OUR WEEK THAT WAS....NEW ARRIVALS...WHAT TO CALL OUR LIONS??....OUR VERY OWN PERSONAL BODYGUARDS...THAI CHICKEN MEATBALLS....WARREN HANEY....MESMERIZING LINDA VARIO....CHERRY TIPPLE AND MORE!! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL...

THE WEEK THAT WAS.....

Anyone who walked into the showroom this week would have been witness to our great vanishing act....one day we are full of stock and the next...half of its gone.  We joked this morning about the echoing in the place!  Its been a great high energy week with the girls busy with design jobs, and it seems our customers want that perfect piece now, now, now!  And of course that's what the girls do best.  And so, Cath and Colette have been busy with filling up the empty spaces with more beautiful pieces.  We love it when we get new stock into the showroom.  Its just like Christmas!

This week, we introduce some more incredible artworks by Warren Haney and Linda Vario.  

Warren never ceases to amaze us with his artwork that seems to have life and movement.  This particular piece entitled Forever is an example of Warrens meticulous attention to detail.  I have the fortune of being able to look at this piece all day...its completely mesmerising.

Modern Artist Linda Vario creates intricate, visually stimulating works of resonating emotion and extravagant colour. She has mastered a rhythmical balance of harmonious and spontaneous expression,

resulting in works of provocative form and emotive energy.

Orchestrating a combination of mediums, layered to create high relief, tactile finishes with three dimensional impact. Linda's work is unique and highly sought after.

This particular Asian inspired piece entitled 'Currency' has intricate detailing to it.  I particularly love the combination of vibrant colours with beautiful imagery.  This is one piece in the showroom that simply will not last, and already has proven to be quite a conversation piece amongst our clients.

And then there's the arrival of our magnificently majestic Bronze Lions....

These lions certainly create an impact, and also drew a crowd down this end of Doggett Street on Wednesday of this week.  We thank the guys who transported them and then unloaded with care...they walked away with a bottle of scotch on us...boy did they deserve it.

And now to name them....stay tuned for our next competition details.

To keep our lone Stone Warrior company we now have two kneeling warriors by his side.  These warriors are solid stone, hand carved and the new protectors of the showroom.

And finally our gorgeous Australian and Custom Made French Style Cabinet.  Crafted in Queensland from Rosewood timbers.  This is a quality piece that will stand the test of time...and the rest.

LOOKS WE LOVE!

We may have mentioned a few times about the Television show Offspring and how many enquiries there have been about Ninas Apartment Wallpaper.  The question is always "Where can I get the look?"  And the answer is of course, here!...at Charcoal Interiors.  Not only do we supply the pressed metal look that has become so popular in Ninas Apartment on Offspring, but did you know it also comes in Charcoal Black, Silver and Gold!

. This week, we have some more super luxe wallpaper to inspire.  Spring is just around the corner and what a great way to freshen up your space, plus gain maximum impact than with a luxuriously glamorous wallpaper...here's a sneak peek at just some of the looks we love!

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If you've had a week anything like ours, you will be looking for an easy recipe this week.  This weeks 'Foodie' contribution is just that...easy and delicious.
I mean what could be easier than squeezing the contents from the chicken sausage, rolling it into balls with the sesame seeds and then making up the super quick and easy sauce....Voila!  Instant kitchen legend.
These work well on a platter with sliced fruit, make up a little couscous dish with chopped herbs, tomato and pine nuts drizzled with lime and olive oil and perhaps some flat bread ripped up.  An easy dinner that the family can all get stuck into...I love finger food and the idea of a shared plate.  We feed 6 of us at home like this at least twice a week.  Message me if you would like my couscous recipe in more detail, but its basically as above, just follow the couscous cooking instructions on the packet.

THAI CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH CHILLI LIME SAUCE


Photo credit with thanks to jakeprzespo via flickr

Makes

Makes 32

Ingredients

• 2 x 375g packets chicken sausages with lime and spices
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• Chopped fresh coriander leaves, to serve

Method

1. Squeeze meat from sausage casings into a bowl. Roll level tablespoons meat into 32 balls. Place sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Roll balls in sesame seeds to coat. Thai chicken meatballs with chilli lime dipping sauce Place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, if time permits.
2. Combine coriander, lime juice and sweet chilli sauce in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs, in batches, turning, for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Serve with sweet chilli sauce mixture, coriander and toothpicks

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THE CHERRY COCKTAIL

I am a big fan of the Masterchef show, and this week they had a cooking challenge using these really weird ingredients...one vegetable looked like a piece of twisted coral, then there was a sea urchin to make something delicious out of and other assorted strange and what looked like unpalatable oddities that ended up tasting great.  This made me recall a Cocktail recipe that I tried a while ago, simply for the fact that it looked on paper like a taste bud challenge...an egg in a cocktail?....(shivers).  Surprisingly, it tasted great, so I thought I would share it with you today.  Enjoy!

Image credit with thanks to freek dech via flickr

What you need
Cherry Brandy 1 ½ oz
Confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp
Light cream 2 tsp
Egg 1
Nutmeg garnish

Preparation:
Except for the nutmeg, pour all the ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass. Shake well and strain into a sours glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve.

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The vibe in the showroom has been so wonderful and this is due to the clients, no doubt about it.  We have had some really lovely people coming through this week and thank everyone for their support of Australian small business and quality Australian Made products.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."....Ralph Emerson...


Until next week....

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

APARTMENT LIVING GURU, THE 5 RULES OF SMALL SPACE DESIGN....PERFECT WINTER WARMING ITALIAN....AND KICK BACK WITH THE GODFATHER!! HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS!

APARTMENT LIVING

 Neutral tones work well in this Hamilton Art Deco Apartment - An exclusive Charcoal Interiors project
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Our clients needs are wide and varied, and its our job to be able to accommodate them whatever their design dilemma.  For some, its a major renovation and we pop on our Project Manager boots or it can be working with a blank canvas for a retired couple who have down-sized to a smaller space. 

This week we had a lovely young couple approach the Design Team for some advice on furniture and placement for their rental apartment.  With the clients not knowing where to start, the girls looked over the space and gave them some sound advice, which we wanted to pass on.

There really are just a few key points to keep in mind when you are looking at fitting out your apartment or making use of a smaller space in your home.

Choosing the right sizing in this furniture kept the balance in the room....note the tasteful rug running lengthways drawing the eye and creating the illusion of space.

Rule number one:

Keep with neutrals on the walls and window coverings.  Neutrals for one, never date and they also create a nice blank canvas colour for artwork.

Rule number two: 

When arranging the furniture in your small space, try to resist the temptation of lining up your furniture along the walls. By doing so, you give a definition to the boundaries of your small living area.  Hang pictures in small groupings rather than displaying them randomly here and there. Or, as we have done in our apartment project if you are going to choose art....go big!  Just have one stunning piece of art that you absolutely love on the wall.  We also have a client who ended up having a huge oversized clock mounted on his living room wall...it looked amazing!  Hard for the hoarders amongst us we know....but...keep knick-knacks to a minimum.  Too many little knick-knacks just look bitsy and messy.  Even Offsprings Nina has a collection of owls, but she groups them together in the one space, not spread out all over her bedroom.  Arrange lamps or vases on tables so they are in balance with the other furnishings. 

Rule number three:

If you are going to have a rug in the room, just make it the one.  Multiple small rugs scattered here and there do nothing but look messy and also make a small space appear even smaller. 

Rule number four:

Keep furniture in proportion. Choose furniture that opens up a small space. Pick glass or see-through tables. Longer legs on chairs can also create more space or open up a room.   Select classic furniture styles with for example a tapered leg on a table, and avoid any cushions that look overstuffed. Steer clear of any furniture that is too elaborate.

Colette Venardos (Co-Director and Head Designer at Charcoal Interiors) says "Whether your room is big or small, you need to keep proportionate.  In a smaller apartment, less is more and its better to have well proportioned pieces.  One big piece that will work well and have functionality rather than lots of smaller pieces always is the best option". 

Tasteful selection of pieces of interest, and the wall mirror add a touch of glamour to this small space...a Charcoal Interiors project.

Rule number five:

Mirrors!

The use of mirrors in a small space is also essential. Hang one or two mirrors in each room, or choose mirrored furniture to enhance the size of your living area.

So, in a nutshell, choose classic dateless colours and furniture styles.  Keep knick-knacks to a minimum. Group smaller prints, or just go big with one feature piece.  Use mirrors to create a sense of space, and if you are going to have a rug, make it big! 

For More Charcoal Interiors Design Projects Check Out The Website
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

Have you joined our Facebook Page yet?  If you havent, you are missing out on the chance to not only receive great design tips, recipes and other fun stuff but also the opportunity to WIN amazing prizes every month!  This month you can go into the draw to win a piece of history in this beautiful Antique Asian Scroll with silk patterned border.  The wording on the scroll translates to 'LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!" and is valued at over $650.  To enter the draw, just click on the Facebook badge at the top right of the blog and 'like' our page.  Every month we have great prizes to win!  Be sure to tell us you saw our blog and get 5 entries into this months draw....yes you read right...5 entries!

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FRIDAY RECIPE

These cold nights call for a warming meal and to me, the King of comfort food cuisine is Italian.  I discovered this recipe a while ago, and found it quick and easy to make as the ingredients are all off the shelf....I simply dont have time to make my own Gnocchi, so a good one off the shelf is a happy compromise.

Enjoy!

Photo credit to nettsu via flickr...with thanks

TOMATO, BACON AND BOCCONCINI GNOCCHI BAKE

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

45 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 large brown onion, coarsely chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 4 short-cut bacon rashers, coarsely chopped
• 200g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 125ml (1/2 cup) white wine
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 120g baby spinach leaves
• 500g pkt shelf-fresh gnocchi
• 200g bocconcini, drained, torn in half

Method

1. Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic, stirring, for 1 minute. Add bacon and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until bacon is light golden. Add mushroom and cook for 3-4 minutes or until mushroom is soft.
2. Add the wine. Cook, scraping any bits from the base of the pan, for 3-4 minutes or until wine reduces by half. Stir in the tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach until it just wilts.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C. Cook the gnocchi in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions. Drain. Add to tomato mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Divide among six 330ml (1 1/3-cup) capacity ovenproof dishes. Top with the bocconcini. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bocconcini melts.

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WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

THE GODFATHER

Get out your violin case, black suit and sunglasses for this one.  The Godfather cocktail is perfect after a hard day on the take with Cousin Vinnie.  One of the top 10 iconic Italian Cocktails, The Godfather is traditionally had after dinner...and there is also a Godmother version, just to be politically correct and all....

Ingredients: 3/10 Amaretto di Saronno, 7/10 Scotch Whisky
Preparation: Pour the ingredients in a ice filled Old fashioned glass and stir well. And then theres the female version of it, God Mother (3/10 Amaretto di Saronno, 7/10 Vodka)

UNTIL NEXT WEEK........

"I love things that age well - things that don't date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best". 

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

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

YOUR OWN LITTLE PIECE OF MASTERCHEF, GET NINAS OFFSPRING APARTMENT FURNITURE...DELICIOUS CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE...WIN! WITH OUR CHARCOAL INTERIORS FACEBOOK COMP!...MOSCOW MULES AND MUCH MORE!! HAPPY FRIDAY!

EVER WONDERED HOW TO GET A MAGNIFICENT DINING TABLE, SUCH AS THOSE SEEN IN THE MASTERCHEF SERIES??.....Your search is over....read on

Its exciting working in design, and one of the biggest thrills for the team here is when they design a new table either for the showroom floor, or custom crafted to a clients exact specifications.

We get a lot of enquiries from customers all over Australia and Internationally who have seen a particular item on television and want to have it either sourced or made.

The little sideboard in Ninas Apartment from the show Offspring has been a very popular request over the past months.

The beauty of custom made furniture is firstly the relief...because finally the search is over!  You see it, you want it...you can get it.  Secondly, you know that you are receiving a piece of furniture that you not only love the look of, but will also have for decades to come.  Having furniture made to your specifications by our Charcoal Interiors Fine Craftsman means quality, quality, quality.

This week, we heard from a client who really likes the look of the dining table on the Masterchef series...its the one the judges sit around on elimination night.  The question was...can we make this exact table??  And the answer of course is YES!

Whether it be round, square, rectangular, for a small space or really, really long to sit 20+ we can do it all.

Our custom made table service is second to none...and dont even get me started on our custom made coffee tables, built-ins and so much more...we do the lot!

 Here we are proudly showing off our huge Recycled Blackbutt Timber Table!

And.....

Here's a snippet of just some of our past projects.

Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Beach Table in Opium Black

 The Original Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Beach Table

 The Beauchene French Farmhouse Table. Custom Made by Charcoal Interiors in Reclaimed Oak.

Square Parquetry Inlay Table Custom Made and Designed by Charcoal Interiors

 Hand Adzed Table with Parquetry Top.  Exclusively for Charcoal Interiors.

Like to see more of our craftsmanship?  Check out our extensive table designs now on the website.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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WANT TO WIN A PIECE OF HISTORY??

Join our Facebook Page and WIN! This beautiful Antique Asian Scroll.

The Scroll has a gorgeous silk patterned bordering and the handwritten wording translates to:

"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

The scroll is valued at over $650 and could be yours if you see this and join our facebook page.  Just click on the link top right of the blog page.

Once you join, not only are you in the draw for this months prize, but for every months giveaway!

We look forward to you 'liking' us!

P.S Post on our wall....'The Blog Sent Me' and you get 5 more entries into the draw...so what are you waiting for...get 'liking' now! :-)

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....LOOKS WE LOVE....

Our riddling racks.  Now available in the A Frame style.  Contact us via the website for all the info.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUR FABULOUS FRIDAY RECIPE

WINTER WARMING CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE

photo credit Mila Ranta via flickr

I was asked by one of our lovely customers today if I taste tested all of the recipes on the blog, and the answer to that is yes.  I really love to cook, but it has to be easy, tasty and relatively healthy.  I like to use ingredients that are seasonal if possible because the nutrition content is higher, produce fresher and the price is always a bit cheaper on produce that are in abundance. (I had a banana yesterday here at work and we were joking about how each mouthful was costing me about $3!!...boy bananas are expensive at the moment...but thats another issue...).

And so I was attracted to this recipe for Chicken and Leek Casserole with the flaky pastry top because...number one I am a fan of flaky pastry...would eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner if I could, but of course I would end up the size of a house, so its only eaten on occasion and I choose the low fat version of the puff pastry.  Because its just the topping for the casserole, its a good compromise as theres no pastry base to this.  All the ingredients are readily available, and its a dish that the whole family will love.  I also add a sprinkling of curry powder to this dish because like flaky pastry, I would also eat anything that is curried for breakfast, lunch and dinner (well...maybe not dessert....).  Mushrooms can also be added.  Its just one of those versatile dishes that you can play around with and add ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, slivers of capsicum etc...anything that compliments the flavours of mustard and honey.

A great meal for the cold winter nights we are all experiencing of late!

Enjoy!

CHICKEN AND LEEK CASSEROLE WITH FLAKY PASTRY

Cooking Time

50 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 30g butter
• 1 leek, sliced
• 8 (850g) chicken thigh fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas and corn
• 1 bunch asparagus, roughly chopped
• 490g jar Golden Honey & Mustard Chicken Tonight
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 sheet reduced fat frozen puff pastry, thawed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Melt butter in a large heavy-based pan. Add leek and saute 2-3 minutes until soft. Add chicken in batches and cook until lightly brown.
2. Stir in peas and corn and asparagus. Add jar of sauce and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to an ovenproof casserole dish.
3. Brush edge of the dish with a little beaten egg. Lay pastry sheet over, pressing gently to stick to the dish. Trim edge, leaving a 1cm border. Brush top of pastry with egg. Pierce with a sharp knife to make 3 steam holes.
4. Bake for 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve.

Notes

• As an alternative, use Creamy Mushroom Chicken Tonight or Taylor's Honey Macadamia Sauce.
  
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• IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY....HELLO MOSCOW MULE....
  
  
  
  The cocktail was invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., an East Coast spirits and food distributor, and John "Jack" Morgan, President of Cock 'n' Bull Products (which produced ginger beer) and proprietor of the Cock 'n' Bull Tavern, a bar on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles popular with celebrities.  The name refers to the popular perception of vodka as a Russian product.
  
  
• 

  Photo credit cliosguy via flickr with thanks

  
  

  RECIPE

  2 oz Smirnoff® No. 21 Vodka
  2 oz lime juice
  8 oz ginger ale
  
  
  Mix ingredients in a highball glass with ice.  Garnish with slice of lime if you wish.
  
  
  And, the only way to drink this one is of course with the feet up, and a faux fur Ashunka (fur hat) on your head, Boney M's Ra Ra Rasputin in the background.....magical way to start your Friday evening.
  
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• 
  "BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD" - Mahatma Ghandi (As seen on the wall of our local coffee shop)
• 
  
  
  And...its Friday.  Another week to feel grateful for so much.  Wishing everyone a lovely weekend and please let me know what you think of the recipe today.  Its such an easy and tasty one to make.
  
  The Charcoal Girls - Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx
  
  
  

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

VIVE LA FRANCE!...ALL THINGS FRENCH AND FUN!..FRENCH ONION SOUP TO DIE FOR!...OUR HOUSE AND GARDEN CELEBRITY...MORE ON OUR GREAT SALE AND THE EIFFEL TOWER COCKTAIL!! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

We have French neighbours....we call them 'The Frenchies'.  They are just a wonderful family of 5 (mum(Cecille), dad(Frederick) and the 3 kids who have very French names that I always forget).  Ever since we met them I have admired how much they value family.  Their kids dont seem to be inside on the weekends...always out in the backyard playing soccer, or riding their bikes up and down the street...sometimes just sitting out on the back deck with Mum and Dad reading a story together.  Then there is Cecilles cooking!  Ooooh Lah Lah.  Unfortunately we dont see them as much as we would like, but there is always a wave over the deck balcony on a Saturday morning in between eggs and bacon and the paper....a little Bonjour!...I love saying it.  Bonjour!...Comment allez-vous?  Makes me feel a bit exotic.  Most people when asked where would you like to travel to, or what's one of your favourite travel destinations will reply Paris.  Gone are the days of rude Parisians (at least attempt to speak the language and you will be greeted with a smile and good service) and smelly streets.  Paris is the hub of beauty, fashion, food, culture, art and so much more.  With Bastille Day around the corner, it felt like a great excuse to divulge ourselves in this weeks blog with some beautiful things of the French variety.
Enjoy our amazingly easy and super tasty French Onion Soup recipe in our weekly 'Recipes' section and Pink Parisian Cocktail (below)

Stunning view of the iconic Eiffel Tower

Rue Du Croissant

Edith Piaf and her timeless music lives on...

Our stunning French Farmhouse Table...and its on Sale!

Beautiful entry to French Country Farmhouse.....one word...Wow!

So French and so chic....we all at some time have daydreamed about being a real live French woman.

OUR COMPETITION FOR JULY

YOU CAN WIN!!...THIS ANTIQUE ASIAN SCROLL WITH SILK DETAILING
WORTH OVER $650!

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.  ONCE YOU DO, YOU'RE IN THE RUNNING TO WIN EVERY SINGLE MONTH!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU INTO THE CHARCOAL INTERIORS FAMILY.


OUR SALE CONTINUES...

These kinds of discounted prices on quality items at Charcoal Interiors dont come around every day.  Take advantage of our huge savings on Asian and French Inspired Furniture, Homewares, lighting, Garden Urns and Pots, Statues, Rugs and so much more!  We even have discounts on our beautiful Custom Made Tables.

Pop in this weekend and see what the fuss is all about.
Charcoal Interiors.  59 Doggett St.  Newstead.  Ph. 38526002
Or...you can view just a scratch on the surface of the amazing products we have at:

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

GUESS WHO POPPED UP IN
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN'S  'NEST' ARTICLE??

Sharing this salubrious page with other Design greats such as the iconic Jenny Kee, this month was our very own Colette Venardos, Head Designer and Director of Charcoal Interiors!
In the article Colette shares a little bit of the history to some of her greatest treasures.  Surrounded by her favourite clock, Turkish Urn and other beautiful pieces you can find Colette on Page 71 of the August Edition of Australian House and Garden.  A well deserved recognition of one of Brisbane's stalwart and talented designers.

I was always under the assumption that French Onion Soup was a really difficult dish to make, but then I found this recipe that was just so easy and I had to share it.  I may sound like a real ditz, but I didnt realise that French Onion Soup could have lamb added to it?  I just thought it was ALL onion...no changes...no diverting from the original style.  So there you go, learning something new every day.  I will make genius one day at this rate!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 6 large lamb leg chops
• 50g butter
• 3 brown onions, halved, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1L (4 cups) beef stock
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 dried or fresh bay leaves
• 8 x 1cm-thick slices baguette (French breadstick)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• Fresh thyme leaves, to serve

Method

1. Place the lamb in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
2. Transfer the lamb to a clean work surface. Discard the cooking liquid. Remove the bones from the lamb and discard. Finely shred. Set aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until soft and caramelised. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add stock, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Discard the thyme and bay leaves. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Return to the pan. Stir in the lamb. Stir over low heat until heated through.
6. Preheat grill on medium. Place the bread slices on a baking tray. Cook under grill for 2-3 minutes each side or until toasted. Cut the cheese slices in half and divide among the bread slices. Cook under grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
7. Divide soup among serving bowls. Top each soup with 2 cheese toasts and thyme. Serve.

 IT'S FRIDAY....COCKTAIL FRIDAY!!

This week we celebrate Bastille Day with the 'Eiffel Tower' Cocktail!  Ooooh La La!

Swilling of this little gem must be done after riding your leeetle bike around the streets weeeth your leetle basket on the ze front weeth ze french sticks poking out, plus beret donned and one of those glamorous cigarette holders hanging from zee corner of your mouth :-)

Recipe

1 part Vodka
1 part Cognac

1/2 part anisette

1/2 part contreau liqueur

Stir with crushed ice and then strain into the glass.....Voila!  Until next week!  The Charcoal Girls xxx