Do you have a collection of beautiful recipe books that you just don't use?  I found myself staring at my beautiful collection just now and thought to myself what a shame that I don't use them.  I love the chefs (they are my rock stars).  I love watching them on TV or meeting them at food festivals but what an absolute shame that I don't honour them by actually trying many of their recipes.  It's not intentional, it's just that I have so many recipes stored in my head and thousands that I have taken from magazines or scribbled down while watching the tele.  Well, that my friends is about to change!  Starting now, I have made a pact to try at least one recipe per week from my treasured collection.
​First up is "The Heart of the Home" by Australia's first MasterChef, the delightful Julie Goodwin.  This is a beautifully presented book with full page coloured photos (I never cook a recipe without a photo ... it's like buying a dress without trying it on).  Julie's cooking style is so similar to mine, featuring a repertoire of hearty, homestyle, comfort food.  The first recipe I am going to try is ..... drumroll please .... Chermoula Marinated King Prawns (from page 11).  They look so good and will be perfect for a light, fresh Queensland summer meal.  Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it goes.  Have a wonderful weekend :D

We have just returned from four fabulous days in the Queensland's glorious Glasshouse Mountains.  We took time to breathe in the fresh mountain air, walk in the bush and interact with the wildlife.  Kookaburras and magpies were our constant companions.  We sourced local produce and created simple meals ... every dish was cooked outdoors on a BBQ hotplate.  Instead of the usual cheese platter we enjoyed sweet summer Queensland fruits and cracked macadamias (with a glass of wine of course).  We even enjoyed a beer at the historical Landsborough Hotel.  How beautiful it was to "go back to the basics".   I returned to Briz Vegas feeling invigorated and relaxed.  Cheers, Liz