Pomegranate my new favourite fruit

I am totally in love with Pomegranates right now- the rich scarlett colour, the rustic and sculptural qualities and the red ruby jewel like seeds that pop in your mouth. Used for sweet or savoury dishes this wonderful fruit is very versatile. I know why some of the great artists painted them, they are truly beautiful! xxCorrina.

A taste of France- Plum Gateaux

Here is that scrummy plum gateaux I was talking about. As plums are in season and so gorgeous it is the ideal time to make it- however I use the tinned or jars of plums (whole) that you get in the supermarket if you want to indulge out of plum season. A little taboo I know for the purist seasonal cook.. but its just so good , what is your favourite sweet treat this season? Let me know...xxCorrina

Plum Gateaux- red white and blue

The plums are beautiful right now which inspires me to make my scrumptious plum gateaux. I serve it with cream or greek yogurt if you like a slighly tart accompaniment. This always gets the wow factor when I have guests for dinner so is perfect for the holiday season and even straight out of the oven looks like it came from a patisserie somewhere in Paris. I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with family and friends. Today was a steamy 30 degrees and now a cool breeze has just picked up the end of a stunning day and the last day of the year. Happy New Year to everyone xxCorrina.

A taste of Sydney

 

 

 

This last week my family and I have spent time in Portmaquarie with my husbands' parents and brother. It is an 8hr drive from where we live and passes through Sydney. We have a favouite resturant to visit when in Sydney that I can highly recomend for taste and value for money- It doesn'y look like much from the outside and is in an ordinary part of Punchbowl opposite the station- but if you love Lebanese food you just have to go here. We can't go past the mixed plate which has an array of dips, salads, bread, and grilled/marinated meats, kibbeh and falafel- really to die for. We can't get this kind of food where we live so we make it ourselves at home but what a treat to have it cooked for you! Two doors down is a Lebanese mixed business with fresh produce out front and so many amazing jars, tins and packets of the most incredible stuff at reasonable prices. I got a huge jar of marinated, stuffed baby eggplant for $10. So if visiting Sydney or if you live there and want to experience a food sensation you can't go past Jasmin 1 resturant. xxCorrina.

Deck the Halls.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its that time of year again and with all the excitement and decorating, present buying, feasting and spending time with loved ones, I hope these images inspire you and you get as much joy out of them as I got taking them xxCorrina

All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Secret Gardens of Cahors and gorgeous Rocamadour

Passionate about all things French and le Jardin? I highly recomend a visit to Cahors and a walk around the secret garden (jardin) trail. Included are the beautiful ancient churches and the stunning cloister where you can imagine life as a monk in the middle ages. Only the French would have a  small vineyard right next to a footpath in the middle of town! So apparent is the love of fine food and wine and the very nature of a culture built around these things, we absolutely loved our time here.

On our way out of the midi-pyrenees region we couldn't miss the stunningly beautiful Rocamadour built into the side of cliff faces this place defies gravity and in itself is a miracle. Here pilgrims have flocked for centuries. The best view for pics are taken from La Hospitalet and the village is gorgeus too- even rain and grey clouds didn't ruin the magical location.

All Images Copyright Corrina Tough 2012              

Paris- a city of creativity, history, and culture

The French do life so well- and no different in Paris,  I mean even though everyone seems to be running underground to get on the metro it seems above ground they walk with a saunter. Flanner is the term used for one who strolls and they certainly have their own way of doing it- love it! Cafe culture has a new meanig here where even French children know how to manage a wine glass of juice even though they look like they still wear nappies, and generally the kids are pretty laid back in cafes. Fashion is amazing here- they do street wear to a -T- and the most desirable accessorie is a scarf- we've seen many forms of scarf tieing and many patterns and styles- the most common I saw was neautral clothing like black, tan, denim and leather worn with a bright or decorative scarf! Food on the run??? Not normally but many do eat croissants and baguettes on the go, I am sure the next meal will be languished in a cafe or bistro somewhere with friends. On the subject of food if a Parisienne finds a place they like they will line up until they get a table even at 10pm!! Here are some more pics of the next few days in Paris.....xxCorrina.

                                                  All photos copyright Corrina Tough 2012