OUR OSCAR PARTY...SEARCHING FOR KATHARINE HEPBURN...MORE ON OUR SALE..SALE..SALE!...BOTTOMS UP TO THE SIDECAR AND DIVINE BLINI AND SALMON SNACKS JUST FOR YOU! HAPPY FRIDAY AND THE WINNER IS.......???

I miss the old fashioned glamour, intrigue and mystique of the Oscars.  I feel my age with the fact that I dont really know who this years Oscar hosts (being held this coming week in LA) are??  

When I think of the Oscars, I think of fashion and glamorous gowns flowing, handsome and stylish actors in Tuxedos, beautiful augmentation free actresses resplendant in their own beauty and not needing much more than a good 'up-do' to look completely stunning....oh how I wish life was just one long Mad Men series....

For me, the Oscars will always be Katharine Hepburn.  Hepburn holds the record for the most Best Actress Oscar wins with four out of 12 nominations. In 1999, she was ranked by the American Film Institute as the greatest female star in the history of American cinema.  I will never forget her final speech up on the Oscars stage.  

It was rumoured that she had succumbed to Parkinsons Disease in her later years because of the characteristic head shaking, but this was untrue and according to the lady herself "I inherited my shaking head from my grandfather Hepburn. I discovered that whisky helps stop the shaking. Problem is, if you're not careful, it stops the rest of you too. My head just shakes, but I promise you, it ain't gonna fall off!"

Hepburn started wearing long high-waisted pants before it was fashionable to do so.

  Playing strong independent women with minds of their own.

She was a woman of style with a lot of brassiness thrown in for balance.  We celebrate her for her strength and non-conformist character.  As in her own words....'If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun'. 

Enjoy our Oscars Party food and cocktail suggestions below in our weekly Cocktail Friday section....plus!  The best Blini with Salmon and Mascarpone to munch on with your friends whilst watching the Academy dramas unfold! Who will wear the most hideous dress this year?....and horror of horrors..who will wear the same dress!!??

OUR RELOCATION SALE CONTINUES 

Last weekend, we literally had items running out the door...and thats no exaggeration!  This weekend is set to be no different.  Please be sure to pop in and say hi...check out all the beautiful pieces that we have on offer at truly discounted prices.  That much admired piece could finally be yours!

 Castor Coffee Table

 The Beautiful 'Mona' Table

 The 'Enzo' Sofa...drastically reduced to sell

 Our stunning 'Lola' Sofa in sumptuous velvet fabric...must sell!

Louis Ghost Chair...selected items on sale now

The 'Boas' Loose Cover Sofa.  Drastic price reduction. Must Sell!

 Moroccan Lanterns....An eclectic mix of styles now on Sale!

 Reductions off all our Lighting range, including this beautiful example of new and old combined to craft a stunning chandelier.  Now on Sale!

Our 3 Piece Outdoor Setting Range now on Sale!

While not quite as high-pressure as a walk down the red carpet on Oscar night, a party in honor of the 82nd Academy Awards just won't be complete without the perfect hors d'oeuvres.

Get fancy with this super easy recipe.  The little pikelets can be whisked up in a flash and once done, the toppings only take about 10 minutes to put together.  Pop in the fridge and wait for the pseudo celebs to arrive!

Makes

24

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 1/3 cup buckwheat flour
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 25g butter, melted
• olive oil cooking spray
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 100g smoked salmon, thickly sliced
• fresh dill sprigs and lemon zest, to serve

Method

1. Sift flours and baking powder into a bowl. Gradually whisk in egg and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in butter.
2. Spray a large frying pan with oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Using 2 teaspoons mixture per blini, cook 6 blini for 2 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat to make 24 blini.
3. Combine mascarpone, lemon juice and chopped dill in a bowl. Place blini on a platter. Spread each with 1 teaspoon mascarpone mixture. Top with salmon and dill sprigs. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Serve.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY

Get your glam on this February 27th for the 83rd Annual Oscars night and imbibe in one this 1930's cocktail classic...the Side Car.  Pop your best vintage frock on...pinch your cheeks...relax and enjoy the festivities of the evening.  Grab a bunch of friends and create your own night of nights!

The Sidecar
1 measure Cointreau
1 measure brandy/cognac
1 measure lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into sugar-rimmed cocktail (martini) glass and garnish with a strip of lemon rind.

Until next week.....enjoy your Oscars soiree...Here's fingers crossed that our super talented and ever young Jackie Weaver gets the statue for best actress for her role in Animal Kingdom.  If she wins...well you will hear me screaming with happiness!

And before we sign off the blog for the week, here's me being self indulgent again and another pic from the vineyard wedding of me and Pete the Greek...this one though just says...peace, tranquility and rest...love it!  Taken from the marquee looking over the vineyard in SA!

A VINEYARD WEDDING...WE ARE ON THE MOVE AND OUR BIG SALE IS ON!...ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA PIZZA AND LOVING THE CAIPIRINHA! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

A WEDDING IN THE VINEYARD...AND INTRODUCING THE NEWEST MRS VENARDOS

Last weekend for the first time ever, Charcoal Interiors closed its doors for the whole weekend.  And the reason?  The wedding of Jen to Pete the Greek down in South Australia.

A gorgeous day was had with a select group of friends and family celebrating love and friendship in the beautiful setting of Jens brothers and sister-in-laws vineyard.  The sun shone, champagne flowed and laughter filtered through the Fleurieu.

...CHARCOAL INTERIORS IS MOVING...

And so, its back into it this week with our BIGGEST Sale yet!  We are on the move and the new address will be revealed next week.

Until then we are run off our feet with our sale and marking down every single product in the showroom.  So that means all tables, chairs, pots, accessories, lighting, Asian cabinetry, altar tables and so much more are marked down to in some cases, ridiculous prices.  

Even our beloved 'Charlie' is up for sale!

We have quality Australian made sofas marked down to below cost price.  We have sold beautiful sofas from these ones on display, but we cant take them with us and they have to go. 

Empire Sofa. Australian Made. Was $9,975 Now $5,900 which is under cost price.

Our beautiful Enzo Sofa. Australian Made. Sumptuous Quality fabric. Was $10,500 Now $8,400

The Boas loose cover sofa.  A gorgeous sofa that would look amazing in a beach house or casual setting....classic elegance.  Was $3,500 now marked right down to $1,990.

Japanese chests have been reduced by up to 40%.  Our quality accessories are all marked down to sell.  So much stock needs to go, so please be sure to come in and grab a bargain.  That unique piece you have had your eye on for a while now, may just well be available and at a price that will surprise you.  But be quick!  We put the signs out this morning and already have been flat out keeping up with sales.  Next week, we will have all the details on our beautiful tables (or whats left of them...).  The discounts are substantial and the quality amazing.

CHARGRILLED ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA PIZZA

Zucchini is packed with Vitamin C and just so good for you.  Its a great versatile vegetable, perfect in flans and quiches. You can even tempura the flowers.

Makes great fritters or just slice it up into fingers and bbq with a squeeze of lemon and tossing of salt and pepper.  Zucchini is in season at the moment, so its fresh and affordable.  The smaller the zucchini, the sweeter the flavour.  The big ones are perfect for stuffing.  Just cut the top off, hollow out the seeds and pulp and then pack with breadcrumbs, herbs, sundried tomatoes, chopped capsicum etc...also great with couscous. Wrap with foil and cook in a moderate oven, then slice. The possibilities are endless with zucchini.  Heres a really ease and tasty recipe for Chargrilled Zucchini and Ricotta Pizza.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 large green zucchini, ends trimmed, sliced lengthways
• 1 large yellow zucchini, ends trimmed, sliced lengthways
• 1 tbs olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• 1/3 quantity pizza dough (see related recipe)
• 70g (1/4 cup) green olive tapenade
• 100g (1 cup) grated mozzarella
• 250g fresh ricotta, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs

Method

1. Preheat oven to 240°C. Preheat a chargrill pan on high. Brush the zucchini with half the oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook one-quarter of the zucchini for 1-2 minutes each side or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat in 3 more batches with remaining zucchini.
2. Brush a baking tray with oil. Roll out a dough portion on a lightly floured surface to a 25 x 35cm rectangle. Place on the prepared tray. Spread the tapenade evenly over the base. Sprinkle over the mozzarella. Arrange the zucchini slices, in a criss-cross pattern, over the base. Dot the ricotta randomly over the zucchini. Sprinkle with the rosemary and drizzle with the remaining oil. Season with pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges to serve.
   
   
   
   

 COCKTAIL FRIDAY IS HERE....

Hello....Caipirinha!

The Caipirinha, designated the National Cocktail of Brazil, has simple ingredients: limes, Cachaca, superfine sugar and crushed ice. I've seen other fruits substituted, such as strawberries and cherries, but to me the real thing is a lime Caipirinha.  Aaaaahhhhh Lime...have we mentioned before how much we love lime??

This is actually one of the easiest cocktails to make, which can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time...easy to make...easy to drink and away we go for another round!

INGREDIENTS

You will need:

• Cachaca
• Limes
• Superfine sugar
• Crushed ice
• A "lowball", "rocks" or "Old-Fashioned" glass
• A pestle (from a mortar and pestle -- or something similar) for the muddling

METHOD

1. Cut the ends off of the lime and discard.
2. Cut the lime in half lengthwise and cut out the white pith in the middle.
3. Cut the lime in half, and cut one half of the lime into four wedges and place in the glass. If your lime is small, you will need to add more lime to the glass.
4. Add one to three tablespoons of sugar. The amount of sugar depends on your personal taste as well as the size of the lime you are using.
5. Use the pestle to "muddle" the limes and sugar together. Basically, you want to crush the limes so that they mix in well with the sugar. Be careful not to break the skin of the lime. When you've gotten all of the juice out of the lime, you're done.
6. Pack crushed ice in the glass all the way to the top.
7. Add cachaca all the way to the top of the glass. (It's really only about 2 oz.)
8. Use a larger glass or bottom of a cocktail shaker and put it over the top of your drink. Pick up with two hands and shake very well for at least 15 seconds.
9. Garnish with a wedge or slice of lime.
10. Drink...and enjoy the best caipirinha!

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL...enjoy your weekend.  Its going to be a hot one here in Brisbane, so keep cool with a Caipirinha and come in for some COOL bargains.  We have some truly unique and stunningly beautiful pieces for your home.  Once they are gone...that's it.  In some cases you can own a piece of history for a song.  Please stop by over the weekend.  We are open Saturday and Sunday. Until next week! xx

Cathie, Colette and Jen (Mrs Venardos...hehe...)

CELEBRATING 'SINGLES AWARENESS DAY'...THINGS WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!..OUR NEW CHANDELIER AND TABLE TO DIE FOR!!..DUBAI DREAMING...THE PEACH PRINCESS...AND AVOCADO & POTATO SALAD THAT IS SO DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY...YES ITS ALL ON THE BLOG...ENJOY!

With Valentines Day just around the corner, love is most definitely in the air.  Although my single friends call the Valentines Day phenomena 'Singles Awareness Day', regardless of whether you are single or bonded at the hip, its always nice to celebrate love in all its different forms. This week we have made a list of our latest 'love' items.  Some are attainable right now, and others are on the 'Bucket List'...regardless, its nice to dream and draw inspiration from beautiful things, places and styles.

Light Up Your Life

With our latest arrival.  This stunning Chandelier is available whilst stocks last.  What a focal point to add drama to a dining room!  We are loving this!

Create a Beguiling Mix of Form and Function with.....

Our stunning Iron Based Dining Table.  This gorgeous piece will not last!

Whats new in colour??

Our friends at Porters Paints are always surprising and delighting with the emergence of new and exciting colour options.  The design team are particularly in love with Porters newest shade...Donkey Grey.  Such a subtle tone, yet completely classic and usable.  Here it has been masterfully merged with Porters Macaroon and Milk. Love it, Love it, Love it!

LUXE GETAWAY

When a girl starts dreaming about the ultimate holiday destination, the first thought that comes to mind is luxury, shopping, food and hello!..day spa!  This hotel in the home of luxury and indulgence, Dubai, hits the spot in more ways than one. 

Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel

 As part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex in Dubai, the Al Qasr Hotel is located on Jumeirah Beach and offers elevated views over the Arabian Gulf. 

 

The hotel is surrounded by water and is accessible from the other two hotels in the complex by waterway. Each of the 292 guest rooms and suites offer private balconies and sumptuous Arabian décor and fabrics.

This stunning accommodation includes shopping until you are dropping, nine restaurants and bars and most importantly a rooftop bar area offering spectacular views of the ocean, pool and gardens. 

And for the grand total of $1600 per night, this place is definitely going on the Bucket List.  Dubai is just one of those exotic, mysterious places that you have to visit at least once.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY

 

This week, we take advantage of the hot weather and have created something cool and refreshing, yet relaxing and sexy....as all cocktails should be.  Whilst daydreaming of our next sojourn in Dubai, we were inspired to make one of these little pieces of Friday cocktail heaven.  The Peach Princess....enjoy!

2 oz Absolut® peach vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps
4 oz orange juice

Fill glass with ice. Pour ingredients over ice, insert straw and enjoy! For a sweeter drink, substibute Original Sunny Delight for Orange Juice.

Serve in: A tall Cocktail Glass that matches the height of your heels :-)

ADORING AVOCADO RIGHT NOW.....

Avocado is in season at the moment and dont we just love it!  Jen and Pete the Greek have it every morning smashed on toast with a bit of lemon and pepper.  Others enjoy it as a topper over an egg on toast with a slice of proscuitto and haloumi.  Great in salads and hey...even mashed up and on your face...there is a lot to be said for the Avocado.  Once a luxury food in Australia, it is now eaten in most households.  A great source of 'good' fats and packed with Vitamins.  The Avocado gets the thumbs up from us.  

This salad is so easy and super healthy.  Its actually not a very light salad, and so works well as a meal in itself rather than having it on the side as an accompaniment.  And in this hot weather that we are experiencing right now, its the perfect way to end the day.

ENJOYING...THE AVOCADO AND POTATO SALAD

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 150g small green beans, trimmed
• 150g small butter beans, trimmed
• 800g kipfler potatoes, scrubbed
• 100g sliced pancetta
• 2 avocados, halved, stones removed, peeled, sliced
• 1/3 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
• 1 large lime, rind finely grated, juiced
• 1/3 cup dill sprigs

Method

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat.Add
    green beans and butter beans. Cook for 3 minutes or until bright green and tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander and refresh under cold water. Pat dry with paper towel. Return water to the boil.
2. Add potatoes to saucepan and cook for 12 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. Cut in half lengthways.
3. Preheat grill on high heat. Place pancetta on a baking tray and grill for 5 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towel. Tear into small pieces.
4. Arrange beans, potatoes, pancetta and avocado on a platter. Combine mayonnaise, lime rind and 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice in a bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over dill. Serve with pan-fried, grilled or barbecued fish.
   
   
   
   
     And so, the end of another week.....dont forget we are open Saturday and Sunday.  Giving thanks this week that everyone was safe from Cyclone Yasi, and our hearts go out to those who lost property and had their businesses etc...affected.  It certainly does feel like poor old Queensland has copped a battering this Summer.  Now on to bigger and better things!

Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!

xxx

CATHS HAYMAN HIATUS...SUMMER TULIPS IMPOSSIBLE TO KILL...THE BRUNCH MARTINI WITH APRICOT JAM!!??...GEORGE MICHAEL...EASY BACK TO SCHOOL BAGUETTE RECIPE AND MUCH MORE!

CATHS HAYMAN ISLAND HIATUS 

Well, with all the flood 'goings-on' here in Brisbane, Cath ran screaming with arms flailing in the air to the nearest major airport and took herself off to the tranquility of a place of perfection and peace...Hayman Island.  Actually, she wasnt really screaming and arms a-flailing..but you get the picture..she was in need of a sweet sojourn, and Hayman fit all the criteria.

  Cath says the best thing about Hayman was the Pool, the Sunsets and the Service. The most strenuous activity she participated in for the week, was that of reeeelaxing...tough gig but someone has to do it!  She has come back to work brown as a berry and looking like a movie star just out of a top Health Retreat...I may have to kill her....

  Sometimes, you just have to take yourself off somewhere special and take time out just for you.... 

NEW ARRIVALS

Regulars to our showroom will know that every time they step through the doors there is something new to inspire.  We try to inspire our customers every single time they walk in.  This week is no exception with our latest 'We Love' additions.

We LOVE....our huge arched Feature Mirror

Also LOVING our Oversized Feature Clock

And how about starting the year with a new dining table to gather around and create lasting memories?  We just LOVE this latest table arrival into the showroom...completely custom made and also very affordable.  Our craftsman is second to none and we can create a special table just for you, to your dimensions and design specifications...just ask us for more details.

Bring the blooming delights of Spring into your home in the hotter Summer months with one of our beautiful and top quality Tulip Bunches.  They look real and last and last and last...no watering required and already attractively bunched and tied together they look great 'as is' on the dining table or as an added bit of colour and interest to a nook that needs just that little bit of 'something'.  Also available in Reed Bunches.

BRING IT ON!....COCKTAIL FRIDAY

Introducing for your Imbibing Pleasure...The Brunch Martini

Brunch Martini

Serves 1

45 ml	Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
15 ml	Cointreau
1 tsp	apricot jam
15 ml	ruby grapefruit juice

1

Add all ingredients to a shaker half-filled with ice. Shake hard and fast, pour through a fine strainer into a chilled martini glass and serve.

BACK TO SCHOOL EASY FAMILY RECIPE

This week, we should have had George Michaels song 'Freedom' on the itunes to play full blast as the hoards of women sans children floated through the showroom. 

Hard as it is to pack the little sweethearts back to school for another year, considering all of the 'inside' time that Brisbane parents have had to experience with their children over the holidays, we do believe that an easy, yet delicious Friday recipe is warranted.

EASY SUMMER-FRESH BEEF BAGUETTES TOPPED WITH MUSTARD AND CRANBERRY

This recipe is super easy and wont hurt the wallet too much either.  I prepared all the fresh ingredients first and put it on a platter in the fridge, then sat out on the back deck with the whole family, while Pete the Greek cooked up the steaks. We then just assembled the baguettes out on the deck, cut the baguettes into 4 or 6 each, depending on the size of the bread stick and then everyone helped themselves.  Its a really easy, stress free meal that will literally take you 15 minutes from the time you start to finished product....enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 x 90g lean beef minute steaks
• Olive oil spray
• 1 large baguette, cut into four, split
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups (50g) watercress sprigs
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

MUSTARD AND CRANBERRY DRESSING

• 1 1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbs cranberry sauce

Method

1. Pound the steaks with a meat mallet until about 2mm thick. Spray with oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a frypan over high heat. Cook the steaks, 2 at a time, for 30 seconds each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Rest for 3 minutes, then slice.
3. Meanwhile, for the dressing, whisk ingredients with 1 tablespoon boiling water until combined. Season to taste.
4. Fill the baguette pieces with tomato, watercress, onion, sliced steaks and any beef juices. Drizzle over the mustard dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

• To make this dish even quicker, use 350g lean rare roast beef slices from the deli in place of the steaks.

....Until next week!  Have a wonderful weekend.

xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR!..WE ARE ON THE MOVE!!...OUR RELOCATION SALE, OUR CHRISTMAS FAMILY TABLE, AUSTRALIA DAY FARE..TOSS ANOTHER PIRI PIRI PRAWN ON THE BARBY!...AND OUR EXCLUSIVE BEER COCKTAIL...CHEERS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...FRESH STARTS...

Firstly, a great big belated Happy New Year to you all.  We just know that 2011 is going to be a fantastic year for all...and what better way to start afresh, than to announce that we are moving premises.  We are going to be setting off into 2011 with a fresh, more intimate showroom, still focussing on our beautiful furniture, custom made range and most importantly our design business.  We look forward to sharing with you all the details in the coming weeks.

With every big move comes a big cleanse and we are having a Huge Relocation Sale, starting mid next week.  Our discounts will vary, and there will be some big savings to be had.  I am sure that over time there has been certain pieces that you have admired...well this could be your opportunity to purchase that item that you have only dreamed of having as your own!  More info to come next week.  Do not hesitate to contact us for pricing on anything on our website.

http://www.charcoalinteriors.com.au/

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

It seems like months ago, but Christmas is now a very distant memory, after the dramas of the rest flooding in Queensland, New South Wales and now Victoria.  Our hearts go out to those who were affected and most importantly to those who lost family members.  We were extremely lucky to have been spared from any water inundation during this time.  Every care was taken to protect our furniture as a precaution.  All items were taken to our Mezzanine level, so we are now very skilled at lifting using our legs and not our backs.  The next holiday will be spent sleeping for a week!

We did promise in our last blog for the 2010 year, to send on some pics of our Christmas Table Setting.  We had a great Christmas Dinner together as a family and Cathie spent hours preparing the table.  It really looked magnificent, resplendent with towering candelabras and our cute wicker reindeer to keep the little ones happy.

Cathie admiring her handiwork

Our Family Christmas Table

AUSTRALIA DAY

Nothing says Australia Day more than throwing a bunch of prawns on the Barbie!  This Australia Day we are celebrating with a beer and a barbecue out on the back deck.  I found this amazing prawn recipe that I wanted to share.  Its just too easy and the flavours are fantastic. This dish goes well with a green salad with mango and dill tossed through and a nice cold beer with a wedge of lime...preferably Fourex...because we have to keep it local cobbas!

PIRI PIRI PRAWNS ON THE BARBECUE

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 6 long red chillies
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 tbs paprika
• 3 tbs cider or white wine vinegar
• 100ml sunflower oil
• 24 green prawns, peeled (tails intact), deveined
• 2 tbs shredded mint or basil leaves
• Lime or lemon wedges, to serve

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C. Roast chillies on a tray for 8-10 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Chop (removing seeds for less heat if desired) and add to a small pan over medium-low heat with garlic, paprika, vinegar, 1/3 cup (80ml) oil and 2 tsp salt. Simmer 2 minutes. Cool slightly, then blend in a processor until smooth and cool completely. Toss prawns with 2-3 tbs sauce (leftover sauce will keep for 1 month, covered, in the fridge). Heat remaining 1 tbs oil on a barbecue hotplate or in a wok on high heat. Cook prawns, turning, for 4 minutes until cooked, then toss with herbs and serve with lime.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY....WE'RE BACK!

Not being a fan of beer on its own, I still do like the idea of sitting with a cold malted bevvy in the pool on a hot summers afternoon after work.  So, I was fortunate enough to have a friend make me this refreshing concoction recently...its a beer cocktail and it certainly hits the spot and is a twist on the old staple 'Shandy' that my Dad used to let me sip when I was a little girl.

AUSTRALIA DAY BEER COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
• 10 tablespoons (5 ounces) light lager, such as Fourex Light Bitter
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) fresh lemon juice
• 5 (1-inch) pieces peeled fresh ginger cut into thin matchsticks

METHOD

Fill Highball glass with ice cubes. Add ginger liqueur, beer, and lemon juice and stir until combined. Garnish with ginger sticks....we like it without the ginger sticks as it can be a tad overpowering, but each to his or her own. 

HAPPY WEEKEND

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  We certainly have had a lot to be grateful for over the past couple of weeks.  Be sure to pop into the showroom and say hi as we are open Saturday and Sunday.  Ask us about our discounts on all items.  We are always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Cheers...Cathie, Colette and Jen

MERRY CHRISTMAS! CATHS SECRET FISH RECIPE...WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON CHRISTMAS DAY...OUR CLIENTS TELL! CHAMPERS ANYONE AND MORE...HO HO HO! xx

Only one more sleep....Father Christmas has already been spotted this afternoon just over Brisbane!  First we heard the sleigh bells and looked up and just caught sight of the back of his red coat flying in the breeze before he and the reindeer flew behind the cityscape....this was after a few glasses of Champagne!

Sighted in Paris this week by the Sass and Bide girls....

Translates to: 'Black is the Hiding Place of Colour'

How are you spending Christmas Day?  My immediate family live in Adelaide and will be having a big get together at Mum and Dads.  I am going to miss not being there amongst the chaos and fun, but will be partaking in my own little piece of madness when Pete the Greek and I host dinner for the Venardos side of the family.  There will be roast pork, baked fish (see Caths secret recipe below...but shhh..its a secret), Turkish pizza, roast chicken, prawn and mango, pesto pasta and fresh garden salads and more...cant wait and the adjustable pants have been removed from the cupboard and freshly laundered so I can fit in as much food as possible!

  We have a great community of followers on our Charcoal Interiors Facebook page from all over the world...Germany to Chile, London to Central Queensland and more...

Here's a snippet of what some of our friends are going to be doing on Christmas Day...

Tania (Brisbane):

Christmas Eve at Renee's - we are doing a joint function (I think because I don't have enough friends to do one on my own LOL) so that will be fun with champagne, many plates of nibbles and the children playing Christmas songs on various instruments.

Crepes and fruit for Christmas breakfast, opening Santa presents with my 9yr old, my brother and my ex husband.

Christmas lunch at my house, Turkey, red onions stuffed with well with stuffing LOL, sausage meat wrapped in bacon, potato bake, undecided greeens, gravy and bread sauce and probably cranberry sauce. Home made baked cheesecake for dessert because it will also be birthday celebration for my brother.
Guests - Isla and I, my ex husband, my brother and my parents.

yes, well...... LOL

then the evening meal will be..... KAHLUA LOL

Margaret (Germany)
My daughter and I will be spending the day opening our presents. One in the morning, one at lunchtime and one at dinner time.  We are having a special chicken dinner for Christmas night.

Catherine (Brisbane)
We are off to my sister-in-laws and brothers for a big Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.  There will be heaps of family and its always fun and noisy.  I cant wait!

CATHIES SECRET FISH RECIPE...OOPS...NOW YOU HAVE IT, WE WILL HAVE TO KILL YOU...

Ah, of course we are joking about the murdering, but no kidding about the divulgement of this weeks recipe which up until now has been kept top secret.

Its Caths Steamed Coral Trout with Sweet and Sour Sauce!  We are having this as part of our huge gourmet extravaganza on Christmas night.  Procured by Cath under the dead of night a few years ago (and we wont go into too many details only to say that there was a balaclava and a large baseball bat involved...but not necessarily in that order...)...she now can make the recipe public, but only after years of it being under lock and key.  Ah well, she went to Spirit House and did a cooking school alrighty!...but the previous story is so much more intriguing. Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

1 Coral Trout or similar reef fish weighing 1kg...Cath uses Snapper

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

Banana leaves for wrapping fish - Cath uses foil if she cant find banana leaves

12 red shallots finely sliced

200gms palm sugar

100mls rice vinegar

100mls of tomato paste

50mls of light soya sauce

25 mls of fish sauce

50gms of pickled ginger

4 large red chillies, seeded and cut into julienne

500mls chicken stock

100gms snow peas, blanched and julienned

1 red capsicum, julienned 

Half continental cucumber, peeled, seeded and julienned.

METHOD

Wipe fish inside and out with paper towel to dry completely.  Score lightly with a criss-cross motion and rub with oyster sauce.  Wrap in banana leaf or the alfoil then place in preheated 180 degree oven 20-25 minutes.

Sauce: heat a small quantity vegetable oil in wok and stirfry red shallots a few minutes.  Add the palm sugar, vinegar, cook for a few minutes.  Add tomato paste, soya sauce, fish sauce, chllis, ginger and stock.  Cook for 5 - 10 minutes until sauce has thickened.

Remove fish from wrappings, place on platter, pour over sauce and garnish with remaining ingredients.

...CHAMPAGNE FRIDAY... 

There's no Cocktail Recipe for this week, because as far as we're concerned, its Champagne all the way for Christmas Day.  We're indulging in some Veuve, but there's also some terrific less expensive options around.  Basically, anything that has 'Methode Champenoise' on the label is going to be 'A-OK!' 

CHEERS!

Well, its Christmas Eve, and I am sitting here reflecting on all the blessings to have been bestowed upon us this year.  Our celebration is even more special this year with the inclusion of Colettes husband 'Big Pete' at the Christmas table.  He has had some health issues and there were times this year when we were not sure if he would be able to celebrate with us.  But, not only is he fully recovered, but also ready and raring to get stuck into the festivities with the best of us!  

There will be food on the table and I will be surrounded by loving family, which for some is just a dream and a wish that will not come true for them.  So, there is definitely a lot to be grateful for.  I informally decree this to be the best Christmas ever!

Merry Christmas to all from us 3 Charcoal Girls and see you in 2011 for a fantastic year, more fun and lots of laughs.

Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

CHRISTMAS TABLE SETTINGS TO STUN!!...FORGOT YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE?...NO WORRIES...OUR GREAT NON-TRADITIONAL TREE IDEAS...CANDY CANE COCKTAILS AND CHRISTMAS DAY FARE...CHEERS!

Well, the countdown is on.  Not long to go now before the big day.  Do you have all your Christmas shopping done?  Presents wrapped?  Christmas menus all sorted?....please say no, as we do take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of people out there who are as completely disorganised as us!

This week we have some fun with Christmas trees.  Got friends and family coming over for Christmas Day, and the house is completely barren of decorations and seasonal embellishments?  Well, dont panic, as we have a quick and easy fix that will look super stylish.  Its the Claytons Christmas Tree...you know...the tree you have when you dont actually have a tree?  Intrigued??..then read on....

We love the idea of a Christmas Tree, but sometimes there just isnt time to put it up and decorate, or you may have limited space.  Perhaps you just feel like a change from the traditional tree?  The answer can be as close by as your backyard!  We love these very non-traditional looks.

These silver twigs (sold separately at Charcoal Interiors) can be used either en masse to create a great display in an urn or pot, or you can mount them individually to create a quirky, modern Christmas look.

Grab some branches from a tree at home.  Strip the leaves from the branch if necessary.  Branches with interesting angles work well and provide lots of vantage points for your decorations. 

This looks is easily achieved.  Grab a fancy urn or pot from home and create your own masterpiece with branches and some favourite decorations....the key is to not add too many.  You can also paint the branches white, black or silver.  Voila!  A Christmas Tree in minutes.  Easy, unique and fun.

TABLE SETTINGS SET TO MAKE YOU THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

This year we are having Christmas Dinner at my place.  We are a family business here, so our Tuesday meeting this week consisted of menu planning and suggestions on how to decorate the ever important Christmas Table.  We have decided on white tablecloths with a silver theme and will incorporate some beautiful greenery.  Along with our gorgeous candelabras for dramatic effect it should look great!  We are going to take heaps of photos for you, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, heres a selection of ideas that we really loved.  We have decided to take something from each setting.  I especially love the pine sprigs in the glasses...adding a really festive touch, yet crisp and modern.

A stunning blend of decorations, fresh flowers and candles on a neutral tablecloth, with the drama of a gorgeous chandelier, makes such a glamorous Christmas setting.

Add a touch of greenery to your traditional table setting this Christmas by creating mini collars for your serviettes out of greenery from the garden. In this instance hydrangeas have been used, which is quite widely available in the Southern States of Australia, or you could use anything from mock orange sprigs intertwined, to banana leaves in the Northern States.

We love the rustic urn filled with Christmas gifts!

Got some special glasses that you have had hidden away because you are too scared to use them?  Well its time to dust them off and create a unique table display.  Just add water and a sprig of pine from the tree, or similar from the garden.  Too easy!

We would LOVE to see your Festive Table Settings!  Please contact us when you have some pics to share and we will post them on the blog.

WEDDINGS, WINE AND S.A.

Last weekend, Pete the Greek and I went down to Adelaide to finalise arrangements for our upcoming nuptials in February.  We are getting married in my brothers vineyard, so theres a lot to organise as we are doing all the catering.

  As always, when we visit my brother, his beautiful family and his farm (he also runs sheep and produces his own olive oil as well as premium grapes for high end wine makers) we end up indulging in the wonderful array of fresh produce that is so abundantly available in the Adelaide Hills.  Gone are the days when Adelaide was a little backward town where not much happens.  These days its full of quality restaurants and bars, farmers markets, wineries and more.  We love the place. 

So whilst on our little sojourn, the Greek and I were treated to a BBQ dinner on the farm.  We sipped red on the front verandah overlooking the Lake Alexandrina in the distance and chomped on the most amazing lamb skewers.  My brother, after much arm twisting coughed up the recipe and here it is to share with you.  It makes a great appetiser on Christmas day before the big guns are brought out!  Enjoy!

CHRIS'S CORIANDER & CHILLI MARINATED SKEWERS

Chris used lamb for this recipe, but you can try chicken or beef too.

                                           

                                  Makes 24                                  

Ingredients

• 2 brown onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves and stems
• 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice
• 125ml (1/2 cup) light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tbs ground coriander
• 1 tbs garam masala
• 1 tbs chilli flakes
• 1 tbs ground turmeric

Method

1. Place onions, garlic, fresh coriander, lemon juice, oil, ground coriander, garam masala, chilli flakes and turmeric in a blender. Blend, scraping side of bowl occasionally, until coarsely chopped and well combined. Thread lamb, beef or chicken evenly onto skewers. Transfer to shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour marinade over and turn until well coated. Cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to marinate. (To freeze, see note.)
2. Preheat barbecue grill on high. Reduce heat to medium. Cook skewers, turning occasionally and brushing with marinade left in dish, for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
   
   WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
   
   
   
   How fabulous that someone would think to make a cocktail especially designed around Christmas!  This week we bring to you the Candy Cane Cocktail.  Its so much fun and looks terrific...tastes great too and really we invented this one to get you all in the mood
   
   THE CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

Ingredients

Makes one cocktail

• 1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
• 2 ounces strawberry vodka
• 4 dashes white creme de menthe
• 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

And so we wish everyone a wonderful weekend....shop til you drop..then put your feet up, take a deep breath and remember that its only a few more days until Christmas.  Then it will all be over and we can start thinking about New Years!....'til next week!