Mango Hill Cottages & Hill Of Promise Winery

Part of the enjoyment of celebrating with food is the preparation leading up to an event….. planning the menu, sourcing seasonal produce, delivering according to the season. The glorious buttery sun is a great ‘mood setter’ for working in the kitchen. Add to that the various aromas….. garlic, fresh herbs, fruity EV Olive Oil. The various elements in the ritual of sharing food and conversation

It’s winter and that means pumpkins are at their best. This vegetable is hard to beat… pumpkin soup, steamed and mashed, roasted, in risotto. You’re only limited by your imagination.

This might not be an ‘original’ but a CHEAT’S ROAST PUMPKIN when you’re short on time is hard to beat. It’s a two step process but dead easy.

Steam reasonable size pieces until just underdone. Drain well and tip into a hot pan that has a generous smear of EV olive oil.  Allow to brown nicely, use a silicon spatula and large spoon to turn each piece without breaking.

Once browned on both sides, turn heat off and sprinkle with your fave DUKKAH and my favourite herb – Lemon Thyme. Delizioso with little pork and parmesan meat balls, chicken or whatever is on the menu!

buon appetito!  PS  We were too hungry on Sunday evening to wait for me to grab the camera to take a shot of my cheat’s Roast Pumpkin.  There’s still another half waiting to be used.  

It’s not complicated if someone gives you a few tips!

OVEN ROASTED CAPSICUM

Stainless steel tray is best.  I do 6-8 at a time to make it worthwhile.

Simply wash well (sand can get trapped in stem), put on tray in v hot oven (200C) and allow to swell up and 1/2 blacken skins.

Cooked when stabbed with thin pointy blade… and knife pieces easily.

Allow to cool and deflate. Various ways to peel off skin and remove seeds.  More important is to put strips on paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Put in a wide-mouthed jar, anoint with EV olive oil, add garlic, fresh herbs, chilli to taste, salt cracked pepper and they are ready to enjoy.

Store in fridge?  certo!

buon appetito.

When the mercury drops, thoughts turn to things to do in the warmth of the kitchen, especially if  you are lucky enough to have a north-facing window. (I do!) Time for … oven roasting capsicum and eggplant. Nothing for lunch?  Never, when you have smoky sweet strips of ripe red capsicum anointed with EVO Oil, fresh lemon thyme and a hint of chilli to drape on  your favourite toast along with marinated feta and slices of eggplant.  buon appetito!

You look at a website and have  fair idea of what to expect and then when you stay you find there is much more!  We think this is a little gem, from the cottages built by Terry and Mary to the timber furniture crafted by Terry, to the warm,cosy  touches inside ( I had a feast just looking through the DELICIOUS and ITALIANICIOUS magazines) to that front verandah looking north and east. You DO go away with a skip in you step.

Now we know about this dear little spot, we’ll factor in a break in our journey north.

JL SUNNY COAST July 2018

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 creating what you have. See you again.

LS   Hervey Bay July 2018

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

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 delicious finale to our Long Table Lunch.

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 from generation to generation. You graced our table with your presence, cementing our philosophy …..‘when you have been blessed, build a longer table, not a higher wall!”

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,