Welcome to Pleasantville

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Bree's Pina Colada

We have recently moved, and I have to say, I feel pretty fortunate.
Not only because, for the first time in our 10 plus years together, Cory and I are finally in our own home… I have dreamed of being able to hammer nails into walls without fear of retribution for years, such joy.
But, we also have really awesome neighbours.

These days, most neighbours either can’t stand you for no, good reason or couldn’t give a rat’s wazoo that you live next door unless you keep them up past 1am on a Sunday.
It makes me feel pretty good to know that we’ve just met a new bunch of friends, which in itself is pretty amazing, but to make it even better…
They will keep an eye on our house while we’re away, will give me a call if they see my Alpaca playing in the street (Yes, when our fences go up, I’m getting an Alpaca and his name will be Kerry Packer) and surely lend me milk if I can’t make the shops.
Furthermore, if I’ve ingested just a few too many Vodka Soda’s and have started Katy Perry karaoke, instead of calling the cops, they will no doubt just come over and join me for some high pitched squawking.

They have great kids too.
I bring my daughter’s home from school, and within 15 minutes, they are off to the neighbours to hang out on the trampoline and play with Loom bands (only a mother will know what these annoying plastic bands are).
I don’t see them till they come home at dinner time, or unless I call out and one of the street’s kids will either get them for me or point me to the house that they are currently playing at.
They all hang out together like some pre-teen rat pack, ageing from 13 to 3.
I feel as though when we bought our place we morphed into a 1950’s vortex, and I love it.

A couple of Saturdays ago, the lovely people next door put on a BBQ for our family as a ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’.
This is the kind of event and neighbourly camaraderie that I thought was lost to us all and only still existed on Ramsay Street.
And, before you get all cynical on me and think to yourself “Well, of course they want to be your friends… you were on TV”…
I will tell you this.
Everyone in my neighbourhood is friendly with each other. They would’ve held this dinner for us anyway.
It just helps everyone involved that we can skip the whole ‘getting to know you’ bizzo, since they already feel like they do because, I was forced into their lounge rooms for 4 nights a week.
And yes, it was against their will.
We all know, that you have absolutely no choice but to watch My Kitchen Rules, because it’s more addictive than crack.
Or so they say on the street… but not MY street.

OK, obviously we had to get some of the stock standard questions out of the way…
‘Yes, Manu’s accent is real… he’s French…not Tasmanian’
‘Yes, we were all launching food at the plates in HQ, because we genuinely, always ran out of time’
‘Yes, Jess-aaay and I, are still friends’

Anyway, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, even though on this eve, I was flying solo.
Cory was busy, off gallivanting on his Honda. He was with mates on an annual pilgrimage to the Riverland.
Bikes, Swags, Mono’s and Beer… Hmmm, think I’ll pass (not that I would ever be invited anyway). Rather be at the neighbours.

I got the usual apprehensive looks when the food arrived.
I was used to people not wanting to cook for me before MKR, you can only imagine how bad it is now.
I was informed that a BBQ is all anyone is prepared to ever cook me. That’s cool, I love a good barbie… but, surely you can throw a couple of roasts my way too?… Please.

Please note: I would never judge my friends food and I hope they would never judge mine. I’m actually quite partial to the Bunnings sausage sizzle… what does that say about me?

Well, this was no sausage sizzle.
I am pleased to report, that they all appear, to really love food.
They loved my BBQ wings, they loved my Roasted Pumpkin and Dukkah salad and they loved my Chimichurri.

They served me Prawns (yes, they know the way to my heart).
They served me Porterhouse Steak (Ohhh yes, they definitely know the way to my heart).
They served me cheese and dips and chips, and there was not a single piece of badly buttered bread in sight.
My gorgeous neighbour even cracked the expensive champagne she’d been holding onto since her birthday.
These new friends know me so well, it’s just a little bit scary.

But, how can this be?
I thought we were fortunate just to own our first home. But this, this is too much. How lucky can you get?
I now know, that our initial plans to move in 5 years and do the mandatory upgrade are dashed. We can’t leave. It is a vortex.
Great neighbours, who love to eat? I’m in cul-de-sac heaven.
My kids are in heaven too, because there’s a swimming pool on either side of us.

Well, as you all know friends, I love to cook. And more than that, I love to cook for the people I love.
I think I’m going to really love these people, and I look forward to feeding them all.
There is just one thing I ask for in return…

Dear new neighbours, if you’re going to score me, I’m best not knowing unless it’s a 10/10.

In honour of my new found friendships and the retro lifestyle I’m now happily living, I’m sharing with you the most retro drink of them all… An oldie, but an oh, so, goody…

Do you like Pina Colada?…

Why yes. Yes I do.

4.0 from 1 reviews

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Bree’s Pina Colada
Author: 
Recipe type: Cocktails
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1
 
Ingredients
  • 1 part White Rum
  • 1 part Dark Rum
  • 3 parts Pineapple Puree ***
  • 2 parts Coconut Cream
  • Juice of half a Lime
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients into a shaker.
  2. Shake well, then pour into a long glass over ice.
  3. Serve with an extra wedge of lime.
  4. *** To make Pineapple puree, blend or process a whole can of crushed Pineapple in natural juice.

Disclaimer: Havana Club have not endorsed this post, but I endorse them. I love that Rum… Muy Bien Senors and Senoritas!

first cab off the rank…

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So here it is friends… my inaugural blogging post.

I have to say, I really feel like this is cause for celebration – mine anyway. I’m one of those scary individuals that drive their car and can’t remember how they got from point A to point B because they’re too busy daydreaming about their fantasy novel/hit record/Hollywood blockbuster/perfect partner or in my particular case, cookbook.
Disclaimer *** Note to SAPOL – Such talk of daydreaming is just a daydream, and at no time is the vehicle actually in operation.

As you probably already know, I am a mum. And I am a very proud one at that. My family is without a doubt my main purpose in life and the inspiration for everything I do. Every decision I make, every path I pursue, it’s always with their best interests in mind. I have two very special little girls and being a good role model to them is as important to me as breathing.

With all my talk of Evolution and Revolution I want to make something clear, I would never call myself a Feminist (not that it’s a dirty word, these brave woman paved the way for the rest of us). I’m more of a New-Age Traditionalist. I am totally devoted to my husband, kids and home but I also care about myself. Times have definitely changed and I believe it’s important to teach my daughters, as my mother taught me, that you can have your proverbial cake and eat it too. In other words, they can be great wives and mothers but still have a career, follow their own dreams, live life to the fullest and have a voice. And that’s what I intend to do. My dreams have always revolved around food. Writing and creating recipes for others to enjoy and hopefully be inspired by and, furthermore I just LOVE this little ol’ state that I live in.

Hence, start a blog.

Food according to me… Family, Travel, Passion, Therapy, Love, Fun… Obsession!

It’s definitely no secret with those who know me, yes I really, really, really like to talk and sweet Jesus… dare I say it… I’m opinionated. But, as much as I like to tell a yarn, I also love to listen and experience and learn and basically take in as much as I can from this amazing world and the awesome people in it and around me.
And, I really love to share.
I love to share food. I love to share recipes. I love to share experiences and I love to share my point of view. I’m sort of feeling that I maybe should’ve started blogging years ago. Hopefully there’s a few peeps out there in cyber-space that are actually interested in listening to me?

Anyway, please stick with me fellow food comrades, I’m new to this whole blogging caper and I am bound to make several mistakes, but I do vow this;
I Bree, do solemnly swear to triple test every recipe before I post it – most of the time… half of the time… hmmm get back to you on that one…
I Bree, do solemnly swear to give my honest opinions and be totally candid.
I Bree do solemnly swear that as long as I have readers that are keen to hear my views on all things food and South Australian (and Australian and sometimes worldwide, but mainly South Australian) and share my recipes, I will always be excited to share them with said readers.

Since this really is a cause for celebration, I thought maybe we should drink AND eat, in that order… just this once.

I know its super old fashioned and a bottle of true bitter goodness, but seriously if you have never experienced the delights of Campari then go forth, post haste and buy a bottle NOW. Run, don’t walk. If on the freakish chance, you have tasted Campari and God forbid, don’t like it. Take a punt, go and buy another bottle, because this ridiculously delicious cocktail will change your mind.
Now, if this cocktail fails to change your mind about Campari, just go back to what you did as a teenager drinking $10.00 Moonshine… buy 4 more bottles and drink it straight until you DO like it. However, if this further course of action still fails to work then maybe you should make enquiries into the possible medical advancement of taste-bud transplants, because yours appear to be broken.

Anyway, this is just a little Friday afternoon ditty I concocted for a celebratory howler such as this. Let me know what you think…

5.0 from 1 reviews

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Bitter Apple
Author: 
Recipe type: Cocktails
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1
 
Ingredients
  • 1 part Campari
  • 1 part Vodka
  • 3 parts Cloudy Apple Juice
  • 1 tbs Lemon Juice
  • 1cm knob fresh Ginger - grated
  • Soda to Serve
Instructions
  1. In a cocktail shaker, mix together the Campari, Vodka, Apple juice, Lemon juice and Ginger. Shake well, then strain into a chilled glass over ice. Top with Soda to serve.

And, what my friends, is such a delightful little drink, if it’s not paired with an equally delightful little bite? Didn’t Mumma ever tell you? You got to eat boy! Line the stomach and all that. I’m obviously not one to support the old adage ‘Eatin’s Cheatin’.

My darling husband Cory likes to call it ‘Wine club’. Better known to all us mothers as Friday afternoon play dates.
Anyhoo, some of the most discerning and honest people I know are my girlfriends and this delicious dip goes down a treat at our wine clu… I mean play dates.
Best served when you have cause to celebrate such as these; inaugural blogging post, Friday arvo with the girls or the boys or both… you get the drift. Or perhaps, you’ve just got some prawns floating around in the freezer? That too would be a reason enough.

5.0 from 1 reviews

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Prawn Pate
Author: 
Recipe type: Nibbles
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 10
 
Ingredients
  • 400g green prawn meat – de-veined and tails removed
  • 2 cloves garlic - crushed
  • 1 French shallot or half a small brown onion – finely chopped
  • ½ long red chilli, seeds removed
  • 1 lemon - plus extra if needed
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • 2 tbs cream cheese
  • 60gm baby spinach leaves
  • ½ bunch green basil
  • Salt & white pepper to taste
  • 1 sourdough baguette
  • Olive Oil
Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tbs of oil in a fry pan. Cook the onion, garlic and finely chopped chilli on a med-high heat for a couple of minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add ½ the prawns and cook for a further 2 minutes until just cooked.
  3. Add the juice of ½ the lemon and sprinkle over the sugar.
  4. Transfer to a food processor (keep all pan juices and add them as well) and pulse. Keep slightly chunky.
  5. Add the cream cheese, remaining lemon juice, salt & pepper to taste and stir to combine.
  6. Toss the remaining prawns in 1 tsp oil and season well. Heat a clean fry pan over a high heat and sear the prawns for 1 minute each side until caramelized but still a little translucent. Remove from the heat and chop into small chunks.
  7. Finely shred the baby spinach and basil leaves and add this to the Prawn and Cheese mix with the extra cooked prawns.
  8. Stir to combine and check for seasonings. Add more lemon to taste if necessary.
  9. Cool the pate in your fridge until ready to serve.
  10. Preheat your oven to 220°c
  11. Slice bread on angle in 5mm thin slices with a serrated knife.
  12. Brush with oil.
  13. Bake for 10 minutes in a single layer, turning once, until brown and crisp.
  14. Serve the cooled toasts with the pate.

Anyway, I’m signing out now until next time and I am excited. I am extremely excited! Why? Because friends, even if the world just sees me as another self-promoting blogger… I’m a writer!