group.

Myself, and a couple others, were being collected by Dave at 9:30am, he would be waiting at the Entertainment Centre.
How embarrassing I thought, should I arrive for the bus and be the last one on, I made a firm mental promise not to be late.
Of course, I was the last one to arrive and everyone was already waiting on the bus… Damn it!
But, they were gracious… “Oh no Bree, we weren’t waiting long…”

Note to self: DO NOT be the last person on the bus again, no-one likes a diva.

So, off we set.
The drive into the Valley is gorgeously scenic, once you leave the city highways behind and make your way onto the rural roads.
Passing through sweet little towns, many with stories that our knowing guide Dave, would happily share.
Driving past acres of land, with all manner of crops. This time of year the Canola is starting to flower, and there’s nothing prettier to me than a large expanse of bright yellow in a field. Like a happy sea of sunshine, you can’t help but smile.

Rollin in the Valley 1

Our first stop on this foodie crawl was Rohde’s Free Range Egg farm.
I am a huge advocate for free-range and humane products, so to visit a true free range egg producer, and see the hens in their home, was a real treat for me.
We were greeted upon arrival by John and Angela Rohde, with a platter of Frittata made by a talented local chef using their gorgeous eggs, which immediately had me salivating.
Rohde’s is a local, family run farm, and has been in the Rohde family for more than 50 years.
They are R.S.P.C.A. accredited, which means that unlike some ‘Free-Range’ farms (who aren’t actually as kind to the animals as we consumers may believe), they run their hens on a system of no more than 1500 animals per hectare (which equates to per 6.5m² of personal space per lady).
And, after meeting the girls myself, I can attest, they are certainly, happy little fowls.
They have large areas to roam and forage as nature intended.
Camellia and I were in fits, over the hens frolicking cutely together in the tall grass and the ridiculous lady who was hanging out by herself in a tree.
They have large sheds to lay their daily eggs in and, which also offer them protection.
Hens are not that unlike us. They feel the cold and don’t want to sit out in the rain.
They like roosting indoors at night, away from predators and the cold Valley winds.
But, these little ladies can come and go as they please, they live a life of freedom, and that freedom is evident in the quality of their eggs.

Rollin in the Valley 2

After the Rohde’s egg farm, we set our course for Pangkarra Foods.
Another family operated farm. Anama Park is a 3000 acre farm on the outskirts of Clare, which has been in the Maitland family since 1866, and is now run by David, Margot, their son Jim and his lovely wife Katherine.
They use sustainable practices and all of the durum wheat they produce for the Pangkarra Foods range of flour, dried pasta and lavosh is traditionally stone milled, meaning that the goodness isn’t extracted and it retains its healthy qualities, and deliciously nutty flavour.
We were shown the silos and the wheat crop, then taken back to David and Margot’s home for a delicious lunch.
A truly delicious lunch!
We started with a Garlic Flatbread.
The smells emanating from the plate, and the soft, warm salty bread were a divine start for the pasta that was soon to follow.
Look, I will admit, I am a lover of whole wheat, but I’m also a sucker for refined carbs…
This pasta was delicious and soft enough to change even the most steadfast lover of white flour pasta’s mind.
We were treated to a plate of Pangkarra Penne with a Pancetta, Zucchini, Basil and Cream sauce.
Totally delicious. I inhaled mine in record speed.
Then dessert… the sheer size of the Triple Cream Brie that made its way onto our table was enough to induce a collective moan around the table.
Combining this feast with local wines and beers, and open fires to warm our cockles, we were a lucky bunch and this was certainly a meal to remember.

Rollin in the Valley 3

Full to our gizzards but, needing to carry on, we set off for the Clare Country Club.
A really lovely, and centrally located 4* Resort.
The perfect place to rest your weary feet (and wine weary head) after a day of exploring the Valley, if B&B’s aren’t your thing.
We were running behind after our fun-filled lunch, so I dropped my bags and gave myself an English shower.
After rejoining the group, we quickly made our way to the the next port of call, another local farm called Warrick Grove, right before dinner at the celebrated local restaurant, Terroir in Auburn (but, more about that next week…).
Phil and Grier Warrick manage a 10 acre olive grove at Watervale.
The absolutely delicious, Extra Virgin Olive Oil they produce, is multiple award winning (Gold, Silver and Bronze), is exclusively used in many restaurants and wineries, stocked in many gourmet shops and greengrocers, and is now making its way onto Coles supermarket shelves around the country.
A gorgeous South Australian product and a fabulous success story.

Rollin in the Valley 4

Our first day was shaping up to be quite a treasure, so much so that I have created the following dish for your pleasure, in honour of these three amazing producers and their spectacular products…
My Whole Wheat Carbonara… with a twist.
Is it breakfast… or is it lunch… or dinner? I don’t know, you decide.
In any case, it’s a delight…

Seeya Next week for Part II of my Clare Valley odyssey…
Until Friday xxx

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Whole Wheat Carbonara… with a twist
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 375gm Pangkarra Wholegrain Spaghetti
  • 4 large Rohde’s Free Range Eggs - make sure they are super fresh
  • 4 cloves of Garlic
  • ⅓ cup Warrick Grove EVO
  • ⅓ cup firmly packed freshly grated Parmesan
  • 100gm flat Pancetta - sliced thinly
  • 2 tbs White Vinegar
  • Salt and White pepper
  • Extra grated Parmesan and Flat leaf Parsley to serve
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your oven to 200c, place the pancetta on a flat tray and roast for approx. 5 minutes until super crisp. Do not take your eyes off it as it will burn very quickly. Drain on absorbent paper and set aside until ready to use.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally until al dente, approx. 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  3. In a large fry pan, place the finely chopped garlic and the oil. Turn on the heat, and slowly bring up the temperature until the garlic starts to brown slightly and release it’s aroma. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved water, then season really well with salt and pepper. Cook for a further minute, then take off the heat and add the grated Parmesan.
  4. Meanwhile, bring another fry pan of water to a simmer, add the vinegar. Once the water is just below boiling, add the eggs and cook for 2 - 3 minutes until softly poached - make sure the yolks are still runny, this is very important.
  5. Divide the pasta between 4 plates.
  6. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and serve each one on top of the pasta, with the crisp pancetta, the extra parmesan and a scattering of parsley. Drizzle with another flourish of EVO and eat immediately.
  7. Tip: To make perfectly poached eggs, you need to have super fresh eggs, otherwise the whites will run and they will not hold their shape in the water.

F.F… Chicken and Cashew Korma

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Chicken and Cashew Korma

This Friday Feast is more of a Friday Follow-on…
I shared with you all on Monday, my super delicious Beef Cheek Saag Gosht and this Chicken Korma is the perfect partner in Indian banquet crime.
It’s also equally delicious on it’s own.

Who doesn’t love a Korma…?
The smooth, creamy mild sauce, with the meltingly tender meat ohhhh yeahhhh!
India is a country I’ve always been fascinated by, but never had the chance to visit.
And, being a self proclaimed Curry-Muncher, I could certainly eat spicy food all day, every day…
I was undoubtedly Asian in a past life.

My husband Cory however, is a very different kettle of fish.
Long ago, he was severely scarred by an unholy kidney infection, which tragically coincided with a meal of Curried Sausages (I KNOW! Curried Sausages… WTF? I’m truly scarred by the concept of that dish…).
Anyhoo, this unfortunate pairing put the poor man off curry for life… until he met me.
My penchant for all things spiced, compelled him to open his mind and his stomach once again, and although it took me a couple of years to do so, he is once again an avid lover of Indian food.

Chicken Korma is one of his favourites and it makes a regular appearance on our dinner table, not just because it’s so super easy, but it’s also pretty quick.
This recipe is my Cashew version (I sometimes use Almond meal instead) and, is it traditional…? Probably not, since I’m not of Indian descent, but in any case, it’s bloody tasty!
Now, I just need to get him back onto Thai food and my life would be complete…

Until Monday xxx

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Chicken and Cashew Korma
Author: 
Recipe type: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 1kg Chicken Thighs halved
  • 2 tbs Ghee - or veg oil will do
  • 1 medium Brown Onion
  • 3 large cloves Garlic
  • 3cm piece of fresh Ginger
  • 4 Cardamon pods crushed lightly
  • ½ tsp of Hot Chilli powder – or to taste (Korma is supposed to be a mild curry)
  • 1 tsp each of – ground Ginger, ground Cinnamon, ground White Pepper, Fenugreek seeds.
  • 2 tsp each of – Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds roughly crushed in a mortar and Pestle or substitute for ground
  • 2 tsp each of - ground Turmeric, Salt.
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 3 tbs Cashew meal – Process or crush in a Mortar and pestle ¼ cup of Roasted Cashews
  • Fresh Coriander leaves and extra roasted Cashews to serve.
Instructions
  1. Process the onion, garlic and ginger until a paste has formed.
  2. Heat the ghee in a heavy based saucepan. Add the onion paste and fry until translucent and fragrant. Add all the spices. Fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant and cooked.
  3. Add tomatoes, coconut milk and raw chicken. Bring to boil and cook, covered over low heat at a slow simmer until the chicken is tender – about 45-50 minutes. Add Cashew meal to taste until desired thickness.
  4. Serve sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander and extra Cashews.
  5. ***Tip: To roast the Cashews, place on a baking tray into a pre-heated 200c oven for 10-15 minutes (Or be lazy like me and buy them already dry roasted… )
  6. *** Tip: If you don’t have Cashews, I also substitute for Almond meal sometimes too

There’s nothing wrong with being cheeky…

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Beef Cheek Saag Gosht

As you may already know, Cory and I were married in Bali.
And, after having already spent 6 years with me, my husband was well aware that in order to facilitate a happy union… he was best to just step aside and let me plan the entire event.
But, before you get all Poor Cory… on me, if you know my husband you would also know, this arrangement suited us both just fine.

Cory did however, have two matrimonial requests.
A swim-up pool bar at our chosen resort and a whole Suckling Pig at the Wedding reception.

I have to admit, when I first considered the pig as part of our Balinese dinner, as traditional as she was, she wasn’t really part of my plan.
Sitting at the wedding table in all my finery with a dead hog looking at me wasn’t exactly romantic, however after some thought (and gentle coaxing from my sister Dyani… something along the lines of “Just give him the damn pig, you bitch!”) I agreed, and the poor little porker was destined for our dinner table gallows.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I do LOVE pigs.
Pork, Bacon, Pancetta, Prociutto, Sausage…
There is nothing about this gentle, smart and gorgeous (hmmmmm… Probably not 3 words you’d string together for something you plan to eat… ) animal that I don’t love.
Having said this, you’d be right for thinking that I probably shouldn’t eat them then if I feel that way, but alas… they are just so damn tasty!

Anyhoo, we were getting a piggy and it was going to be good.
If you’ve ever eaten Babi Guling, you would realize, our guests were in for a treat.

So, the big day came and the reception was in full swing.
Time to eat.
The roasted pig came out in all her glory, not so much a baby suckling but a small pre-teen big enough to feed all 50 of us.
She had the apple in her mouth that Cory requested… “I want to feel like a Viking” were his exact words when quizzed why the fruit filled snout was such a necessity.
She was paraded around the reception on her elaborate alter to loudly repeated Ohhh’s and Ahhh’s, as she so deserved.
She then took residence on the carving table where the Chef proceeded to dissect her for our eating pleasure.
And lastly, she was added to platters of traditional Balinese fare, so our guests could eat what they wanted without leaving their chosen seats.
I was super excited, she looked and tasted so damn delectable, I knew she didn’t die in vain…

This was made especially clear to me when Cory sent a request for her head. “We will eat her all!” he exclaimed.
We will not waste a morsel of this beast.
Look, I’m not squeamish, but this was my Wedding, and instead of gazing fondly into the eyes of my new husband, I was now sharing candlelight stares with a roasted pigs head.

I started dry retching just a little when her brain was removed by Cory and he gave it a sample…
His words… “Not so good, it’s been boiled in her head”
Retch, retch, retch…
Nevertheless, Cory, our good friend Nick, and Cory’s cousin, Bubby all devoured the entire head.
The entire head.

I asked for a post Pig Head review and this was Cory’s reply…
“Ears were good. Flavoursome but Chewy. I can see why dogs like them, they’re tasty and last for ages”
“Tongue was chewy and tasted exactly like the bad breath you would imagine a pig to have, Brain was foul, would’ve rather eaten its arse and the apple didn’t taste like Pork at all…”
“The cheeks… they were goooood”

Now I can certainly attest, there is nothing finer in this world than a good cheek.
Pigs cheeks are one of those amaze ingredients that when prepared and cooked correctly, just can’t be beaten.
They are so damn cheap too, and always a show stopper… this also goes for our other farmyard friend, the Cow.
Beef cheeks are so freakin’ good, it’s actually my favourite bovine cut.
I can never go past them.

So, in honour of our gorgeous sacrificial wedding pig and her equally delicious furry friend the Cow, I’m sharing with you all my Beef Cheek Saag Gosht recipe.
Trust me now, if you are looking for an easy and delicious way to celebrate the humble cheek, then look no further than this tasty Indian curry.
However, when it comes to this recipe, all you Hindu Sisters and Misters may want to turn the other cheek… or make it with Lamb shoulder which is just as good.

Until Friday xxx

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Beef Cheek Saag Gosht
Author: 
Recipe type: Lunch Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 2kg Trimmed Beef Cheeks - halved if large.
  • 2 tbs Ghee
  • 1 large brown Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 3cm thumb of fresh ginger
  • I bunch of Coriander - leaves reserved for serving.
  • 10 Curry leaves - optional
  • 4 cardamon pods crushed lightly
  • 1 Tsp each of – ground Ginger, ground Cinnamon, ground Turmeric, ground White Pepper, Fenugreek seeds.
  • 2 tsp each of – Coriander seeds and Cumin seeds roughly crushed in a mortar and pestle if you have one or substitute for ground.
  • 2 tsp each of Smoked Paprika, Hot Chilli powder and Salt
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 pack of frozen spinach – thawed and drained (or 1 bunch of Spinach, blanched, chopped and drained… I’m just lazzzzyyyy!!)
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your oven to 150c
  2. Mince together in a small processor the Onion, Garlic, Fresh ginger and the stems and roots from the fresh Coriander.
  3. Heat a large casserole or heavy based oven proof dish (20cm x 30cm) over a med-high heat. Sear the beef cheeks in batches until well browned and caramelized. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. In the same pot/pan heat the ghee, then add the onion mix. Cook stirring continuously until becoming fragrant then add the Curry leaves and all of the spices. Cook stirring for another 2 minutes until they are fragrant and no longer raw, then add the tinned tomatoes and the water.
  5. Stir well, then return the beef cheeks to the pan in a single layer on top of the sauce. Wrap well with 3 layers of foil to enclose (3 layers will stop the steam and juices from evaporating in the oven) and cook for 5 hours.
  6. Once cooked, remove the cheeks, and stir the spinach through the sauce and reheat on the stove.
  7. Place the cheeks into your serving dish, spoon over the sauce and serve with a scattering of the reserved Coriander leaves.
  8. *** Tip: Serve with rice and a dollop of Yoghurt or as part of an Indian Banquet

F.F… Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup

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Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil soup

Today’s Friday Feast, is a true Winter Warmer in more ways than one.
This spiced soup will certainly warm those cockles on a frosty eve, but it will also warm the soul…

It’s Vegetarian and, even Vegan if you forgo the Yoghurt (but honestly, I believe the Yoghurt makes it AWESOME, so only skip this step if you truly have to…).
So, you can feel good about the fact that no cute, furry little critters had to meet their maker for your eating pleasure, yet it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest, man sized stomachs (Unless said stomach is my husband Cory’s… that carnivorous man would eat the ass out of a low flying duck…).

It’s totes easy on the wallet too… This pot of Soup will feed an entire family, and you could do it for under $10.00.

And, to top it all off, it’s also super healthy. SUPER HEALTHY!!! Now that’s warming….

So if you’ve had just a few too many cheeky Winter Reds and feel the time is nigh to start that Holy Shit Summer’s Coming! diet…
Or, maybe you just want to counteract the giant Double-Cheeseburger you ate for lunch?…
Hop to it, get yourself a pot of this super easy, and damn delectable Soup on the stove, and I promise you’ll put it in your Top 10 repertoire forever more.

Man, I’m good to you all aren’t I…?
Until Monday xxx

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Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Author: 
Recipe type: Lunch, Dinner
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 10
 
Ingredients
  • 1 Leek - halved, then finely sliced
  • 3 medium Carrots - diced
  • 3 large sticks of Celery - diced
  • 1 tbs Olive Oil
  • 3 tsp ground Cumin Seeds
  • 3 tsp ground Coriander Seeds
  • 1 tsp hot Chilli powder - add more if you like it hot
  • 2 tbs Tomato Paste
  • 6 cups good quality Vegetable stock - homemade is best… see tip
  • 400gm tin of crushed Tomatoes
  • ½ cup dried Brown Lentils
  • 1 bunch fresh Coriander
  • 1 tin Chickpeas- drained and rinsed
  • 120gm Baby Spinach
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Plain Yoghurt to serve
Instructions
  1. In a heavy based pot, add the oil with the Leek, Carrot and Celery. Cook stirring for around 5 minutes until the veg has started to break down.
  2. Add the spices and cook stirring for a further minute until fragrant, then add the tomato paste and cook for a further minute.
  3. Add the Stock and tinned tomatoes, then add the finely chopped stalks from the coriander with the dried lentils. Stir to combine, then bring to the boil. Lower to a simmer, place the lid on the pot and cook for 30 minutes until the lentils are soft.
  4. Add the Chickpeas and the Baby Spinach, stir until the spinach is wilted and then add most of the Coriander leaves. Season well.
  5. Serve with a dollop of Yoghurt and a scattering of the remaining Coriander.
  6. *** TIP: To make my Vegetable Stock, I use ANY leftover herbs and vegetables that are on the way out in my fridge, and I generally make it at night.
  7. Roughly chop the veg and place in a stockpot or large saucepan with 2 roughly chopped Onions, 10 dried bay leaves and 1 tsp whole peppercorns. Top with 5.5 ltrs water and bring to the boil. Simmer with the lid on for 2 hours, then leave on the stove top overnight to extract as much veggie flavour as possible. In the morning, drain, then measure into 4 x 1ltr and 4 x 1 cup portions, and freeze in zip-lock bags until needed.

I am Nanna, hear me roar…

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Now, as you all are aware, especially after watching my MKR odyssey, I can pull some pretty amaze food out of my Akubra (YES, I own an Akubra, and it’s AWESOME)…
Case in point; The Grand Final Consommé.
But, although these types of meals occasionally make a cameo on my dinner table, it’s really not what I’m all about.

I’m an absolute Grandma, and proud of it.
I delight in making preserves.
I take pure joy in creating sauces and jams, and baking hams.
I make everything from scratch because I find it therapeutic, but on the plus side, it’s cheaper and better for you.

A $20.00 spice drawer can take you around the World for over a year. Who needs Contiki, when you’ve got Cumin?
Stocking up on a decent baking store will be the best pantry investment you’ll ever make, especially considering it’s actually just as easy to make your own muffins from scratch using a bowl and spoon, as opening a ready made box from the supermarket cake aisle.
And although it seems scary and super time consuming at first, making fresh pasta is one of the simplest things you can do and doesn’t actually require an expensive machine, just a rolling pin and some pent up, dough kneading aggression.
I just visualize the last time Mrs.Moo got into my red nail polish… ARGHHHHHHHH Must. Beat. Dough!

I’m inspired by all the great chefs, especially women, but I’m truly inspired by my idols, Margaret Fulton, Stephanie Alexander, Charmaine Solomon and Maggie Beer.
Ladies who began their careers in the eras of waste-not, want-not and are all about fuss-free cooking from the pantry, fresh, seasonal ingredients and secondary low-cost cuts.

Like every other mother out there, I’m crazy busy.
I have 2 children (3, if you include my husband… am I right, ladies…eh?) and I work.
There is little time for visiting the supermarket every day, besides the fact that going to the shops with unruly kids in tow, is at the top of my Things I’d rather do less than get a pap smear list.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love to spoil my family and friends with outrageous 3 course feasts (which by the way, don’t have to cost the Earth either… stick with me peeps, I’ll show you some stuff…), however on a weekday basis, I need to look at my pantry and make tasty, interesting food for dinner, with what I have on hand.

I also have a budget.
I’m sorry, but eating Salt-baked Chateaubriand every night, will send us straight to the cleaners.
I need to make Chicken thigh memorable and Lamb shoulder shine.
I need to cook with the seasons, not against them.
Luckily for me, I believe secondary cuts are actually tastier, and fruit and veg is always better in the prime of it’s harvesting life, so cooking cheap and delicious meals, doesn’t actually take much work.

The aim for my blog has always been, accessible food with minimal fuss. My food, my way, and that’s definitely what I’m bringing you today.
This One-Pot Wonder (I appreciate the comical irony in this dish, considering I was once called a One-Pot Wonder…) is so tasty, you will definitely want seconds and you could make it for under $15.00.

So friends, Because I’m all about keepin’ it real, I will certainly share with you my low-cost everyday meals.
My food isn’t always going to be loaded with bells and MKR whistles, sometimes the simple and cheap dishes are all we need to be inspired, and get creative in the kitchen.

Note to Everyone: My recipes are a guide, bend them to your will…

I have hundreds of cookbooks in my ever expanding collection and my favourite, has and always will be The Margaret Fulton Cookbook.
Maybe it’s just nostalgia because Margaret taught me how to bake scones as a girl, or maybe it’s because there’s absolutely no fuss there, just honest, timeless food.
In any case… ohhh Margaret, how I worship thee!

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Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Sage Panzanella
Author: 
Recipe type: Dinner
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 8 large Chicken Drumsticks
  • 2 x 200gm punnets of Cherry Tomatoes - or if you’re feeling fancy use lovely baby heirlooms… or use 3 large tomatoes cut into wedges, the choice is yours…
  • 1 large Red Onion, sliced into 12 wedges.
  • 4 large waxy Potatoes, peeled and sliced into wedges - I use Kipfler but any waxy variety will do, for that matter, any potato variety will suffice.
  • 1 small Red capsicum, sliced into wedges
  • 6 whole cloves of Garlic
  • 1 small bunch of fresh Sage - or use 1 tbs dried instead.
  • 1 cup of stale bread, torn into chunks - I use sourdough, but any bread will do.
  • 1 cup of Chicken stock
  • 2 tbs of Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbs Dijon Mustard
  • Fresh Rocket leaves to serve.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your oven to 200c
  2. In a large roasting dish, place the tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, onion and garlic. Scatter over the sage leaves then season well.
  3. Rub the Drumsticks with 1tbs of oil and season well, then place them in the dish on top of the vegetables.
  4. In a small jug, mix together the stock, paste and mustard. Season well and pour around the Chicken.
  5. Place in the oven and roast for 45 minutes.
  6. Tumble the bread over the top and return to the oven to roast for a further 10 - 15 minutes until crisp and browned.
  7. Serve with a scattering of fresh rocket and enjoy!

F.F… Bree’s Berry Muffins… 2 ways

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Berry Muffins 2 ways

One thing I truly love, is Saturday baking with my girls.
Therefore, this F.F. isn’t so much a Friday Feast, as it is a reason to get the muffin tins out over the weekend and get some freshly baked cakes onto the cooling rack.

Now, because I’m a gal who enjoys variety (just ask poor Cory about the size of my wardrobe…) and I’m also just as much an Angel, as I am a Devil… (again, just ask my long-suffering husband), I’m giving you two recipes today, for the price of one!
Yes, yes… you can thank me later…

I am acutely aware of the allergies affecting a lot of people today, as well as the health benefits associated with abstaining from Gluten and Dairy etc., although, I personally tend to not give a hoot about the latter most of the time… Cream…? OHHH Yeah, Come to mumma!

Anyhoo, it’s because of this and the fact that I often like to send Mrs.Moo to school with something truly digestive-abiding in her lunchbox, that I have two very different, but sort of the same recipes for Berry Muffins.
One, leaves all the good stuff in… and one, takes all the bad stuff out.
In any case, whichever way your fancy leads you, rest assured they are both equally delicious and both so damn easy, it’s almost a crime.

So get that bowl and spoon and get baking peeps, even if you don’t have kids… who the hell doesn’t LOVE a muffin? (As long as it’s not a muffin top…)
Until Monday… xxx

Mixed berry, Oat and Yoghurt muffins

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Mixed Berry, Oat and Yoghurt Muffins
Author: 
Recipe type: Baking
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12
 
Ingredients
  • 225gm Plain Wholemeal flour - can substitute for white flour
  • 2 heaped tsp Baking Powder
  • 150gm Caster Sugar
  • 30gm Rolled Oats
  • 200gm plain Greek Yoghurt
  • 3 Eggs
  • 80ml Rice Bran oil - or any vegetable oil you have
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 100gm frozen or fresh Blueberries
  • 100gm frozen or fresh Raspberries
  • Extra Oats and Demerara sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your fan forced oven to 180c (or 200c for conventional)
  2. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with muffin cases.
  3. Place all the ingredients (except the berries and sprinkle ingredients) into a mixing bowl together and stir until just combined.
  4. Divide half the mixture between the muffin cases. Divide half the raspberries and blueberries between the cases, then top evenly with the rest of the mix. Now top with the remaining berries… if you are short on time, you can skip this step and add the berries into the bowl with the other ingredients, I am just slightly OCD and like every muffin to be uniform in fruit content…
  5. Sprinkle the tops with some extra oats, and if you desire some demerara sugar (it’s gives them a delicious, sweet crusty top)
  6. Place into the oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. They are cooked when a skewer comes out clean, be careful not to overcook as they will dry out.
  7. Enjoy!

Raspberry, Coconut and Almond muffins

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Raspberry, Coconut and Almond Muffins
Author: 
Recipe type: Baking
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Gluten, Dairy and Egg free
Ingredients
  • 175gm Gluten Free Self Raising flour
  • 50gm Almond Meal
  • 1 heaped tspn of Gluten Free Baking Powder
  • 30gm Moist Coconut flakes
  • 50gm Coconut Sugar - can substitute for Brown sugar
  • 250ml smooth Apple Sauce
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 100gm fresh or frozen Raspberries
  • 20gm Slivered Almonds for sprinkling
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your fan forced oven to 180c (or 200c for conventional)
  2. Line a 6 hole muffin tin with muffin cases.
  3. Place all the ingredients, except the berries (add the berries, if you are short on time) and slivered almonds, into a mixing bowl together and stir until just combined.
  4. Divide half the mixture between the muffin cases. Divide half the raspberries between the cases, then top evenly with the rest of the mix. Now top with the remaining berries.
  5. Sprinkle the tops with the slivered almonds
  6. Place into the oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. They are cooked when a skewer comes out clean.
  7. Enjoy!

A Very Big Lunch for a Very Big Issue…

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The Big lunch 1

I have to admit, being an MKR Champion and a subsequent food blogger, definitely has its perks.
I get invited to be a part of some really amazing events, and I also get the opportunity to tell the world about them afterwards.

Take for example, yesterday’s lunch at the Adelaide Central Markets for The Big Issue’s ‘The Big Lunch’.
When I was asked to attend, my immediate reaction was YES!
This is a very worthy cause for very worthy people.
A week before winning the MKR Grand Final, Jess and I filmed a segment for Today Tonight at the Hutt Street Centre. It seriously blew me away, meeting and serving lunch to these people.
The homeless community are shy, grateful and humble.
They are sensitive and caring individuals, just like you and I, but with unfortunate circumstances and heartbreaking stories.
It’s easy to forget they are there, especially in a City like Adelaide, where homelessness is not in your face.

I grew up in the reasonably affluent suburb of Brighton and it wasn’t until at the age of 22, when I left Aussie shores for the UK that I was really exposed to this issue.
As anyone who knows will tell you, it’s inescapable over there.
At every tube station, on pretty much every corner, there is someone begging for help.

When I moved to Scotland, it was even worse.
I remember walking to get my hot lunch one day from work, and I saw a homeless boy, probably about 19, sitting on an Edinburgh High Street corner in the rain.
Hundreds of busy workers were rushing past, nobody noticing him.
But, I noticed him, and I saw that he was crying.
He looked so hopeless and helpless, it’s a vision that still haunts me to this day.

The Big Lunch

It was about this time, that I started purchasing The Big Issue.
I had my regular vendor, he stood outside our local Sainsbury’s.
While I was inside, buying a basket of fresh food, he was outside selling a magazine so he could afford his next meal.
My housemates used to tease, that they saw him driving off in a BMW. That he was actually a wealthy, media magnate and I was funding his empire…
But, as hysterical as their claims were, I knew they were just having a laugh, and it never stopped me from buying my fortnightly read.

I am certainly not the only person in Adelaide, who wants to help this cause.
In fact yesterday, there were 300 of us.
Unified, to eat a delicious lunch all in the name of this amazing charity.
Cory and I were seated, among others, with two exceptional food bloggers and down-right awesome people, McFuzzlebutt’s Manchen and Adelaide Foodies.
I knew it was going to be fun, and I knew we were in for a treat.
And, what a treat it was.

We arrived, to a glass of Champagne for me, and a Vale Ale IPA for Cory.
Tick and Tick, our lunch is off to a very good start.
Once we found our seats, and said our hello’s, I immediately started salivating at the large Charcuterie platter sitting in the middle of our table.
And, for good reason too. It was delicious.
There were a selection of amazing cured and cooked meats, a gorgeous terrine and antipasto vegetables. There were dips and olives, and beautiful fresh, crusty Italian bread all donated by some amazing local Central Market businesses.
Everyone was tucking in with glee, and it was a tantalizing teaser for what was to come.
A meal cooked especially for us, by Executive chef Lloyd Cremer and his amazing team from the Hilton Adelaide.

The Big Lunch 3

The Entrée.
Roasted Butternut and Pear Bisque with Granola or Free Range Chicken Mulligatawny soup.
I am a glutton, as we know, so when the soups arrived in two large tureens, I knew I’d be trying both.
I started with the Pumpkin bisque, and it was delicious with just a slight hint of curry, and the mellow sweetness from the pear. The Granola added an interesting texture and needless to say, my bowl was gone in 60 seconds.
Then, the Mulligatawny. I knew it was a good idea to finish on this, and I was so, so right.
What can I say, totally delicious. I need the recipe.
It had a beautiful amount of spice and Coriander flavour. The Chicken was generous, but also not overbearing.
What an amazing way to start a meal, and whet our appetites for the main event.

I will also mention, right about now I started getting really excited.
Not only for the promise of the main that was soon coming, but because of the realization that the meal was being served family style, so I could eat EVERYTHING!
I didn’t have to choose… WOOHOO!

The mains came out, and they didn’t disappoint.
We had a choice between Roasted Seasonal Vegetable Wellington with Wild Mushroom and Herb casserole, Citrus-charred Huon Salmon with Pea & Mint Salsa Verde and market Potato crush or, and I’m sure this was the resounding favourite, Slow cooked Lamb Shoulder with Preserved Lemon and Vino-Cotto Onions.
The Lamb dish was created especially for the event, by none other than South Australia’s Grand Dame of food and my personal idol, Maggie Beer.

All three were delicious.
The Wellington came served with a gravy so divine, that my husband’s first words were “You can recreate this, right?” hmmm… I can try…?
The Salmon was a picture of beautifully cooked, perfection. Flaking tenderly and with a zesty Salsa Verde that I could drink by the glass if given the chance.
And, maybe I’m biased, not just because I love Maggie, but because Lamb Shoulder is my favourite cut of all time… but, Yum!!
The Lamb was amazing. So tender, and so tasty.
I wished I’d brought a bigger bag, with a Tupperware container hidden in it so I could smuggle some home…

The Big Lunch 4

Next up, dessert.
There was again, a choice of three.
Rhubarb and Frangipane tart with Orange Anglaise, Cory’s favourite.
Triple Chocolate Brownie served with a fresh Raspberry ripple cream, simply divine and out of the two sweet offerings, my favourite.
And, what meal would ever be complete without a sensational Cheese platter?
Of course, cheese being one of my favourite things in this whole, wide world… I was now ending the lunch, in Heaven.
There was a Triple Cream Brie on this platter, which quite simply, I would take to bed.

There was a raffle, with some amazing prizes, donated by some even more amazing local businesses.
There were sensational Wines from Yalumba and delicious local Beer’s from Vale Ale as well as, gorgeous Lobo Cider to keep us hydrated and merry.
Actually, there was much more booze than it is generally acceptable to drink during the day.
At only $140.00 a ticket, this ‘Big Lunch’ is seriously Big bang for your buck!
But, there were also juices from Mountain Fresh and Splitrock waters, for those that preferred to abstain.

There were six, extremely talented artists, who were live painting original artworks for a silent raffle over the lunch.
I had a brief conversation with one, Datsun Tran, and he explained how delighted he was, that an event like this allows him to utilize his talents and help an amazing cause.
These artists are all truly exceptional, and the work they produced was brilliant.
The event was MC’d by Amanda Blair, and my word she’s a funny lass. Quick as a whip and kindhearted to boot.

The Big Lunch 6

The highlight for me though, was the guest speaker, a vendor called Garfield.
Look, anyone named Garfield, already has my vote… but add to this, his inspiring and tear-jerking personal story.
It reminded every single one of us, exactly why we were there.
There was not a dry eye in the house, while hearing from this amazing person about his extraordinary life.
Please, purchase the latest Big Issue to read about Garfield’s story, and I promise you will never walk past another vendor in the street again without buying a copy of this remarkable magazine.

All, in all, the food was fantastic, the atmosphere joyous, and the company, exceptional.
Is there a better way to spend a Sunday?
I think not.
I for one, can’t wait till next year, but in the meantime like undoubtedly every other diner there, I will get my fortnightly Big Issue fix by subscribing to the magazine, and helping in the best way I know how, by showing my support and getting a damn good read at the same time.

www.thebigissue.com.au

 

 

 

F.F… Mum’s Pork Panackelty

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Look, the jury’s still out on this one.
I just can’t say for sure… is it Pan Haggerty or Panackelty? I think this is a cross between the two.
Mum calls it the latter (actually, mum calls it Penagalty… and she’s likely right…), in any case, whatever you want to name it…
I call it Delicious!

This dish is something I grew up on.
Just like every other (part) English rose, a dish cooked lovingly by mothers for their families, and passed down to daughters… although, I think it possibly originated from Ireland…

Note to self: Your research has holes.

Anyhoo, this recipe is one my mum made for me, and her mum made it for her and so on, and so on.
Of course, I being me, cannot ever resist putting my spin on the classics, so I’ve turned a true peasant dish into something a little more extravagant (if you consider adding stock instead of water and fresh sage, splashing out…?).
So my friendly peeps, please enjoy this gorgeous golden oldie, straight from the Stump family archives and get some seriously mouthwatering, Pork on your Fork!

Until Monday… xxx

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Mum’s Pork Panackelty
Author: 
Recipe type: Dinner
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 4 Large Pork Loin Chops with the fat still on - or any other Pork chop, just make sure it’s on the bone.
  • 2 large Brown Onions - thinly sliced
  • 4 Large Potatoes - peeled and sliced into discs
  • 4 Large Granny Smith Apples - Peeled and cut into wedges
  • 1ltr good quality Chicken stock - or Water for the purists…
  • Small bunch of fresh Sage - or 1 tbs dried sage
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Olive Oil
Instructions
  1. Heat a large, non-stick saute pan over a Med-High heat. Rub the chops with oil and season well, then fry for a few minutes on both sides until beautiful and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add another tbs of oil and fry the onions until starting to brown. Add the chopped fresh sage (or dried if you’re using it) and fry for another minute. Add the potatoes and season well again, place the pork chops back into the pan (along with any glorious Pork juice that’s collected) onto the veg and pour over the stock (or water).
  3. Bring to the boil then lower the heat to medium-low and cook with the lid on (leave a small gap so steam can escape) for 40 minutes.
  4. Add the apple wedges to the pan, and flip the chops. Remove the lid and cook for another 15 or so minutes. The chops should now be tender, but not dry (do not overcook the chops). Make sure you leave enough stock for a sauce.
  5. Serve the meat with the Apples and Veg, Spoon over the sauce. Enjoy!

The Festivus for the rest of us…

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Festivus 1
I Love Christmas.
Who doesn’t?
I love giving presents, I love receiving presents, I love Christmas food and I love catching up with my family and friends.
There’s really only one thing I can’t stand about Christmas… The shizen TV programming.

Anyhoo, when I received an invite to a Longest Table event at The Franklin Boutique Hotel and they were calling it ‘Christmas in July’, I thought to myself… Hells yeah sista!
Christmas… in July? I’m in.

I’m so proud to be an ambassador for The Longest Table and I want to help support all the awesome legends who are out there, getting on board and making a difference.
This charity has brought so many wonderful people into my life. It’s truly been a blessing.
Kari, our host for today, is another amazing person, I am lucky to have met.

I arrived at the Franklin, and I couldn’t help but wonder, why I’d never been there before.
It’s such a cool pub.
The atmosphere is super relaxed, and a little bit quirky.
Between the hard wood tables and the exposed brickwork, the leather stools and coloured panelling, this pub is so inviting, you can almost hear it calling you…

In fact it did call me, loudly.
My first instinct upon entering the doors was to make a beeline for the bar.
They have several different (delicious) beers and ciders on tap, but I could also smell something brewing that I’m telling you peeps, always gets my whistle wet… Mulled Wine.
Oh Yes. YES, YES, YES!
This Festivus was going to be good. I knew it from the start.
Soon my friends Dem and Chloe arrived, as well as Chloe’s good friend Beck.
I immediately ordered a Mulled Wine, while Dem (who’s being a true champ and is currently abstaining for Dry July) ordered an Espresso Mock-tini.
We found a place to park ourselves amongst the communal tables that had been set for the meal, and immediately readied ourselves for the Russian feast that was soon to come.

NEVER in my wildest dreams, could I imagine the unbelievable spread that did arrive.
Because of the sheer quantity of food we were served and the fact that it was so damn delicious, I continued eating way past my cut-off point, and became so grossly full that I began plunging into a food coma at the table.
Every direction you turned, there was another lunch guest gurgling and groaning from the weight and strain of their overfilled stomachs.
And, ordinarily, overeating to this capacity will usually turn me off something for a few years, if not for life…
Like the time I ate a family sized platter of my sister Dyani’s, Nachos with Slow cooked Mexican Beef and I was so sick afterwards, I couldn’t eat Avocado’s for about 5 years.
But, remarkably, I am not put off Russian food.
Oh no, I’ll happily eat another Cabbage roll right now. I actually toyed with the idea of asking for a doggy bag…

Festivus 3.1

First Course in our Christmas feast…
Borscht with Chilli and Fennel flat bread.
I’ve never before eaten Borscht, although I’ve always wanted to.
I absolutely love Beetroot, and in a soup, it’s a downright goal kicker! I will now be making it for my family.
The soup was delicious.
The beetroot flavour was there, but you could also taste the delicious stock and dill underneath it. The super light and tasty flat bread was a perfect accompaniment, and the swirl of Sour Cream just finished it off to a tee.
I devoured my soup so quickly, it was more like annihilation.
And, because I truly couldn’t give a rats wazoo what people think, and really love the top I was wearing, I used a bib.
We all wanted more of the bread… but when the starter is that good, you know you better leave room for main.

And, the main event… what can I say, it was truly a treasure to behold and served in my favourite way, family style.
I’m a huge advocate of communal eating.
I love serving different dishes and letting my guests choose for themselves.
To me, it’s what food is all about, togetherness and sharing.
But as these dishes started rolling in, one after the other, even I knew that my greedy eyes weren’t big enough for this spread.

Pork Shaslick with Onions was first off the rank and came served with lashings of tangy Yellow mustard.
Wow, this pork was so meltingly tender, I was truly blown away.
The flavour of it was delicate, but actually quite intense. It was definitely the best pork shaslick I can remember eating and I would happily eat it, again and again.
But alas, I need to save room…

Olivie… better known as Russian Potato salad.
I had a huge spoonful of this truly tasty salad next to my shaslick.
Y.U.M.
The potatoes were perfectly cooked, fluffy and soft, but still holding their shape. The gorgeous dressing was tangy with wholegrain mustard and dill. There were cornichons dancing through the salad and it was all topped off with my favourite ingredient, boiled Egg.
Yes peeps, I’m part German, could you tell…?

Next up… hot Sauerkraut.
Before we had a chance to plate any up (and because we were all too busy gas-bagging), someone at the table next to us, lurched from the sidelines and pinched the bowl.
Startled, I sat there wondering… will it return to me? Dear God, send it back!
It did eventually return, albeit a little less voluptuous…
But, my word I do love Sauerkraut, and this one didn’t disappoint.
The cabbage was perfectly cooked and the speck gave off just the right amount of flavour. I can’t tell you what was in the sauce, however there was the tang of vinegar, but it wasn’t extreme.
This Sauerkraut was so yummy, the absolute likelihood, of major cabbage related stomach gas still wasn’t enough to deter me from wolfing it down like I hadn’t eaten for a year.

And shortly thereafter, I knew this future gas likelihood was actually more of a certainty, because next up… we had Cabbage rolls.
There are no words.
The entire table fell into silence while we were eating these.
DISH OF THE DAY.
If Pete and Manu were here, they’d give this one a 10. I am actually, really kicking myself for not getting that doggy bag…

The rolls were always going to be a tough act to follow, but the next dish definitely held its own.
Kulebyaka, a whole side of Salmon baked in pastry with Mushroom duxelles, or another way of saying it… ‘Fish Pie’.
Incredible.
The Salmon was perfectly cooked. So moist and tender. The mushrooms had so much flavour, the pastry was light and flaky and there was not a bone in sight.
I’d love to eat this dish again, on a cold winter’s eve with a gorgeous glass of wine and my main man, Cory.
I’m going to try and recreate it, this much I know.

Festivus 3

So, about this time I started spiraling into my comatose groaning-zombie state.
I was so full, that the thought of ingesting more food was beginning to fill me with dread… but, like any good soldier, I refused to give up. Instead, I kept calm and carried on.
As they say, when the going gets tough… the tough, just unbutton their trousers.

Dessert.
Now, this is usually a course I can forgo without regret. But, I would’ve regretted this.
Ponchiki Donut.
I do not know what these are, nor how they were made, all I can say is this…
Imagine, if you will, a super light and fluffy, yet crispy and crunchy donut covered in a spiced sugar drizzled with a sticky syrup of some kind… it tasted like honey, but was dark like molasses.
Divine, in every way.
And last, but certainly not least, the Cheese platter.
Oh my God, they know my Achilles heel.
I cannot, I repeat… I CANNOT ever go past the cheese platter.
Oh Lord, have mercy!
At this stage, I was seriously thanking myself for having the foresight to wear stretch jeans.

After eating we all sat there, completely in awe of what we’d just experienced.
Then, the raffle was drawn.
Chloe won an accommodation voucher for a night, to stay in one of the Franklin’s beautiful, modern rooms.
I have to say, I’m slightly jealous.
If you are looking for somewhere a little different to stay in Adelaide, it’s centrally located and a superb choice.
Hilariously, her sexy date evening came courtesy of ticket No.69.
One might say, it was meant to be…

On top of all the amazing food and awesome hospitality, we also received 3 drinks of our choosing with the meal.
My choices…
Moscow Mule, Mulled Wine and my new favourite winter drink… Mulled Cider.
The Cider was like drinking a spiced, apple pie. A-may-zing.
There were also the musical stylings of an awesome Jazz band called the Adam Page Trio.
Usually, if the live lunchtime music’s to loud to talk over, it really gets my goat, but listening to these guys… I didn’t mind at all.
And, who doesn’t love a saxaphone? I’ve been a fan since my primary school obsession with the sax player from Johnny Diesel and the Injectors.

Note to self: You are now a respectable mother, and should not admit to embarrassing childhood crushes on men that were far too old for you.

Demsy and I have already decided, that we will certainly be back.
The Franklin is far too good, to never return.
She’s planning her next birthday there, and I have to say, I’m excited about it.
If the food for a one-off Festivus feast was this great… imagine what their regular menu is like?
I have it on very good authority, that their Hotdogs are heavenly and the pub grub they serve is truly tantalizing. I look forward to finding out for myself.
They’ve also got a generous and airy beer garden, a must in my book, for any event.

This pub is a true Adelaide gem, and the people who work there, are absolute diamonds.
An amazing event, for an awesome cause.
Thank you, Kari and the Franklin Hotel for a truly memorable meal and until we meet again…
Zazdarovje and do svidaniya!

Festivus 4

 

The Franklin Boutique Hotel

92 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000

(08) 8410 0036

http://www.thefranklinhotel.com.au/

 

 

 

 

F.F… Jamaican Jerk Pork Ribs with Spiced Rum glaze

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Jamaican me hungry!!
Put your spice-belts on peeps, and hold on for dear, dear life!
This one will knock those frilly little cotton socks, straight off your footsies.
Be Warned!
If you’re a chilli light weight, go easy on the Habanero (it’s hotter than you think…), but if you’re a heat seeking missile like me… go hard!
This ‘Friday Feast’ or ‘F.F.’ for short, is perfect for those cold, wintry weekends, when you’re dining with friend’s, and fantasizing about warmer climates…
Or, perhaps you’re just smoking it up like Bob Marley… I’m talking about the BARBEQUE you bunch of crims.
Anyhoo, please enjoy my rib-tastic take on the always classic, Jamaican Jerk. Serve with an ice cold beer… and maybe a glass of milk. Yaaaa Man!
Until Monday… xxx

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Jamaican Jerk Pork Ribs with Spiced Rum glaze
Author: 
Recipe type: Nibbles, Lunch, Dinner
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 2 kgs meaty Pork Baby Back ribs
  • Dry rub –
  • 5 dried Habanero chillis - or any other dried chilli you have on hand… make it as hot as you dare…
  • 3 tsp dried Garlic flakes
  • 3 tsp dried Onion flakes
  • 3 tsp dried Thyme
  • 3 large dried Bay leaves
  • 2 tsp ground Allspice… do not get this confused with mixed spice… Allspice Pimento is a dried berry.
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Celery seeds
  • Glaze –
  • 400gm can Tomato puree or Passata
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 cup Brown vinegar
  • ½ cup Jamaican spiced rum - I use Captain Morgans
  • small bunch of fresh thyme - tied with a string for easy removal
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic finely chopped
  • 1 cinnamon quill
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 fresh oranges for basting
Instructions
  1. Crush all the rub ingredients in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Rub evenly over the ribs and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  2. Pre-heat your oven or hooded barbeque to 100c, then cook the ribs, uncovered on a baking tray for 4 hours, turning every hour. If using the bbq, cook the ribs on a rack in the top, not on direct heat.
  3. During the cooking time, every hour, use the fresh oranges to baste the ribs and keep them moist by cutting the oranges in half and squeezing directly onto the ribs.
  4. Meanwhile, to make the Glaze… In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients, bring to the boil over a high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook it for approx. 1 hour or until reduced and saucey. Set aside until ready to use.
  5. Once cooked and falling apart, paint the meaty side of the ribs with the glaze, then increase the oven temp to 220c or turn your barbie up to high and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until sticky.
  6. Cut the ribs into smaller portions and serve immediately.
  7. Eat and dream of Summer!!