Another bite of the Cherry

Double Chocolate Brownies

The Royal Melbourne show has come around for 2011 and must say the weather is showing to be nicer this year, although my journey to the show was still very chilling it did not show rain. Unfortunately it was a slight disappointment not to have placed in this years competitions, the amount of work people have put into their entries are amazing.

My entries of Mocha caramel pecan and double chocolate brownies are nothing compared to the amazing cake designs that have arisen for 2011. From wedding cakes to name cakes, this years number one cake would have to be a Christmas Novelty cake which is a section from the 12 days of Christmas. This cake blew me away with their air brushing techniques and detail they put into the layout. Not only that but you would not believe that it was NOVICE.

Christmas Cake NOVICE

I have to admit that I myself can not do something like this, unless I was on holiday and had been taking courses for years. I do believe that my patience would get the better of me, giving the reason why I stick to the fudge and various sections.

What disappoints me however is the way the judging is done. As an entry I am unsure on the exacts of what the judges themselves are basing it from. Is it taste, texture, look, personal attraction??? We as people who enter are nun the wiser if they have met there criteria of there chosen category nor are they aware on why the winner was chosen. I do love the excitement of entering and using my hobby to test challenge myself but I would also like to know how they are chosen.

Mocha caramel Pecan Fudge

I could not believe my eyes when I was handing in my 2 entries, when a lady was walking through the doors with a bread create full of items. But this wasn't all she had...... there was another 2 creates still in her car. I thought I was bad to find time to make my 2 entries but to have 3 creates this lady surly LOVES to cook. It is truly amazing to see all these people take pride in there cooking, but to not know if we have done a good job can deflate you just slightly.

But there is still another year headed our way, so I am off to take another bit of the cherry, thinking of brand new ideas and researching recipes to do it all over again for 2012. It is rewarding to see your creations behind glass with everyone looking and pointing at them. Comments going left and right on which one they think is better.

Special Occasion Cake

If you haven't already been to the Melbourne show this year, GO, It is a great day out and plenty to see.

The Icing on the Cake

I have just finished celebrating my Birthday and begun my last year of my 20's and I have to say I have been wines and Dinned like no other. My Send off into this final year before hitting that big '30' that everyone dreads was pure MAGIC.


If something was to get me out of bed it would be dinning out for Breakfast. I'm not too sure what exactly it is about it, whether it be someone else cooking and cleaning for me, the nice latte and juice to go with my eggs, or the fact that PANCAKES are on the menu. 

Mexican Breakfast

So early to rise and Paul chooses to take me out for a delicious Breakfast at Malt Cafe. Lazed out in the morning sun and coffee on the way we read over the enchanting menu of delicious breakfast treats. Although Pancakes would be my usual prime choice of dining out for breakfast I chose to do something different for my Celebrations of a Mexican breakfast - house made baked beans, baked eggs, crispy pancetta and served with spinach tortillas.


Back home and having to get ready for my Lunch booking with my Mum at Ficelle Restaurant where you can enjoy a 2 course lunch on a Wednesday for $16.90 which is a complete STEAL. Now you probably say that at that price the food must be terrible or they are really desperate or even perhaps the size of the meals will be small. But you are wrong.

Lambs Brains

The menu is not only extensive but is premium in quality and taste. A 2 course meal was enjoyed with chicken spring rolls with a chilli ginger sauce and followed by Lambs brains with a mash potato and mustard ginger jus. Now although you say Lambs brains that's disgusting  and I do understand peoples thoughts on this but if you have someone who can cook it right they are magnificent. There are also plenty of other fantastic meals on offer such as Seafood Chowder, Soft homemade Gnocchi, Terrine and Thai Chicken Burger. They also do Dinner specials Monday to Wednesday, so Trust me when I say if you are looking for somewhere to go Mid week 'Go There'.


After rolling out the door from over indulging from Breakfast and Lunch I try and relax back at home before I head back out for a Chinese Banquet with family and friends. 
What a fantastic way to enjoy an assortment of Chinese dishes with the best group of people money couldn't buy. Only $38.00 at Gold Fish Restaurant we were  overwhelmed with about 10- 12 delicious dishes. All perfectly cooked and presented with the waiter's being friendly and attentive. Their is nothing better than enjoying a banquet of Chicken and Corn Soup, Beef & black bean steak, San chow bow and inclusive of the BEST Deep fried Ice- Cream I've ever had. Together with the Banquet and a table of friends and family it was the highlight of my day.

Friends & family for a Chinese Banquet

Out of the 29 Birthdays I've had it is one of my top 10 Birthdays I've had. Being spoilt alive with being dined out and the array of Birthday wishes and gifts from everyone around me. I could not have asked for anything better to start my final year of my 20's.  

A Good Spread

I'm not too sure what exactly makes a good spread when entertaining amongst either Friends or Family, whether it is the people you are with or the food or both. But there is one thing for certain the Spread of which was put on for Father's Day Celebrations was simple, easy and well enjoyed by all.

To enjoy a Sunday afternoon with family relaxing with a glass of bubbly or perhaps a glass of red whilst catching up on events, eating salmon roulade, BBQ prawns,marinated vegies and of course the crowd pleasing every event dish of 'Dips and Bread' is always a great start to anyones celebrations.

Toasting to the Father's of the family, Communal platters of beautifully cooked steak along with beef burgers, sausages and chicken accompanied by an array of salad is one of my favorite main meals. Bowls get passed left and right with meat platters trying to be balanced as the weight of it weakens your arms as you wait for the person to take it from you. The chatter from the table of the family of 15 making sure the kids are happy with their bangers in bread with sauce and that everyone is right for a drink fill the room, followed by laughter about memories from the past whether it be years ago or just yesterday news along with the occasional Dad joke in between, cause without it it would not be a traditional Father's Day.

Banana Caramel Fudge cake made by Kylie

Plates are removed and dessert it showered on us within moments of a quite tasty 'Banana Caramel Fudge' cake and a 'Chocolate' Cheese cake, cheese plate, Biscotti, Fudge and Mints. Who knew spots were found in everyones stomaches to continue the feasting accompanied by tea and coffee.

As kids get restless from the hours of sitting the adults watch them run around and the middle aged children (16-30 yr olds) gather the children's puzzles and entertain themselves in races on who can finish them first. This of course causes great interest by all, and as no one is wanting to leave the table due to their stomaches weighing them down cheers are raised and adjudicators made on who is cheating.

It is always a pleasure to enjoy a relaxing day with good food and good family or friends. Not having to rush through it because your table has been booked in 2 hours time. A 5 hour day of talking, laughing and dining is only done on days such as Father's Day, Mother's Day, Birthday's or Christmas but should be done more often. You don't need a reason to enjoy a Communal event where everyone comes together and brings something along. A lot of people forget this and dine out and don't realise that something simple is enjoyed more than trying to impress.

The Dad's of the Family left to right: Ian, Ian Jnr, Peter & Tom - my dad

So to all the Dad's out there Happy Father's Day to you. To my Dad - without you I would not be bought into this world, you have filled my life with the Dad Jokes, laughed with me (or at me sometimes), taught me things and been a believer in me. I couldn't have asked for anything better.