12. Vodka and pasta

I recently discovered a new recipe in my Silverspoon Pasta cookbook for vodka and penne.

At first I wasn't too sure, but upon making and tweaking around with it last night in the kitchen, I can confess I am a very big fan.

 makes 4

3/4 packet of organic Penne

300ml double cream

just under  1/2 cup of vodka

pre-made meatballs

garlic oil

1 can of tomato paste and vegetable mix

salt and pepper

fresh parsley to taste

grated parmesan cheese

11. Leftover mash on toast

I have to admit I love it when I have leftovers. They always taste so much better the next day and seem to develop in flavour over night.
I recently made a garlic and sea salt mash and had some leftover on toast this morning.

It was one of the best breakfast I have had for a long time, I think because it was a nice change from eggs.

All you need is leftover mash, toast, truffle or any flavored oil, garlic oil would go beautifully as well, parsley and pimento.

Makes for a tasty and impressive breakfast toast idea.

10. Masterchef Live

Had a fantastic day on sunday at Masterchef Live Sydney. It turned out to be a stunning day with the sun shining and not a cloud in sight. It was not only a great opportunity to see the past contestants and they have been upto since the show, but a great chance to try and buy some wonderful products. The food vans and stalls all offered something different and amazing, deciding upon lunch was a tough choice! 

I am loving the natural and vivacious flavours of the Truffle oil and Pesto dressing from the guys at Rich Glen Olive Oil. Really high quality and great to be supporting the Australian produce market.
And as always I could not go past the legendary Maggie Beer's stand without stocking up. A great array of products to choose from and of such amazingly fresh quality. 
Here are some happy snaps from the day :

Busy on lookers

The lovely Amina cooking her Arabic doughnut recipe

Fresh Paella and Sangria

Beef and spinach gozleme

Maggie Beer's Burnt fig, honeycomb and caramel icecream is to die for

Woodfire pizza and a Sauv Blanc in the sun

9. My sisters birthday banquet

I love birthdays, especially family ones. They are a great opportunity for everyone to get together and catch up and have a wonderful home cooked meal. 
There is nothing more rewarding then creating menu that is the birthday girls favourite. Making a collection of meals that bring great memories and flavours in the one place. Here are a few happy snaps from last nights feast.

 Birthday cake in the making