July 15, 2010

Normal Services Resuming

Yes-siree, normal services are resuming. I've been pretty busy with work for the last couple of months but that is now finished and I'm looking forward to getting back to taking pictures, catching up with friends, creating & crafting 'stuff', general pottering around the markets and of course blogging!

I have started catching up with friends and in particular crafting friends - great way to get inspired to create again. Luckily there are plenty of bubbs due in the next six months so knitting little projects in first on the list. I'm spending Sat with Granny G doing another podcast of 'What's in the Tins' - go and have a listen, she interviews some interesting people and occasionally my twangy voice pops up when there is baking to eat! (loving the new site GG :) ).

Also looking forward to attending some crafty groups:
  • KR - every 2nd Sunday, Mozaic cafe in New Lynn
  • Central SnB - first Tuesday of each month, Brew Bar in the city
  • Lucky Penny Craft Club - first Tuesday of each month, Mezze Bar in the city
And going to try and get around a few of the markets in Auckland (jeepers there's so many now):
Normality also returns as I started looking through the cookbooks again. Last Sat I challenged myself to a dinner for 4 using at least 4 recipes and under budget. I finally got out Julia Childs that TTP gave me at christmas and used 3 of her recipes. Here is the menu - it was great and the guests did their part by bringing 2 bottles of wine under budget!
  • PORTAGE PARMENTIER
  • CITRON SAUMON FENOULL SALAD
  • POULET POELE A L'ESTRAGON & CAROTTES GLACEES
  • FROMAGE
I love french menus - they sound so complicated with such long titles! In kiwi though, folks:
  • leek and potato soup
  • salmon and fennel salad
  • roast chicken with tarrogan and glazed carrots
  • cheese & port - a fresh brie from Oratia Farmers Market
Righto - I've got carried away with my first post back and really need to hit the north-western motorway for work - have a great day!

3 comments:

granny said...

ooh your french terms had my brain working overtime to remember the transations from chefs school!
(i think it might be potage not portage - but easily confused as you were thinking about the nw motorway! ;-)

Catherynne said...

Hey, we're on the same timetable! My work projects are easing up too, which means... back to crafty things and updating my much neglected blog. Yay!

I may even do things with that big white thing in the kitchen corner. Oven, I think it's called... ;-)

Jasmine said...

great news cheeky fantail - team effort should keep the posts flowing and you should definately get that big white beast working - your baking is fab!

GG - you are 100% correct! Portage is potage!!