Blue Chook makes it into the Good Cafe Guide

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It was a big week last week.

I was in Grafton last Friday for the launch of this year’s Gate to Plate weekend (September 15 and 16) when David sent through a text message with the following picture attached.

I have to admit right now that I was doing a little happy dance when I checked my phone, and I may have had a little extra glass of champagne to celebrate.

I’m so proud of what we have managed to achieve with the cafe in just a few months since opening, and I’m excited by what we have planned for the coming weeks and months.

Living the dream is hard work, but with a brilliant Blue Chook buddy, and an amazing team of friends, family and loyal customers on my side it all seems a little easier.

 

Cooking in the Clarence

The Clarence Valley is a largely secret part of the New South Wales north coast. Tucked in between go-getter Coffs Harbour and the laid back Byron/Richmond areas, the Big River country around Grafton is a secret sanctuary for a growing community of farmers, producers and foodies. Heading the charge is the Grafton Regional Gallery Foundation,…

News from the front

Updating the goings-on from Blue Chook to Gate to Plate. It’s been a busy time!

Mexican feast in the park

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Sunshine, salsa and spice – a great team lunch.

Fiona had a party

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A menu for a milestone birthday party

Eating and Drinking Sydney – new guide

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Give away time –

Now taking orders

Now on the menu at two great pubs, AND at your place?

Colours of Autumn – Rhubarb

The impossible too-pinkness of rhubarb and ginger compote

Salt and Pepper prawns – with a chipotle twist

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Smoky Mexican chillies with sweet prawns.

Ring of fire – chilli and garlic sauce from scratch

Ring of fire chilli sauce

A jar of heat

An Australia Day Caramel Slice

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Iconic Australian ingredients in a celebration slice.

I’m soooooo EXCITED!

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Pass on a Book – the official launch is tomorrow!

The No-Waste Christmas – leftovers aren’t boring!

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Pantry staples make leftovers yummy!

First for the season

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Sweet sugar snack tomatoes, I hope it’s a long season.

They Draw and Cook

Hannah Clark they draw and cook

Pretty pictures and yummy food – the perfect combo.

How I spent three days in Grafton – purple trees and all

Cooking up a storm - Jacaranda Festival recipe demonstration kitchen

A country town festival, and a visit home

Orange and cinnamon cous cous with rosewater poppy seed yoghurt

Orange and cinnamon cous cous with rosewater poppy yoghurt

A special recipe for Jacaranda

Pumpkin and split pea curry with yoghurt chapatis

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Yellow goodness from the pumpkin – a gently spiced curry for Halloween.

Happy in a Zumbo sugar coma

Raspberry and Pistachio Tart

Adriano is a pastry legend, and the reputation is well desereved.

Alison’s cassata bites

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A twist on a classic Italian dessert for a baby shower tea.

Tropical summer salad

pineapple and mango salad

Mangoes are in the shops and this is a great way to enjoy them ALL SUMMER LONG.

Green beans and minced beef stir fry

green bean and minced beef stir fry

A tasty beef and bean stir fry with a splash of fish sauce for flavour

Chocolate and Raspberry Croissant Pudding

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The image from the Green and Black’s Ultimate Chocolate Cookbook

Green and Black’s chocolate

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A new chocolate cookbook – and I’M IN IT!

Matcha green tea and coconut ice cream

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A recipe for Deborah that involves almost no cooking and no bananas.

A faster dinner? Impossible!

tomaotes in the market

Fresh and tasty and ready in just a few minutes. Fresh tomato pasta.

Start a family Christmas tradition

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A Christmas cake for my Nana, my inspiration.

Take a trip for a cup of tea

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For the love of a good cuppa, and a passion for beautiful photography.

From the backyard – a dip for Spring

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Kale is the secret ingredient in this spring-time dip.

Beanz Meanz MINE!

Baked Beans

Home-made baked beans

French Toast gets a makeover

French toast with feta and olives

Start to the morning with a savoury eggy bread recipe.

Butter Chicken Curry

Butter chicken – a delicious mild curry. perfect filling for a party pie.

Vote 1 Pastry

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Election fever meets pastry, of course.

The “ants pants” muesli slice

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A ten minute muesli bar. No, really!

Muesli. No, it’s not just for hippies

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Muesli bars are not just for hippes.

Who is the real winner of Master Chef Australia 2010

As the television juggernaut that is Network Ten’s MasterChef Australia draws closer towards it’s finale this weekend, I’ve decided to add my voice to the many others that have praised, derided, questioned or lauded the series over the past three months or so. Image: The Age It’s interesting to me the effect that a television…

Delicious Lemon Delicious

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If life gives you lemons… make a pudding!

The show stopper – Pumpkin Scones

Maclean Show special, pumpkin scones

A country show favourite

A party for a puppy – the pupcake recipe

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Pooch-specific (yet human-friendly) PUPcakes.

Not just an egg

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Don’t underestimate the humble egg

Slow cooker lamb casserole

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Perfect for a slow cooker or a long spell in a low oven.

Self-saucing or sauce yourself?

Sticky date pussing

Best with lashings of butterscotch sauce.

And the award goes to…

zuchinni-grater

It’s high time the zucchini got the appreciation it so rightly deserves.

Caramel slice for your bikkie tin

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My Grandma’s secret recipe.

Salad days

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Pumpkin and cous cous salad

Just add bacon

Ron's egyptian eggs

Fresh eggs make all the difference

Blue cheese and bacon potato bake

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Potato bake is better with bacon and blue cheese

Low-fat schnitzel dippers

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Everyone loves a schnitzel, and a low-fat, cocktail party option is a sure fire winner.

Say cheese

risotto boards

More party food ideas – cheesy risotto with onion jam.

Nutty things on sticks

satay chicken

An easy way to entertain is to crack out the barbecue and char some things on sticks.

Drop by jammy drop

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A recipe from my Nana’s box of tricks

Nothing rhymes with orange

Orange and almond cake

Oranges and almonds in a moist gluten free cake.

Turning Japanese

seared sesame salmon canape spoons

Salmon sashimi with a sesame rice paper twist