Just a dusting

Last week we had our first sign of snow. Although only a dusting, it was just enough to bring a smile to the faces of two little Australian boys who had never seen a snowfall. In their eyes it was the perfect snowfall. Isn't it amazing how  the smallest things can bring you pure bliss.  For me it was watching my boys scooping up what little snow they could to make a snowball, whilst catching the rest on their tongues.  What a magical day!

A Winter's craving

Isn't it funny how in certain weather you crave different things. My son, this week, was having a raisin bread craving.  And although it would have been easier and less time consuming to just go to the supermarket and buy some, he announced, 'Mummy, we can make some can't we?  We are great cooks!'.  So with that confidence in our culinary skills we set off scouring the internet for the 'perfect', quickest and least number of ingredients, recipe.  

A couple of hours later we were the proud owners of two freshly baked loaves.  My son has now requested hot cross buns.  At least I can hold him out until Easter for that one, can't I..........

So, if like us you find yourself with a couple of hours free and a craving for raisin bread here is the link to the recipe we used.  

http://food.ninemsn.com.au/recipes/iorange/8339018/orange-and-raisin-bread

The finished product!

Bahamian Bliss

A Happy New Year to you all.  I could spend time making all sorts of New Year's resolutions but my only wish is for a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2012 for everyone. 


 After Christmas we escaped the cold and travelled down to The Bahamas, to the most beautiful Harbour Island. What I adored about this idyllic spot was the colourful beach houses, the spotless sandy beaches and the amazing fresh summer food. I could not think of a more perfect winters retreat. 




I've put together a little list of things to do and see in this Bahamian Bliss.


1. Shopping. 


The Sugar Mill


I know you are meant to be able to lie on a beach and take in the sunshine but visit this little shop and you'll be able to look fabulous and relaxed. India Hicks is part owner of this amazing boutique selling everything from kaftans to toys for the kids. How gorgeous is the front of the building??!!
www.sugarmillbyindiahicks.com

The Sugar Mill

2.  Food


Just up the road is one of the islands best restaurants called The Landing.  It is closed, sadly, for lunch but pop in there for breakfast or dinner.  

If you are in the need of some french cheese, great coffee and tea The Dunmore Deli spot is worth a look.  They are open for breakfast and lunch.


3.  The Beaches


Harbour Island is famous for it's perfect pink sandy beach.  The water is gorgeous temperature for swimming and snorkeling.


We stayed at the beautiful Coral Sands resort.  The Beach Bar is perfect for a relaxing lunch after a morning at the beach and The Terrace Restaurant is fabulous for dinner.

View from the Beach Bar


4. The Architecture

The most surprising and memorable thing about the island was the gorgeous houses.  Each one a little different in beautiful pastel colours. 

Okay, so this one isn't painted but it was my favourite.  I LOVED the fuchsia cushions on the porch.


So if only for a few days it was definitely worth the trip down to the Bahamas. Although we could have gone down the path of a big resort with all the extras, this was perfect for us.  I cannot wait to return!


Have a lovely week.

  

Getting ready for the big day

It is just me or does any one else consider the present wrapping and the table setting just as important as the meal served on the day.  This year I have built up a colour scheme around a fabulous ribbon I have found. Paper Source here in the US has the most beautiful ribbons, paper and cards.  I would have been lost without them! Although the presents won't make it under the tree until Christmas Eve, here is a place setting for Christmas lunch.  

The place setting

After what seemed a culinary flop of epic proportions Gingerbread House Part 2 went off without a hitch.  Here's some of the other Christmas creations I have been cooking up for the big day. A good friend of mine, who will always set the benchmark for amazing decorating, has inspired me to create my own Christmas Crackers this year.  For my children I have stuffed them with little Lego.  I can't wait for them to open them! 

This year Donna Hay has been my Christmas food guru.  Her Christmas fruit tarts are amazing!!

As we take off after Christmas in search of some warmer weather, I wish you the most magical and safe Christmas and a fabulous 2012.

Cooking up a storm

With only 4 more sleeps until Christmas I find myself elbows deep in the kitchen in an effort to create some culinary masterpieces for the 'season'.  So after a disappointing batch of rum balls, not enough rum, I have raided the cupboard to find a bottle of OP rum that should do the job sufficiently. I can't wait to try them!!

Okay so you can only have so much success in the kitchen before a monumental flop occurs.  Mine took place this afternoon when my son and I decided to make our own gingerbread house by scratch.   Needless to say a SOS trip to Wholefoods early tomorrow is planned to buy a ready made kit. I just had to include a photo. Yes, it tasted as bad as it looked.  Do you think I was aiming too high using the Gourmet Traveller recipe?  It didn't come with any warnings about novice gingerbread house chefs...

Wish me better luck with the fruit mince pies.  I have found a delicious Donna Hay recipe and have made the filling.  Now for the shortbread pastry......

Bring on a White Christmas

For all of my life I have seen these White Christmas' and thought how strange for Christmas to be cold and what about those sweltering hot days, the lovely seafood and spending the mornings lazing by the pool only to have to rush to be ready for Christmas lunch.  So imagine my surprise to have moved to a place where it is cold, it will snow and finally a hot Christmas lunch is not strangely out of place.  As we prepare to spend our first 'White' Christmas in Annapolis, and yes, I will be deeply disappointed if it does not snow!!, I wanted to share with you all some images from our 'potential', 'fingers crossed' White Christmas.

As those who know me, I LOVE a fabulous ribbon. Can you spot a ribbon theme going on....

Our front door

Close up

Another wreath. I love a bit of felt at Christmas!

Well... we are in deer country

The next time you see this view it may be covered in snow...

I have come to love Anthology magazine.  Here is a link to their Christmas gift issue http://anthologymag.com/blog3/issues/