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This Sydney Life

~ Mostly Recipes & Musings on Health

This Sydney Life

Tag Archives: Australia

An Open Letter to Bryce Longton at KTCHN13…

28 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by Joanna in Design, Food

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Australia, Bryce Longton, Christmas, Design, food, Food Stylng, Food52, Foodie Gifts, Homewares, Kitchen Letters, KTCHN13, Personal Gifts, Provisions, Recipes

Jenny's Chocolate Cake Recipe by KTCHN 13

Jenny’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
A Longton family recipe immortalised in print by KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

Dear Bryce,

I know you’re probably very busy being the Shop Editor & Stylist at Provisions for the very fabulous Food 52. It’s a seriously beautiful site – so please know your styling is much appreciated!

And, I know Provisions only launched in July.

Salt Plate from Provisions

Salt Plate from Provisions
(Image from here)

And, I also know your wonderful Kitchen Letters – where recipients receive letters in the mail from chefs only really kicked off in May of this year.

I think this is just the best idea. I have a number of foodie friends who would just love a gift like this. How ever did you think of it?

Kitchen Letters at KTCHN13

Kitchen Letters at KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

And, now your Custom Recipe Print concept has popped up in my in-box. How wonderful are they?

Just the thought of taking a favourite recipe and having it designed, printed, and shipped to a friend’s door, so they can hang it in their kitchen makes me smile. It’s such a personal gift.

Perfect Guacamole by KTCHN13

Perfect Guacamole by KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

There’s just one teensy-weensy catch. I live in Australia. And, you don’t ship outside the United States. And, nor does Provisions, for that matter. (sniff). So, that means I can’t acquire any of your fab’ offerings this Christmas.

Do you realise the potential market you are missing out on down here?

And, I know you are obsessed with all things food, travel, and style, and living a great life (because you told me so on your website). Did you know we have some seriously cool and cosmopolitan chefs down here. I’d be happy to write you a list of say, my top 10… Or, even my top 20 – if only you would start shipping down under. Please?

In much anticipation,

TSL xx

Support the Cloth Fabric Bush Fire Appeal…

14 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Random Stuff

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Australia, Banksia, Blue Mountains, Bushfires in Australia, Cloth Fabric, Company Manifesto, Design, Echidna, Fabric Design, Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, Homewares, Interior design, Julie Paterson, New South Wales, Surface Design, Tea Towels

Koala caught in bushfire image

(Image from here)

One of the coolest things about living in Australia is the abundance of native plants and wildlife. It is so different from the flora and fauna of New Zealand. And, it is not uncommon to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in the wild here. I promise I’m not exaggerating. That makes Australia pretty special.

One of the worst things about living in Australia is the bush-fires. And, after a particularly mild winter, followed by one of the hottest and driest Octobers on record here in New South Wales, we have had a hugely destructive start to the summer bush fire season.

Julie Paterson is a bit of an iconic native Australian, too. As the founder of Cloth Fabric, she has developed a wonderful (not to mention very successful) outlet for her creative talent.

She’s also an ambassador to The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. And, as a way of generating support for the devastation caused by the recent bush fires, has designed the first two tea towels, in a series of three, to raise money for the foundation. $20 from each tea towel sold will go towards local organisations helping Australia’s native wildlife in bushfire affected areas.

What a great cause…

Echidna Tea Towel by Julie Paterson at Cloth

Echidna Tea Towel by Julie Paterson at Cloth
(Image from here)

Julie has a property at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Fortunately, her house was spared by the recent bush fires in the region.

She chose an echidna for the second of her tea towel designs because they are slow and vulnerable. They can’t run fast. In times of stress, they curl up into a ball. The words on the tea towel tell you what to do if you come across and echidna needing your help.

When it’s hard to paint the clouds we draw the mountains. (Part of the Cloth Fabric ‘Imperfect Manifesto‘)

The first tea towel in the series is of a Banksia – a plant that needs the help of the smoke of a bush fire to germinate. Julie is still working on the third…

The tea towels are AU$38 each. Postage is free if you live in Australia, but they can be shipped internationally. You can learn more about the project and order the tea towels here.

And, while you’re having a look-see around the Cloth Fabric website, do check out their imperfect manifesto. I think it rocks.

Pete Evans and His SERIOUSLY GOOD Bliss Balls…

24 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Food

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Activated Almonds, Alexx Stuart, Australia, Bliss Ball, Bliss Balls Recipe, Cook, Dairy Free, food, Food is Medicine, Gluten Free, Health, Healthy Snack Recipe, Manu Feildel, Mindd Foundation, Pete Evans, Real Food, Recipe, Teresa Cutter

Pete Evans and his activated almonds

Pete Evans – Famous for eating activated almonds
(Image from here)

Pete Evans gets A LOT of air time here in Australia.

Unsurprising, really. He’s published seven cookbooks, and apparently there’s another on the way. He’s both a chef and restaurateur. He and his good mate Manu Feildel front the popular ‘My Kitchen Rules’ show on the telly. He is an ambassador for healthy foodie brand Sumo Salad. Apparently, he has just launched a home fermentation and culturing kit to make real sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir (which I will have to check out).

AND, of course, this year he famously made headlines after his ‘My Day on a Plate’ contribution to ‘Sunday Life’ magazine went viral when he listed activated almonds as part of his über-healthy diet.

The thing is, while I might not be the kind of girl who watches ‘My Kitchen Rules’ or frequents the food halls where I imagine Sumo Salad sets up shop, I do like the healthy food message that Pete Evans espouses – activated almonds* and all.

And, on top of all of it – he looks so damned healthy! Admit it – the man has a permanent glow on…

Food is Medicine

Pete Evans for Food is Medicine through the Mindd Foundation
(Image from here)

Logical then, that the Mindd Foundation chose Pete to front the banner for their upcoming seminar on Food is Medicine.

If you’re interested in health, nutrition and food as medicine (and you’re in Sydney on Saturday!), then I reckon you should check this out. Clearly, Pete will be there doing some health food demos. But, so will Teresa Cutter (of the Healthy Chef) talking about meals that support digestion; Alexx Stuart (of Real Food and Low Tox Living) explaining the many uses of bone broth; and, many more from the local real food movement.

In an effort to get in the mood for Saturday, when I saw a recipe Pete posted AND also that I had all the ingredients to hand**, I headed straight to the kitchen to whip up some Buzz (Bliss) Balls.

I’m taking Pete at his word, and sharing his Bliss Ball recipe. They tick all the boxes – they’re healthy, easy-peasey to make, and they taste great.

Cook with balls, love and laughter. (Pete Evans)

Pete Evans' Buzz Balls (Image by TSL)

Pete Evans’ Buzz Balls
(Image by TSL)

Pete Evans’ Buzz Balls (aka Bliss Balls)

1/4 cup of unhulled Tahini
2 tablespoons of Pure Organic Maple Syrup (Pete called for 3, but that was just too much for me!)
1/4 cup of buckinis (activated buckwheat)
1/2 cup of macadamias
1/2 cup of almonds
1/2 cup of dried organic apricots, finely chopped
1/4 cup of desiccated coconut
3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil
filtered water to get the consistency right if it’s too dry to roll
extra desiccated coconut for rolling

Bung all the ingredients into your food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. If the mixture is too dry to roll add a little filtered water, or if it’s too wet add extra desiccated coconut. Shape into balls and roll in coconut. I used a table-spoon and got 15 balls.

Allow the balls to set in the fridge for 30 minutes before you munch on them.

If you’d like to learn more about the Mindd Foundation Food is Medicine Seminar on this Saturday, check out their website here.

*If you’re wondering, activated nuts are soaked in water to force germination. The theory goes that the sprouted nut activates its digestive enzymes, making it easier to digest and better for you.

**do not ask me why I had activated buckwheat in my pantry – I might end up trending on twitter…

Shoot the Chef – My Favourite Part of Good Food Month

22 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Food

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Anthony Bourdain, Australia, Chef, Cook, food, Food Photography, Good Food Month, New South Wales, Photography, Photography Competition, Shoot the Chef

2013 Shoot the Chef

Ali and Osso Buco by John Mcrae
2013 Shoot the Chef Winner of Critics Choice
(Image by John Mcrae from here)

I’m a decent cook; I’m a decent chef. None of my friends would ever have hired me at any point in my career. Period. (Anthony Bourdain)

It’s Good Food Month here in Australia. In reality, it’s good food month every month here at Casa TSL, so it really makes little difference to LM and me.

And, I can’t really enjoy the Night Noodle Markets as they should be enjoyed because of my wee gluten problem…

But, what I do love is the annual Shoot the Chef photography competition. Professionals, students, (and for the first time in 2013) amateur photographers are invited to literally shoot a chef – with their camera. It always attracts some seriously creative food-loving photographers…

Shoot the Chef Logo

(Image from here)

Shoot the Chef by Teodora Tinc

Say Hello to my little Friend by Teodora Tinc
2013 Shoot the Chef winner of Peoples Choice Award
(Image by Teodora Tinc from here)

Steve Evans for Shoot the Chef

Blood and Bone by Steve Evans
Chef James Viles from Biota Dining
(Image by Steve Evans from here)

Daniel Sponiar for Shoot the Chef

Shannon Debreceny of Three Blue Ducks by Daniel Sponiar
(Image by Daniel Sponiar from here)

Lauren Yates for Shoot the Chef

Betty by Lauren Yates
Self portrait in honour of Betty Crocker
(Image by Lauren Yates from here)

If you’d like to see all the entries to the competition, The Star is exhibiting in Sydney from October 10 – 31 and the Rialto Towers has the honour in Melbourne from November 1 – 29. 

I may just see you there…

DIY Macramé Kit by TMOD

18 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Haberdashery, Sydney

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Arts, Australia, Calvin Trillin, Crafts, Crochet, DIY, Do it yourself, Macramé, Shopping

Macrame plant holder

TMOD DIY (completed) Macrame Kit in mint
(Image from TMOD)

Anybody caught selling macrame in public should be dyed a natural colour and hung out to dry.(Calvin Trillin)

Is there a verb for macramé?

My Mum macramé-d when it was last fashionable. About a million years ago. I remember her macramé onion bag. Truly. A macramé bag just for onions. If my memory serves, she was quite good at it, too.

Fast forward about a million years (or at least thirty) and Georgie Swift and Milenka Osen are the creative minds behind funky Aussie label TMOD. They’ve designed this nifty DIY macramé kit. I’m seriously considering trying it out. Only you know how I went with learning to crochet…

Natural Macrame Kit by TMOD

TMOD DIY Macrame Kit in natural
(Image from TMOD)

The girls assure me this DIY kit will make me feel proud of my craftsmanship. I would believe them, except that my crochet teacher said she could teach anyone how to crochet. I was very definitely the exception to THAT rule.

The kit apparently comes with simple easy to follow instructions to make it, then hang it in my home, and fill the glass jar with a plant, flowers, make a terrarium or even house a gold-fish?!

It includes 10 metres of rope, 4 wood beads, a glass jar, 1 ring (to hang it from), and weaving instructions…

TMOD DIY (completed) Macrame in mint and natural

TMOD DIY (completed) Macrame in mint and natural
(Image from TMOD)

The kit sells for AU$39.95 from the TMOD online store. There are also a variety of international stockists listed here.

What do you think? Should I risk it?

 

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle – Every Home Should Have One!

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Design

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Arts, Australia, Candle, Design, Eleanor Roosevelt, Essential oil, Gifts, Page Thirty Three, Practical Gifts, Shopping, Sydney

Emergency Candle by Page Thirty Three

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I first discovered the clever design duo that is Page Thirty Three. It’s true. Time does fly. And, Page Thirty Three continues to marry great design with a hefty dose of pragmatism.

They also still, “draw reference and inspiration from trees, flowers, weeds, art, history, design, and the street. They love simple rituals, comfortable spaces, and natural themes. With a clear focus on Australian design & Australian manufacture, many of Page Thirty Three’s objects are hand crafted at their Sydney studio using renewable materials, ecologically friendly packaging, and a positive frame of mind.” 

So, not much has changed by way of their design ethos, but their range has expanded. Gotta’ say, my personal favourite (after the seriously beautiful essential oil burner which I still covet) is the Emergency Candle.

The Emergency Candle is made from 100% Organic Beeswax and sealed inside an airtight and waterproof tin can. In case of emergency, lift ring, pull lid, strike match & light. Safety matches enclosed.

Groovy, don’t you think? ! reckon’ every home needs one (especially mine!)

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle Detail

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle Tower

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle (Images from Page Thirty Three)

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle
(Images from Page Thirty Three)

If you would like to get your hands on an Emergency Candle from Page Thirty Three, you can check out their Australia and New Zealand stockists here, or Page Thirty Three can send you one direct from their online store for AU$34.95 + $10 shipping (in Australia).

 

Being Tempted by Sydney’s Living Museums

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Culture, Food

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Australia, Childrens' Activities in Sydney, Christmas Markets, food, Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, Jared Ingersoll, Kate Walsh, Museum, New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney Living Museum

Sydney Living Museums Banner

Sydney Living Museums Food Table
(Image from Sydney Living Museums)

There’s an awesome new set up in Sydney-town. In April of this year, the Historic Houses Trust of NSW launched Sydney Living Museums, its new collective name for 12 of New South Wales’ most important museums and historic houses.

The Trust, incorporating Sydney Living Museums, cares for significant historic places, buildings, landscapes and collections. Focusing on the lives that were lived in each of its museums and houses, Sydney Living Museums offers insights into the personal stories of how people lived, worked and played, and vital parts of Australian culture and heritage that are unique and fascinating.

From carefully curated exhibitions, events and ‘everyday’ experiences covering food, through household interiors, gardens and outdoor living, to social class, rural lives and crime and punishment – Sydney Living Museums has 12 of the best places to experience Sydney’s living history. And, the best part is that the team at SLM have created a brand that is exciting and accessible. It makes me want to visit all twelve of their sites…

Eat your History

Sydney Living Museums Eat Your History
(Image from Sydney Living Museums)

The summer food programme, including the ‘Eat Your History’ exhibition looks fantastic – and, it seems to have a little bit of something for everyone. Inspired by the historic homes, and their gardens and kitchens, the programme presents a specially curated menu of enticing food experiences. SLM has partnered with some of Sydney’s most highly respected chefs, foodies and craftspeople to bring you a tasty mix of experiences.

Here are a few of the offerings that particularly appeal to yours truly…

Jared Ingersol's 'Farm to Table Dinner' (Image from Sydney Living Museums)

Jared Ingersoll’s ‘Farm to Table Dinner’
(Image from Sydney Living Museums)

The very talented Mr Ingersoll (you may recall him from here) has partnered with Kate Walsh of Real Food Projects to bring us the Farm to Table dinner on Thursday 14 November at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. I’m stealing shamelessly from the SLM sales pitch when I tell you, “inspired by menus from the 1800s, this unique banquet will use local, indigenous and heirloom produce grown in the Vaucluse House kitchen garden especially for the dinner”. YUM!

The combined talents of Jared and Kate (of Real Food Projects) make this sure to be an occasion.

Shape and Bake Gingernut Biscuits (Image from Sydney Living Museums)

Shape and Bake Gingernut Biscuits
(Image from Sydney Living Museums)

Here’s one for the kids over the looooong summer school holidays.  Bring them along to Elizabeth Farm to learn the art of ginger-biscuit making and baking at the Shape and Bake. Afterwards, you can explore the house.

Baking sessions will be held on Monday 13 & 20, and Wednesday 18 & 22 January at Elizabeth Farm.

Elizabeth Bay House (Image from Sydney Living Museums)

Elizabeth Bay House
(Image from Sydney Living Museums)

No surprises that I’m heading to Stories From the Cellar at Elizabeth Bay House on 27 February. I’m keen to take a wee journey through the history of food preservation with Wildwon Projects. I’m going to delve into the preservin’, saltin’, curin’, fermentin’ (there’s that word again!) and smokin’ and see what I can learn. Can’t wait!

(Image from here)

(Image from here)

I guess I should have put THIS one first, but perhaps I was just saving the best for last. The hugely fab’ Real Food Projects are putting on the Christmas Artisan Food Market at the Hyde Park Barracks on 18 December from 4 – 8pm.

There’ll be over 50 stalls featuring the best that Sydney has to offer by way of food makers using local, seasonal and sustainable produce. There will even be a wrapping station.

Be there or be square, I reckon…

This is only a wee taste of all the events the Sydney Living Museums have on offer for their summer season of food. Do go and check out their website (here) AND sign up to get the newsletter. It looks grand!

Vivid Sydney 2013 – Lights. Camera. Action!

27 Monday May 2013

Posted by Joanna in Art, Sydney

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Art, Art Installation, Arts, Australia, Circular Quay, Colour, Festival, Light Show, Sydney, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Travel, Vivid Sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Vivid Sydney 2013
Sydney Harbour Bridge
(Image by TSL)

If you’re a long-time TSL reader, you may remember my post on the Vivid Sydney 2012 light show. Honestly, I find it hard to believe it has been a year – almost to the day – since LM and I last attended the light spectacular that is Vivid Sydney. Well, it has been a whole year – and on Saturday night we joined the thousands and thousands of fellow Sydney-siders (young and old, big and small, bipedal and the doggie kind – they were all out in force) to check out this year’s lighting installations. I gotta’ tell you, we were not disappointed. Sydney’s annual Vivid Festival is a w e s o m e…

We splashed out and kicked off our evening with a pre-walk meal at the ever consistent ‘Guillaume at Bennelong’.

Vivid Sydney 2013 - Bennelong

Sydney Opera House Light Installation from inside Guillaume at Bennelong

Vivid Sydney 2013
Sydney Opera House Light Installation from Inside ‘Guillaume at Bennelong’ Restaurant
(Images by TSL)

My best secret tip to avoiding the crowds for Vivid is to head up to the Cahill Walkway that runs next to the Cahill Expressway and then winds down through the rocks.

The Custom House from the Cahill Expressway

Vivid Sydney 2013
The Custom House from the Cahill Expressway
(Image by TSL)

Circular Quay from the Cahill Expressway

Vivid Sydney 2013
Circular Quay from the Cahill Expressway
(Image by TSL)

MCA from the Cahill Expressway

Vivid Sydney 2013
Museum of Contemporary Art from the Cahill Expressway
(Image by TSL)

There were lots of surprising wee pockets to hunt down…

Vivid Sydney - Praxis Makes Perfect

Vivid Sydney 'Praxis Makes Perfect'

Vivid Sydney 2013
‘Praxis Makes Perfect’ Installation at Walsh Bay
An amazing animation series against a building wall
(Images by TSL)

'Moths to a Flame' Installation at Walsh Bay

Vivid Sydney 2013
‘Moths to a Flame’ Installation at Walsh Bay
(Image by TSL)

Vivid Sydney - Sky Grass

'Sky Grass' installation at Circular Quay

Vivid Sydney 2013
‘Sky Grass’ Installation at Circular Quay
(Images by TSL)

Lunar Park was all lit up…

Vivid Sydney  Novotel at Walsh Bay (Image by TSL)

Vivid Sydney 2013
Novotel at Walsh Bay
(Image by TSL)

Of course, The Sydney Opera House took centre stage…

Vivid Sydney - Sydney Opera House

Vivid Sydney - Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House Lights Up

Vivid Sydney
Sydney Opera House Lights Up
(Images by TSL)

But, the Custom House was pretty incredible, too.

Vivid Sydney - The Custom HouseVivid Sydney - The Custom House

Vivid Sydney 2013 The Custom House Lights Up...

Vivid Sydney 2013
The Custom House Lights Up…
(Images by TSL)

Vivid Sydney’s light installations kick off every night at 6pm until 10 June 2013. Seriously worth a look-see!

The Americans are Coming…

01 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Joanna in Retail, Sydney

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

Australia, Bondi Junction, Cookware and bakeware, gourmet cookware, Homewares, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Sydney, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma store in Colorado (Image from here)

Williams-Sonoma store in Colorado
(Image from here)

It was back in August last year that I first heard that American retail giant Williams-Sonoma was opening down under. At the time it seemed quite a long way away, so I created a wee ‘wish list’ of things that made me look twice. Then I promptly put it to the back of my mind. (You can see some of my ‘wish list here. I’m not sure what planet I was on that day – a couple of the items just scream ‘twee’ to me now… What a difference eight months makes!).

Well, the day has (almost) finally arrived. Tomorrow is the official opening of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Sydney. I’m imagining gridlocked traffic and bedlam at Bondi Junction. LM has promised to take me for a look-see. I’m not sure he realises just what a magnanimous offer this shall turn out to be!

Now if you are not from North America AND if shopping just ain’t your bag AND you have no idea what I’m yabbering on about, here’s the back story: Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is, according to their website, “the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware in the United States, Canada (and, as of tomorrow, Australia). Their brands are among the best known and most-respected in the industry. They offer high-quality, stylish products for every room in the house: from the kitchen to the living room, bedroom, home office and even the hall closet.”

In the name of research (!), I had another squizz at their websites and put together a few things that caught my eye…

Recycled Rag Rug Pouf from West Elm

Recycled Rag Rug Pouf from West Elm
I have no idea where I would put it but it’s red and it looks yummy…
(Image from here)

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection for West Elm
I LOVE these…
(Image from here)

Alphabet Trays for West Elm

Alphabet Trays for West Elm
Wouldn’t these make sweet wee gifts?
(Image from here)

French Cafe Side Chair for Pottery Barn

French Cafe Side Chair for Pottery Barn
Bringing a piece of the Med’ down under!
(Image from here)

Croquet Set for Pottery Barn

Croquet Set for Pottery Barn
And, while we’re sitting outside in the sun, a spot of croquet, perhaps?
(Image from here)

Grand Embroidered 280-Thread Count Boudoir Pillow Cover for Pottery Barn

Grand Embroidered 280-Thread Count Boudoir Pillow Cover for Pottery Barn
I fancy the idea of embroidering a rude word or phrase onto one or two of these…
(Image from here)

Signal Flag Kilo for Williams-Sonoma Kilo represents the message 'I wish to communicate with you'.  (Image from here)

Signal Flag Kilo for Williams-Sonoma
Kilo represents the message ‘I wish to communicate with you’.
(Image from here)

Stuffed Hamburger with lifter for Williams-Sonoma

Stuffed Hamburger with lifter for Williams-Sonoma
I think this is a BRILLIANT idea. I may just have to invest in this wee beauty…
(Image from here)

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand for Williams-Sonoma

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand for Williams-Sonoma
I know it’s sexist, but I immediately think ‘man gift’…
(Image from here)

Fontana Gusto Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven for Williams Sonoma

Fontana Gusto Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven for Williams Sonoma
Given my gluten-free life, I can’t even eat pizza. That doesn’t stop me coveting one of these gorgeous ovens…
(Image from here)

All of the items pictured are taken from the North American website. I’m not even sure the entire range will be available here… I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!

If you’re in Sydney, you too can visit the grand opening tomorrow from 9am at 472 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. LM and I will see you there!

 

Australia v. New Zealand: the Great Pavlova Debate

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Joanna in Australia, Culture, Food, New Zealand

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Anna Pavlova, Anzac biscuit, ANZAC Day, Australasia, Australia, Bill Granger, dessert, food, Gallipoli, New Zealand, Pavlova, Pavlova Recipe, Recipe

ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli (Image from here)

ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli
(Image from here)

Tomorrow Australia and New Zealand recognise ANZAC Day; arguably one of the most important days in the year for most of us Australasians. It’s a day for us to reflect and remember.

I wrote about the significance of ANZAC Day for Aussies and Kiwis this time last year. (You can check it out here if you’d like a refresher! There’s even a pretty good ANZAC biscuit recipe!)

So, given tomorrow’s auspicious date, and the fact that I have already written of the importance of ANZAC Day, I kind of feel it would be almost un-Australasian not to give you some sort of post that relates to the mate-ship and sibling-like rivalry that exists between Australia and New Zealand. If I were a cricket fan, I could talk about the famous underarm bowling incident of the One Day International in 1981. But I’m not. If I felt more passionately about it, I could argue that because Neil Finn hails from Te Awamutu, Crowded House is obviously a Kiwi band.  But I’m happy to share (in this matter). So that brings me, still near the top of the pile, to the great Pavlova debate. Namely, in which country did the first giant, cream and fruit filled meringue concoction originate?

To follow, without halt, one aim: that’s the secret of success. (Anna Pavlova)

Pavlova

Suddenly, I’m salivating…
(Image from here)

One thing is clear – the dessert was created to commemorate the great Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova when she toured both New Zealand and Australia in 1926. There is, however, considerable debate around whether it was New Zealand or Australia that first created the dessert in question.

Now, I wasn’t around in 1926, so I shall have to rely on that site of all things true and accurate – Wikipedia. Apparently, ‘Keith Money, a biographer of Anna Pavlova, wrote that a hotel chef in Wellington, New Zealand, created the dish when Pavlova visited there in 1926 on her world tour‘. I have heard that this chef may have originated from Australia. This could be pure supposition.

‘Professor Helen Leach, a culinary anthropologist at the University of Otago in New Zealand, has compiled a library of cookbooks containing 667 Pavlova recipes from more than 300 sources. Her book, The Pavlova Story: A Slice of New Zealand’s Culinary History, states that the first Australian Pavlova recipe was created in 1935 while an earlier version was penned in 1929 in a rural magazine.’

I quite like former food critic, Matthew Evans‘ take on the whole issue….

People have been doing meringue with cream for a long time, I don’t think Australia or New Zealand were the first to think of doing that. (Matthew Evans)

In the spirit of the mate-ship of ANZAC Day, I propose that we share bragging rights to the creation of the pav’. What do you think?

Now, traditionally, a Pavlova is a meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside. It is made by beating egg whites to a very stiff consistency before folding in caster sugar, white vinegar, cornflour, and sometimes vanilla essence, and slow-baking the mixture. Amazingly similar to meringue, really!

Just to be a wee bit different, today I share with you the lovely Bill Granger‘s recipe for brown sugar pav’. Trust me when I say it’s a winner. LM and I fought over it the last time we had it at Bill’s (and we don’t fight over food). It’s served with a yoghurt cream mix which makes the whole thing a fabulously caramel-ly offering with some oh-so slightly tart scrummy stuff on top. Bill serves his with strawberries. I prefer mine with rhubarb…

Bill's Brown Sugar Pavlova

Bill’s Brown Sugar Pavlova
(Image from here)

Pavlova with brown sugar and strawberries
(serves 8-10)

Bill likes his meringues to be old-fashioned and gooey in the middle, rather than bright white and explosive. Pavlova is traditionally a summery dessert, but this one, with its warmer colouring, also works beautifully in winter, with Bill suggesting torn figs instead of strawberries.

Ingredients

6 egg whites
¼ tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract
230g caster sugar
80g soft brown sugar
1 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp arrowroot
2 tsp white vinegar

To serve 
300ml whipping cream
150g Greek yoghurt
500g strawberries, hulled and halved
1–2 tablespoons honey

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Draw a 20cm circle on a sheet of baking paper and place the paper on a large baking tray.

2 Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and vanilla until stiff peaks have formed. Add the caster sugar and brown sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating until all the sugar is incorporated and dissolved and the mixture is thick and glossy. Stir in the cornflour, arrowroot and vinegar.

3 Pile the mixture into the circle on the paper and spread gently into shape with a spatula. Put in the oven and reduce the temperature immediately to 130°C/Gas ½. Bake for 1hr 20min, then turn off the oven, prop the door ajar and leave the Pavlova inside until completely cooled.

4 To serve, lightly whip the cream and yoghurt together and spread over the Pavlova. Toss the strawberries in the honey and then arrange over the top. Serve immediately.

Yum!

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