Balmy Saturday Pleasures....
I'm still feeling the joy (and the indulgence) of my long, relaxed luncheon yesterday! I invited a couple of friends to my home for what has become a 'feature' of our existences....every few weeks they come to my home or I go to their home. Yesterday, the three of us shared a wonderful five and a half hour luncheon (yes...you read correctly! Sometimes they can even be longer!) wherein in from the moment they arrived until the moment they departed, we sat around my table, (which was burdened with delectably delicious food) as we grazed, drank wine and then coffee with liqueur, sharing conversation and laughter. We always have a great time, us three! Our discussions cover every possible subject! I'll give you a couple of recipes of some of what we enjoyed.
Pancetta Cups: Lightly oil a muffin pan. Line with slices of pancetta (use the round pancetta) Mix together some fresh ricotta, goat's cheese, freshly grated parmesan cheese and a little bit of freshly chopped oregano. Put this mixture into the pancetta 'cups' and top with halved cherry tomatoes. Place in pre-heated 200C oven for about 10 minutes.
Bruschetta A-La-Lee: I used sourdough bread for my bruschettas yesterday. Cut into appropriate slices. Brush with extra virgin olive oil and crushed garlic. Place on oven tray and put into the oven until slightly golden on underside. Meanwhile, grill off some pieces of haloumi cheese until slightly golden on either side. When cool enough to handle, top the haloumi with semi-sundried tomatoes, and marinated asparagus spears (cut the spears in half). Wrap these with strips of prosciutto and place on top of bruschetta...place in oven or under grill until prosciutto crisps up a little. Serve! Easy as that!
Thai Mussels: In a large saucepan, splash in some extra virgin olive oil, a dash or two of fish or oyster sauce, some chopped or crushed garlic, diagonally sliced shallots, finely chopped Spanish onion, a long red chilli, cut into strips, ground black pepper and freshly chopped coriander (cilantro). Heat and then throw in some bearded, cleaned mussels. Stir around a bit and then add some dry white wine. Cook the mussels until they begin to open...tossing away any that don't open. Serve in bowl with crusty bread!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Don't Cry For Me, Gympie....
(Sung to the tune of "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina)
Poor Elisa Roberts, Gympie Independent...she began as Gympie's 'One Nation' candidate and won the seat in 2001 (then quit the party to run as an Independent)...doesn't know whether she's coming or going (she's going...she just needs to be reminded every day)...or whether she's Arthur or Martha (I can't answer that one).
Of course, she blames the Liberals and Nationals for her condition...'they've broken my spirit', she complains, popping a few Valium and sleeping pills...what a combination? (The pills, I'm referring to!)
At first she was vocal in her support for the proposed Traveston Dam, then she changed her mind and became a vocal 'anti-dammer'. Ummm...one begins to wonder, doesn't one?
She reckons she's been broken into a million pieces, so I guess one piece was for the dam and another piece was against the dam. One piece was still in the One Nation camp. Another piece was acting as an Independent. Another piece is going to vote Labor on September 9th, for some guy who lives in Brisbane! Ms Roberts lives at Amamoor in the Mary Valley within the Gympie electorate! So, one piece is in Amamoor still fighting with her neighbours. The remaining pieces are scattered far and wide!
Roberts' declared in July she would quit her job and then ten days later took back her words, announcing she would stand and then, a few days later pulled out again...and yes, wait for it...a few further days later stated she was back in the race! And there's more...she pulled out again! Now, the ballot papers, already printed, have her name up as No.1! It's too late to change the ballot papers...but then...our dear Ms Roberts could change her mind again a few times between now and tomorrow week! If the confused people of Gympie vote for her they will be faced with a by-election immediately after the state election! However, I have more faith in the good people of Gympie...I think they've had enough of their yo-yoing, back-and-forth, overly-emotional and not terribly informed member! And, they do have newspapers, television and radios...and computers...so never fear, Ms Roberts, they are well-informed! I'm sure they're all sick of feeling like spectators at a tennis match with their heads going back and forth!
Oh! Dear! Ain't politics grand?
(Sung to the tune of "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina)
Poor Elisa Roberts, Gympie Independent...she began as Gympie's 'One Nation' candidate and won the seat in 2001 (then quit the party to run as an Independent)...doesn't know whether she's coming or going (she's going...she just needs to be reminded every day)...or whether she's Arthur or Martha (I can't answer that one).
Of course, she blames the Liberals and Nationals for her condition...'they've broken my spirit', she complains, popping a few Valium and sleeping pills...what a combination? (The pills, I'm referring to!)
At first she was vocal in her support for the proposed Traveston Dam, then she changed her mind and became a vocal 'anti-dammer'. Ummm...one begins to wonder, doesn't one?
She reckons she's been broken into a million pieces, so I guess one piece was for the dam and another piece was against the dam. One piece was still in the One Nation camp. Another piece was acting as an Independent. Another piece is going to vote Labor on September 9th, for some guy who lives in Brisbane! Ms Roberts lives at Amamoor in the Mary Valley within the Gympie electorate! So, one piece is in Amamoor still fighting with her neighbours. The remaining pieces are scattered far and wide!
Roberts' declared in July she would quit her job and then ten days later took back her words, announcing she would stand and then, a few days later pulled out again...and yes, wait for it...a few further days later stated she was back in the race! And there's more...she pulled out again! Now, the ballot papers, already printed, have her name up as No.1! It's too late to change the ballot papers...but then...our dear Ms Roberts could change her mind again a few times between now and tomorrow week! If the confused people of Gympie vote for her they will be faced with a by-election immediately after the state election! However, I have more faith in the good people of Gympie...I think they've had enough of their yo-yoing, back-and-forth, overly-emotional and not terribly informed member! And, they do have newspapers, television and radios...and computers...so never fear, Ms Roberts, they are well-informed! I'm sure they're all sick of feeling like spectators at a tennis match with their heads going back and forth!
Oh! Dear! Ain't politics grand?
Same Old Song...Same Old Dance
As we draw closer to Saturday, 9th September State election all the same old promises are being sprouted. Premier Beattie who's had eight years to 'fix' things and has failed miserably is now showering Queenslanders with promises and bucket loads of cash as bribes for them to elect him for a fourth term.
He has failed to fix Queensland Health...it's in the same, if not worse condition as it was in this time last year and the year before or before that for that matter! He's trying to push the government's 'stable' leadership and economic credentials into our faces and down our throats in the hope we forget his bundling efforts over Queensland Health...amongst other things!
Beattie's classic performance yesterday, worthy of an Oscar, saw him promise tax cuts for first-home buyers, cash incentives for apprentices and a $145m injection into medical research...just a few of his long list of 'promises'.
What beats me is...Labor has had three terms already to address all these areas...why hasn't it done so? Why is is that politicians think the general public are so gullible that they believe their pre-election promises? Beattie and his mates spend so much time listening to their spin doctors...time that should be spent on rectifying the problems at hand. And...they spend too much time listening to and believing in what pours forth from their own mouths. Beattie, our 'media tart' is lapping up the stage....I hope he gets egg on his face and isn't asked back for an encore!
As we draw closer to Saturday, 9th September State election all the same old promises are being sprouted. Premier Beattie who's had eight years to 'fix' things and has failed miserably is now showering Queenslanders with promises and bucket loads of cash as bribes for them to elect him for a fourth term.
He has failed to fix Queensland Health...it's in the same, if not worse condition as it was in this time last year and the year before or before that for that matter! He's trying to push the government's 'stable' leadership and economic credentials into our faces and down our throats in the hope we forget his bundling efforts over Queensland Health...amongst other things!
Beattie's classic performance yesterday, worthy of an Oscar, saw him promise tax cuts for first-home buyers, cash incentives for apprentices and a $145m injection into medical research...just a few of his long list of 'promises'.
What beats me is...Labor has had three terms already to address all these areas...why hasn't it done so? Why is is that politicians think the general public are so gullible that they believe their pre-election promises? Beattie and his mates spend so much time listening to their spin doctors...time that should be spent on rectifying the problems at hand. And...they spend too much time listening to and believing in what pours forth from their own mouths. Beattie, our 'media tart' is lapping up the stage....I hope he gets egg on his face and isn't asked back for an encore!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Please Explain...Help Me Understand....
A year on from the devastating 'Katrina' still about fifty percent of New Orleans remains without electricity. Only a third of the hospitals are up and running. An estimated half New Orlean's population is still scattered around the country.
Why should this be so in a country such as the United States of America?
President Bush went down there yesterday sprouting words of 'comfort'. Words are not going to right the situation. Actions will! It's all very well to turn to words heavy with religious references but that's not what the people of New Orleans want. They can personally pray any moment of the day or night. They can visit their churches whenever the feeling comes over them. Twelve months on, everyone should have a roof over his/her heads and starting his/her life anew.
I really don't understand why the destruction that occurred in New Orleans a year ago hasn't been fully addressed. Why hasn't the federal government moved forward, and moved forward rapidly long before now,on the reconstruction of New Orleans? Am I missing something here?
If this kind of non-action had happened here in Australia...well...it doesn't happen here in Australia. I know Cyclone Larry caused major damage to Innisfail and a vast surrounding area in far north Queensland six months ago. I also know there still is a lot of work to be done and it is continually being done with our federal government still putting money towards getting the district back up on its feet. But most important of all, I think, is the immediate reaction of the locals themselves. Their Aussie spirit came to the fore and was a guiding light to those around them. Injections of cash by way of small businesses, farm, reconstruction and rehabilitation grants played big parts in turning things around.
The banana industry was brought to its knees by Cyclone Larry. But the farmers' 'never-say-die' attitude saw them put their heads down, not wasting time on whingeing...it was work, work, work. Okay...so the rest of the country have had to pay higher than normal prices for bananas in the interim (I'm sure there were very few consumers who complained) but by Christmas, from all accounts, we will be back to close to normal supplies and normal prices.
I think the Bush administration could learn a big lesson from us...to the benefit of the people of New Orleans.
A year on from the devastating 'Katrina' still about fifty percent of New Orleans remains without electricity. Only a third of the hospitals are up and running. An estimated half New Orlean's population is still scattered around the country.
Why should this be so in a country such as the United States of America?
President Bush went down there yesterday sprouting words of 'comfort'. Words are not going to right the situation. Actions will! It's all very well to turn to words heavy with religious references but that's not what the people of New Orleans want. They can personally pray any moment of the day or night. They can visit their churches whenever the feeling comes over them. Twelve months on, everyone should have a roof over his/her heads and starting his/her life anew.
I really don't understand why the destruction that occurred in New Orleans a year ago hasn't been fully addressed. Why hasn't the federal government moved forward, and moved forward rapidly long before now,on the reconstruction of New Orleans? Am I missing something here?
If this kind of non-action had happened here in Australia...well...it doesn't happen here in Australia. I know Cyclone Larry caused major damage to Innisfail and a vast surrounding area in far north Queensland six months ago. I also know there still is a lot of work to be done and it is continually being done with our federal government still putting money towards getting the district back up on its feet. But most important of all, I think, is the immediate reaction of the locals themselves. Their Aussie spirit came to the fore and was a guiding light to those around them. Injections of cash by way of small businesses, farm, reconstruction and rehabilitation grants played big parts in turning things around.
The banana industry was brought to its knees by Cyclone Larry. But the farmers' 'never-say-die' attitude saw them put their heads down, not wasting time on whingeing...it was work, work, work. Okay...so the rest of the country have had to pay higher than normal prices for bananas in the interim (I'm sure there were very few consumers who complained) but by Christmas, from all accounts, we will be back to close to normal supplies and normal prices.
I think the Bush administration could learn a big lesson from us...to the benefit of the people of New Orleans.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The Beauty and Solace of Solitude
Last night I watched a current affairs programme on television in which they told a story about the lighthouse keepers on Maatsuyker Island, situated at the most southern tip of Australia. Maatsuyker Island is 10km from the southern-most tip of the rugged Tasmanian coast, 50kms from the nearest town, Catamaran. Access to the lighthouse and island is by sea or air (helicopter), weather permitting.
The light was opened in 1891 by a party of dignitaries arriving by boat from Hobart, who were, from accounts, greeted by a placid sea...a rare event! Apparently, for hundreds of years Aborigines made this treacherous trip from the mainland in canoes made from tea-trees hunting for seals and mutton birds.
The original wick oil light was upgraded to kerosene and mantle in 1924. In 1976, 3 diesel generators and a 1000 watt electric light were installed. In 1996, the light was replaced with a fully automated, smaller, solar-powered light further up the hill with the intention of de-manning. This lighthouse on Maatsuyker Island has been manned much longer than lighthouses on the mainland. Since the mid-seventies, supplies have been flown into the island by helicopter. Before that, supplies came in by boat every three months.
The current caretakers are soon to leave the island. Parks and Wildlife are searching for a replacement couple. The only thing stopping me from applying is I'm not part of a 'couple'. I don't have a 'partner', unless, of course, you take into account my two cats...but, somehow, in the eyes of Parks and Wildlife, I don't think they would qualify!
This report regarding the search for new caretakers is so coincidental in light of my post of yesterday about my solitary time spent on an island in north Queensland. How I would love to be given the chance to face another challenge...a challenge like Maatsuyker Island. I have this ache inside of me...a burning desire to go there but I know it can't be so...and that saddens me!
The solitude doesn't phase me. I blossom in solitude. Back to dreaming......
Last night I watched a current affairs programme on television in which they told a story about the lighthouse keepers on Maatsuyker Island, situated at the most southern tip of Australia. Maatsuyker Island is 10km from the southern-most tip of the rugged Tasmanian coast, 50kms from the nearest town, Catamaran. Access to the lighthouse and island is by sea or air (helicopter), weather permitting.
The light was opened in 1891 by a party of dignitaries arriving by boat from Hobart, who were, from accounts, greeted by a placid sea...a rare event! Apparently, for hundreds of years Aborigines made this treacherous trip from the mainland in canoes made from tea-trees hunting for seals and mutton birds.
The original wick oil light was upgraded to kerosene and mantle in 1924. In 1976, 3 diesel generators and a 1000 watt electric light were installed. In 1996, the light was replaced with a fully automated, smaller, solar-powered light further up the hill with the intention of de-manning. This lighthouse on Maatsuyker Island has been manned much longer than lighthouses on the mainland. Since the mid-seventies, supplies have been flown into the island by helicopter. Before that, supplies came in by boat every three months.
The current caretakers are soon to leave the island. Parks and Wildlife are searching for a replacement couple. The only thing stopping me from applying is I'm not part of a 'couple'. I don't have a 'partner', unless, of course, you take into account my two cats...but, somehow, in the eyes of Parks and Wildlife, I don't think they would qualify!
This report regarding the search for new caretakers is so coincidental in light of my post of yesterday about my solitary time spent on an island in north Queensland. How I would love to be given the chance to face another challenge...a challenge like Maatsuyker Island. I have this ache inside of me...a burning desire to go there but I know it can't be so...and that saddens me!
The solitude doesn't phase me. I blossom in solitude. Back to dreaming......
Forever Watchful... Forever Vigilant
One would hope the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and whatever other authorities are needed maintain a watchful eye on 'Jihad Jack' Thomas.
His activities and connections, in the very least, must raise a suspicious, curious eye even if he hasn't been, so far, convicted. He can deny as much as he likes any intentions of undertaking terrorist activity in Australia but his behaviour says otherwise. And it's this behaviour that must be taken seriously.
After 9/11 while our soldiers and the soldiers of the US were committed in the fight against al-Qa'ida and the Taliban in Afghanistan, the latter were vainly trying to kill Australian and US soldiers. Thomas was in Afghanistan on the side of the Taliban. To my way of thinking, that most certainly says a lot...more than a lot! Thomas, himself, admitted to this in his interview with the ABC's programme 'Four Corners'. Why would a person, if he was innocent of such deeds, claim this? Again, to my mind, it's nothing to sprout off about or be proud of...get rid of this creature from this country. If the courts are unable to lock him up because of archiac laws, send him back to Afghanistan or Pakistan where he belongs! He is not wanted here.
One would hope the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and whatever other authorities are needed maintain a watchful eye on 'Jihad Jack' Thomas.
His activities and connections, in the very least, must raise a suspicious, curious eye even if he hasn't been, so far, convicted. He can deny as much as he likes any intentions of undertaking terrorist activity in Australia but his behaviour says otherwise. And it's this behaviour that must be taken seriously.
After 9/11 while our soldiers and the soldiers of the US were committed in the fight against al-Qa'ida and the Taliban in Afghanistan, the latter were vainly trying to kill Australian and US soldiers. Thomas was in Afghanistan on the side of the Taliban. To my way of thinking, that most certainly says a lot...more than a lot! Thomas, himself, admitted to this in his interview with the ABC's programme 'Four Corners'. Why would a person, if he was innocent of such deeds, claim this? Again, to my mind, it's nothing to sprout off about or be proud of...get rid of this creature from this country. If the courts are unable to lock him up because of archiac laws, send him back to Afghanistan or Pakistan where he belongs! He is not wanted here.
Monday, August 28, 2006
A Path Less Travelled...
In the early nineties, I took 'a path less travelled'. Often, I feel like taking that path again. It was a bittersweet experience...more sweet than bitter. Alone, I went to live on an island. An island, up until I was told about it, I'd never heard of or knew of it's whereabouts. The island, situated north of Mackay, catered for day-trippers, campers, overnight (and longer) guests and visiting professional fishermen en route to their last port of call, Mackay docks. Eight self-contained cabins dotted along the foreshore, camouflaged by the island foliage, didn't intrude into the island's ambience. Out from the main building that housed a licensed bar, dining area, kitchen and my accommodation above, swaying coconut palms fringed the shore of the small bay. The generator shed 200 metres away between the main building and the cabins, housed two diesel-powered generators.
From my bed, without lifting my head off the pillows, I could see the ocean. Early mornings, upon opening my eyes, often I'd be greeted by dolphins playing around the island boat, which I moored out where the sea floor dropped off at the beginning of the channel between my island and the neighbouring uninhabited island, less than half a kilometre away. There were three uninhabited island nearby to my island and another a few kilometres away.
Sometimes days would pass before I saw another human being. How I loved and enjoyed my solitude in paradise.
My two cats shared my island with me. Along the beach, they'd love to scamper, kicking up sand as they ran. A special game often shared was chasing each other up and down the palm trees. Not once did they innterfere with the wildlife or bird population of the island. Fearlessly, tiny yellow-bellied sunbirds constructed their spindle-shaped nest to hang freely from my window frame wherein they bred their little family of two chicks. Their nest was within easy reach of the cats but the cats took no notice. Why would they be bothered with birds, when for dinner each evening they could eat fresh seafood until it came out of their ears?!!
Often, like right at this moment, I'd love to be walking along its pristine beach with only the sea birds, a light breeze, swaying palms and my two cats accompanying me while being serenaded by the relaxing sound of the turquoise sea gently lapping the shore.
In the early nineties, I took 'a path less travelled'. Often, I feel like taking that path again. It was a bittersweet experience...more sweet than bitter. Alone, I went to live on an island. An island, up until I was told about it, I'd never heard of or knew of it's whereabouts. The island, situated north of Mackay, catered for day-trippers, campers, overnight (and longer) guests and visiting professional fishermen en route to their last port of call, Mackay docks. Eight self-contained cabins dotted along the foreshore, camouflaged by the island foliage, didn't intrude into the island's ambience. Out from the main building that housed a licensed bar, dining area, kitchen and my accommodation above, swaying coconut palms fringed the shore of the small bay. The generator shed 200 metres away between the main building and the cabins, housed two diesel-powered generators.
From my bed, without lifting my head off the pillows, I could see the ocean. Early mornings, upon opening my eyes, often I'd be greeted by dolphins playing around the island boat, which I moored out where the sea floor dropped off at the beginning of the channel between my island and the neighbouring uninhabited island, less than half a kilometre away. There were three uninhabited island nearby to my island and another a few kilometres away.
Sometimes days would pass before I saw another human being. How I loved and enjoyed my solitude in paradise.
My two cats shared my island with me. Along the beach, they'd love to scamper, kicking up sand as they ran. A special game often shared was chasing each other up and down the palm trees. Not once did they innterfere with the wildlife or bird population of the island. Fearlessly, tiny yellow-bellied sunbirds constructed their spindle-shaped nest to hang freely from my window frame wherein they bred their little family of two chicks. Their nest was within easy reach of the cats but the cats took no notice. Why would they be bothered with birds, when for dinner each evening they could eat fresh seafood until it came out of their ears?!!
Often, like right at this moment, I'd love to be walking along its pristine beach with only the sea birds, a light breeze, swaying palms and my two cats accompanying me while being serenaded by the relaxing sound of the turquoise sea gently lapping the shore.
No Surprise
That clown, John Mark Karr, got his 15 minutes of fame...now I hope they lock him behind bars for his efforts. I feel sorry for the Ramsey family. Haven't they been through enough? Maybe he'd run out of money for his return flight to the US...he sure went to extremes to get a free flight home!
There sure are some nut-cases in this world. They should be all be put on an island way out in the middle of the ocean somewhere. Let them amuse each other there. They can play a game "Count the Number of Sharks Swimming Around the Island"!
That clown, John Mark Karr, got his 15 minutes of fame...now I hope they lock him behind bars for his efforts. I feel sorry for the Ramsey family. Haven't they been through enough? Maybe he'd run out of money for his return flight to the US...he sure went to extremes to get a free flight home!
There sure are some nut-cases in this world. They should be all be put on an island way out in the middle of the ocean somewhere. Let them amuse each other there. They can play a game "Count the Number of Sharks Swimming Around the Island"!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Help!
I'll be minus my hair soon! I'm pulling it out by the roots...rapidly! I've got every word worked out in a crossword I'm doing bar one! And it's driving me crazy!
I'm looking for the name of a 'protest' songwriter by the name of 'Bob' something-or-other...and it's not 'Dylan'. The name has only three letters and the middle letter is 'a'! I've racked my brain (what's left of it...and there's little left of it after this episode!)....I've searched and searched but have come to a dead-end! Help!
I shall not rest until I've worked it out!
I'll be minus my hair soon! I'm pulling it out by the roots...rapidly! I've got every word worked out in a crossword I'm doing bar one! And it's driving me crazy!
I'm looking for the name of a 'protest' songwriter by the name of 'Bob' something-or-other...and it's not 'Dylan'. The name has only three letters and the middle letter is 'a'! I've racked my brain (what's left of it...and there's little left of it after this episode!)....I've searched and searched but have come to a dead-end! Help!
I shall not rest until I've worked it out!
Friday, August 25, 2006
What's For Dinner?
It's that time of the week, again. I love my Saturdays and Sundays, more than is normal, probably. I guess it's after years of being in the hospitality industry, working through both days and nights, mostly (24/7 filled with long, tiring, oft times stressful hours) or sometimes only having Sundays off and trying to make the best of the few hours I had to myself. That is no longer the case and here I am, continuing to relish my weekends. Sometimes, like next Saturday, I invite friends over for a long, relaxed lunch. A leisurely afternoon spent grazing over a tempting, delicious array of foods. The weather here at the moment is perfect for lazy picnics beside a creek or somewhere overlooking the ocean...minus the crowds! On that note, I'm going to share with you a couple of ideas for picnics.
Marinated Lamb Cutlets: Place 16 trimmed lamb cutlets in a large bowl. Mix together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons redcurrant jelly, 1 tablespoon each orange and lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, chopped, 6 sprigs thyme and freshly ground pepper to taste. When well-combined pour over the cutlets. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow the cutlets to return to room temperate before cooking on a barbecue grill or a ridged heavy pan. Baste with the marinade, until the cutlets are cooked to your liking, but please don't over-cook the lamb. Allow to cool. Place into a sealable container with any left-over marinade. (Of course, you can cook this for a home meal, too and serve it hot if you wish)
Beetroot Dip: Preheat oven to 200C. Scrub 3 medium beetroot, stalks trimmed. Dry and wrap in foil. Roast for about 1 hour. Peel the beetroot. Place in a food processor with juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste together with a pinch of sugar. With the motor running, add enough extra virgin olive oil in a slow stream until the mixture forms a thick puree. Serve with dill pickles, crackers or crunchy bread.
Gala Pork Terrine: Remove, in one piece, the rind (and reserve) from 1.5kg boned loin of pork. Reshape the loin into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut about 8 even slices without cutting all the way through. Season each slice with salt and pepper. Lightly oil a 29cm x 10cm x 7cm deep terrine. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and add 6 cloves chopped garlic and 2 large onions, diced. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened, translucent, not brown. Add 1-1/2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon thyme leaves. Stir until heated through. Place in a bowl with 1/2 cup slivered pistachio nuts, a bunch of flat-leafed (Italian) parsley, chopped and juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix well and season to taste. Place 8 thin slices bacon, rind trimmed (or slices of pancetta), parsley stuffing and a pitted prune in between each pork slice. Push the pork back to its original shape. Carefully place into terrine (fitting snugly one would hope!). Rub some smoked paprika over the top and place 3 bay leaves on top. Pour over 120ml white wine to just cover the pork. Trim reserved pork rind to fit the top of the terrine. Place on top of pork. Cover with lid or foil. Cook in preheated 150C oven for 2-1/2 hours. Remove from oven. Cool and refrigerate overnight. Remove the pork rind and discard. Remove any fat from the top. Run a knife around the edge of the terrine. Invert it onto a plate. When ready to serve cut the terrine into slices and serve with its own jelly.
Pack a rug, throw in some wine (or gently place it in your car!), a few cushions, napkins, plates, cutlery, water, flask of good coffee and off you go to find a suitable spot to enjoy your picnic. I wish I was coming along!
It's that time of the week, again. I love my Saturdays and Sundays, more than is normal, probably. I guess it's after years of being in the hospitality industry, working through both days and nights, mostly (24/7 filled with long, tiring, oft times stressful hours) or sometimes only having Sundays off and trying to make the best of the few hours I had to myself. That is no longer the case and here I am, continuing to relish my weekends. Sometimes, like next Saturday, I invite friends over for a long, relaxed lunch. A leisurely afternoon spent grazing over a tempting, delicious array of foods. The weather here at the moment is perfect for lazy picnics beside a creek or somewhere overlooking the ocean...minus the crowds! On that note, I'm going to share with you a couple of ideas for picnics.
Marinated Lamb Cutlets: Place 16 trimmed lamb cutlets in a large bowl. Mix together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons redcurrant jelly, 1 tablespoon each orange and lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, chopped, 6 sprigs thyme and freshly ground pepper to taste. When well-combined pour over the cutlets. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow the cutlets to return to room temperate before cooking on a barbecue grill or a ridged heavy pan. Baste with the marinade, until the cutlets are cooked to your liking, but please don't over-cook the lamb. Allow to cool. Place into a sealable container with any left-over marinade. (Of course, you can cook this for a home meal, too and serve it hot if you wish)
Beetroot Dip: Preheat oven to 200C. Scrub 3 medium beetroot, stalks trimmed. Dry and wrap in foil. Roast for about 1 hour. Peel the beetroot. Place in a food processor with juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste together with a pinch of sugar. With the motor running, add enough extra virgin olive oil in a slow stream until the mixture forms a thick puree. Serve with dill pickles, crackers or crunchy bread.
Gala Pork Terrine: Remove, in one piece, the rind (and reserve) from 1.5kg boned loin of pork. Reshape the loin into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut about 8 even slices without cutting all the way through. Season each slice with salt and pepper. Lightly oil a 29cm x 10cm x 7cm deep terrine. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and add 6 cloves chopped garlic and 2 large onions, diced. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened, translucent, not brown. Add 1-1/2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon thyme leaves. Stir until heated through. Place in a bowl with 1/2 cup slivered pistachio nuts, a bunch of flat-leafed (Italian) parsley, chopped and juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix well and season to taste. Place 8 thin slices bacon, rind trimmed (or slices of pancetta), parsley stuffing and a pitted prune in between each pork slice. Push the pork back to its original shape. Carefully place into terrine (fitting snugly one would hope!). Rub some smoked paprika over the top and place 3 bay leaves on top. Pour over 120ml white wine to just cover the pork. Trim reserved pork rind to fit the top of the terrine. Place on top of pork. Cover with lid or foil. Cook in preheated 150C oven for 2-1/2 hours. Remove from oven. Cool and refrigerate overnight. Remove the pork rind and discard. Remove any fat from the top. Run a knife around the edge of the terrine. Invert it onto a plate. When ready to serve cut the terrine into slices and serve with its own jelly.
Pack a rug, throw in some wine (or gently place it in your car!), a few cushions, napkins, plates, cutlery, water, flask of good coffee and off you go to find a suitable spot to enjoy your picnic. I wish I was coming along!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Do Your Homework First!
Let this be a lesson to you!
In Vienna, a would-be robber tried to hold-up his local town hall, mistaking it for a bank!
Waving a toy pistol and wearing a mask (probably a 'Mr Magoo' mask!) he burst into the town hall shouting his intentions.
He got caught later when he returned to pick up his motorbike that he'd left outside the town hall.
Time for him to go back to the 'drawing board', I think!
Let this be a lesson to you!
In Vienna, a would-be robber tried to hold-up his local town hall, mistaking it for a bank!
Waving a toy pistol and wearing a mask (probably a 'Mr Magoo' mask!) he burst into the town hall shouting his intentions.
He got caught later when he returned to pick up his motorbike that he'd left outside the town hall.
Time for him to go back to the 'drawing board', I think!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Falling Short...Again!
Faheem Khalid Lodhi was found to be guilty of planning a terrorist attack in this country. His plan was to blow up the electricity grid. He was sentenced in the New South Wales Supreme Court (I use the capital 'c' somewhat loosely!) to 20 years' jail. It is the toughest penalty ever handed down for a terrorism offence in Australia but I believe it still isn't enough.
Lodhi was found guilty in June of three of four terrorism-related charges. Lodhi, originally from Pakistan, migrated to this country in 1998 for 'a better life'. Makes one wonder what his view of what 'a better life' is, doesn't it? And it most definitely makes me wonder why John Howard's plan for new immigration laws was disbanded last week. Those who were against Howard's plan should now look to themselves for the answers! I hope they can live with their consciences. We must have control over who enters our country...and enter they try and do under many disguises. And will do, again and again and again! Wake up, Australia!
We must also look at the ruling by a Melbourne Appeals Court that, one, Jack Thomas, (aka 'Jihad Jack') should have his conviction quashed. Muslim convert, Thomas had been found guilty in February of accepting $5,000 and a plane ticket from an al-Qaeda agent in Pakistan and was sentenced in March to spend five years behind bars (the prison kind...not the pub kind!). Now, we all know, surely...al-Qaeda just hands out cash incentives to all who travel to Pakistan...you must know also there is a huge, increasingly buoyant tourist industry in Pakistan....not! Excuse my sarcasm, but I'm finding it difficult to control!
As one journalist has so succinctly written: "The rights of the community not to die at the hands of terrorists are just as important as the rights of terrorists to have every legal nicety observed in its purest form."
Those amongst us, including Labor's Kevin Rudd, who were so quick in jumping up and down in condemning Indonesia for not permanently keeping Abu Bakar Bahir in jail must tell the rest of us poor ignorant souls their plans to reform Australia's legal system.
Our misguided, mis-informed civil libertarians, including the Greens, will join in with those jumping up and down, no doubt...but let them jump...the exercise will be good for them!
Australia's legal system has to be reformed to deal with terrorism and reformed immediately. There is no time to waste. Special terrorism courts have to be introduced. And, leniency must not be part of the equation.
Don't be fooled. We live in a strange, violent time fueled by hate...hate fundamentalist muslims feel towards the 'West'....we, in Australia, are part of the "West"...never forget that...but also, be proud that we are.
Faheem Khalid Lodhi was found to be guilty of planning a terrorist attack in this country. His plan was to blow up the electricity grid. He was sentenced in the New South Wales Supreme Court (I use the capital 'c' somewhat loosely!) to 20 years' jail. It is the toughest penalty ever handed down for a terrorism offence in Australia but I believe it still isn't enough.
Lodhi was found guilty in June of three of four terrorism-related charges. Lodhi, originally from Pakistan, migrated to this country in 1998 for 'a better life'. Makes one wonder what his view of what 'a better life' is, doesn't it? And it most definitely makes me wonder why John Howard's plan for new immigration laws was disbanded last week. Those who were against Howard's plan should now look to themselves for the answers! I hope they can live with their consciences. We must have control over who enters our country...and enter they try and do under many disguises. And will do, again and again and again! Wake up, Australia!
We must also look at the ruling by a Melbourne Appeals Court that, one, Jack Thomas, (aka 'Jihad Jack') should have his conviction quashed. Muslim convert, Thomas had been found guilty in February of accepting $5,000 and a plane ticket from an al-Qaeda agent in Pakistan and was sentenced in March to spend five years behind bars (the prison kind...not the pub kind!). Now, we all know, surely...al-Qaeda just hands out cash incentives to all who travel to Pakistan...you must know also there is a huge, increasingly buoyant tourist industry in Pakistan....not! Excuse my sarcasm, but I'm finding it difficult to control!
As one journalist has so succinctly written: "The rights of the community not to die at the hands of terrorists are just as important as the rights of terrorists to have every legal nicety observed in its purest form."
Those amongst us, including Labor's Kevin Rudd, who were so quick in jumping up and down in condemning Indonesia for not permanently keeping Abu Bakar Bahir in jail must tell the rest of us poor ignorant souls their plans to reform Australia's legal system.
Our misguided, mis-informed civil libertarians, including the Greens, will join in with those jumping up and down, no doubt...but let them jump...the exercise will be good for them!
Australia's legal system has to be reformed to deal with terrorism and reformed immediately. There is no time to waste. Special terrorism courts have to be introduced. And, leniency must not be part of the equation.
Don't be fooled. We live in a strange, violent time fueled by hate...hate fundamentalist muslims feel towards the 'West'....we, in Australia, are part of the "West"...never forget that...but also, be proud that we are.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
A Day in My Life
Yesterday I did something I've not done for a long time, five and a half years, actually. I went on a picnic...me, myself and I. The prematurely warm weather heralding the early arrival of summer was my primary incentive. I packed some cheese, salami, olives, pate, a crunchy breadstick, decanted bottle of red wine, grabbed a notepad, pen, sketch pad, pencil and off I went. I didn't go far because one needs not to travel far up here on the mountain to find a suitable spot to laze. Oh! I threw in my straw hat adorned with a bright red scarf, as well.
Being mid-week, the weekend hang-gliding folk were busy at work in the city or elsewhere so I commandeered their area high on the mount. Spreading a blanket on the grassy slope, I was in awe of the vista before me. The vast valley below, featuring farms, dusty bush tracks, dams and meandering waterways almost depleted of their loads is suffering from the ongoing drought. The once green paddocks now brown and brittle, give little hope or sustenance to livestock that, from afar, look like ants dotted across the landscape in their search for the odd green shoot.
To the west the horizon is framed by rugged, steel-blue mountains of the Great Dividing Range. In the far distance to the north, the blue sky, rudely sullied by shades of murky brown and smoky grey, signs of early season bushfires, disappeared in the haze. Winter is all but gone. Summer's entrance is early and a little unwelcome, unless with it, it brings promises of bucket loads of rain. Promises it will fulfill, hopefully.
My presence was soon detected. I wasn't alone for long. Cheeky butcher birds, inquisitive magpies and stately kookaburras sought my company, or rather, the contents of my lunch. I had enough to share with my feathered friends whose company I did enjoy.
Life on my mountain is joyous and peaceful. A day such as yesterday reinforces my love for it and the reason why I chose to live here.
drawing by Lee
Monday, August 21, 2006
Beyond Comprehension!
"Bored" youths...about 40 of them went on a destructive rampage through a country town west of Rockhampton in central Queensland, damaging the local primary school, police station, work sheds and a cafe, amongst other property.
Another group of vandals had 'fun' wrecking historic Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. These undisciplined youths smashed 63 headstones, one of which dated back to 1890. What joy do these idiots get from such disrespectful destruction, I wonder! The damage occurred at 4am Saturday last. If their parents asked them to get out of bed at that hour, you can imagine the complaints and grumblings but there they were, roaming the streets seeking to cause trouble and destruction.
The phrase 'Rest in Peace' certainly doesn't apply any longer.
The Toowong Cemetery is heritage-listed. It holds war graves, the grave of a past prime minister, governors, premiers, mayors and many other notable historic figures together with mothers, fathers, sons, daughters of families who, in their grief, laid their loved ones to rest, trusting their final resting place would give them peace and be forever respected.
I don't believe in 'boredom' and it most certainly isn't an excuse to go on rampages of vandalism.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. National Service should be re-introduced into this country (Yes...I can hear the uproar already) but wayward youths such as these need discipline and respect from somewhere. They're definitely not getting it from their parents...that is obvious.
"Bored" youths...about 40 of them went on a destructive rampage through a country town west of Rockhampton in central Queensland, damaging the local primary school, police station, work sheds and a cafe, amongst other property.
Another group of vandals had 'fun' wrecking historic Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. These undisciplined youths smashed 63 headstones, one of which dated back to 1890. What joy do these idiots get from such disrespectful destruction, I wonder! The damage occurred at 4am Saturday last. If their parents asked them to get out of bed at that hour, you can imagine the complaints and grumblings but there they were, roaming the streets seeking to cause trouble and destruction.
The phrase 'Rest in Peace' certainly doesn't apply any longer.
The Toowong Cemetery is heritage-listed. It holds war graves, the grave of a past prime minister, governors, premiers, mayors and many other notable historic figures together with mothers, fathers, sons, daughters of families who, in their grief, laid their loved ones to rest, trusting their final resting place would give them peace and be forever respected.
I don't believe in 'boredom' and it most certainly isn't an excuse to go on rampages of vandalism.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. National Service should be re-introduced into this country (Yes...I can hear the uproar already) but wayward youths such as these need discipline and respect from somewhere. They're definitely not getting it from their parents...that is obvious.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
It's True...Fact Is Stranger/Better Than Fiction....
I'm still operating as a 'one-eyed bandit' today...my eye is a little better than it was this time yesterday...I can open it about a millimetre!
A wonderful story from News.com.au of 3 year old Chinese twins reunited in the US. The girls had been abandoned on the side of a street by their family. One family from Chicago adopted one of the little girls and then a week later, the other twin was adopted by a family in Miami.
The adoptive mothers came across each other online and after communicating for a bit, one and one added up to two. Another amazing thing is both mothers named their little girls 'Mia'. The twins have now met and their new families have promised to keep in touch and allow the girls to visit each other whenever possible.
Now, that's a happy ending!
I'm still operating as a 'one-eyed bandit' today...my eye is a little better than it was this time yesterday...I can open it about a millimetre!
A wonderful story from News.com.au of 3 year old Chinese twins reunited in the US. The girls had been abandoned on the side of a street by their family. One family from Chicago adopted one of the little girls and then a week later, the other twin was adopted by a family in Miami.
The adoptive mothers came across each other online and after communicating for a bit, one and one added up to two. Another amazing thing is both mothers named their little girls 'Mia'. The twins have now met and their new families have promised to keep in touch and allow the girls to visit each other whenever possible.
Now, that's a happy ending!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
One-Eyed View...
Maybe I'll only write on one half of the page today! My left eye is swollen up tight. It looks very much like a golf ball so I dare not venture near a golf club for a couple of days nor anywhere else for that matter! I fear for the populace if I inflict myself upon them looking like this! My battle wound is from a tussle with a tick! Annoying little beggars! All morning I was feeling miserable, alone and unwanted, tossed aside like yesterday's newspaper! And then, I remembered the bottle of Kahlua I have on the shelf, so to hell with it...I'm going to prepare myself a 'Brown Cow'....to be followed by the whole herd! Before I round-up the cows, I'll give you a couple of recipes to carry on with while I'm missing in action!
Baked Goat's Cheese and Tomato on Bruschetta: Cut cheese into 1cm-thick slices, brush well with virgin olive oil. Roll in dried breadcrumbs. Roast in 160C oven for 10 minutes. Bruch thick slices of bread with garlic-flavoured olive oil. Toast until golden. Serve bruschetta topped with grilled tomato slices, sprinkled with oregano and basil and roasted cheese.
Chicken Breasts with Goat's Cheese: Combine chopped goat's cheese with chopped fresh tarragon, flat-leaf parsley, basil and a little olive oil. Cut pockets in chicken breast fillets and stuff with the cheese and herb mixture. Secure pockets with toothpicks. Brush chicken with olive oil. Season to taste and roast at 200C for 15-20 minutes or until cooked and browned.
Hot Moccha Sundae: Combine 250g dark chocolate 1/4 cup pouring cream and 2 tablespoons dark rum in saucepan. Stir over low heat until smooth and glossy. Whip 1 cup cream until soft peaks form. Place a scoop of coffee or chocolate icecream in parfait glasses. Top with some of the whipped cream, crumbled chocolate-coated biscuits/cookies, and some chopped roasted walnuts. Repeat layering to fill the glasses. Pour hot sauce over and sprinkle with some of the roasted walnuts.
Maybe I'll only write on one half of the page today! My left eye is swollen up tight. It looks very much like a golf ball so I dare not venture near a golf club for a couple of days nor anywhere else for that matter! I fear for the populace if I inflict myself upon them looking like this! My battle wound is from a tussle with a tick! Annoying little beggars! All morning I was feeling miserable, alone and unwanted, tossed aside like yesterday's newspaper! And then, I remembered the bottle of Kahlua I have on the shelf, so to hell with it...I'm going to prepare myself a 'Brown Cow'....to be followed by the whole herd! Before I round-up the cows, I'll give you a couple of recipes to carry on with while I'm missing in action!
Baked Goat's Cheese and Tomato on Bruschetta: Cut cheese into 1cm-thick slices, brush well with virgin olive oil. Roll in dried breadcrumbs. Roast in 160C oven for 10 minutes. Bruch thick slices of bread with garlic-flavoured olive oil. Toast until golden. Serve bruschetta topped with grilled tomato slices, sprinkled with oregano and basil and roasted cheese.
Chicken Breasts with Goat's Cheese: Combine chopped goat's cheese with chopped fresh tarragon, flat-leaf parsley, basil and a little olive oil. Cut pockets in chicken breast fillets and stuff with the cheese and herb mixture. Secure pockets with toothpicks. Brush chicken with olive oil. Season to taste and roast at 200C for 15-20 minutes or until cooked and browned.
Hot Moccha Sundae: Combine 250g dark chocolate 1/4 cup pouring cream and 2 tablespoons dark rum in saucepan. Stir over low heat until smooth and glossy. Whip 1 cup cream until soft peaks form. Place a scoop of coffee or chocolate icecream in parfait glasses. Top with some of the whipped cream, crumbled chocolate-coated biscuits/cookies, and some chopped roasted walnuts. Repeat layering to fill the glasses. Pour hot sauce over and sprinkle with some of the roasted walnuts.
Friday, August 18, 2006
And The Mystery Continues....
It would seem this nutter, John Mark Karr, who has confessed to killing JonBenet Ramsey, is that, a nutter. Whether he is guilty of the little girl's murder or not, the world will be a better place with him off the streets. That he's been able to be around small children for all these years is of major concern. I wonder out of which cesspools creatures like him drag themselves. What a wonderful world it would be if he and all those like him would crawl back into their evil holes never, ever to poke their despicable selves out again...to rot amongst the worms.
It would seem this nutter, John Mark Karr, who has confessed to killing JonBenet Ramsey, is that, a nutter. Whether he is guilty of the little girl's murder or not, the world will be a better place with him off the streets. That he's been able to be around small children for all these years is of major concern. I wonder out of which cesspools creatures like him drag themselves. What a wonderful world it would be if he and all those like him would crawl back into their evil holes never, ever to poke their despicable selves out again...to rot amongst the worms.
Whether It's Weather!
A few weeks ago I read a snippet in one of the papers that someone's mango tree in Morningside (a suburb of Brisbane, capital of Queensland) was already bearing fruit. Now, this is very strange, particularly as Brisbane is situated in south-east Queensland and mango trees bear much later there than they do in the tropical north. And it's even more strange as the northern trees really don't start bearing until around November/December.
The story in the paper reminded me of a tale told to me by a fine elderly Aboriginal gentleman when I arrived in North Queensland to manage the resort on Hinchinbrook Island at the beginning of 1986, immediately after 'Cyclone Winifred' had cut its destructive path through surrounding areas. Billy Page told me he knew well before the cyclone struck (months, actually) that a powerful cyclone would strike the area because the mango trees around Cardwell and Tully had begun bearing their fruit much earlier than normal. His father and his father before him had handed down the tale about early-bearing mango trees heralding a warning of cyclones to come.
If this turns out to be true for our coming summer, perhaps a cyclone is due further down the coast this 'cyclone season'...that being the case, though we don't want the destruction that comes with them, the rain cyclones bring with them will be more than welcomed to drought affected south-east Queensland, and finally, the dams will be full to over-flowing. One can hope!
I've placed the snippet of information on my fridge and will be keeping an eye on the weather! Nature has its own way!
A few weeks ago I read a snippet in one of the papers that someone's mango tree in Morningside (a suburb of Brisbane, capital of Queensland) was already bearing fruit. Now, this is very strange, particularly as Brisbane is situated in south-east Queensland and mango trees bear much later there than they do in the tropical north. And it's even more strange as the northern trees really don't start bearing until around November/December.
The story in the paper reminded me of a tale told to me by a fine elderly Aboriginal gentleman when I arrived in North Queensland to manage the resort on Hinchinbrook Island at the beginning of 1986, immediately after 'Cyclone Winifred' had cut its destructive path through surrounding areas. Billy Page told me he knew well before the cyclone struck (months, actually) that a powerful cyclone would strike the area because the mango trees around Cardwell and Tully had begun bearing their fruit much earlier than normal. His father and his father before him had handed down the tale about early-bearing mango trees heralding a warning of cyclones to come.
If this turns out to be true for our coming summer, perhaps a cyclone is due further down the coast this 'cyclone season'...that being the case, though we don't want the destruction that comes with them, the rain cyclones bring with them will be more than welcomed to drought affected south-east Queensland, and finally, the dams will be full to over-flowing. One can hope!
I've placed the snippet of information on my fridge and will be keeping an eye on the weather! Nature has its own way!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Chit-Chat
I've had more than enough out he spat
of this brainless nonsensical chit-chat
who was I to offer him any back-chat
hurrying to the door he put on his hat
and I guess that was that...
My once happy mood did then fall flat
of course I felt he was acting like a brat
in a flood of tears on the cozy sofa I sat
at my feet was a thick red woolen mat
upon which sat my cat
drawing and verse by Lee
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