Archive Dec 2017

When your friend is a chef and he offers to cook a roast goose for a Christmas dinner, all you do is make the stuffing and bring the wine. This roast goose was brined overnight with salt, sugar and aromatics, such as bay, all spice berries and fresh herbs. It was stuffed with more fresh…

I bake Christmas cakes every year. I saved a Christmas cake from last year, all wrapped up and placed in the back of the pantry, and it’s just come out for dessert this Christmas Eve. I use the Nigella Lawson recipe, but I soak the fruit for at least 4 weeks prior to making the…

Eden Road Pinot Gris – Chicken, Aubergine and Mushroom Stir-fry in XO Sauce This is a simple dish to make. You can either make it for 6 adults, or halve the recipe for fewer people or make this in bulk and freeze for later (don’t add the fresh herbs at the end). This recipe also…

Long Rail Gully SSC with Pavlova and a strawberry lemon thyme sauce Buy a pre-made pavlova 600mls whipped cream 2 punnets fresh raspberries 1 punnet fresh blackberries 1 punnet fresh strawberries 1/4c Long Rail Gully SSC 1tsp lime zest 1tsp fresh lemon thyme, stripped off the stalks, leave 2 stalks for decorations Either make your…

Helm Riesling with Fresh Oysters and a spring onion and white pepper vinaigrette This is outstanding and perfect for Christmas Day. 12 fresh oysters 1/4c apple cider or white vinegar 1/4c water 1/4tsp white pepper Pinch of sugar 1/2tsp lime zest 4 very thin spring onions or 2 medium sized sliced down the middle, chopped…

This dish is amazing however it does have a few stages to it, but so worth it. Pickled Radishes Bunch of radishes 3/4c water 3/4c apple cider vinegar 2Tb golden syrup (or maple syrup, or sugar) 1/2tsp dried thyme 1/2tsp black peppercorns 1/2tsp yellow mustard seeds 4 whole cloves garlic 2tsp salt Wash radishes and slice…

Recently the Canberra District featured in the Qantas Magazine. A great article about a guide to the capital that will give you the lowdown on where to eat, drink and sleep. Plus, the best cellar doors to visit, courtesy of wine expert Peter Bourne. Read here.  

Dog Trap Road Cabernet Sauvignon with Roast lamb (Feeds 2 adults generously) 1.5 kg butterflied leg lamb 1c mixed fresh herbs 4 garlic cloves, crushed 200gms frozen peas 6 or 7 mint leaves 2 garlic cloves 1c chicken stock 5 baby chat potatoes, steamed until knife tender Finely chop the fresh herbs (use parsley, rosemary…

Homemade bruschetta, cheese and charcuterie platter with a Kerralee Rose When hosting a party this season, the manta should be ‘Buy some, assemble some and make one’. That way you’re not spending hours in the kitchen while everyone else is eating and drinking. Make Recipe (serves 8 adults as part of platter) 5 large tomatoes,…

The George Bar & Dining has launched its new season menu and features bold, fresh & exciting flavours perfect for the warmer weather. As always the restaurant is proud to offer only local regional wine in the restaurant as well as a wide selection of Australian craft beer. The George Bar & Dining is also offering…

Ring in the New Year in style at The Canberra Wine House in a Gatsby themed party. From 8pm to 1am, there will be live music and fun. For further information and bookings, please contact The Canberra Wine House.

Panfried Salmon and potato salad with hot lime butter dressing and Pankhurst Arneis  450gm salmon fillet, skin on, seasoned with salt on both sides 400gm chat potatoes, cut in half 2pkts fresh asparagus, cut into thirds 100gm dried cranberries 1/4c extra virgin olive oil 50gm butter Zest and juice of half a lime Boil the potatoes…

McKellar Ridge Sparkling Pinot Noir with home-made Chutney! This recipe is really simple, yet so delicious and matched to a free-range Pialligo Estate ham. Chutney Jar of Morelo pitted cherries 100gms dried apricots, chopped 4 sprigs fresh thyme 3 allspice berries 1/2c balsamic vinegar 1 Tb black mustard seeds Black pepper Smoked salt Drain the…

Tallagandra Hill Vermentino with Seafood Pasta This dish will inspire to make a wonderful meal for the festive season. Recipe (serves 2) 500gms green prawns in shell 500gms vongole  4 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2c Vermentino 1/2c fish stock or chicken stock  1/2c cream 200gms spaghetti  Zest and juice of half a lime 1/4c chopped fresh…