WELCOME TO OUR NEW SHOWROOM! ART, NEW ARRIVALS AND MORE!...ESCAPISM AND INSPIRATION...ROYAL WEDDING FEAST AND THE ROYAL JAM...HAPPY FRIDAY!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SHOWROOM

We feature in Style Magazine for the month of May, and look forward to welcoming you to our new premises at 59 Doggett Street, New Farm. 

The Charcoal Team....Cathie, Jen and Colette Venardos xxx

During the Easter break, the girls worked fiercely to get the showroom organised.  By the time the last truck rolled in and delivered the final pieces from the old showroom, the building here resembled my 'plastics' kitchen cupboard!....bursting at the seams and in no real semblance of order.  The girls worked their magic over the holiday and our pieces are now beautifully showcased in settings.

The 'Peter Club' chair in Tasmanian Leather...all Australian Made and Custom crafted, Chinese Cabinetry, Antique Vinegar urn, Qin Ying Chinese Wood Carved Bust and bird cage are just some of the gorgeous pieces in this setting.

Stunning Chinese Antique Altar Table with our beautiful 'Labelle' Lamps, Enzo Sofa, Ermenek Urn and artwork on the walls by Grayson Vario, Emma Sheldrake and Lisa Ferguson.

'Industrial' Iron and Glass Coffee Table with our luxurious Merry Widow sofa and impressive art by Artist Warren Haney as the backdrop...amongst others....there's always so much to see and be inspired by here at Charcoal Interiors.

We look forward to sharing more of our pieces with you over the coming weeks.

Escape.....this week we were inspired by...

Santorini Dreaming...bringing back fond memories and inspiring us with its tranquility and splashes of colour against the rustic exterior of the building.

The new Shinto Fabric range matched up with one of our latest floor lamps just arrived in stock!

Artist, Warren Haney standing in front of his work 'Illusion', of which we are proud to say can be viewed here at Charcoal Interiors. Available for sale....please contact us for more information.

'ROYAL' BEEF CASSEROLE WITH CHEESE AND DUMPLINGS

Celebrate the grand occasion of the Royal Wedding with this week's British food fight winner -- creamy beef casserole.Yes..it does taste as delicious as it looks.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

120 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
• 1kg gravy or casserole beef, cut into 2cm cubes
• 10 pearl onions, peeled, halved
• 4 bacon rashers, rind and excess fat trimmed, coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 300g small button mushrooms
• 1 x 425g can diced tomatoes
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
• 55g (1/4 cup) tomato paste
• 80ml (1/3 cup) red wine vinegar
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Potato dumplings

• 2 large (about 400g) desiree potatoes, peeled
• 185ml (3/4 cup) milk
• 60g butter
• 225g (1 1/2 cups) self-raising flour
• 65g (3/4 cup) coarsely grated cheddar
• 40g (1/2 cup) finely grated parmesan
• 2 tbs chopped fresh continental parsley
• Pinch of salt

A RIGHT ROYAL COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

THE ROYAL JAM COCKTAIL

ROYAL JAM
A cocktail bar in London created Royal Jam, a drink that's actually served in a teacup (very British, of course). This drink includes apple gin, strawberry jam, lemon juice, lavender bitters, and a splash of champagne!  The perfect way to celebrate the Royal wedding televised tonight.

s

Recipe

Apple Gin 50ml

Strawberry Jam 1tsp

Lemon Juice - good squeeze

Lavender Bitters

Splash of Champagne or Sparkling

I know it looks tricky, but it simply couldnt be easier.  Shake up some gin and lemon juice with the jam, pour over some ice in the teacup and swirl with lavender bitters, then finish up with a splash of champagne or sparkling...depending on which country you are in :-)

Pop on your best hat and gloves, put your feet up and tune into the nuptials!

And so, we wish Catherine and William a long and happy life together without too much harassment from the media.  And we bid you adieu for another week, hoping your long weekend is relaxing and fun.

 

WE'RE IN AT NUMBER 59! OUR EASTER GOOD FRIDAY....MEET BRIAN, THE NEW MAN IN CATHS LIFE....CHOCOLATE SELF-SAUCING PUDDINGS PLUS CHOCOLATE BUNNIES TO WASH IT DOWN WITH!!...THIS IS A CROQUEMBOUCHE-FREE ZONE!

WELCOME TO NUMBER 59 DOGGETT ST!

Happy Good Friday everyone!  We hope you are having a relaxing start to the 5 day break.

  As I type this, I am sitting at my new desk in our beautiful new showroom at number 59 Doggett St, Fortitude Valley!  Surrounded by boxes and furniture in no real semblance of order yet, but give us a few days and we will have this place looking absolutely gorgeous!

Artwork arrived today thanks to Michael Graham (thats Michael peeking over one of the paintings above) from Gallery 2120 and Steven Dix helping (see below: who is an artist in his own right). We will be showcasing some of his work along with others...very exciting...stay tuned.

The building has been repainted, and signage mounted, gates are up and we have started filling the space out the front with some of our outdoor pots, urns, statues...etc...gosh we even have an Antique Asian trough...every home needs one right?

Here's the inside of the new showroom....pretty chockers...but give the girls a few days and its going to look amazing!

...THE NEW FELLA IN CATHS LIFE...

Yesterday, we welcomed into our lives the lovely Brian.  Cath had been looking to get a dog for some time now and being a fan of the Boxer breed, saw a pic of him on the Pet Rescue website.  After heading to the country to meet him, it was love at first sight.  Brian was an abandoned dog.  He is the most placid, affectionate dog with markings that look like a Tigers.  We are thrilled to welcome him into the Venardos/Charcoal Interiors family!

 The Life of 'Brian'..what a handsome young man he is!

....and this is how we are spending our Good Friday

In between work, we had a feast of Oysters, Prawns, fresh bread and butter...how yummy it was too!  Just because we are at work, doesn't mean we're not having fun, and as usual....eating well.  

CHOCOLATE PUDDING IN A CUP!...AND ITS SO EASY.

Warning!...this is a 'Croquembouche Free Zone

For those who have been following the blog, you will know that we are all about no muss, no fuss and super easy cooking.  Being the busy girls that we are, we just dont have time for recipes that take forever...the Croquembouche looks so very impressive, but thats one dessert we will most likely never tackle.  

However, the Chocolate liqueur self-saucing pudding has our name on it!  My daughter Brooke (who turns 19 tomorrow...Happy Birthday sweetheart...ah a shameless plug) and I have gotten right into making this delicious self saucing pudding and so I just had to share it with you.  We make ours in a coffee cup and microwave for a couple of minutes.  If you opt for the microwave cooking option, just be sure to make a little extra so you can do a test as each cup size varies.

A delicious Easter recipe....enjoy!

Chocolate liqueur self-saucing puddings
Serves 8

1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
1 1/2 cups (240g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (50g) good-quality cocoa powder
1/2 cup (125ml) milk
40g butter, melted
1 egg, lightly whisked
1 3/4 cups (435ml) boiling water
1/2 cup (125ml) chocolate liqueur
Vanilla ice-cream or thin cream, to serve

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush eight x 3/4-cup (185ml) capacity ovenproof dishes with butter to lightly grease. Place on an oven tray.
2. Combine the flour, half the sugar and half the cocoa in a medium bowl. Add the milk, butter and egg and stir until just combined. Spoon evenly among the prepared dishes.
3. Sift the remaining sugar and cocoa together in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over each dish. Pour the boiling water and chocolate liqueur evenly among each dish.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a cake top forms on the surface. Remove from oven and set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Serve immediately with vanilla ice-cream or cream, if desired.

 THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY COCKTAIL....AS IF WE NEED MORE CHOCOLATE??...SURE!

BECAUSE THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE AT EASTER TIME 

This is the law according to the Charcoal Interiors Team.  You can never be too rich, too slim or eat too much Chocolate at Easter time.  During a visit to one of the restaurants on Oxford St, Bulimba recently, we discovered this little piece of heaven....The Chocolate Bunny!  It goes down just so easily that expect to be feeling just so warm and fuzzy after a couple.  We recommend lots of water in between bunnies!

Chocolate Easter Bunny
1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liquor
1 oz. Kahlua Mocha
2 oz. Half and Half
Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass with a chocolate swirl in the glass. Top up with chocolate shavings.

The Chocolate Bunny is to be imbibed with hideously comfortable and completely non-stylish fluffy slippers, whilst drifting off with the Cool Tunes of Buddha Bar....or similar. Doesnt really matter does it, because its holidays involving chocolate and relaxing.  Enjoy!

And as we bid adieu to another week..one that has been absolutely huge, we wish you all a Happy and safe Easter.  Drive carefully, drink your bunnies responsibly and we look forward to unveiling our new showroom setup next Friday.

Until then....The Charcoal Team...Colette, Cathie, Jen...and Brian xxxx

GOODBYE...FAREWELL...AUF WEIDERSEHN GOODBYEEEEE!...ITS OUR LAST WEEK IN THE SHOWROOM. MORE SALE TREASURES UNEARTHED....ROAST LAMB WITH OLIVE AND ROCKET PESTO...RUBY REFRESHERS AND SO MUCH MORE!! YOWZA...ITS FRIDAY!

FINAL DAYS

Ah, a funny thing just happened.  Cath and I sit together on the same big desk and for the first time today we got a chance to sit down and actually speak to eachother...its been one very busy Friday.  Anyway, we both just realised that this is our last Friday in the warehouse and next week we will be all nestled into the new digs!  We are getting so excited about being in the new place.  This week, the painting was completed inside and out, we started moving in stock and have begun to swing into the Moving Sale with full force.  

By this time next week, I will be blogging away at number 59 Doggett Street.

With so much happening with the sale and move preparations there hasnt been time for much else except getting stuck into the nitty gritty.  Next week we promise to have a lot more inspiration for you.

  Our painters getting stuck into the painting at number 59.

Starting on the front of the new showroom.  Early next week the new signs are going to be put on...this is just the undercoat by the way...wait until you see the new colour!

Moving this huge divider was a 4 man job.  It was very, very heavy as Jen found out when all 'gung-ho' she realised that this was probably one best left for the boys!

Wait until you see what the girls are going to do with dividers...it has something to do with magnificent wallpaper.....hmmmm...watch this space!

Our final Friday at the warehouse and the last time we use our electronic hoist.  That hoist has got us out of some pretty sticky situations over the years, and was especially useful during the January floods this year when the girls moved every piece of furniture up on to the mezzanine.  

Here, Cathie and nephew Rob bid it a bitter sweet goodbye...we wont be needing one in the new place!  Yay!

MORE SALE TREASURES UNEARTHED

Over the past few weeks we have found so many treasures around the showroom...a lot of which that have been right under our noses for the whole time.  This week we have brought them to the front of the showroom on a special 'Bargain Table'.  My first fave (the wrought iron lantern) sold within minutes of display, so heres my second choice...an original artwork by highly regarded artist Margaret Fredericksen, looks stunning on its own, but deserves a beautiful frame....and its only $50! 

Pop in this weekend and have a look through our bargain tables.  We have items starting at just $1...and European fabrics for $15, silver candlesticks, candles, french inspired ceramics and much, much more!

ROAST LAMB STUFFED WITH OLIVE AND ROCKET PESTO...GREAT EASTER FARE

The rocket that I planted a couple of weeks ago has gone crazy, and my brothers olive grove in the Adelaide hills is heavily laden with fruit (cos olives are a fruit you know...which makes olive oil fruit juice I suppose?) just waiting to be picked.  

This got me searching for a recipe where I could use some of this seasonal produce and I didnt have to look far.  I want to cook up something really special for the family over Easter as Miss 18 turns 19 over the break.  So, we are having Roast Lamb stuffed with olives (I have plenty already jarred from the farm) and Rocket pesto.  Doesnt the pic look amazing?  Even this kitchen slouch will be able to handle it.  So, enjoy your Easter break and give this recipe a go.  Let us know what you think!

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 bunch rocket, ends trimmed
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbs lemon rind
• 80g (1/2 cup) pitted olives, coarsely chopped
• 45g (1/4 cup) pine nuts, toasted
• 125ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 (about 800g) lamb mini roasts, string removed
• 1 tbs olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Place rocket, basil, garlic, lemon rind, olives and pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor. Process until coarsely chopped. Add extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth.
2. Place the lamb on a clean work surface and open to lie flat. Season with salt and pepper. Spread 1/3 cup of the pesto along the centre of each piece of lamb. Roll up to enclose filling. Use unwaxed white kitchen string to tie at 2cm intervals. Cover and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
3. Rub lamb with half the olive oil. Heat the remaining oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add half the lamb and cook for 10 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a roasting pan. Repeat with remaining lamb.
4. Cook for 30-35 minutes for medium-rare or until cooked to your liking. Cover loosely with foil and set aside for 15 minutes to rest. Carve and serve with the remaining pesto.
   
   
   
   
    RUBY REFRESHER COCKTAIL
    Well, its that time again when the Masterchef show opens its season for another few months of cooking inspiration.  On their facebook page this week, they launched the new season of the show for 2011 and had some amazing themed stalls.  As usual, the drinks caught my eye and I loved the colour of these cocktails.  They look fresh and inviting.  
   
   
   
   
   Apparently Cranberry juice contains a bucketload of Vitamin C...so this is kind of like a health drink?  Nobody can say we dont provide excellent nutritional content in our cocktail recipes....lets see...theres Cranberry juice, and lime..yum...and you can garnish with more lime...perfect!  Enjoy!  I know we will be sipping this one with the work boots off, feet up and a little bit of Buble' on the stereo...with our eyes closed..cos we're just a weeee bit tired after this full on week.  So, its a quick recharge tonight and then back into things for the weekend.  We are going  to have some fun as the sale wraps up!  See you then!
   
   
   
   
   INGREDIENTS
   2/3 cup (5oz/150mL) Ocean Spray® Ruby™ Red Grapefruit Cocktail 
   Vodka to your liking (thats the way I like to measure it out...hehe)
   6 tbsp (3oz/90mL) club soda
   1 tsp (5mL) lime juice
   sugar or to taste
   
   
   Directions:
   Pour all ingredients into a glass with ice. Stir gently.
   Makes 1 serving
   
   
    That's it for another week...big weekend and week ahead.  We are going to need our vitamins!  Enjoy your weekend and be grateful for all you have.  Til next week!  Colette, Cathie and Jen...The Charcoal Team xxxx
   
   

THE COUNTDOWN STARTS...FIRST PEEK AT OUR NEW PLACE...MORE ANDREW MARTIN FABRIC & WALLPAPER GENIUS YOU WILL LOVE!...OUR SALE CONTINUES BUT NOT FOR LONG!!...FETCHING FABRICS....PUMPKIN HATERS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS....AND A DATE WITH GEORGE....PLUS MORE! HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Soon we will be farewelling the warehouse at number 18, for our shiny and super stylish new showroom at number 59 Doggett Street!...soon to be filled with superb urns and pots out the front and deeeeeliciously gorgeous furniture, homewares and design gurus inside!  The girls are waiting with bated breath to welcome you through the doors.  We cant wait to show you what we have been up to behind the window masking!

 

SO.......WATCH...THIS....SPACE!!

 

....INSPIRATION....

We had a huge response to our Andrew Martin blog feature a few weeks ago, and we hadn't really scratched the scratch on all the new looks released. And so by popular demand, here are a few more inspiring styles for you to choose from.

Andrew Martin 'Library' Wallpaper in Stone (available in 4 colourways) with sofa and cushioning as per the new Inventor series (available in 5 colourways)

Andrew Martin 'Traveller' wallpaper with intricate London Street Map detailing (available in 5 colourways) and Mapperton Chair in Rust (available in 2 colourways).

....FETCHING FABRICS.... 

Here at Charcoal we have a passion for beautiful textiles sourced from around the world.  When it comes to fabric selections, literally...your wish is our command.  The perfect look can be captured for your home.  Just call us today, or visit the showroom.  The possibilities will simply astound you.

Part of the stunning Carlucci fabric range.  

Sofa: Patricia

Cushioning: Patrick

More inspiration by Carlucci...glamour all the way with chair in Metal Print and drop in Millionaire Print.  Just a very small taste of what is available from Carlucci in their gorgeous 'Icon' Fabric range.  Ask us today for more information.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN CONTACT CHARCOAL INTERIORS ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT??

It's true...we never sleep.  Just kidding!  But, you can contact Charcoal Interiors no matter where you live, day or night...any time!  Just fill out the easy to follow contact form via our informative website and either Jen, Cathie or Colette will get back to you a.s.a.p!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

LOVE THE CHAIR??  IT'S AVAILABLE AND ON SALE!!  GET IN QUICK BEFORE WE MOVE...

Bergere Louis XV Style Armchair.  

Italian Frame

Upholstered in European Fabric....Exclusive to Charcoal Interiors

PUMPKIN HATERS '4' INGREDIENT THAI PUMPKIN SOUP RECIPE

Did you know that eating fruit and vegetables that are naturally in season within your own country is the best way to gain vital nutrients and minerals from your fresh produce?  Some say its as beneficial as eating organic.

Pumpkin is a veggie that is available fresh and in season at the moment.  It's one of those fresh foods that keeps well, doesnt cost the earth and can be used in various ways for a multitude of dishes.  I, am not a fan of the pumpkin, but I do like this Thai Pumpkin soup dish.  I sat in front of a bowl of this recently at a friends place (Pete the Greek and I had been invited over for dinner....so you dont get to choose what you eat...and you also have to be grateful and excited about whatever is put in front of you...) and whilst I smiled on the outside, my face was screwing up like a toddler in front of a bowl of whipped broccoli heads. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised at the spicy flavour to this soup.  The curry paste, coconut cream and coriander completely mask the flavour of the the pumpkin...well almost...and I found myself digging in and....dare I say...enjoying.

The soup is made from just 4 ingredients.  Great for busy Mums and Dads with not a lot of time for gastronomic offerings at the end of the day.  It can be made up on a weekend, and then frozen for meals during the week.  We just cook up some crumbed chicken fingers as a side dish and present with a bit of sour dough bread for dipping.  Delicious...quick...healthy!  Here 'tis....

THAI PUMPKIN SOUP USING JUST 4 INGREDIENTS

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1.5cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 270ml can coconut cream
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves

Method

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add pumpkin and curry paste. Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture starts to stick to bottom of pan. Add coconut cream. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
2. Add 2 cups cold water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until pumpkin has softened. Set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Blend or process soup in batches until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Top with coriander. Serve.
   
   
   
    ....CATH AND THE CLOONEY....
   
   
   
   
   This week, Cath had a date....a date with a Clooney.  Yes, she can actually say that this week she held George Clooney in the palm of her hand and mulled over him a little...enjoying every single moment of it all.
   'Her' George is not just an amazingly handsome man and movie star with the mostest, but also makes a pretty darned good subject for a cocktail.
   And so, this week...Cath...faced with the traumatic task of test driving a cocktail for the Friday blog put her body and senses on the line and out of a cop style lineup of tempting bevvies, chose the 'George Clooney'....and it was gooooood.....reeeeallll gooooood....
   Pop on your best dress and get out that life sized cardboard cutout of George from the cupboard (doesnt everyone have one of those??)...light some candles...put on ANY George Clooney DVD (I recommend Oceans Eleven)...EXCEPT for The Perfect Storm (I have my own personal reasons...starting with that being one of the worst movies I have ever seen...even if it does feature George...).  Pop your feet up and most importantly..relax and enjoy this very yummy way to end the week.
   
   THE GEORGE CLOONEY...(RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE COCKTAIL)
   (word has it...its his favourite)
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Ingredients

   1 tbsp. Cream Cheese (Softened)
   1 oz. White Creme de Cacao
   1 oz. Black Raspberry Liqueur
   2 scoop(s) Vanilla Ice Cream
   
   
   
   

   Instructions

   Blend with 1/2 cup of ice until smooth and pour into a parfait glass.

   And so....to the end of another week.  Not long now until we head off to our new showroom.  More on that next week, but until then we wish you a fabulous day/night/weekend/week ahead.....until next time!

   Colette..Cathie...Jen

   xxx
   
   
   
   
   

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A CHAIR OF YOUR VERY OWN...EVERYONE DESERVES IT...OUR SALE CONTINUES BUT FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME!...UP TO 70% OFF SELECTED ITEMS..BE QUICK!...PLANTING HERBS...SAVOURY, HERB AND FETTA MUFFINS...AND COCKTAIL FRIDAY WITH THE SALTY CHIHUAHUA OF COURSE!!...CHEERS...

....A CHAIR OF YOUR OWN....

 

 With Autumn now well and truly upon us, the turning leaves allow us to feel more inclined towards nesting and settling in for the cooler months at home.

Curling up in an armchair to read a book or to gaze out into the garden is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Cup of tea in hand, or glass of wine it’s easy to feel all is well with the world within the confines of that comfy chair.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Maiocchi c/- Mark Turner Photography. Charcoal Interiors Chair

Tip: Upholstery broadens your options: you can update an antique with modern fabric, or change slipcovers from season to season, and potentially keep the chair in service for decades.  The girls here at Charcoal stand by quality, quality, quality furniture.  You want something that is going to last the test of time. 

 Andrew Martin

Tip: We recommend classic styles when purchasing an armchair.  Classic stands the test of time....a bit like the little black dress...it just never goes out of fashion.

 Charcoal Interiors

Tip: Armchairs often play a decorative role, so good looks are vital. “An armchair can function as an accessory,”

 'Matchbox' by Andrew Martin


MORE ON OUR SALE!
 Our Huge Relocation Sale continues!
This week we sent out a mailout to all our customers, showcasing the incredible bargains still to be had in the showroom.
Charcoal Interiors is moving premises to number 59 Doggett Street in mere weeks and we hate having to move products from store to store...so the more that sells, the less we have to carry!
That much admired piece could finally be yours and in some cases you will be walking away with a piece of furniture history. 
Here's a sample of what we have on offer:

 Black and Red Wedding Cabinet Was $2150...Now $1300

Tapered Leg 'Farmhouse' Table with Parquetry Top.
Was $4500....Now down to $1400..Must Sell!

Holili 2 piece setting...and the ottoman converts into a coffee table!
 Was $3625 now $2600...and thats for the 2 pieces.

 Merry Widow Sofa includes all cushions in sumptuous European Fabrics
Was $9910...now only $4990!

 This week I got stuck into planting herb seedlings for all the yummy soups and stews that I will be making (and posting the recipes to on the blog) this Autumn/Winter.  I planted Chives, Thai Basil (which is a lot more hardy than plain basil and has an interesting lemon taste to it), Mint, Rosemary and Dill.  

I also still had enough from my old herb plants to rustle up some yummy home-made Herb, Vegie and Fetta Cheese Muffins.  The recipe is very easy and doesnt take a long time.  It really is just chop/grate, add the flour, eggs and milk etc...and mix!  You can add any kind of vegie you like, and as far as herbs go, just add your favourites.  

HERB, VEGIE AND FETTA CHEESE MUFFINS

 Fresh out of the oven!  The girls at work loved them!  I served them up with some fresh yoghurt with chopped herbs mixed through and fresh Mango Chutney...'twas deeeelish!

Ingredients

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 small carrot, grated
• Finely chopped or sliced capsicum
• 1 cup crumbled fetta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of fresh chopped herbs...try parsley, dill, oregano and basil
• 3/4 cup low fat milk 
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Virgin Olive Oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity (180ml) Texas muffin pan. Line base of each hole with baking paper...I just cut into squares and it looks really rustic when they come out of the oven...doesnt have to be neat.
2. Sift flour and salt into a large bowl. Grate carrot and zucchini...chop capsicum..I also added a bit of chopped mushroom if you have some...if not..no matter as it wont affect the recipe.  Also you can add some chopped sundried tomatoes if you have them. Add Fetta cheese to flour. Stir to combine.
3. Whisk eggs, milk and butter in a jug. Add to dry ingredients. Using a large metal spoon, stir until just combined. Two-thirds fill muffin holes with mixture. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand for 5 minutes in pan. Turn onto a wire rack to cool.
   
   COCKTAIL FRIDAY!...AND DONT WE DESERVE TO TREAT OURSELVES!!?
   
   
    
   I found this particular cocktail a few weeks ago on a trip down South.  The wine and cocktail list was rather extensive and in some cases quite unusual...and so this week I bring to you the 'Salty Chihuahua' most likely borne from an unfortunate mishap at the beach with the pooch?  Anyway, the name really got me intrigued and I just had to try the Salty Chihuahua.  I really liked it!  So I had to share the recipe with you, and might I add that its pretty simple to make....plus the ingredients are quite basic.
   We suggest kicking back on the couch with your Salty Chihuahua in hand and the stereo cranked up with a bit of Carlos Santana!.....Ay Ay Ay!
   
   
   
   Salty Chihuahua
   1 shot tequila
   grapefruit juice
   1 dash salt
   Pour tequila over ice in a cocktail glass.
   Fill with Grapefruit juice and a dash of salt.
   
   
   
   
   And so the end of another week....
   and in the words of Marilyn Monroe..."Well behaved women rarely made history".
   
   
   
   
   
   We wish you a wonderful weekend and be sure to take time out just for you,
   with a Salty Chihuahua perhaps?...or a dig around in the garden and plant
   some herbs.  

   
   

   Until next Friday.....Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx
   

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