France.. what springs to mind? The Eifel Tower? The Arc De Triomphe ? Well for me the things I link to the decedent paree are words like foie gras, terrine, pâté,and not to mention the delish array of French patisseries with creme brûlée, Mille fuilles and don't get me started on the champagne, ohhhhh yeahhhh!!!!
The fact is that without the precision and technique that is French cuisine our western world as we know it would be completely different!
As chefs we Are taught a great deal about French cooking not only by learning technique but by learning terms and definition as well.
Now however creative these French culinary genius are you have to wonder what is going through their heads when they come up with these few dishes....
Tete de Veau or Calf’s Head.
Smoked Ox Tongue
Tripe the French soul food.
Ris de Veau or calf’s pancreas
Frog’s Legs
Escargot – snails
And it makes you wonder how they thought ... Well lets eat a snail
Today there are over 100 different types of garden snails but in France, only two types are found.
the snails are normally killed, removed from their shells and cooked in garlic butter, stock or wine. escargot is high in protein and low in fat content (depending on how they are cooked and how much butter is smeared all over them.) but they do contain 15% protein, 2.4% fat and about 80% water.
Now I am defiantly not suggestion going on a scavenger hunt in the backyard but these slippery little suckers also come in a tin ( what doesn't?) and the health benefits are they are high in protein, vitamin e and magnesium,
So maybe It is the week to be impulsive or experimental.. Buy a tin and pretend to be Manu,
Bon appetite
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Apple crumble muffins
Apple crumble and ultimate classic and so easy to mix up and make different.
Crumble was more popular in world war 2
In Britain and Ireland and was popular because it made a filling dish that was cheap and could be rationed out!
So I have created my own crumble with a twist that is super easy and utterly delish....
Apple crumble muffins !
So in a bowl all you need to do is place
2 grated royal gala apples (skins on )
1 cup of flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 a cup of almond meal
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
And 125gr melted butter
Mix it all together untill blended well and place in either muffin tins or patty pans
Now for the crumble
Rub together 100gr of butter and 1 cup if flour to resemble bread crumbs
Then add 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
And 1 tsp cinnamon
Sprinkle mixture on to the muffins and bake at 180deg for 20-25 min
Mmmm.......
Let me know how they go
Crumble was more popular in world war 2
In Britain and Ireland and was popular because it made a filling dish that was cheap and could be rationed out!
So I have created my own crumble with a twist that is super easy and utterly delish....
Apple crumble muffins !
So in a bowl all you need to do is place
2 grated royal gala apples (skins on )
1 cup of flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 a cup of almond meal
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
And 125gr melted butter
Mix it all together untill blended well and place in either muffin tins or patty pans
Now for the crumble
Rub together 100gr of butter and 1 cup if flour to resemble bread crumbs
Then add 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
And 1 tsp cinnamon
Sprinkle mixture on to the muffins and bake at 180deg for 20-25 min
Mmmm.......
Let me know how they go
the wrong side of 25
Food …
So many varieties, so many ingredients, so many options .
As a chef/foodie/aspiring writer food is something that really gets me excited.
This blog is going to get slightly emotional so don’t say I didn’t give any warning.
After a recent realisation that I am on the wrong side of 25 I have decided that I don’t need to be ashamed of the fact that I have a million things that I want out of life.
That being a dreamer is perfectly normal and that doing something that makes me happy even though I may not be saving the world or breaking records it is perfectly ok.
So with my new insight into life I have decided that I am going to do what I love cook home-style food and open a little business where I can showcase my passion and enjoy the feeling of making people happy if only for a second or third mouthful.
I am also going to continue to write even if no one reads it and even if it doesn’t get me a job as a food critic or journalist.
After some recent events in my life I have decided that life is short and I am going to do what I love because it makes me happy.
So if anyone does read this please comment tell me what you want or wanted to do in life it’s never too late to be happy....
So many varieties, so many ingredients, so many options .
As a chef/foodie/aspiring writer food is something that really gets me excited.
This blog is going to get slightly emotional so don’t say I didn’t give any warning.
After a recent realisation that I am on the wrong side of 25 I have decided that I don’t need to be ashamed of the fact that I have a million things that I want out of life.
That being a dreamer is perfectly normal and that doing something that makes me happy even though I may not be saving the world or breaking records it is perfectly ok.
So with my new insight into life I have decided that I am going to do what I love cook home-style food and open a little business where I can showcase my passion and enjoy the feeling of making people happy if only for a second or third mouthful.
I am also going to continue to write even if no one reads it and even if it doesn’t get me a job as a food critic or journalist.
After some recent events in my life I have decided that life is short and I am going to do what I love because it makes me happy.
So if anyone does read this please comment tell me what you want or wanted to do in life it’s never too late to be happy....
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Woman vs Food
American food,
what astonished me is not only the portion sizes but the fact that there is an entire show with 4 series based on 1 American man taking on some of the biggest food challenges in the world.
What's worst thing is that I'm obsessed with the show, so when I realise that there is a massive burger challenge right here in my home town I am there.
It's called Misty's diner and its located on high street in Prahan, this place is great! It is like stepping back into the 50's into a scene from grease.
"I got chills, there multiplying and I'm losing control" ohhhhh imagine it you step out of your Cadillac in your pink poodle skirt and your pink ladies jacket and you sit on a blue padded booth seat and a sexy young John Travolta stares back at you with his gorgeous brown eyes and says....
Ok so I will leave the next bit to you and although I can't guarantee that Mr Travolta will be there...i can tell you that it won't be disappointing.
It's a fun place with great food from burgers to hotdogs, chilli fries to BBQ ribs even peanut butter milkshakes to deep fried twinkles if its American they have it.
But the thing that caught my eye was this....
The ULTIMATE BURGER CHALLENGE !!!
You have 14min to eat an entire 5 beef patty tower if you will that is a 1.2 kg slab of meat, along with 200 gr of chilli fries !
Now call me crazy but it was impossible , well for the 3 people attempting it that night it was but I have been assured that quite a few have succeeded and received the "I bet Misty's burger challenge" T-shirt and there photo on the wall of fame.
Now I chickened out and instead of the challenge opted for something a little less messy... BBQ pork ribs and buffalo wings with home style ranch dressing haha get it??
It was sensational and to top it off finished with a chips ahoy or choc chip cookie thick shake served with delicious whipped cream and crumbs of cookie over the top.
Extravagant and fattening but worth it. It's one of those places you have to experience to believe it.
Now that I have eaten all that food it's time to relax and watch the charming Travolta in grease,
What more could a girl want xxx
what astonished me is not only the portion sizes but the fact that there is an entire show with 4 series based on 1 American man taking on some of the biggest food challenges in the world.
What's worst thing is that I'm obsessed with the show, so when I realise that there is a massive burger challenge right here in my home town I am there.
It's called Misty's diner and its located on high street in Prahan, this place is great! It is like stepping back into the 50's into a scene from grease.
"I got chills, there multiplying and I'm losing control" ohhhhh imagine it you step out of your Cadillac in your pink poodle skirt and your pink ladies jacket and you sit on a blue padded booth seat and a sexy young John Travolta stares back at you with his gorgeous brown eyes and says....
Ok so I will leave the next bit to you and although I can't guarantee that Mr Travolta will be there...i can tell you that it won't be disappointing.
It's a fun place with great food from burgers to hotdogs, chilli fries to BBQ ribs even peanut butter milkshakes to deep fried twinkles if its American they have it.
But the thing that caught my eye was this....
The ULTIMATE BURGER CHALLENGE !!!
You have 14min to eat an entire 5 beef patty tower if you will that is a 1.2 kg slab of meat, along with 200 gr of chilli fries !
Now call me crazy but it was impossible , well for the 3 people attempting it that night it was but I have been assured that quite a few have succeeded and received the "I bet Misty's burger challenge" T-shirt and there photo on the wall of fame.
Now I chickened out and instead of the challenge opted for something a little less messy... BBQ pork ribs and buffalo wings with home style ranch dressing haha get it??
It was sensational and to top it off finished with a chips ahoy or choc chip cookie thick shake served with delicious whipped cream and crumbs of cookie over the top.
Extravagant and fattening but worth it. It's one of those places you have to experience to believe it.
Now that I have eaten all that food it's time to relax and watch the charming Travolta in grease,
What more could a girl want xxx
Monday, 28 January 2013
Seed cafe Mordialloc
Hey guys,
Today I headed out to breakfast at a local spot I have been dying to try called "seed" at 9 Centreway Mordialloc.
It's open 7 days a week for all day breakfast and lunch and renown themselves for good wholesome food.
We arrived at "seed" at around 10.30am and the place was buzzing.
There were cyclists,families, couples it was a real homely atmosphere.
It was quite deceiving because what from the street looked like a small cafe once you were inside was a rather large space.
As we walked in we were greeted immediately and offered a table near the window.
We had a lovely waiter taking care of us who brought us our tea ( has to be English Breakfast but I can go into that another time) and menus as soon as we sat.
The menu was quite extensive with something to tantalise even the fussiest of eaters.
After some ummming and Ahhhing I decided on a dish which I couldn't pronounce it was called...
Tunisian Shakshuca
It consisted of a chickpea and roasted tomato stew topped with fresh roquette, Labne cheese ,2 free range poached eggs and toasted ciabatta.
Now I have to say I was sceptical as I was unsure as to what I was going to get.
A stew for breakfast? With cheese and gooey eggs ??
Well not only was it presented beautifully it was so delishous I could have eaten it twice over!
The stew was a lovely thick consistancy with spices like smokey paprika and cumin made it a winner from the start then the Labne added a creaminess to it and the eggs just added a velvety thickener when those yolks oozed over the stew.
Plus l ensured nothing went to waste and soaked up ever last drop with the crusty bread.
So I am highly recommending "seed" it was resonably priced it had cost me $19 for my breakfast and tea, they provided quick lovely service and call me a sucker but when I went to tip I was told that all the staff that were tipped put their money towards a young 6 year old girl named Graciela from Ecuador She was "seeds" sponsor child from world vision.
So I left feeling full and happy and felt like there are some lovely people in the world.
So over all two thumbs up from me 👍👍
Today I headed out to breakfast at a local spot I have been dying to try called "seed" at 9 Centreway Mordialloc.
It's open 7 days a week for all day breakfast and lunch and renown themselves for good wholesome food.
We arrived at "seed" at around 10.30am and the place was buzzing.
There were cyclists,families, couples it was a real homely atmosphere.
It was quite deceiving because what from the street looked like a small cafe once you were inside was a rather large space.
As we walked in we were greeted immediately and offered a table near the window.
We had a lovely waiter taking care of us who brought us our tea ( has to be English Breakfast but I can go into that another time) and menus as soon as we sat.
The menu was quite extensive with something to tantalise even the fussiest of eaters.
After some ummming and Ahhhing I decided on a dish which I couldn't pronounce it was called...
Tunisian Shakshuca
It consisted of a chickpea and roasted tomato stew topped with fresh roquette, Labne cheese ,2 free range poached eggs and toasted ciabatta.
Now I have to say I was sceptical as I was unsure as to what I was going to get.
A stew for breakfast? With cheese and gooey eggs ??
Well not only was it presented beautifully it was so delishous I could have eaten it twice over!
The stew was a lovely thick consistancy with spices like smokey paprika and cumin made it a winner from the start then the Labne added a creaminess to it and the eggs just added a velvety thickener when those yolks oozed over the stew.
Plus l ensured nothing went to waste and soaked up ever last drop with the crusty bread.
So I am highly recommending "seed" it was resonably priced it had cost me $19 for my breakfast and tea, they provided quick lovely service and call me a sucker but when I went to tip I was told that all the staff that were tipped put their money towards a young 6 year old girl named Graciela from Ecuador She was "seeds" sponsor child from world vision.
So I left feeling full and happy and felt like there are some lovely people in the world.
So over all two thumbs up from me 👍👍
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
McDonald's vs Tecoma
This may be a somewhat controversial subject but McDonald's in Tecoma, pro or con???
I'm not sure where I stand on this subject... After living in the Dandenong ranges for a few years I understand that it is a place of tranquility, community and a foodie haven which is why at first thought placing a McDonald's in this part of the world may be a bad decision.
All I know that protesters have been working around the clock to get this mega fast food chain to "burger off".
Locals are worried about the impact it will have on there homes including higher levels of traffic, noise and not to mention the potential risk of rubbish pollution of the beloved Sherbrooke forest which is only 800 m away from the proposed building site along with being 50 m away from a local primary school.
This is why Tecoma is in such a state of rage, why build a 24/7 McDonald's when there is one situated less than 10 km away.
Now this is one side of the story...
What about supporting the takeaway food giant?
Do McDonald's not do a lot for the community and family's eg. The Ronald Mc Donald house??
Do McDonald's not hire people for work experiences ? Which from my opinion in hospitality more people are likely to hire staff that have worked for McDonald's because of there high training standards.
Do McDonald's not use Australian produce in their restaurants?
And should they be blamed for potential rubbish and pollution when us as humans are to lazy to place things in the bins which are provided by the company??
But I have to say that I think that the Dandenong ranges are known for their beauty and uniqueness. Being able to enjoy a relaxing cup of earl grey at Miss Marples tea house in Sassafras, climb the "100step" hill or have breakfast at the scrumptious "earthly pleasures" in Belgrave these are what attract the tourists
The uniqueness!
But it's up to us to choose to have your say there is a Facebook page I will put a link at the bottom.
So what do u think ... I may be leaning to one side now more than the other.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Mcdonalds-in-Tecoma/218824078128439
I'm not sure where I stand on this subject... After living in the Dandenong ranges for a few years I understand that it is a place of tranquility, community and a foodie haven which is why at first thought placing a McDonald's in this part of the world may be a bad decision.
All I know that protesters have been working around the clock to get this mega fast food chain to "burger off".
Locals are worried about the impact it will have on there homes including higher levels of traffic, noise and not to mention the potential risk of rubbish pollution of the beloved Sherbrooke forest which is only 800 m away from the proposed building site along with being 50 m away from a local primary school.
This is why Tecoma is in such a state of rage, why build a 24/7 McDonald's when there is one situated less than 10 km away.
Now this is one side of the story...
What about supporting the takeaway food giant?
Do McDonald's not do a lot for the community and family's eg. The Ronald Mc Donald house??
Do McDonald's not hire people for work experiences ? Which from my opinion in hospitality more people are likely to hire staff that have worked for McDonald's because of there high training standards.
Do McDonald's not use Australian produce in their restaurants?
And should they be blamed for potential rubbish and pollution when us as humans are to lazy to place things in the bins which are provided by the company??
But I have to say that I think that the Dandenong ranges are known for their beauty and uniqueness. Being able to enjoy a relaxing cup of earl grey at Miss Marples tea house in Sassafras, climb the "100step" hill or have breakfast at the scrumptious "earthly pleasures" in Belgrave these are what attract the tourists
The uniqueness!
But it's up to us to choose to have your say there is a Facebook page I will put a link at the bottom.
So what do u think ... I may be leaning to one side now more than the other.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Mcdonalds-in-Tecoma/218824078128439
Monday, 10 September 2012
Julie and Julia
Question... Has anyone seen the movie Julie and Julia?
Well I watched it on the weekend and I am a little behind the times I know! however I was absolutely was fascinated from beginning to end.
For those readers that haven't scene it it is about this young woman (Julie)sick of the everyday cycle of life and wanted to do something that she loved and enjoyed for a living and not get stuck into a boring 9 till 5 journalist job.
To cut a long story short she decides to Cook every recipe in the french masterpiece of a cookbook written by none other than Julia Child.
Julia child was an American Chef born the eldest of 3 in California.
She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public then the world with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking is for both experienced cooks and beginners who love good food and long to cook, braise and bake a selection of true authentic french dishes.
Traditional favorites such as beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse, and cassoulet are featured, as are instructions on how to prepare vegetables in a more appetizing way than that of the 1960s American kitchen.
The cookbook includes 524 recipes and the aim for young Julie in the movie is to cook every recipe in the book and write a blog about her cooking journey and adventures!
It is a really inspirational movie and Julia Child herself is a remarkable woman who is inspirational in her own right.
It got me to thinking that this may be a challenge that I would enjoy but I would never know where to start Or what challenge to do.
So if by some odd chance anyone happens to read this and wants to encourage me to do something any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated on how I could spice up my passionate adventures.
But until my next passionate foodie blog I hope u all see the movie!
Well I watched it on the weekend and I am a little behind the times I know! however I was absolutely was fascinated from beginning to end.
For those readers that haven't scene it it is about this young woman (Julie)sick of the everyday cycle of life and wanted to do something that she loved and enjoyed for a living and not get stuck into a boring 9 till 5 journalist job.
To cut a long story short she decides to Cook every recipe in the french masterpiece of a cookbook written by none other than Julia Child.
Julia child was an American Chef born the eldest of 3 in California.
She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public then the world with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking is for both experienced cooks and beginners who love good food and long to cook, braise and bake a selection of true authentic french dishes.
Traditional favorites such as beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse, and cassoulet are featured, as are instructions on how to prepare vegetables in a more appetizing way than that of the 1960s American kitchen.
The cookbook includes 524 recipes and the aim for young Julie in the movie is to cook every recipe in the book and write a blog about her cooking journey and adventures!
It is a really inspirational movie and Julia Child herself is a remarkable woman who is inspirational in her own right.
It got me to thinking that this may be a challenge that I would enjoy but I would never know where to start Or what challenge to do.
So if by some odd chance anyone happens to read this and wants to encourage me to do something any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated on how I could spice up my passionate adventures.
But until my next passionate foodie blog I hope u all see the movie!
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