Beautiful spot

We’ve just spent a few days break here. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need… and more really. If it’s not there, you only need to ask. the front verandah is very calming and relaxing. this isn’t the first time we’ve stayed and it won’t be the last. Thanks Terry and Mary for…

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Cosy comfort with a view

A quick stopover to break  a long journey was not long enough to enjoy all that was on offer here. A delicious breakfast eaten on the verandah in the sun was definitely a highlight. Beautiful garden setting and helpful hosts near at hand made this a perfect home away from home.  J. Brisbane  June 2018

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Buon appetito!

Two vital ingredients for any meal …. 1. an appetite and 2.  appreciative diners! We had both in abundance at  WINTERFEAST on Saturday 14th. Maria the Little Cellar Rat was chuffed with the response to her version of TIRAMISU ( which of course means ‘pick-me-up’) Matched with local SSS STRAWBERRIES  it was a light but…

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They came on board, they joined the story, they were perfect guests!

The frosty Saturday morning morphed into the most glorious winter’s day. Everyone loves a story and everyone has their own story to tell.  WINTERFEAST 2018 gave TERRANZO THE WINEMAKER and MARIA  THE LITTLE CELLAR RAT the chance to welcome such wonderful guests to our table to celebrate the  producers of this region and traditions handed…

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When it comes to herbs, FRESH IS BEST!

FRESH HERBS…. THE vital ingredient. Must have them near the kitchen, especially for ‘just-before-you-serve’. My fave – Lemon thyme (sorry BASIL, you too) strip and add to marinated feta, lamb meat balls, lemon chicken. Oh, I could go on! What about watering you ask. My tip – next post. buoa cucina! #cantbeatitalian,  

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ROMANCING ROMEO THE ROMAN OVEN!

Terranzo the winemaker and Maria the Little Cellar Rat have been talking about it for ages and now it’s happening…. THIS SUNDAY 24 JUNE 11.30 am on. *WOOD FIRED PIZZAS (Large and Small – GF also) * a simple Salad *Hill of Promise Wine by the glass and Bottle *VITTORIA Plunger Coffee Bookings not necessary…

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Citrus season…. little golden balls of zesty flavour

We count ourselves very lucky to have very generous friends who are so happy to share the bounty of their home gardens. The Little Cellar Rat uses lemons and limes  all year round and oranges and mandarins when they are in season …. and that’s right now!  A big THANK YOU TO our generous friend…

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Brrr…. just the weather for slow cooking and hot pots!

When it’s crisp and chilly outside, that means hearty warming dishes suited to big bowls, soup spoons and chunky bread.  Time to get up close and chatty with your local butcher and ask his advice about anything with a bone in it.  The cheeper cuts of meat just beg to be left to their own…

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WINTER is finally here but Brother sun still lingers

Winter has finally arrived and touching all with his long thin fingers but Brother sun hasn’t deserted us.  You can still enjoy his company on the sunny cottage veranda, seated in a comfortable steamer chair, catching up on that promised novel or flicking through DELICIOUS and ITALIANICIOUS magazines.

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