Tasmania…Work on the farm !!!!

August 17, 2012 Ros Lewis 1 Comment

We have purchased our new home that sits on a beautiful 9.5 acre bush block overlooking the beach. No close neighbours, although down the road Tom is our closest neighbour and a great guy. Mal and Tom spend many hours talking boats !!!

Mal nearly burnt the shed down the other night. He put too strong a globe in the outside sensor light and it caught fire and had 2 foot high flames burning against the outside western red cedar walls. Luckily we were outside burning off, and not out at the time, and saw the flames. Even Mutley’s bowl of water was thrown at it !!! No real damage, just a burnt mark. Adds character to Mal’s shed !!!!! We will get a tap over at the shed soon !! Need a plumber.

We have been very busy improving things on our bush block.

We have already insulated under the home….this really helped with the warmth.

We have laid gravel on the drive.

Air conditioning is being installed next week to give an alternative to our much loved wood heater. We have gone through 3 tonne of firewood already, but it keeps most of the house very cosy. Nights are beautiful by the fire with a glass of red. Kim and Mike (friends and air conditioning people from Tamworth) are flying down to help install the air conditioners and spend a week with us.

The last few days, we have had the tree loppers clearing some trees for a new shed for the boat and caravan, and also to help with our bushfire prevention plans.We have plenty of trees so will really not notice the ones missing.

Last week we had “Mud Bucket” arriving on site (an excavator) to commence the clearing of a road for our fire trail and also a spot for the new caravan and boat shed. Mud Bucket will spend a couple of weeks with us !!!

Today the electrician has started to spend a couple of days updating some of the wiring.

We have even laid new carpet since we arrived….looks much better and as it is pure wool, much warmer, so yes, a lot has been happening.

We were going to extend for a billiard room / library but have decided not to, as the home is small but perfect.

Sandford 002 — I am pleased they are insured... yes, I checked. Left click to enlarge.

Truffle weekend 003 — We have so many trees ... they are beautiful.... we can afford to lose a few.

Truffle weekend 001 — Part of our view... it is stunning

Truffle weekend 006 — "Mud Bucket" (Rod) working away

RESTAURANTS !!!!, Tasmania

Mezethes Greek Restaurant, Hobart

August 10, 2012 Ros Lewis 2 Comments

Mezethes is a Greek Taverna located at Salamanca Square in Hobart, Tasmania. Their position at the end of Mr Wooby’s Lane is where they occupy one the the many historic bond stores that reflect so much of the early settlement era of Hobart.

Mezethes means “many little dishes” or “to graze” and it’s the way Greeks eat at home, a series of small tasty dishes that combine to make a meal.

At their Hobart restaurant they encourage you to sample a range of traditional Greek style dishes, all prepared using the best-quality Tasmanian ingredients wherever possible.

We enjoyed one of our best lunch meals there the other day. Mal had the “fall off the bone” lamb shanks….delicious, while I loved the selection of dips including tzatziki, hommus, and my two favourites, taramasalata …. a yummy combination of crushed caviar eggs, olive oil and lemon and also Skordalia …..pureed potatoes, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. We will be back !!!!!!!! Soon !!!!!

great food....image courtesy of www.mezethes.com.au

RESTAURANTS !!!!, Tasmania

Stillwater Restaurant Launceston Tasmania

August 5, 2012 Ros Lewis 1 Comment

Stillwater Restaurant…..their cosy dining room is the equivalent of a warm hug on these frosty days. We enjoyed a long slow lunch there on the way to our cottage on the Tamar River.

Situated in the historic Ritchie’s Mill at the mouth of the Cataract Gorge on the banks of the Tamar River in Launceston, Tasmania, the restaurant glows with the authentic warmth only an 1830s timber building can offer.

Truffle weekend 007 — Stillwater Restaurant is located inside the historic Ritchie's Mill on the Cataract Gorge in Launceston

cataract-gorge-first-basin-launceston — Cataract Gorge Launceston

Stillwater -Cape Grim eye fillet — Stillwater Restaurant

RESTAURANTS !!!!, Tasmania

Gourmet Farmer… “A Celebration of the Truffle” Weekend

August 5, 2012 Ros Lewis Leave a comment

“Long slow braises and local game are those signature dishes you can really enjoy in these chilly months, with a full bodied red at hand… of course.”

With 4 distinct seasons, winter in Tasmania is frosty mornings and sunshine filled days… interjected with some brief rain.

However the generous temperate climate still sees an abundance of produce flowing from the paddocks.
Potatoes, onions, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, beets and brussel sprouts to name some of the more traditional winter veg along with saffron flowers appearing above the frosty ground and heartier greens like rocket and kale thriving in the winter weather.

Oysters are at their prime in the cooler months and the Tasmanian cheeses just taste so much better when it is cold outside.

The exotic black truffles are now being hunted in the frosty mornings and this weekend we have joined Matt, Nick and Ross from “Gourmet Farmer” fame. ( our favourite TV show….. 3rd series starts early in 2013). We headed up to the Tamar Valley north of Launceston, about 2.5 hours from home, for a couple of days, staying in a gorgeous cottage right on the banks of the Tamar. On Saturday morning we met the guys at the Tamar Valley Truffles, and with coats and boots, and the help of the truffle dogs, searched for our truffles. We then went back to the fire at Moores Hill Winery for a 5 course lunch cooked by Matt, Nick and Ross using truffles for each course. Fun was had by all and the food was delicious.

Truffles Mal edited 2 — Amongst the oak trees while truffle hunting

Truffle weekend 010 — Matt and Nick cooking a pot of soup to warm us up in the Trufferie Farm shed

Truffle weekend 012 — Digging for truffles

Truffle weekend 014 — Mal with Jess, one of the truffle dogs

Truffle weekend 015 — Judi and John....friends from Cygnet Tasmania. Judi was a friend many years ago in Alstonville

Truffle weekend 016 — Nick, Ross and Matt from "Gourmet Farmer" fame

Truffle weekend 018 — Waiting for dinner outside the winery after a day of work searching for the truffles

Ross Bridge 2 — Ross Bridge on our way home...in the midlands of Tasmania

We bought our bread from the famous Companion Bakery in Oatlands. Homemade soup for dinner by the fire !!!!

Truffle weekend 026 — Oatlands.....Callington Mill is a Georgian tower mill built in 1832. The only mill of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, the mill has been restored into a fully working flour mill, producing organic flour and specializing in ancient grains such as Rye, Spelt and Quinoa.

Truffle weekend 019 — We stopped for coffee at the beautiful St Andrews Inn

Truffle weekend 023 — Only Larry, Dave and John will appreciate this photo.... check the "Jimmy Hat" on this fellow at the Inn !!!

Tasmania

Port Arthur, Tasmania

July 22, 2012 Ros Lewis 1 Comment

Yesterday, Mal and I spent the day driving down to Port Arthur, about one hour from our home. We revisited the “Port Arthur Historic Site”. The site contains more than 30 historic buildings, extensive ruins and beautiful grounds. We took the short ferry ride from the site to the “Isle of the Dead” cemetery and passed the site of the old and long gone Point Puer Boy’s Prison. The Port Arthur site was built by convict labour in the 1830’s.

On Sunday 28th April 1996, a tragic chapter was added to Port Arthur’s history when a gunman (Martin Bryant), took the lives of 35 people and physically wounded 19 others in and around the Port Arthur Historic Site. Among them were locals from Port Arthur. The Memorial Garden incorporates the shell of the Broad Arrow Cafe where 20 people were killed during the massacre, and has been created as a place of remembrance and reflection. ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur,_Tasmania )

Port Arthur 010 — Inside the Memorial Gardens

Port Arthur 011 — Port Arthur is a peaceful spot...except maybe school holidays !

Port Arthur 013 — Ros inside the main prison building

Port Arthur 012 — Looking back to the historic site from Mason Cove

Port Arthur 015 — Part of the Penitentiary

Port Arthur 017 — A beautiful and very reflective spot

Port Arthur 019 — We loved the old fences

Port Arthur 021 — very old trees in winter bareness

Port Arthur 020 — Looking out the door of the Commandant's house

Port Arthur 022 — St David's Church in the foreground with the old church in the background.

Port Arthur 023 — one of the many old cottages beautifully restored

Port Arthur 025 — Much of the decorative stonework and joinery in the old church was crafted by the boys from the Point Puer Boy's Prison

RESTAURANTS !!!!, Tasmania

Barilla Bay Oysters and Dunalley , Tasmania

July 22, 2012 Ros Lewis 2 Comments

We spent a relaxing time exploring the tiny Dunalley, a quaint fishing village built around man-made Denison Canal, which has a swing bridge for road traffic.

Dunalley connects Forestier Peninsula with the rest of Tasmania. It is enroute to Port Arthur and well known for fresh seafood.

Denison Canal was hand-dug between 1901 and 1905. The swing bridge allows boats easy access between the two bays and local legend has it that the ‘toll’ to the gatekeeper is a bottle of beer. We enjoyed the open countryside and stunning waterways. Mal’s goal when he picks up his boat soon from the Gold Coast, is to take the boat on a trip for a few days, leaving from South Arm (3 minutes from our home) and travel through the Dunalley Canal to Marion Bay and up to Maria Island.

We ended the day, visiting Barilla Bay oysters for dinner. A fine way to end the day. 30 oysters varying from Kilpatrick with Barilla Bay’s own Worcestershire sauce, Spinach & parmesan mornay, Thai flavours, Tempura battered with guacamole and of course delicious natural. Barilla Bay is not far from our home so we are frequent visitors.

http://www.barillabay.com.au

Port Arthur 001 — Dunalley Canal....the bridge lifts up to let the boats through

Port Arthur 003 — The beautiful Dunalley Hotel

Port Arthur 007 — Looking towards nearby Pirates Bay...left click on the photo for a better look

Port Arthur 008 — Ready for a fishing day at Pirates Bay

Port Arthur 009 — Boat sheds at Pirates Bay waiting for summer to arrive

Barilla Bay — pictures from barillabay.com.au left click to enlarge

B B 2 — Barilla Bay Oysters......a great spot

Tasmania

July 5, 2012 Ros Lewis 3 Comments

Where do I start ??? It has been a while since I have added a post to our blog. We have been so busy.

Yes, we were about to hop on the plane at the beginning of May to pick up our car and caravan that were in storage in WA, and to continue our trip up the west coast of WA. The trip is on hold at this stage, as our dreams came true and we sold our home, although only having about four weeks to drive the van to Tassie and head back to Ballina to pack up was very challenging to say the least. We did it, and even bought a home in Tassie at the same time. We have been spending the past two weeks settling in and unpacking what seems like hundreds of boxes. The garage is still full of unopened boxes, but we will get there. We found a queen size doona yesterday, so the spare room is now ready for visitors !!!!

We enjoyed our trip down to Melbourne and another crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania, this time bringing the stag and Mal’s new landcruiser. We have visited the Salamanca Markets to buy the most beautiful vegies, cheeses, breads etc. We have eaten out a few times including a memorable meal at the famous Donovans Restaurant in St Kilda on our way over. We have really been enjoying a lot of “winter warmers” home cooked meals, and spent last Saturday night cooking for Tanya, one of our Tassie friends. The fire has been going non stop since we moved in and it helps keep the home cosy. I am impatient to start planting my vegie and herb garden in my beautiful possum proof vegie garden, but after having a visit form Jack Frost last week, will hold off for about a month or two. We will just have to visit Salamanca Markets every Saturday to buy them there.

Dick and Jenny, we will we catching up with Mark and Karen again soon. For those that don’t know, Mark and Karen were one of our “Grove” neighbours in Lennox Head who beat us to Tasmania to live. Mutley and Salem have settled in well and love exploring the 9 acres of bushland. They watch the possums eating their apples on the back verandah each night from the safety of inside the home, so spend the next morning searching for signs of them in the bush !!!!

July 5, 2012 003 — Early this morning on the verandah (left click on the photos to get a better view)

July 5, 2012 006 — Todays first sunlight through the gums

June 2012 big 010 — Last night...while watching QLD beat NSW unfortunately

June 2012 big 003 — one of our possum family

June 2012 big 004 — Mum and baby eating the bird seed

Salamanca 4 — Winter hats at the markets with Mount Wellington behind...if you left click on the photo you will see the snow

Salamanca 6 — Even the dogs need their winter woolies !!!!

Wursthaus Kitchen...one of my favourite delis in Salamanca Hobart

Blue Skies Restaurant in Hobart...down by the docks. Tanya works here. Good food.

June, 2012 small 011 — Bronze art with Mures Seafood Restaurant in the background....great chowder

St Kilda Pier Melbourne before boarding the boat on our trip down

June 2012 big 001 — Waiting to take the stag on board the ship

June, 2012 small 005 — We celebrated my Dad's 90th Birthday just before leaving for Tassie

Air Dock 002 — A high flyer overtakes us on the highway.....the need for speed

Tasmania

Finally…Tasmania

May 18, 2012 Ros Lewis 3 Comments

Wow…we were certainly excited about finally arriving in Tasmania to start home hunting. It felt like we were coming home !!!!!

We have been here for about 10 days and finally, after much searching, have found the home we will buy. It is on an 8 acre beautiful bush block at Sandford, looking down onto a deserted beach and lagoon about 25 minutes from Hobart. It is surrounded by many National Parks so is a very protected area. No close neighbours and very peaceful. It even fits all Mal’s toys…caravan and boat, with a good boat ramp 5 minutes away at South Arm.

Unfortunately Mal flew to Sydney last night to visit his Mum who suddenly became very seriously ill. Last night things were very worrying, but I am pleased to say she is improving and hopefully we will have his cheerful Mum back to normal soon !!!

Mal was very lucky to go out Tuna fishing with our good friend Pete at South Arm. They were very successful with their catch. I spent the day exploring the beautiful old buildings in Hobart, the interesting shops around Salamanca and the wharf area and catching up with Tanya for a coffee. I even met Nick from Gourmet Farmer and had a great chat with him. We have been invited to join them for a lunch once we have settled in Tassie. I will look forward to it. Tomorrow I am heading into Hobart for the Salamanca Markets and then meeting Tanya for lunch at Blue Skies.

Mal is flying back in early Sunday morning, and we are then leaving Tassie on Tuesday night crossing via the ship “Spirit of Tasmania”, then driving back up to Ballina for moving day on the 12th June. Can’t say we are looking forward to that part !!!

accross the Nullarbor 021 — Waiting to board

accross the Nullarbor 023 — Taking the caravan over on the ship. We are leaving it on a friends farm for a couple of months until we settle in.

accross the Nullarbor 024 — Mal and Pete arriving home to South Arm after a day of fishing with Mount Wellington in the background

accross the Nullarbor 026 — Part of the catch

accross the Nullarbor 027 — Delicious Tuna and Flathead for dinner !!!

Nullarbor

Crossing the Nullarbor again

May 18, 2012 Ros Lewis 2 Comments

Well, guess what.

We have sold our home in Ballina and are now heading to Tasmania. We were about to board the plane to head back to Perth and pick up our car and caravan and start heading north. That will wait, as on the day we were leaving, we sold the home privately to a lovely couple from Sydney who are the Aunt and Uncle of two of our good friends.

We still flew over and picked up the van and took 6 days to arrive at the ship to take us to Tassie. We had very long days of about 10 hours of driving each day, always camping at amazing spots on the side of the road. We really enjoyed it, especially with the anticipation of finally been able to pick a new home in one of our many favourite spots in Tassie.

accross the Nullarbor 002 — We passed an Ettamoga Pub on the way across at Cunderdin

accross the Nullarbor 004 — No, not fog, but a dust storm

accross the Nullarbor 006 — Part of the old "Rabbit Proof Fence" that was built running from between Albany and Esperance in the south of WA up to Port Headland in the north.

accross the Nullarbor 008 — The highway turns into a airstrip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

accross the Nullarbor 009 — Sunrise one morning

accross the Nullarbor 011 — We left the Nullarbor and arrived in Mildura...we will definitely come back here sometime for a longer stay

accross the Nullarbor 012 — Next to our van at Mildura

accross the Nullarbor 014 — Mal feeding the ducks

accross the Nullarbor 015 — They always love Mal

accross the Nullarbor 017 — A beautiful tree in Malmsbury Botanic Gardens established in 1863

Sydney

April 25, 2012 Ros Lewis Leave a comment

We had a quick trip to Sydney on the weekend to attend an old friend of Mal’s 60th Birthday…Larry. We all enjoyed a cruise out on the harbour. We even had sun !!!!! It was good catching up with John, Rhonda, Dave and Jan too. As my camera is still in Perth in the caravan, I was lucky that John, Rhonda and Jan took some photos for me for the blog. If you think I take good photos, check out these. They are incredible. I think John should retire and take up photography !!! He recently sold a photo and I can understand why.

We fly back to Perth this Monday to pick up our caravan and resume out trip. We hope to head north to Broome, down to Uluru and then continue down to the Great Ocean Road and then back up towards home via Forster. We will be taking 3 months, so will obviously see heaps in between. Can’t wait !!!

john5 — We all met at the Australian in the Rocks

john7 — We enjoyed dinner together at The Waterfront Restaurant

Tenterfield...The beginning of our second trip

Tenterfield

April 12, 2012 Ros Lewis 6 Comments

I am up in Tenterfield babysitting Michael and Kathy’s menagerie while they visit Gundagai for a few days.

It is cool up here but fine and sunny. The trees are changing colour in a spectacular way….perfect autumn.

A note for Kathy and Michael…….

All is well on the home front.

The escapees have been trying, but are now sleeping peacefully.

The chooks have been just let out for a short pick. I see what you mean by the charge to the dog food, and the scratching of the garden !!! Sorry.

Mac Attach is asleep in the front garden, Bo is off exploring somewhere while Bae has given up on the game of meowing at the front door to be let in and once in, running back out the cat door, only to meow 2 minutes later to be let in again. After a few repeats of this I caught on to the game and she has given up now and is sleeping next to me.

The sun is still shining, but it is turning cool so have just lit the fire.

Have taken a few photos to reassure you all is well.

Two of my charges are Jack and Milly, the two Maremma Sheepdogs. They are very special. Although the Maremma Sheepdog is classed as a rare breed in Australia it has been known in its native Italy for 2000 years.

The main function of the dog was to guard the flocks against wolves and bears, and more recently from thieves and wild dogs. The dog was left to use his own initiative in making decisions and that sense of independence is still strong in the dogs of today. In Australia, where the Maremma Sheepdog has been used as a stock guardian, farmers have reported a 35 percent reduction in losses from foxes, wild dogs and birds of prey.

Jack and Milly guard the cats and chooks !!!

Tenterfield 004 — Would you pesky chickens leave my bowl alone !!!

Tenterfield 006 — We promise we won't try to escape any more Nanna...Milly and Jack ...the 2 Italian Maremma Sheepdogs

Tenterfield 007 — I love the autumn colour

Tenterfield 008 — Waiting for new tenants

Tenterfield 009 — Yes...the sun may be still out, but there is smoke coming from the chimney.

Tenterfield 012 — Mac "Attack" trying to sleep

Tenterfield 014 — Bo....Looking forward to his treat at dinner time !!!!

Tenterfield 016 — Bae..."Mum and Dad will phone soon....I'm sure they still love me, even though they have gone again !!"

Tenterfield 002 — Autumn colour near the chook shed

Ballina

Murray and Showte’s Wedding

April 6, 2012 Ros Lewis 7 Comments

April 1 saw us all gathering for Murray and Showte’s wedding at Albert River Winery at Mount Tamborine.

Albert River Wines vineyard and winery are set high on the hill, with panoramic views to Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding Hinterland.

Amongst this setting, you will find the historic colonial homestead, Tamborine House and the fully restored, beautiful iconic Queenslander, Auchenflower House.

Albert River Winery is also home to the original Kingaroy Lutheran Chapel, which is just perfect for traditional style Wedding Ceremonies. This is where Murray and Showte had their wedding ceremony.

I left my camera behind in the caravan in Perth, so tried to make do with our little canon. Unfortunately it died shortly after the ceremony so no reception photos until we see the photographers shots.

Murray and Showte are now honeymooning in Italy for two months. Lucky them !!! I loved the email we just got from them in Paris. See below……..

Hello,
Greetings from Paris.

We arrived here safely after a very long couple of days… quite sleepy. Woke up at 5am this morning due to jet lag and quickly found out that nothing opens in Paris until 9am. But none the less we off to explore Paris today and will possibly get to the Eiffel tower and champ de Ulysses and also the arc de triumph. Which is pretty exciting!

Hope all is well

Lots of love
Showte and Murray

Sent from a room in Paris

Murray and Showte's wedding 001 — Trav, Murray and Guy before the wedding

Ballina, PERTH...18th Jan - 25th March 2012

Ballina……We are home after our second trip

March 27, 2012 Ros Lewis 1 Comment

We arrived home today after flying the “red eye” flight from Perth last night. We left our caravan at Bianca and Joes’s place at Two Rocks about half an hour north of Bec and Steve’s home.

Nick (Breen), our very good friend, picked us up from the airport at Coolangatta, QLD. I am sure he has earned a carton of beer !!!!

It is good to be home, if only for 5 weeks. Mutley and Salem were pleased to see us. We have missed them so much. The garden was healthy, due to all the rain Ballina has been having. The sun has come out for us though. What rain guys????

Like always, our wonderful house sitter, Jen, has looked after our home as if it was her own. I guess it is sort of, considering by the end of our next trip she will have lived in the home for nearly eight months. !!!!! Thanks again Jen.

We head off again for three months on the 30th April (only 5 weeks time). We will start from Perth and head north, then across to NT and Uluru, then into northern QLD before heading south home. We hope to be home by the end of July.

Bye for now, Ros and Mal

Burns Point 1 — I really missed my kitchen. We both love cooking, but we do run out of room in the van. We will cook up a few fun meals while we are home.

Burns Point 2 — All ready for a dinner party !!! I need to cook. !!!!!!

Brooms Head Oct, 2011 006 — Mutley won't let Mal out of his sight. Lucky they are both obsessed with boats !!

Burns Beach and Two Rocks

Burns Beach

March 24, 2012 Ros Lewis 3 Comments

Well, we are on our last few days of our second trip before leaving our car and caravan here and flying home for 5 weeks late on Sunday night.

We could not do it quite so easily without the help of Steve and Bec, who are running us to the airport in the middle of the night and storing our car in their garage, Nick, who is picking us up at the other end on the Gold Coast at some ridiculous hour and Bianca and Joe (Bec and Steve’s good friends), from Two Rocks who are storing our caravan at their home for the 5 weeks we are on the East Coast. A huge THANKYOU to you all.

We are presently camped at Burns Beach, about 45 minutes from Perth and about 10 minutes from Bec and Steve’s home. Our campsite is directly opposite the beach. Some of the photos below are taken from next to the van. There is also a cafe on site where we are meeting some new friends, Neil and Jean, for a coffee this afternoon.

Enjoyed a BBQ at Bec and Steve’s tonight. We even had the excitement of needing the fire extinguisher to put out the fire on the BBQ. The good old leaking gas hose.

Burns Beach 012 — Dinner at Capri with Maggie, Lou, Anna and Vince

Burns Beach 013 — Neil and Jean at Burns Beach

Rosie and Creed 1111 — Rosie and Creed watching Kelly Slater surf

Margaret River, RECIPES

Gabriel Chocolate Margaret River

March 17, 2012 Ros Lewis 4 Comments

Any foodie traveling south from Perth to Margaret River is likely to have stopped at a variety of places seeking elusive amazing new tastynoms. Mal and I are no different.

One of these, and in many ways the most significant is Gabriel Chocolate. We saw the chocolate sign and turned around and went back. We were not disappointed. When entering the building I glanced through a glass panel and saw sacks. Of cocoa beans. Unroasted.

No one, to the best of my knowledge, roasts cocoa beans in Western Australia. Gabriel roasts the cocoa, hand sorts, grinds, conchs, tempers and pours. That is, they actually make chocolate, not just blend courveture or enrobe things to make truffles. Better yet they use single origin cocoa beans of great quality that have characteristic flavours.

Western Australia has a genuine chocolate producer using high quality ingredients and rare bean stocks. If you are going to Margaret River I think you really need to add a visit to this tiny producer of amazing things.

As a bonus, if you drive out of Gabriel’s driveway and into the driveway immediately opposite you will drive into another discovery – Windows Estate.

Nadia is the cook at Gabriel’s. With Mal’s hot chocolate he had THE MOST AMAZING biscuit I have ever tasted. “French Kiss Cookies” He ended up having to let me have a second bite. Nadia was generous enough to share the recipe with me. She also shared her “Absolute Best Brownies” recipe with me. I think we will go back before we leave to try the brownies. If you make the cookies and love them, and would like the Brownie recipe, you will have to bribe me !!!

I have decided to share the recipe with you as well……

FRENCH KISS COOKIES

240g cake flour

240g bread flour

1.25 tsp baking soda

1.5 tsp baking powder

1.5 tsp course salt

285g unsalted butter

285g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

570g bittersweet choc discs @ least 60%

sea salt

Sift flour, soda, powder and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until very light – about 5 minutes. Add 1 egg @ a time. Mix well after each addition. Add vanilla. Reduce to a slow speed and add dry ingredients then mix for 5 – 10 seconds. Drop in chocolate without breaking them. Wrap in plastic for at least 24 hours. (up to 72 hours). Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Scoop 6 100g rounds (golf ball size). Turn any chocolate drop horizontally so it is not poking up. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, bake until golden brown but soft. Transfer on sheet to wire rack for 10 minutes, then on another rack to cool.

Secrets supplied by Nadia and Jacque Torres.

Batter – chill for at least 24 to 36 hours

6″ cookies to get snap and chocolate goo. I am going to increase the mixture to get more yummy cookies !!!!! I know, more walking.

Best served hot or warmed up again.

60% plus good quality chocolate.

Chocolate dough use no less than 40:60

Belgian (Belcolade) uses quart disc so they are flat and melt in layers.

Ingredients @ room temperature.

Use salt in the dough and over the top !!

Margaret River

A typical day in the Margaret River

March 16, 2012 Ros Lewis 2 Comments

margeret River 004 — Lunch @ Saracen Winery and Duckstein Brewery

margeret River 012 — A walk along a beach.....Moses Rock

margeret River 013 — Moses Rock birds...will have to find out what type. They look like a weird cockatoo

margeret River 016 — We love the contrast between the beautiful gums and stunning grasses....left click on the picture to get a better look.

margeret River 022 — Redgate Beach with the Christmas bushfire damage in the background

margeret River 025 — National Park on the way to Augusta

margeret River 041 — Cape Leeuwin...Australia's tallest lighthouse and still an important working lighthouse. Southern Ocean to the left. Indian Ocean to the right.

margeret River 042 — Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

margeret River 001 — Mal feeding the ducks waiting for their dinner when we got home to Busselton

margeret River 035 — Historic waterwheel Augusta. The waterwheel was built in 1895 to supply water to the builders of the lighthouse and later to the lighthouse keepers cottages. The wheel is now encrusted in calcified lime.

margeret River 043 — Mum and her newborn calf on our way home after leaving Augusta. She is still washing the baby. Left click on the photo Rosie and Creed and you will see the baby better.

Geographe Bay

March 15, 2012 Ros Lewis Leave a comment

Western Australia’s Natural Playground

A two to three hour drive south of Perth lies the sheltered shores of Geographe Bay. Voted one of the top 10 places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, the region is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Here we have experienced extraordinary. From the heights of the largest remaining tuart forest in the world , to the depths of Australia’s greatest artificial reef at the Busselton Jetty. In between we have found hundreds more equally spectacular spots, and just as many ways to enjoy them.

Geographe Bay is home to the vibrant seaside towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup, 30kms of pristine, white sandy beaches fringe the renowned Margaret River Wine Region to create the perfect holiday spot for us. We extended our stay from one week to two !!!!

bannerfood02 — Eagle Bay Brewing Company

553955e — Geographe Bay....Cape Naturaliste

leftbanner3 — The whole area is stunning

goulds_vineyard2 — At Knotting Hill we enjoyed their delicious Cheese Platter..... Creamy vintage cheddar, pepper cheddar, Margaret River Organic Camembert, red chilli dip, basil pesto, Italian black olives, marinated feta, Salami, dried apricots, Italian chocolates, thin wafer crisps and baby Turkish bread...yes, and lots of exercise !!!

Jetty1 — The 145-year-old Busselton Jetty, measured at 1841 metres, is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and today is one of Australia's most unique eco-tourism sites.

Busselton

March 12, 2012 Ros Lewis 3 Comments

We have decided to stay in Busselton for another week and use it as a base to see all the area including Dunsborough (a beaut spot…only 10 minutes from Busselton), Augusta (1 hour away), Gracetown and of course Margaret River district (less than half an hour away).

We spent yesterday down south enjoying the Margaret River, but also seeing the devastation caused by the bush fires just before Christmas when about 40 homes were lost. The fire started while the authorities were doing, in hind- site, an incorrectly timed routine burn off to prevent fires. Out of respect for the home owners, I did not take any photos of the burnt out homes. So sad.

Today we have been car less due to a Mum and baby possum taking residence under our car.We moved them yesterday, but did not have the heart to move them today as it has been very hot, so spent the day working, relaxing and bike riding. The possums are so cute, except when they insist on peering down at me from the top of the caravan while we are trying to sleep!!!! They sound like baby elephants.

Busselton 2 020 — Gracetown bush fire damage

Prevelly Beach was the worst effected….over 40 homes lost. It is such a pretty area normally.

Busselton 2 011 — Our resident possums getting ready to climb up under the car.

Busselton 2 027 — Prevelly showing huge fire damage

Busselton 2 028 — Both are very sleepy and very comfortable and cool up under the car. Left click on photo to get a better look.

PERTH...18th Jan - 25th March 2012

Western Australia and it’s “UPS”

March 10, 2012 Ros Lewis Leave a comment

Western Australia is full of “ups”.

A quote from our son-in-law Steve explains the “ups”….. “up” is “place of ____” in Noongar aboriginal language. Yallingup is “place of love”. Nannup is “place of parrots”. Etc

We have avoided causing any accidents while taking photos of just a few of the many “ups”. I have also had fun walking back along the highway, usually in the heat, while getting strange looks from passing traffic so that I get a photo of an “up”. I know, small things amuse small minds !!!! Oh well, enjoy my “ups”.

Busselton, RESTAURANTS !!!!

Palmer Wines Restaurant…..Busselton

March 8, 2012 Ros Lewis Leave a comment

We are down in Busselton at the moment. Wow, what a beautiful spot this is. Only just under 3 hours from Perth , but cooler, near the Margaret River, with stunning beaches and surrounding areas. Have spent yesterday and today checking out the area.

Today we spent our 15th Wedding Anniversary here in Busselton. We went for a late lunch at Palmer Wines of Margaret River. I had a Vitello Tonnato – Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, and Mal enjoyed Pork Belly on a delicious potato rosti bake. We both walked away very contented. !!!!