Category: Food

Shuck you very much!

Since moving to Brisbane several months ago, I’ve had various people tell me about a coffee house that I absolutely must visit. So the other week I decided to meet a friend and see for myself exactly what everyone keeps raving about. I’m talking about Shucked Coffee House, a trendy little café tucked away in the industrial streets of Newstead.

And yes, I know exactly what you’re thinking. What an unlikely place for a coffee house and you’d be right, but at the same time, discovering Shucked amongst a group of car dealerships is what makes it such a gem. Best known for its breakfasts, brunches and incredible coffee, Shucked will leave you with nothing else to say but, “shucks, that was so brunch-alicious!”

Originally a warehouse, Shucked has been transformed into a modern coffee house/cafe which carries vintage tones and an all over warming feeling. The atmosphere is inviting from the moment you step through the door. The staff are all smiles and extremely friendly (not to mention helpful when it comes to choosing what to eat as the choices are endless). Needless to say, it’s the perfect place to bring a group of friends on a late Saturday morning, sip lattes, catch up and share a plate (or two).

It was about midday when my friend Katerina and I ordered. As I had skipped breakfast, I was craving eggs and after much contemplation, I eventually opted for the sweet potato rosti served with poached egg, wilted spinach, crispy bacon and caramelised balsamic onion. Katerina chose the lunch special that just so happened to be homemade rabbit ragout served with parmesan cheese and toasted turkish bread. All of it was absolutely divine!

Feeling extremely comforted after such a satisfying meal, there was no way we could leave straight away so Katerina and I decided to be adventurous and ordered chili hot chocolates. While I’ve had chili hot chocolates in the past (and loved them) this one was like no other. After one sip, our lips began to burn, our mouths were on fire and neither of us could reach for the water fast enough. As a person who doesn’t mind a bit of spice, lets just say I won’t be having one of those anytime soon.

Sadly, parking near Shucked is a bit of a problem. While there’s an array of paid (and unpaid) parking bays, getting one is difficult given the amount of people who work in the surrounding area, so catching public transport is highly recommended. But apart from that, Shucked is a definite must, whether you live in Brisbane or are just passing through. You won’t be disappointed and if you don’t believe me, you can always check them out on Urbanspoon.

Sweet as sugar

In May this year, I was given the opportunity to attend the Noosa Food and Wine Festival (as a budding food journo) and it was while I was checking out the culinary exhibition that this particular stall caught my eye (which may have something to do with sweets being my guilty pleasure). And with macadamia shortbreads that are ‘to die for’, I thought it would be unkind for me not to share some of the sweetness with you…

Hailing from Epping in Sydney, SWEETNESS The Patisserie specialises in all things sweet and the selection they brought with them this year were some of the most decadent treats one could only dream of.

SWEETNESS owner and founder, Gena Karpf, said it was their second time at the festival and that they had come back to share their love and passion of all things sweet. As summed up by Gena, “sugar is what we do”.

Mini macadamia shortbreads (far left) and other delectable treats  © SWEETNESS The Patisserie

In 2011, SWEETNESS The Patisserie was a finalist in Delicious Magazine’s Produce Awards (from the earth category) for their delicious mini macadamia shortbreads. These delicate little beauties literally melt in the mouth and it’s easy to see why these pastry chefs are so good at and really enjoy what they do – you can taste it in every bite.

SWEET Mallows are another signature indulgence. These lavish handmade marshmallows are available in 30 different flavours, so there’s bound to be one to suit any type of taste bud. Another tasty treat is SWEETNESS’ signature dark chocolate and orange slices, perfect as an after dinner refreshment.

“While they are time consuming to make, that’s exactly what defines them,” Gena said.

Signature SWEET Mallows © SWEETNESS The Patisserie

For more of the sweetness head to: www.sweetness.com.au or find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/SWEETNESSThePatisserie

Say cheese to winter goodness

Being winter, all one craves is delicious comfort food. I’m talking about the type of food that after the first bite makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Winter to me is all about pot pies, soup (minestrone, mmmm…), lasagne, casseroles, hot chocolate and sticky date pudding. The list goes on! This morning when I woke up, it was cold, wet and miserable and the only thing I could think about was what I was going to cook for dinner (which ultimately would make everything better!)

For me, cheese is always a winner (whether it’s a grilled cheese sanga or served with a fruit platter), but nothing beats melted cheese. So if you’re looking for a dish that oozes cheesy goodness and screams comfort, then this baked four cheese and spinach cannelloni dish might just be what you need to dig into this winter. It’ll have your family and friends coming back for more (and more!)

(click on thumbnails to view gallery)

Ingredients

500g fresh ricotta

2 eggs, lightly beaten

100g parmesan, grated

150g firm feta, crumbled

2-3 tsps nutmeg

5 large bocconcini balls, torn into small pieces

250g frozen spinach (defrosted and excess moisture drained)

Salt and ground pepper, to season

250g fresh cannelloni sheets (12 in pack)

Sauce

60ml extra virgin olive oil

4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

400g can chopped tomatoes

700g bottle tomato passata

2 Tbsp sugar

1 (0r 2) handfuls of fresh chopped basil

Method

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. To make the cannelloni filling, put ricotta and eggs in a large bowl and gently stir to combine. Fold in 70g of the parmesan, feta and nutmeg along with half the bocconcini. Season with salt and pepper.

To make the sauce, heat the oil in in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden. Add tomatoes and passata  and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in sugar and basil and season. Once done, spread sauce over the base of a 20 x 30cm baking dish.

To assemble cannelloni, spoon mixture on the long side of the sheet. Roll the sheet into a log shape to enclose mixture. Place cannelloni seam side down in dish. Repeat with remaining mixture and cannelloni sheets. Spoon over the remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining bocconcini and parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for one hour then remove foil and cook for a further 10 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Serve with garlic bread (if desired).

Now prepare to go into a food coma!

My beautiful friend, where will I meet you?

Each morning when I drive to work, I pass this gorgeous little coffee shop in Albion. The white back drop and big black writing catches my attention every time. Well, at least I thought it was just a coffee shop until the day I decided to check it out for myself and my oh my, I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Ma Belle Amie which translates to ‘my beautiful friend’ is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a cafe and gift store bundled into one and ‘a place for beautiful friendships’.

Nestled in the heart of Albion across the road from the train station lies this quaint little abode which has been open for just over a year. Immediately after entering, my eyes are greeted to a world of colour and I am drawn to all things beautiful and feminine. With a diverse range of giftware, this gorgeous little shop will have you poking every corner. French inspired? oui, and to top it off this place is decorated with hanging parasols, floral wallpaper, and shelves of trinkets draped in fairy lights only adds to the delight.

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The range of giftware is endless from teacups and saucers to photo frames, jewellery, clothing, clocks and DIY kits – something to tickle every girls fancy.  There’s also a selection of quirky cards and stunning gift wrap, perfect for that special occasion. While some products are sourced from overseas, owner Clarissa Rayward also sells a range of Australian products including local Brisbane wares.

And what would a cafe be without good coffee and great service? Soft tunes while sipping your pot of tea or cup of coffee makes Ma Belle Amie the ideal spot for catching up with a friend (or two). But if it’s lunch you’re after, the girls have that covered as well. With a range of delicious lunch options including homemade pies, quiches and vegetarian lasagne all served with fresh salad (made on the spot), you’ll be left wanting more. My personal favourite however is the mushroom and blue cheese arancini. Even now just thinking about it, my mouth is starting to salivate – it’s that darn good!

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t worry, Ma Belle Amie has an amazing selection of scrumptious sweets including vanilla passionfruit slice, coconut macaroons, apple crumble and caramel flan and chocolate mud cakes (just to name a few). Oh, and no cafe would be complete without homemade cupcakes. It’s easy to say, I think I may have just found my new favourite hang out.

So next time you’re in Brisbane, make time to stop by Albion and check out this treasure – Shop 1, 10 Albion Rd, Albion or visit them online www.mabelleamie.com.au or on Facebook www.facebook.com.au/mabelleamie