Crepe Suzette Recipe

I included this recipe more for my benefit…. I will try it when I get home!!!
Recipe courtesy from La Carree Restaurant Brittany (near Tramblay and our hamlet)
Ingredients
Crepes:1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup clarified butter

Sauce:

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)     3 oranges, peeled and sectioned
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Crepes:
Directions

Whisk together the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the milk, orange liqueur, vanilla, and orange zest and flour until combined. If the mixture is too thick, add the remaining milk until a thin consistency is achieved. Cover and refrigerate batter for 30 minutes.

Heat an 8-inch crepe pan or skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute. Cover the surface of the pan with clarified butter until it gets sizzling hot. Ladle some batter onto the middle of the crepe pan and immediately start swirling the pan to distribute the batter over the surface. Cook for 45 to 60 seconds or until lightly golden brown. Flip over and cook the other side for 20 seconds. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Sauce:

In a large skillet over high heat, bring the orange juice to a boil. Add the sugar and zest, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the sugar has melted and the mixture is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the orange liqueur and orange sections. Set aside.

Working in batches, gently place a crepe into the pan holding the orange juice and orange sections. Leave for 1 minute to absorb some juice. Using a narrow spatula, remove the crepe to a warm serving plate. Repeat with remaining crepes. Roll the crepes into a cylinder. Spoon on some of the orange sections. Serve 2 crepes per person. Top with vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

Crepe Suzette
Crepe Suzette

Dinan in Brittany

Dinan is without doubt, one of the most attractive and best preserved small towns in Brittany that we have visited. With its 3 km long ramparts, half-timbered houses, attractive port and cobbled streets filled with art galleries and craft shops, it was certainly worth a day of our time yesterday. I know, another walled ancient town. They are everywhere in France and each one quite incredible !!!

Today we are having a lazy day. It does not get light here until after 8am so the mornings are always a slow start. We are going to our favourite restaurant in a nearby town to enjoy our last lunch in Brittany. I wonder what he is cooking today??? There are no shops or restaurants in our tiny hamlet where we are staying. It is very quiet and peaceful. Good, before we hit Paris in a few days……….

Well it is evening now, and we enjoyed a great lunch. We were not disappointed. Mal had steak and crème brulee. I opted for the set menu (whatever the chef is cooking on the day). I started with vegie soup (delicious) and then something with meat from the forest….whatever the meat was it had antlers (the waiter used hand signs for description), but it was apparently not venison, so I have no idea. It was good though !!!!

The old port of Dinan
The old port of Dinan
Dinan
Dinan
Very old timber homes
Very old timber homes
another photo of Dinan's old port
another photo of Dinan’s old port
Porte du donjon de Dinan
Porte du donjon de Dinan
a local bar
a local bar
One of the cobbled streets of Dinan
One of the cobbled streets of Dinan
This picture does not tell the true story... we were actually illegally parked on a road to get a photo and the gendarmerie (police) called Mal over (he is actually talking to them in the picture but is hidden by the car). I thought we were about to get another fine (yes, another!!), but they only needed help with finding an emergency car that was supposed to have just passed us????
This picture does not tell the true story… we were actually illegally parked on a road to get a photo and the gendarmerie (police) called Mal over (he is actually talking to them in the picture but is hidden by the car). I thought we were about to get another fine (yes, another!!), but they only needed help with finding an emergency car that was supposed to have just passed us????
Putting up Christmas decorations. We had to drive over the footpath to get past... anything goes in Italy and France.
Putting up Christmas decorations. We had to drive over the footpath to get past… anything goes in Italy and France.
Our local vigneron (bottle shop), although wine can be bought just about anywhere..... service stations, some bakeries, grocery shops and even some pharmacies !!!!
Our local vigneron (bottle shop), although wine can be bought just about anywhere….. service stations, some bakeries, grocery shops and even some pharmacies !!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brittany France

We loved this creperie
We loved this creperie
Our boucherie (butcher)
Our boucherie (butcher)
There are beautiful florists everywhere
There are beautiful florists everywhere

 

 

We have been spending a wonderful week in Brittany, Northern France. The weather has been great and our traditional stone cottage in the tiny hamlet of Ardilloux perfect. We have enjoyed exploring the area, occasional meals out and cooking meals at home. The hamlet is inhabited by non-English speaking French but are very friendly even supplying me with the fresh herbs I have needed for cooking.

We have visited many unique villages in the area. Saint-Malo on the Atlantic coast, originally built as a walled citadel guarding the mouth of  the Rance river, was for centuries home to feared pirates. They’ve all gone to Davy Jones’ Locker, though, and now it’s Brittany’s most-visited town.  Another of our favourite finds was Combourg, a village found between Rennes and St Malo ,  in north-east Brittany, in the Ille et Vilaine department. It is a  pleasant town dominated by the important Chateau de Combourg.

We have so much fun, including mistakes, like having no idea what we are eating at times (but never disappointed), how to pay for parking in certain areas and wondering if we will ever get our car back,  and accidentally forgetting and driving on the wrong side of the road. We even turned up at a restaurant today 1 hour early as we had no idea daylight savings existed here, let alone finished on Saturday !!! The restaurant was wonderful, giving us a wine and plenty of smiles, until the chef was ready to feed us. We are going back there for our last lunch in Brittany on Friday.

the beautiful walled town of Saint Malo
the beautiful walled town of Saint Malo
Chateau de Combourg
Chateau de Combourg
Combourg
Combourg
A peaceful spot near our hamlet
A peaceful spot near our hamlet
Combourg is full of ancient buildings, as is most of Brittany and France
Combourg is full of ancient buildings, as is most of Brittany and France
Can you believe we have overdosed on macaroons!!!
Can you believe we have overdosed on macaroons!!!
Yes.... another good restaurant
Yes…. another good restaurant
The boat from Brittany to England at St Malo
The boat from Brittany to England at St Malo
Our resident "petit Puppy" at our cottage. He likes nibblies but gets into trouble by his French owner. We aren't in trouble yet I hope.
Our resident “petit Puppy” at our cottage. He likes nibblies but gets into trouble by his French owner. We aren’t in trouble yet I hope. He spends a great deal of his time looking through our door !!
A couple of local kids. They had just finished off a huge bowl of moules (mussels) and are now enjoying jelly frogs. The mussels are delicious in France... one of my favourite meals.
A couple of local kids. They had just finished off a huge bowl of moules (mussels) and are now enjoying jelly frogs. The mussels are delicious in France… one of my favourite meals.

France 022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mont Saint Michel

We visited an incredible place in Brittany France……Mont Saint Michel. My photos really do not do the place justice. If you google Mont St Michel you will see some amazing photos. Mont St Michel is a monastery built on a rock tidal island around 1 kilometre off the northern coast of France. The island itself is less than 1 km in diameter. Nowadays there is a causeway which connects the island to the mainland.

This place is characterized by the highest tides in Europe (up to 14 meters high), steep rocks, and quicksand. Its surrounding waters can move 18 km away from the island and 20 km deep into the coast. For centuries all these features made Mont Saint-Michel an impenetrable fortress.

First inhabitants of this 92-meter tall mountain, ancient Celts, didn’t have any illusions about it and called it Mont Tombe (Mountain Tomb). Back then Mont Saint-Michel wasn’t an island: it was surrounded by the forest that was later washed away by ocean waters.

While the mainland was ravaged by wars, and captured by the Vikings, the Normans, the Bretons, the British, and other nations – the island-fortress remained untouched. Mont Saint-Michel is a Benedictine abbey. It occupies an area of about 55,000 square meters and it is regarded as a unique example of a fortified medieval French monastery. The top of the Cathedral’s spire is 170 meters above the sea level!

Mont Saint-Michel is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We chose to walk the few km's out to Mont St Michel, but you could go by horse power or bu
We chose to walk the few km’s out to Mont St Michel, but you could go by horse power or bus for no charge to avoid cars at the Abbey
It is quite an incredible place
It is quite an incredible place
Mont St Michel at low tide
Mont St Michel at low tide
Colour in the village outside Mont St Michel
Colour in the village outside Mont St Michel
Mont Saint MIchel
Mont Saint MIchel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chateau de Saint-Loup….France

We found a huge château in the small village of Saint Loup in France to stay in by ourselves (no other guests). The Keep was built around 1200 AD and the Chateau around 1600. It may be haunted although I have not mentioned it to Mal……. Have just found out it is haunted many times over, as this is the château that “The Black Prince incarcerated Good King John” !!!!”  The Black Prince imprisoned in the famous Keep the French King John the Good after the battle of Poitiers in 1356. The entrance of the square tower was then protected by a portcullis. Today the Keep and adjacent  buildings have been converted into seven bedrooms, sitting room, dinning-room and kitchen for guests.

Château de Saint-Loup is a gem of French architecture and a major landmark of the history of Poitou. All the rooms are restored with taste in due respect to this Grade one listed Monument, old tiled floors, lime coated walls, stain glasses, huge fireplaces in the Keep (see my photos), and classic ambiance in the 17 th c. Château apartments. Our huge room has a four-poster bed, tapestries and unique handmade and sculpted furniture. The separate extra huge lounge and library is stunning with a giant stone fireplace giving us a cosy place to spend the evening.

In the world so diverse of Hotels, Château de Saint-Loup stands out as a French aristocratic family home filled with history and authenticity, also a perfect place for an enchanted stay. It is certainly a great find on this holiday.

Chateau de Saint Loup
Chateau de Saint Loup
The Keep.... a separate building bordered by the original moat
The Keep…. a separate building bordered by the original moat
Mal crossing the draw-bridge towards the orchard... the property sits on 150 acres
Mal crossing the draw-bridge towards the orchard… the property sits on 150 acres
The orangery... all the fruit trees are taken inside the orangery to protect them from the winter snow
The orangery… all the fruit trees are taken inside the orangery in winter to protect them from the snow
The pigeon house (next building to be restored) and an old well
The pigeon-house (next building to be restored) and an old well
More of the gardens
More of the gardens
It was a real treat to be staying here... especially to have the place to ourselves
It was a real treat to be staying here… especially to have the place to ourselves

 

 

It is a beautiful chateau.... one of many throughout France
It is a beautiful Chateau…. one of many throughout France
taken from the Keep
taken from the Keep
I loved the stairwell in the Keep
I loved the stairwell in the Keep
There were little alcoves and hidden areas everywhere
There were little alcoves and hidden areas everywhere
The church "next door"... the church bell rang every hour, 24 hours a day
The church “next door”… the church bell rang every hour, 24 hours a day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goose and Foie Gras…. a Southern France delicacy

While saying I am certainly not a fan of the method of feeding the geese for the Foie Gras, and Mal does not enjoy it, I will be honest and say I do enjoy good Foie Gras.  Maybe that’s an influence from Yvette our wonderful French cleaner, come member of the family, whose house-keeping help we enjoyed for about  15 years, and who is also a very good cook !!!

I am amused by the many “geese” in this region.  Foie Gras shops after Foie Gras shops. Nearly more than the wine shops !!!!

Very cute.....too cute for Foie Gras
Very cute…..too cute for Foie Gras
Foie Gras
Foie Gras
Even bronze geese to play on
Bronze geese to play on

Goose 3

A foie Gras and wine "cave".... literally
A foie Gras and wine “cave”…. literally
Even a festival for Goose
Even a festival for Goose
A British goose
A British goose
Foie Gras shops everywhere... I know you probably are bored but they amused me. (sorry)
Foie Gras shops everywhere… I know you probably are bored but they amused me. (sorry)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stunning villages of the Dordogne….. Southern France

We have been staying in the beautiful region of the Dordogne in southern France for the past couple of days. It is an area made up of some of the most unique villages I have ever seen. We stayed in Sarlat-La-Caneda, and whether we explored the bastide town of Domme, the beautiful river side villages of Baynac and La Roque Gageac, the magical cliff side town of Rocamadour,  Mal’s favourite little village on the hill, Belves, or the numerous chateaux of the “one hundred years war”, we were close.

After a morning of exploring the villages including many more stairs, today we decided at about 2pm to give the traditional French way of eating a go. Very small breakfast, huge lunch (3 courses) and small dinner (none for us). We found a small restaurant on the hill in Rocque Gageac and ordered their set menu (in French….very adventurous for Mal !!!!), and really enjoyed it. They start with a generous salad first, (we had Les Nems de Canard, sauce Sangria ….ate the lot), then Mal had the chicken dish we hope (Les Brochettes de blanc de volaille au miel et moutarde a la ancienne) and I enjoyed Le Confit de Canard ( Yummy….but could not eat it all…. I wonder why), and then we finished with La Tarte au Pommes. Will do more walking later today, but actually feel ok. I think the salad to start is a great idea.

Hope you enjoy my photos of the villages……

Salat France
Salat France
Salat
Salat
Lots of character in Salat
Lots of character in Salat…. left click on any of the photos to enlarge

 

Belves
Belves
The village of Domme...Malhaving a coffee (called café in France) after I bought a beautiful silver necklace next door direct from the artisan
The village of Domme…Mal having a coffee (called “café” in France) after I bought a beautiful silver necklace next door, direct from the artisan…www.charlesduret.com

 

La Chat Noir (black cat in English....a little smaller than Salem)
La Chat Noir (black cat in English….a little smaller than Salem)
Ros in Rocque Gageac
Ros in Rocque Gageac
The skies over France are full of jet streams
The skies over France are full of jet streams
La Roque
La Roque
Stunning villages
Stunning villages

 

Fayrac Manor Beynac
Fayrac Manor Beynac
Beynac
Beynac
Chateau Beynac
Chateau Beynac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canal Boating in France

We have just got back into a wifi area and it sounds like Australia is already experiencing devastating bushfires early in the season. We feel for the families that have lost their homes. We live in a bushfire area now and are always conscious of the dangers.

We have just finished a week canal boating down the Canal De Garonne in southern France. It is a French canal dating from the 19th century which connects Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe. The remainder of the route to Bordeaux uses the Garonne River. It is the continuation of the Canal du Midi which connects the Mediterranean with Toulouse.

Whilst it was relaxing most of the time, we also managed to enter 30 locks which with my lack of huge skills took some concentration. As Mal and I had the boat to ourselves we took turns in one of us staying on the boat and pulling the rod to open the lock while still trying to drive the boat and then getting the boat into the lock without hitting the bridge !!! While this was attempting to happen the other was on the bank running up to close the lock when the boat came into the lock and then grabbing the ropes before the current in the lock had other more drastic things in mind. Overall things went well and no major damage occurred to the boat, although I have stiffness in muscles I did not think I had. (I hope this makes sense to those reading this). Believe me, it was not always easy!!

During the week we visited some very old towns along the way, enjoying some meals in hidden little French restaurants. Other days we visited local boulangers (bakers) for bagettes, boucheries (butchers for meat) and with local fruit and vegies made some tasty meals on our canal boat “Nazareth”.

Day one heading over the Agen aquaduct
Day one heading over the Agen aqueduct
We passed many very old buildings, often pulling over to explore
We passed many very old buildings, often pulling over to explore
Ros concentrating while driving the boat into a lock
Ros concentrating while driving the boat into a lock
In a lock with another boat. There was only room for two boats our size
In a lock with another boat. There was only room for two boats our size
Beautiful old trees lined much of the canal
Huge old trees lined much of the canal
Mal pulling the rod to open the lock
Mal pulling the rod to open the lock
I did not mind driving the boat, it was just getting in and out of the locks that was more concerning
I did not mind driving the boat, it was just getting in and out of the locks that was more concerning
Beautiful scenery along the way
Beautiful scenery along the way

 

 

 

 

 

An old lock keepers cottage converted to a restaurant.... the locks are now automated, but have lockkeepers nearby for when they break down. It only happened twice during our week
An old lock keepers cottage converted to a restaurant…. the locks are now automated, but have lockkeepers nearby for when they break down. It only happened twice during our week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agen, France

We have arrived in Agen, France and board our Canal Boat tomorrow for a week of cruising some of the canals of France. We checked out our “baby “canal boat earlier this morning and personally, I am pleased it is not too big, as I am the first mate. I have my leather gloves ready for all the work manoeuvring the boat around the locks and waterways for the fussy captain !!! We will be without internet for a week, so will hopefully have some photos of our boat trip in a weeks time.

Agen is situated halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse, and is probably best known for its prunes. There is much more to this charming small city: gothic arches, a daily covered market, narrow medieval alleys, and a canal and river. The people of Agen are infinitely friendly, and avid rugby fans. Go Aussie !!!

Interestingly, the world-famous Agen prunes are not actually from Agen, but from nearby villages. They came to be connected with Agen because they were distributed from this city.

Until next week, hope you enjoy these photos of Agen.

Agen
Agen
French graffiti
French graffiti
Saint Caprais cathedral in Agen
Saint Caprais cathedral in Agen
The canal bridge in Agen
The canal bridge in Agen
Agen
Agen
Agen town centre
Agen town centre
One of the alley ways of Agen
One of the alley ways of Agen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finale Ligure Italy

It is 12 midnight…. should be going to sleep before we head to France tomorrow, but as we actually have Wi-Fi, which is a rarity,  I will do a post on where we are tonight…… one of our favourite spots from our 3rd trip (last trip) here, Finale Ligure on the Italian Riviera.

It is a small village (although it has grown from our last visit), on  the Italian Riviera west of Genoa and north of Portofino.

Known for its white sand beaches and its views, Finale Ligure is located directly adjacent to the Rock of Caprazoppa, a steep limestone mountain on the southwest, and much of the town extends up hill slopes. The town has a lively commercial district. The boardwalk is lined with palm trees and many restaurants. The town of Finale Ligure is nominally divided into three “boroughs”. Finale Ligure Marina (Finalmarina) is the main seaside part of the town, most frequented by tourists, while Finale Pia (Finalpia) is the traditional centre of the town, where a Benedictine abbey still stands. Finalborgo, the third borough and located further inland, consists of an old walled medieval town.

We stayed at the small 4 storied hotel named Hotel Garbone on our last visit, and we were pleasantly surprised to see it still standing and still run by “Giovanni”………. a boutique hotel opposite the Mediterranean ocean.  A different room this time, but still cute, clean and with a stunning view.

Finale Ligure taken from our bedroom window
Finale Ligure taken from our bedroom window
Town centre
Town centre
Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure

Finale lig

Loved the bikes
Loved the bikes
A "Tanya" in Italy !!!!
A “Tanya” in Italy !!!!
Local cars and very tight parking spots
Local cars and very tight parking spots

 

 

 

 

 

 

Venice, Italy

We visited the incredible place of Venice, once again together. We were here about 20 years ago, for our first holiday away together. It was romantic then, and is still as romantic now.

Venice is a city in north-eastern Italy, sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city, in its entirety, is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. A must see on everyone’s “bucket list”.

It was here in Venice, on our first visit, that Mal met my Mum and Dad for the first time nearly 20 years ago. With its narrow lanes, continual bars, restaurants, no cars, interesting shops (I could fill 10 suitcases….I wish ) it is a place to be seen to be believed !

We rented an apartment for a week around the corner from San Marco Piazza with the intent of cooking a few of our own meals…no such thing, the restaurants were too inviting. We also enjoyed a day out visiting the famous Murano Island and it’s glassblowers. That proved a bit costly !!!! All in all, we have absolutely loved Venice , and fallen in love with its beauty again.

Bridge if Sighs Venice
Bridge of Sighs Venice
We love the colours of Venice, even though often the first impression is quite dull due to the dampness everywhere
We love the colours of Venice, even though often the first impression is quite dull due to the dampness everywhere
Stunning... love the gondoliers
Stunning… love the gondoliers
Grand Canal Venice
Grand Canal Venice
A proud gondolier
A proud gondolier
Sorry, but this photo is a bit blurry, but I was standing on moving water..... loved this "nonni" (grandmother in Italian), watching the world go by on the grand canal
Sorry, but this photo is a bit blurry, but I was standing on moving water….. loved this “nonni” (grandmother in Italian), watching the world go by on the grand canal
The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival, held in Venice, It would be great to see.
The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival, held in Venice, It would be great to see.
One of the many dark alleys all sitting on water
One of the many dark alleys all sitting on water
This is typical of many of the bars in Italy, and usually made up our second meal of the day. Here we ordered a "Hot White Chocolate" and an "Aperole; Spritz" and this is what arrived.... so generous
This is typical of many of the bars in Italy, and usually made up our second meal of the day. Here we ordered a “Hot White Chocolate” and an “Aperole; Spritz” and this is what arrived…. so generous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge

 

 

Lake Como Italy

We spent a beautiful and relaxing week in Lake Como.

Lake Como , is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometres , making it the third largest lake in Italy. At over 400 metres (1,300 feet) deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, and the bottom of the lake is more than 200 metres (660 ft) below sea-level. We could probably be safe in our boat here !

Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. It has many villas and palaces. Many famous people have or have had homes on the shores of Lake Como, such as Madonna, George Clooney (he was out when we visited ), Versace and Sylvester Stallone. Lake Como is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, and we can now understand why.!!!

We had a beautiful room, that after walking the 120 stairs to reach it (really hard after doing it a couple of times a day…. after all the other stairs….1000’s), was perfectly place on what seemed like the top of the lake! We could hear the church bells nearby ring on the half hour, day and night, and at siesta time, hear the jolly little Italian man singing happily away while he worked in the bar below us. We were lucky to catch up with one of my sisters Diane, and brother-in-law Dennis, for dinner one night during their trip in Italy.

Our favourite Gelatos in Menaggio Lake Como
Our favourite gelatos in Menaggio Lake Como
After 120 steps up.... our room with a view
After 120 steps up…. our room with a view
Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio, Lake Como
Menaggio, Lake Como
Menaggio, Lake Como
Menaggio
Menaggio
Lake Como car ferry
Lake Como car ferry
Verenna from the lake
Verenna from the lake
Mal, on one of the many hundreds of staircases in Lake Como. We tried to walk at least 10km a day to help with the eating !
Mal, on one of the many hundreds of staircases in Lake Como. We tried to walk at least 10km a day to help with the eating !
Menaggio
Menaggio
Water taxi Lake Como
Water taxi Bellagio, Lake Como

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Marco Restaurant

Last night we dined at San Marco Restaurant, a one star Michelin restaurant. This restaurant has had its Michelin star for 20 years, and the chef Mariuccia Ferrero has represented Italian cuisine at numerous overseas events, including cooking at the United Nations in New York.

Once an old tavern with stabling, serving “minestrone” and hot soups at the beginning of the past century, the San Marco has become an elegant restaurant and a must for gourmets.Pleasant, intimate and elegantly informal, the San  Marco Restaurant offers typical seasonal dishes, beautifully served on preciously laid tables: ovule mushroom salads, truffles, tajarin, agnolotti “al plin” (my favourite), fondue and finanziera served with home-made bread. Not only main dishes are excellent: desserts are
remarkable, too. Langa bunet, stewed fruits and pastry are incredible….. yes lots of extra exercise coming up !!!!

 

Inside San Marco Restaurant
Inside San Marco Restaurant
Mariuccia and Piercarlo Ferrero from San Marco Restaurant
Mariuccia and Piercarlo Ferrero from San Marco Restaurant

 

La Villa has beautiful gardens
La Villa has beautiful gardens
Charlie (Moxley), chef at La Villa teaching us how to make squid ink crosini
Charlie (Moxley), chef at La Villa teaching us how to make squid ink crosini
Nicola getting carried away rolling her crosini
Nicola getting carried away rolling her crosini
Mario our truffle hunter and Rex his dog, who ate more than we got. He was quick.
Mario our truffle hunter and Rex his dog, who ate more than we got. He was quick.
Our cooking group
Our cooking group

 

Leanne attempting to stuff her baby squid
Leanne attempting to stuff her baby squid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Villa, Piedmont, Italy

I am spending a week here at La Villa Hotel ……A  hidden gem set in a stunning location  surrounded by vineyards,
rolling Piemontese countryside, and framed by the Alps beyond.  Built in 1600, La Villa has been transformed into a stylish and
chic retreat  with a unique atmosphere – more like staying with friends than in a boutique hotel.

Piedmont is the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement and is renowned throughout the world for the quality of its food, the huge range of cheeses and hams, the flavours of its  chocolate and coffee and, above all, its wines and famous white truffle. PLUS SO MUCH MORE !!!!

I am having so much fun, cooking, exploring the local markets for food to cook, the back alleys for interesting shops and getting lost. The Italians are so helpful and friendly.

I will keep this post short as I am about to have a massage…… life’s tough.

Valli Little and I... she is a lovely person. Very gentle.
Valli Little and I… she is a lovely person. Very gentle.
Last night at a local restaurant.... from left,Michelle, Kerry, Glenda (these 3 New Zealanders picked me up from Milan airport and brought me down with them to La Villa), chef Martin Teplitzky (son of Gretta Anna Teplitzky and Valli Little.
Last night at a local restaurant…. from left,Michelle, Kerry, Glenda (these 3 New Zealanders picked me up from Milan airport and brought me down with them to La Villa), chef Martin Teplitzky (son of Gretta Anna Teplitzky) and Valli Little.
Great massages !!!!
Great massages !!!!
The rooms are beautiful
The rooms are beautiful
There are fourteen rooms at La Villa and each one is unique. By changing as little of the old structure as possible, the rooms - six suites, seven doubles and one single – have retained their original features and sense of history whilst still offering all the modern comforts demanded by our sophisticated lifestyles. Some have claw foot baths, others walk-in showers. Some are with terraces or private balconies. Yet every one is light, spacious and with its own special charm.
There are fourteen rooms at La Villa and each one is unique.
By changing as little of the old structure as possible, the rooms – six suites, seven doubles and one single – have retained their original features and sense of history whilst still offering all the modern comforts demanded by our sophisticated lifestyles. Some have claw foot baths, others walk-in showers. Some are with terraces or private balconies. Yet every one is light, spacious and with its own special charm.
It is grape picking time right now.
It is grape picking time right now.
Sunset at La Villa
Sunset at La Villa
The entrance to La Villa
The entrance to La Villa
Mario our truffle hunter and Rex his dog, who ate more than we got. He was quick.
Mario our truffle hunter and Rex his dog, who ate more than we got. He was quick and naughty.
One of the truffles we found.... a huge white truffle. In Tasmania we get black truffles.
One of the truffles we found…. a huge white truffle. In Tasmania we get black truffles.
Phil, Valli's husband. Valli would be lost without him. Just like I would be without Mal !!!
Phil, Valli’s husband. Valli would be lost without him. Just like I would be without Mal !!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicola and Chris.... our hosts at La Villa
Nicola and Chris…. our hosts at La Villa
Valli and Martin making pasta
Valli and Martin making pasta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious “Gastronomy” Experience Italy

Where do I start ?????

After a very long and tiring trip over ….Hobart to Melbourne to Singapore to Dubai to FINALLY Milan Italy I arrived. I have lost 8 hours somewhere but am catching up.

I have had an incredible experience since, thanks to the wonderful organization from Chris and Nicola from La Villa (my accommodation owners), Valli Little (well-known for association with Delicious Magazine and her cooking expertise, and absolutely beautiful person) and MartinTeplitzky (chef and son of well-respected  Gretta Anna Teplitzky)….  what can I say.

We have been wined and dined in style with the occasional entertainment freely supplied by the group of approximately 20 of us……not always suitable to publicize on this blog.

I am only into day 2 of a 7 day experience. Last night we enjoyed a 5 course dinner prepared by chef Charlie Mozley with wine pairing by local wine maker (and female) Chiara Boschis. I really enjoyed talking to someone so passionate about something she believes in. She reminded me of Mal and his boats except in this case it was wine.  Today we visited the town of Acqui Terme to explore the Fresh Produce Market buying supplies for the cooking today. We certainly are not hungry or thirsty !!!!!

Acqui Terme
Acqui Terme
Alexandria
Alessandria
This mornings early view form my bed at La Villa
This mornings view from my bed at La Villa with the early morning mist
The village of Acqui Terme.... Piedmont region
The village of Acqui Terme…. Piedmont region
Cheese salamis at the markets
Cheese salamis at the markets
Martin and Valli picking produce for tonights dinner
Martin and Valli picking produce for tonight’s dinner
I am not sure what is going through Martin's mind in this photo..... but he is a chef !!!
I am not sure what is going through Martin’s mind in this photo….. but he is a chef !!!
I am so looking forward to Mal coming over next week and we spend the next 2 months buying produce like this to cook with
I am so looking forward to Mal coming over next week and we spend the next 2 months buying produce like this to cook with
Sorry Mal, but I had to add the photo of the really cute fishmonger. The fish was good too !!!!
Sorry Mal, but I had to add the photo of the really cute fish monger. The fish was good too !!!!
The fish
The fish
Nicola (LA Villa) and Martin (chef) at the markets
Nicola (LA Villa) and Martin (chef) at the markets
Martin with newly bought local olive oil for tonight
Martin with newly bought local olive oil for tonight
Incredibly old olive trees in the piazza in Acqui Terme
Incredibly old olive trees in the piazza in Acqui Terme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruny Island

Last week we spent a very enjoyable four days on Bruny Island camping with our caravan on the beach.

Bruny Island is a small island off the south-east coast of Tasmania. It comprises North Bruny and South Bruny which are connected by a narrow isthmus known as the neck where we set up camp. 100 kilometres in length, Bruny Island is deceptively large with the same land mass as Singapore yet with only around 620 inhabitants (as opposed to Singapore’s 5.2 million!)

Access to Bruny Island is by vehicular ferry departing from Kettering, around a half hour drive south of Hobart and only one hour from home.

We certainly did not starve on Bruny !!! The island has attracted quite a number of unique artisans. We visited the Bruny Island Cheese Company twice (Nick from Gourmet Farmer fame), Bruny Island Winery twice, Bruny Island Smokehouse, Bruny Fudge Company and also Just Shucked Oysters which we enjoyed by our campfire that night.

A highlight of our visit was a four hour boat trip along the coast of Bruny with Bruny Island Cruises. Their open design boats, and excellence in maneuverability, allowed us to get up as close as possible to sea and coastal wildlife, cliff faces, sea-caves, and feel the joy of passing between the narrow gap between the coast and The Monument, a tall and slender sea stack. It was amazing.

PS: only 8 days until I leave for Italy, but who’s counting????

The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the third oldest Commonwealth lightstation in Australia. The lighthouse is also the oldest continuous lighthouse tower in Australia under Commonwealth control.
The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the third oldest Commonwealth lightstation in Australia.
The lighthouse is also the oldest continuous lighthouse tower in Australia under Commonwealth control.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island
The lookout at the neck
The lookout at the neck
A memorial to Truganini who was born in 1812 on Bruny Island. She was a daughter of Mangana, Chief of the Bruny Island people. Her name was the word her tribe used to describe the grey saltbush Atriplex cinerea. Before she was 18, her mother had been killed by whalers, her first fiance had died while saving her from abduction, and in 1828, her two sisters, Lowhenunhue and Maggerleede, had been abducted and taken to Kangaroo Island, off South Australia and sold as slaves.
A memorial to Truganini who was born in 1812 on Bruny Island. She was a daughter of Mangana, Chief of the Bruny Island people. Her name was the word her tribe used to describe the grey saltbush Atriplex cinerea. Before she was 18, her mother had been killed by whalers, her first fiance had died while saving her from abduction, and in 1828, her two sisters, Lowhenunhue and Maggerleede, had been abducted and taken to Kangaroo Island, off South Australia and sold as slaves.
Staircase in Bruny Island Lighthouse
Staircase in Bruny Island Lighthouse
The Neck near where we camped
Looking over the “Neck” near where we camped
Bruny Island Cruises.... well worth doing !!!
Bruny Island Cruises…. well worth doing !!! The other boat going through the “Monument”
The coastline was amazing
The coastline was amazing
"The monument"
“The monument”
It was stunning
It was stunning
An Australian Fur Seal
An Australian Fur Seal
A New Zealand Fur Seal
A New Zealand Fur Seal sleeping peacefully
Some of the cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese Company
Some of the cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese Company
Great cheeses
Great cheeses
This is not Bruny, but taken at home yesterday....cold, snowy and icy, although we were outside beside the new diesel heater...cosy
This is not Bruny, but taken at home yesterday….cold, snowy and icy, although we were outside beside the new diesel heater…cosy
Lucky we love the cold. We have been in Tassie for nearly one and a half years and have no desire to move. We love it here !!!!
Lucky we love the cold. We have been in Tassie for nearly one and a half years and have no desire to move. We love it here !!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick update…..

It has been a while since I have updated my blog, but things certainly have not been quiet on the home front !!

Since arriving home from our last caravan adventure around Tassie, we have been preparing for our upcoming 2 month trip to Italy and France. I leave on the 21st September, and Mal flies over to meet me on the 28th. We are certainly looking forward to the trip.

Recently I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, but with medication, have got the severe pain under control, and now my main goal is to reduce the medication, which I am gradually succeeding in doing while controlling the pain. It was actually a relief to finally discover what the problem was !!!

Things are going well on our “bush block”, with much clearing being done prior to the summer months with the dangers of bushfires. Speaking of fires, we had a terrible experience 2 weeks ago when Kathy and Michael’s (son and daughter-in-law) home next door (about 1km away) burnt to the ground. I was in the garden at the time and could not believe the amount of black smoke coming from their direction. I have never run so fast in gum boots in my life!!! When I got there they had just escaped out of the home, Michael with burns and certainly less hair, and Kathy with major bruising and 3 fractures from jumping out of the upstairs window. The local police and fire brigades (all 7 fire trucks) were wonderful although there was little they could do to save the home. The main thing was that Michael and Kathy were safe, although we are all sad at losing one of the beloved cats, Mia, who was not so lucky. I think we are all cured from using electric blankets. It was an experience I hope we never have again !!

Last month I enjoyed a “one on one”, full day photography course with Andrew from Focus 10 Photography in Paddington Sydney. He flew down to Hobart and spent the day with me. My head was spinning by the end of the day. It was terrific and lots of fun. He gave me so much help. I just have to remember it all ??? At the end of the day, Andrew and I ended up at Maldini, one of my favourite spots down in Salamanca, where Mal met up with us.

Tomorrow, we are heading down to Bruny Island for 4 days camping with the caravan. Should be fun.

The home may be gone, but the view is still there
The home may be gone, but the view is still there
Moko survived the fire, but if you look closely, his whiskers did not !!!
Moko survived the fire, but if you look closely, his whiskers did not !!!
We enjoyed a visit from Melanie and Eric, Mal's sister and husband.
We enjoyed a visit from Melanie and Eric, Mal’s sister and husband.
Eric and Mal installing the new TV and stereo system.! Very technical. !!!
Eric and Mal installing the new TV and stereo system.! Very technical. !!! Salem in his favourite spot.
Snow on the mountain....Mount Wellington Hobart
Snow on the mountain….Mount Wellington Hobart
A storm coming in near home... Mount Wellington in the background.
A storm coming in near home… Mount Wellington in the background.
I took this photo during my photography course....tall ship on the harbour Salamanca Hobart
I took this photo during my photography course….tall ship on the harbour Salamanca Hobart
Drying out @ Constitution Dock Hobart
Drying out @ Constitution Dock Hobart
"Birds in flight".... art gallery in Hobart
“Birds in flight”…. art gallery in Hobart
Reflections on the harbour
Reflections on the harbour
Wondering around Battery Point Hobart with the mountain in the background.... all the locals refer to Mount Wellington as "The Mountain"
Wondering around Battery Point Hobart with the mountain in the background…. all the locals refer to Mount Wellington as “The Mountain”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nant Distillary and the historic town of Ross

We are getting close to the end of our wonderful trip around Tasmania. We have found many spots we will go back to for a week or two, and many spots we have missed, to visit at a later date.

Yesterday, on our way down from the highlands, we visited Nant Distillery. Their “Liquid Gold” quality truly captures the essence of the unique Tasmanian highlands from which it was created. Nant Distillery produces Australia’s only Highland Single Malt Whisky on the historic Nant Estate (circa 1821) in the central highlands of Tasmania, near Bothwell.The whisky is made from 100% Tasmanian brewer’s barley and water sourced from the central highland lakes from the River Clyde. Whisky distilleries, like the popular cool climate wines produced in Tasmania, are becoming famous for their top quality. Lark is another excellent distillery based in Hobart which we enjoy.

We are spending a couple of days in Ross, one of Mal’s favourite little towns. Ross is a historic town in the Midlands of Tasmania. On the Macquarie River, Ross is located 78 km south of Launceston and 117 km north of Hobart. The town is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is noted for its historic bridge, original sandstone buildings and convict history. It is stunning. We have spent today walking the Ross Heritage trail, visiting the many heritage buildings. We even went shopping, and will now need to come back next week, as the church pew we bought will not fit in the car !!!! Mind you, we would love to buy the Church for sale in nearby Campbell Town, but commonsense prevails.

Inside the distillery
Inside the distillery

 

One of the beautiful buildings on the Nant Distillery property
One of the beautiful buildings on the Nant Distillery property
The Ross Bridge, designed by John Lee Archer, possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world. The detail of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon.
The Ross Bridge, designed by John Lee Archer, possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world. The detail of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon.
Ross
Ross
Ross Bakery
Ross Bakery… great sour dough bread and scallop pies
Reflections at Ross
Reflections at Ross… Ross Bridge – I love this photo
    Ross Female Factory Site, built in the early 1840's, incarcerated female convicts from 1847 to 1854. It was one of four female factories established in Tasmania.
Ross Female Factory Site, built in the early 1840’s, incarcerated female convicts from 1847 to 1854. It was one of four female factories established in Tasmania.

 

One of the many stunning churches in Ross
One of the many stunning churches in Ross
The church For Sale in Campbell Town for $350,000. There is another stone building also attached to the property not shown in this photo.... Mal would join them both together with a glass structure, and is already drawing it up in his mind. No, we won't go there !!!!!
The church For Sale in Campbell Town for $350,000. There is another stone building also attached to the property not shown in this photo…. Mal would join them both together with a glass structure, and is already drawing it up in his mind. No, we won’t go there !!!!!
One of the beautiful windows, all in excellent condition, in Mal's (??) church for sale in Campbell Town.
One of the beautiful windows, all in excellent condition, in Mal’s (??) church for sale in Campbell Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake St Clair – Franklin Gordon National Park

We have spent the last couple of days around Lake St Clair and the highland area. The world heritage Franklin Gordon National Park is stunning. We are very lucky to now have this area so close to home.

We visited Queenstown again after 10 years and it seems the vegetation has  recovered slightly since our last visit. The mountains surrounding Queenstown have unusual pink and grey hues that come from the conglomerate rocks on the two most adjacent mountains – Mount Lyell and Mount Owen. The mountains surrounding Queenstown are often snow-capped through winter. Snow falls a few days out of the year. Owing to a combination of tree removal for use in the smelters (Gold Mining), the smelter fumes (for about 40 years), and the heavy annual rainfall, the erosion of the shallow horizon topsoil back to the harder rock profile contributed to the stark state of the mountains for many decades.

We have had a mixture of weather, cool mornings, a little drizzle but mainly pleasant days. We visited a cute little town called Tarraleah built in the 1930’s as a Tasmanian Hydro town. We are getting closer to home ! Last night we spent a memorable night camped outside the Derwent Bridge Hotel at Lake St Clair. We enjoyed a delicious meal beside the huge open fire with some other fun guests and locals from nearby Ouse. A good night.

One of the many lakes around Lake St Clair
One of the many lakes around Lake St Clair
A highland lake
A highland lake
Incredible wood carvings at the Wall in the Wilderness Derwent Bridge... this is really worth visiting if you are in the area
Incredible wood carvings at the Wall in the Wilderness Derwent Bridge… this is really worth visiting if you are in the area
The Wall in the Wilderness
The Wall in the Wilderness
Another Tassie Devil photo at Devils@Cradle Mountain, the Tasmanian devil sanctuary
Another Tassie Devil photo taken at Devils@Cradle Mountain, the Tasmanian devil sanctuary
Part of the huge carvings at Wall in the Wilderness
Part of the huge carvings at Wall in the Wilderness
Tasmanian Highlands
Tasmanian Highlands
Lake St Clair
Lake St Clair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cradle Mountain

No need for words. I will let my pictures tell the story, although they don’t show the sheer beauty of Cradle Mountain as experienced in person.

There is wildlife everywhere.... a friendly wombat
There is wildlife everywhere…. a friendly wombat
Mal took this photo with the very curious possum helping to press the camera button !!!! Very cheeky.
Mal took this photo with the very curious possum helping to press the camera button !!!! Very cheeky.
Dove Lake Cradle Mountain
Dove Lake Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
Stunning. We have enjoyed our stay here.... the second time we have visited the mountain
Stunning. We have enjoyed our stay here…. the second time we have visited the mountain
We highly recommend the 6km walk around Dove Lake
We highly recommend the 6km walk around Dove Lake
Waratah Falls
Waratah Falls
This photo shows an example of the lush area around Cradle Mountain
This photo shows an example of the lush area around Cradle Mountain
The bottom of Waratah Falls
The bottom of Waratah Falls
It is a very peaceful spot... although probably not in summer with more visitors
It is a very peaceful spot… although probably not in summer with more visitors
A tasmanian devil.... although we hear them at night at home, we were lucky to see them at Cradle Mountain
A Tasmanian Devil…. although we hear them at night at home, we were lucky to see them at Cradle Mountain
The spotted-tailed quoll (or tiger cat as it was once innapropriately known) is the second largest of the world's surviving carnivorous marsupials.
The spotted-tailed quoll or maybe an Eastern Quoll,  (or tiger cat as it was once known) is the second largest of the world’s surviving carnivorous marsupials. We have seen a quoll at home.
I loved this photo.... another Tassie Devil
I loved this photo…. another Tassie Devil
a cabin on the mountain
a cabin on the mountain
On one of the many walks that can be done
On one of the many walks that can be done in the area
a misty rainbow
a misty rainbow
Mal cooking dinner one night at our campsite
Mal cooking dinner on the BBQ one night at our campsite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mal & Ros's Travel Adventures