Happy Birthday Lizzie...Cath's New Zealand Adventures...Potato & Rosemary Pizza and Cocktail Friday!

 

Hi everyone and welcome once again to the Style In The City weekly update.  Its been a busy old week here in the showroom, with lots of new arrivals, coupled with the departures of some of our most favourite pieces that have found a terrific home.  We had a lovely gentleman in the showroom today, who decided to surprise his wife....with a table!  He walked in, picked out one of our magnificent oak parquetry tables...we arranged delivery within the hour and his wife was truly surprised and delighted!  We had a bottle of French Champagne delivered for them also, just to cap off the perfect Friday for this lady.  We all want to know....how do you clone a guy like that? 

Sitting back on reflection, and not beating our chests too loudly for fear of frightening people away....but we were wondering where in Brisbane you could get such quick service on a Friday?  We are very proud of our operation here...we girls can do ANYTHING!..expect slam a revolving door of course :-)

CATHIES NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES

Our Design Guru Cathie had a very well earned break recently, holidaying at a gorgeous spot on New Zealands North Island.  The stunning Hawkes Bay.  She chose this region, along with a couple of close friends...Ali and Debbie.  It was a special trip to celebrate Alis birthday.  Their hosts, Black Barn Vineyard turned on a gastronomic treat, including some delectable wines.  The accommodation was chosen for its comfort and quality design.  Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, and the cottage was stylish and welcoming. Thanks for sharing your holiday snaps with us Cath...see Cocktail Friday Fan Pics below for more....

 

Cottage Living and Entry...Nice Fireplace...Take me there now please....

 The view from the front porch...just stunning!

 

The Three Amigos...Cathie, Ali and Debbie

 

This weeks recipe is a favourite of ours.  So easy to make and completely delicious.  Perfect for vegetarians too and all the ingredients are seasonal.

We bring you....The Potato and Rosemary Pizza!

You dont have to make your own base for this one either.  We use pita bread, or a quality bought base from the shops.  This pizza is great on its own, or serve it as a side dish with soup.  Its really yummy and you can add other ingredients to it as well.  For example...sundried tomatoes, olives, pepperoni or capsicum.  For a rustically professional  presentation, top with some cherry tomatoes.  Keep in mind with pizza, less is more is the recipe for success.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 basic pizza dough base
• 300g (10½oz) medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4tbsp olive oil
• 200g (7oz) mozzarella cheese, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced or chopped
• 5-6 small rosemary sprigs

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Put the potato slices in a large saucepan of lightly salted boiling water and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until just cooked through. Drain really well. Tip into a wide shallow dish and drizzle over the olive oil to coat the slices evenly.

Roll out the pizza dough to a 30cm x 20cm (12in x 8in) rectangle and place on a baking sheet.

Scatter half the cheese over the pizza base, then arrange the potato mixture on top.

Scatter over the remaining cheese, garlic and rosemary sprigs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza base is golden and the potatoes are starting to brown. Remove from the oven and serve.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LIZZIE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

 

Queen Elizabeth II actually turned 84 on the 21st of April, but we celebrate her birthday this weekend..and her gift to us!?...a delightfully...frightfully...fabulous day off on Monday.  So please raise your glasses in celebration of the long weekend...and of course our most anticipated and much loved...Cocktail Friday!  Even the Queens getting in on the act this week.

Introducing.....

The Queens Swizzle!

What a colourful offering we have for you this week.  And all in the name of Lizzie...the Queens Swizzle.  Its very refreshing and a great way to start off the long weekend

.

How to Make a Queens Swizzle

3 oz  Rum
.75 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Simple Syrup
3 Heavy Dashes Angostura Bitters
Fresh Mint

Add ingredients and shell of the lime you just juiced into a tall glass.  Fill the glass with crushed ice and swizzle until the glass frosts over.  Garnish with a large sprig of mint.  Serve with a straw.

Fan Pics

Thanks to Debbie and Ali for this great Cocktail Friday Pic taken on the recent New Zealand trip with Cathie.  You girls look like you were having a lovely relaxing time...we salute you!

Signing off for another week...wishing you all the best.  Have a happy and safe long weekend.

Cheers!

The Charcoal Girls...Jen, Cathie and Colette xxx