MAKE MUM FEEL SPECIAL....AFTER ALL...SHE'S THE REASON YOU'RE HERE!

Well, its Mothers Day coming up this Sunday and we are all booked in for a full on day.  Colette is having a special breakfast at home, then its off for an early dinner with family.

My husband and daughter are cooking me breakfast, then we are off to a picnic up the mountain...then its back down the mountain for a lovely Mexican feast....Yay!  No cooking for the whole day...I can hardly wait!

Cath is now in New York and living it up in the Big Apple after a lovely stay over in LA!  Theres been visits to Saks On Fifth...World Trade Centre Site and much, much more.  We are so looking forward to her getting back with all the news of her adventures.

For those of you who are looking for Mothers Day ideas that are easy to organise and cost effective, heres some suggestions that will make the difference between you getting toasted sandwiches for the next year or so, and beef wellington!  As I say to my kids...be kind to those who prepare your food....

.....MAKE MUMS DAY....

1. How about grabbing a bottle of bubbles and heading to the local park with picnic blanket in tow...pop Mum under the shade of a tree and take an hour or so to have a chat and re-connect.  Tell her how much you love and appreciate her.

2. If you have greenery in your garden, then you have all that's required for a funky bouquet.  Mix together ferns, herbs, reed strands, (the ever present mock orange)...and tie it all together with a bright bow.  She will just love it!

3.  Make her some vouchers that she can redeem to have her car cleaned, floor mopped, meal cooked etc...

4.  How about a home facial for Mum?  You can set up your very own Beauty Salon at home.  Just grab a cleanser, scrub, mask and finish off with a soothing massage using her favourite moisturiser.  Light some candles and get the Enya CD out...burn some essential oil....perfect...in fact can you come to my house afterwards and treat me too??

5.  Sounds boring and a bit un-inventive but housework is the bane of most poor Mums.  Send her out for a coffee with Dad or a friend, and then get stuck into the housework...a clean floor and bathroom can make all the difference to Mum and she will absolutely...positively love you even more for it...if thats at all possible!

....and lastly, how about one of our handpicked gourmet Gift Baskets for Mum!  For under $60 you get a basket of bubbles, gourmet treats, candles and more!...we can even create one especially for Mum with items of your choice.  All in a lovely basket and also comes with a card...work is all done!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MUMS!

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LOVING THIS SPACE....TO JUST CURL UP AND READ....

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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INSPIRATION BOARD

We love to have our inspiring pics in a book and also out in front of us...at home we have a big board full of dreamy holiday destinations, restaurant business cards that we want to try, inspiring designs etc...and today I saw my Inspiration Board Mecca...so organised and pretty...and integrated beautifully into the rest of the space.

Love!

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RUGS...THE PERFECT WAY TO BRING WARMTH TO YOUR SPACE

Did you know that not only are we an Interior Design business with amazing and unique retail from around the world, we also stock hand made authentic rugs by Milton Cater?...Well...now you do.

Rugs are the perfect way to bring warmth to your interior space.  We have traditional hand made vegetable dyed rugs in all styles, shapes and sizes...stunning rugs available for you to view here in the showroom....and the beauty of having In House Designers here at your disposal means you will be guided by an experienced eye and many years in the design trade...which inevitably means you will be absolutely and completely thrilled with your choice!

New Shipment Has Just Arrived!

Phone Cathie, Jen or Colette on 07 38526002 for more details.

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HANDS UP...IF YOU LOVE PASTA!

ooooh....ooooooo....ME....ME!!...pick ME!

Mum can forget the diet this Sunday...its going to be a carb lovers extravaganza of a day!

Pancakes for breakfast, Fish and Chips by the sea for lunch and Pasta for Dinner...made by you of course!  Let there be no talk of 'cant'...or 'wont' cook...this recipe is pretty much fool-proof.

RIGATONI WITH SAUSAGES AND MASCARPONE

What you need to make it....

2 and a half tbsps of olive oil

1 garlic clove chopped

600grams of quality pork and fennel sausages (or similar gourmet types) with casings removed

1 tsp of fresh oregano leaves or dried if you havent any fresh

125ml of sweet italian sparkling wine..e.g moscato

500g of rigatoni

1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

5 tbsps mascarpone

1 cup grated parmesan

The easy part....

In a heavy-based saucepan add the oil and garlic, and brown a little over a low heat.

Add the sausage meat and cook out until all the water has evaporated.  Add the fresh oregano and the wine, and reduce for about 4 - 5 minutes, or until you have a thick consistency.  Set aside.

In a large pot, bring salted water to the boil and cook rigatoni for 8 - 10 minutes or until al dente.  Drain rigatoni, then add sausage mixture and combine well.  Add the parsley and mascarpone, and mix again until creamy and sticky.  Season with salt and white pepper.

Serve with parmesan and eat immediately (oh alrighty then...if you insist)

Crusty loaf of bread is a wonderful accompaniment and a fresh green salad if you feel like really getting into the swing of this cooking business!

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...THE MUMMA SASS COCKTAIL...

For a real treat, why not make Mum a cocktail for sipping whilst she has her feet up watching you do the housework or wash her car?

The Mumma Sass Cocktail is by far the top pick in Cocktails that will really make mums day....this is a delicious treat and hey!...hand-slap to you!...remember now..this is for Mum!  I suppose you could make two and join her once all the chores are done.

What you will need....

• 3 oz Folonari Pink Pinot Grigio
• 1 oz Peach Schnapps
• splash of cranberry juice
• fresh raspberry for garnishing

Shake, Shake, Shake.....How to Make...

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a fresh raspberry

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And so...the end of another week for most of you...however we will still be here manning the fort on Saturday...so be sure to pop in and grab a beautiful gift for Mum...she will love you for it even more!

Love to all the Mums, the Auntys, the Grans, the Step Mums, the God Mums...and all those in between who help to make the world a better place for being a caring woman.

xxxx

"The Charcoal Team"

xxx



www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

HOW TO HERBS...OUR EDIBLE GARDEN AND PLANTING FOR WINTER...BELLA..BELLA!...OUT AND ABOUT IN BEAUTIFUL MELBOURNE....WINTER WARMING TART RECIPE...AND BLOODY MARY REVISITED...PLUS A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO SUM UP ANZAC DAY....LEST WE FORGET.....

THERE'S A DISTINCT CHILL IN THE AIR

It's starting to get a little chilly here in Brisbane...we love it!

Our herb garden has been restocked with Winter varieties and we all have been diligent with the upkeep so we can start creating some delicious soups!

Our edible garden in one of our huge Lipa Urns...blessed by our solid stone Buddha statue.

Herbs to plant now include Parsley, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary as these varieties will withstand the cold of winter well.  Frost is one of the biggest problems facing the herb garden, however in the warmer parts of Australia, such as here in Brisbane, we rarely have frosts to contend with and have included some mint, chives and basil in our garden.  The Thai Basil variety is very hardy and I find it replenishes itself once cut back...it has a slight minty hint to the flavour and is perfect for soups and using in Asian style dishes as well as the staple Mediterranean fare.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN

Not only are we in this months Australian House and Garden Mag. but also our gorgeous Bella Chandelier!

The Bella is just one of those chandeliers that, with its neutral tonings and sophisticated elegance slots into so many applications.  We just love it!  The Bella is currently available in the large size as pictured and we also have one last small in stock.

Phone us on 07 38526002 to secure your Bella, or to find out more info.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Last weekend we had a great trip to the city of Melbourne...the city of shopping, bars, restaurants and football if youre a guy :-)

One of the things we love about Melbourne is how the old is melded in perfectly with the new in respect to architecture.  There are some stunning old buildings in the Melbourne CBD.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

We stayed at The Savoy on Little Collins.  Its a great Art Deco style hotel positioned close to the train station, clubs, restaurants, bars in the heart of Melbournes CBD.

As you know, we do love to recommend exceptional Australian Businesses of distinction and we found a worthy establishment on our travels in Melbourne.

The Saint and Rogue Public House and Kitchen is situated on Little Collins Street.  If you are looking for a place to drink and eat that really gets back to the grass roots of what a public house is all about, then the Saint and Rogue is the 'must do' destination.  The first night we stopped by for a drink and were pleasantly surprised by the cosy ambience...we grabbed a drink and settled into one of the many 'nooks'...people watched and just chilled, wishing we had discovered this place earlier on in the evening.

Impressed by nook drinkies we decided to head back the next night for dinner.  Up the staircase to the Dining Area and another very cosy and comfy nook booth for great service and a delicious 'pub' meal....me thinks that some of the pubs here in Brisbane could take a leaf...no wait a minute...the whole book from the Saint and Rogue.  With all boxes ticked for service, ambience and food we retreated back into the brisk Melbourne Autumn air and began planning our next stay...and this time we will take some ring-ins with us.

For those who love to shop and for those who just love to people watch and stroll...then Chapel Street is the place to be.  This street is a 2 day trek...one day for one side and another for the next.  Designer stores interspersed with Antique and Second Hand clothing stores to give a retro and village feel, there really is something for everyone in the shopping department and then theres the array of quality eateries that just leave no 'want' snubbed.  

Pete the Greek and I spent most of our day trying to find a Greek restaurant we had discovered years before....we found it!...and settled in...

Met the kids later for a drink at the Irish Pub....more people watching and checking out who bought what.

Thank you Melbourne for looking after us...keeping us entertained, fed, watered and happy.

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Now that its starting to get cooler we say goodbye to the swimming pool and hello to fireplaces/firepits, fluffy socks, long after dinner baths and soups, flans and hot chocolate.

I can now use the oven in the kitchen without looking like I have been standing fully clothed in a sauna for an hour after using it.  And so, the season to cook yummy eggy quiches and tarts  is back!

I wanted to share with you this great recipe for Asparagus, Gruyere and Leek Tart, one, because its easy and the family will think you are particularly clever and their very own Nigella, plus its delicious and should keep the whole family happy.  Serve it up with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.  I make my tarts the day before so all I need to do is heat up the oven when I get home and then 5 mins to throw together a salad...easy peasy...just as we like it!

ASPARAGUS, GRUYERE AND LEEK TART

(Recipe serves 6)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 leek (white and light green parts only), halved and thinly sliced, then well washed
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 bunch (1 pound) asparagus, tough ends removed, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
• Ground nutmeg
• I use shortcrust pastry from the shops....because otherwise I wouldnt have the time to make it :-)  But if you are a clever, Super-mum type, you can make the pastry from scratch.  Just any plain shortcrust or pie crust is fine.

1 cups shredded Gruyere Cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lowest position. In a large pan, melt butter over medium. Add leek and asparagus; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, 1/2 teaspoon salt, teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Place pie crust on a pie dish or square pie tray. Sprinkle with cheese; top with asparagus mixture. Pour egg mixture on top.
3. Bake until center of quiche is just set, 50 to 60 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Cook's Note

To make sure the vegetables are distributed evenly, spread them in the crust before pouring in the egg mixture.

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IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY...AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS...RIGHT??

COCKTAILS!

After our little sojourn at The Saint and Rogue and the imbibing of a cocktail or 3, I am now hooked on Bloody Marys.  I know we have done these way, way in the past on Style in The City blog, but I really feel that this classic fave, that is not just reserved for hangover cures, well deserved a second go...this time with a twist of difference!...this time with Horseradish to really give it some kick and also clears the sinuses nicely!

And so they say in the classics......bottoms up!

THE BLOODY MARY

ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Tomato Juice
• 1/2 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 t freshly grated Horseradish or Creamy prepared Horseradish 
• 2 pinches Celery Salt
• 3 dashes Tabasco (or more to taste)
• 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

directions:

garnish - There are a ton of variations.  Go with what you prefer...  Celery Stalk, Lemon Wedge, Lime Wedge, Pickled Green Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives (add a little olive juice for a dirty Bloody Mary), Baby Carrots, Cocktail Onions...

1. Combine all the ingredients into a mixing glass.  Add ice and roll the mixing glass to combine ingredients.  This is not a shaken cocktail.

2. Strain into an ice filled glass and garnish.

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We have so much to be thankful for.

Below is a wonderful posting on facebook via a friend of a friend that we just had to share with you.

Sometimes you really do need to sit and reflect on how amazing our lives our and how much there is to be grateful for.  We thank those who have been before us and made the ultimate sacrifices to give us the lives we live today in this beautiful country.

(Credit to Donna Bird for this amazing photograph taken at Cairns Dawn Service)

"As midnight approaches on the most important day for most Australians, the ANZAC spirit never rests. The sacrifice made by our comrades has afforded us all a lifestyle that we often take for granted…and must never be forgotten." 

"The significance of the Red Poppy as “a symbol of remembrance deriving from the fact that the poppy was the first plant to re-emerge from the churned up soil of soldiers’ graves during the First World War” proves that even in times of great sadness – the beauty of nature and the human spirit is our biggest hope for the future".

"Make a pact with yourself to support not only your friends and family, but also complete strangers with random acts of kindness and no expectation of thanks or reward…not just on one day, but throughout the year". (Anon)

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead....bring on all good things!

Caths off to New York...as you do....we look forward to bringing you pics and info on all her 

adventures in the coming weeks.



The Charcoal Team

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

LEST WE FORGET...BRINGING OUT THE ANIMAL IN YOU...RRRRR...OUR AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN AD WITH DAMIEN BREDBERG....BEST EVER CRAB CAKE RECIPE...THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL (WARNING...MAKE SURE YOU WEAR YOUR HELMET)...THAILANDS OUTDOOR CINEMA AND MORE! ENJOY!

WELCOME TO STYLE IN THE CITY!

WE'RE JUST WILD ABOUT......

Well, hellllloo pussycat!  This week, we bring out the animal in you with the latest from Carlucci and their wild 'Exposure' range.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Printed velvet designs with amazing depth (sooo luxe) and black/white jacquard weaves that bring a sophisticated take on the traditional animal print.

Their fabulous animal prints and weaves, from zebras to leopards, pony hides to crocodile skin (prints of course...faux, faux, faux...just saying...) are set to pack a statement, whether it be big or small.  Perfect for a character piece.  We custom make any chair, sofa etc...in ANY choice of fabric from our bigger than big range.  The options....well, they're endless....and exciting!

Courtesy Unique Fabrics

To see all the options available to you, please visit the Unique Fabrics website where you will find access to their International listings and Exclusive Unique range of fabrics, wallpapers and more.

For More Info - Click Here

If you're looking for luxurious faux-fur, then check out Carlucci's comprehensive range of furs; from shaggy to smooth, all extremely soft and tactile...hmmmmmmm....makes me just want to snuggle in and have a little siesta....back in 15....

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN

...our ad in  the latest House and Garden

Well, its not quite the cover of the Rolling Stone, but we have our ad appearing again, this time in the May edition of Australian House and Garden magazine. 

 We have had a huge response to the creative ingenuity that went into this ad.  We thank Damien Bredberg, from Damien Bredberg photography (and the team) for his genius.

You can find more of Damiens work at:

Damien Bredberg Photography and Post Production

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Mmmmmmmm......the other day Pete the Greek took me to a restaurant by the water for lunch.  It was a lovely day and I had an entree of Crab Cakes.  I'm not going to plug this particular restaurant (and we girls LOVE to plug quality Australian Business....) because the meal was overpriced for the standard received...BUT the crab cakes were delicious.

Here's my serve of crab cakes

So, of course I went straight home to google away the most enticing crab cake recipe I could find.  I usually find googling 'Best Ever' Crab Cakes etc...takes me to something special.

And so, we bring to you this week our Best Ever Crab Cake recipe...from my kitchen to yours.

Perfect with a light salad or accompany with asparagus spears and a drizzling of quality olive oil..(we like to use Bon Haye Olive Oil from our Gourmet Provisions Pantry).  Another suggestion is to serve up with a home made salsa..they are easy to make.  Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, spring onion, herbs of your choice (fresh coriander ties in nicely), avocado and then just add a splash of quality balsamic (we use 'Bad Sally' from our Matchetts range once again in the Provisions pantry here at Charcoal...its so sticky and flavoursome..).  Mix all the ingredients together lightly and voila!...the perfect accompaniment to the crab cakes...also goes well with chicken, steak and fish.

Before I start digressing again...heres the crab cake recipe!

BEST EVER CRAB CAKES

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 1 x 200g carton Stewart's fresh crab meat
• 2 green shallots, ends trimmed, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tbs chopped fresh dill
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 70g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• 
  

Method

1. Combine the crab, shallot, celery, egg whites, dill, Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spoon six 1-tablespoonful portions of crab mixture into the pan. Use an egg lifter or small palette knife to gently flatten. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat, in 3 more batches, with remaining crab mixture, reheating the pan between batches.
3. Place the crab cakes on a serving platter. 

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Hello and welcome to Cocktail Friday...although in this instance its Cocktail Thursday because Jen's off to Melbourne for a few days starting tomorrow.

For the uninitiated, our weekly Cocktail section of the blog serves no other purpose than to get you all warm, fuzzy and relaxed, because its Friday and you certainly deserve to be spoilt.

This week, we have the impressive and yet super easy Cocktail Recipe, the Flaming Sidecar for you.

Can a cocktail named after an unfortunate and possibly tragic motorcycle misadventure be any good you ask?...and the answer is yes indeed!

THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL

HOW TO MAKE THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 x ounce of brandy

2. 3/4 ounces of Cointreau

3. 3/4 ounces of Fresh Lemon Juice

4. Ice

5. Orange peel for garnish.

METHOD

Combine all the ingredients but the orange peel into a cocktail shaker.  Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a flaming orange peel and below is the instructions on how you can do this!

Be sure to pop your feet up with a James Dean movie and just sip away!

Cheers!

How To Flame An Orange Peel

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THIS IS WHERE WE WANT TO BE....

On the 'What Will They Think Of Next' list of things that astound and truly make us want to just head home, grab the visa, stock up on frozen foods for the family and just head to the airport is this latest gem.....

Archipelago Floating Cinema set in the middle of the quiet waters of Nai Pi Lae Lagoon on Kudu Island in Thailand.

Now, this is going on the bucket list!

Stunning location

I wonder if they have choc tops??

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And so, we wish you a very happy weekend.  Cook up some crab cakes and perhaps Anzac Biscuits to mark the occasion on Wednesday.

...Lest We Forget....

....Until next week.  

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au