Yo hoho and a bottle of ............Cider

Thanks to my creative friend Nick and his son I have a bottle of their hand crafted apple cider in my hot little hands. Nick, being a thoughtful man made sure there was a bottle for me to drink (long gone) and one for me to cook with. 

Summer has ended and the last of my lovely harvest is before you in this end of season salad drizzled with the Capt Bligh's cider dressing.

From the garden - corn, cucumber, tomatoes, basil and carrots.

From the farmers market - asparagus, broccoli and avocado.   

 

What you need....

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider
2 tbsp white balsamic
salt and pepper to taste

Make it happen....

1. Pop all ingredients in a jar. Tightly fit the lid and shake.

2. Dress the salad and serve immediately.

    
I really like this proper cider - light, dry and moreish I look forward to some sort of baking with it in the near future. I have been told there may even be a pear variety in the making.

K

MISE N PLUS - A concept for life

On a recent photo shoot someone made a passing comment on my need to work cleanly, methodically and in an organised manner. I started to think about the origins of this trait.

In cooking, the French call it "mise n plus" meaning everything in its place.

Spices ready to go

Little Quails awaiting the oven

Chequerboard Sashimi 

Preparation!

 Mise n plus - a way of life.

K

 

TWO METER TALL BEER & BEEF

After a relaxing start to our Sunday, we received the wonderful gift of an invite to join our friends on a little country drive in search of some quality beer. Who could resist such an offer.

Kids in tow, we made our way to the Two Meter Tall Company, makers of fine ales and cider, with the promise of individuality in every batch. Just out side of New Norfolk in southern Tasmania we made the right hand turn onto the property and followed the dirt drive up the hill. 

A cluster of rustic sheds and out building ignited our interest and thirst. Groups of picnickers and people barbecuing were dotted about the place and rolling hills covered in dry summer grass surrounded us.

 
The kids ran off to the hills and we set off to the beverages.
Cold cider and ales awaited us, hand pumped where it is grown and brewed, a very nice concept. 

      
Outstanding service and conversation erupted at the farm bar, tastings were a plenty and a fantastic afternoon was had by all. I love the "Cleansing Ale" in particular and the "Foresters bitter amber ale" was also a winner.

The day got better still when we discovered the fridge full of hand crafted sausages made from the farms very own beer fed beef - yes I said  beer fed!

We made use of the BBQ on site known as "the man cave" we then sliced the charred snags, dipped them in supplied mustard and relish and devoured them with vigor . Great flavor, quite lean and very meaty. Perfect with a beer or two.

 
Tabs were payed, take home beers assembled, kids loaded into the car and our trusty designated driver in charge. What a great afternoon, thanks 2MT we will see you again.

K