Cranberry Relish Ideas for Christmas

Adapted from an American recipe from Once Upon a Chef

This is a Thanksgiving Recipe but in Australia, we like to serve Cranberry sauce or relish with our Christmas fare.  Flavoured with maple syrup, orange zest, and balsamic vinegar, this nutty cranberry relish is a delicious alternative to cranberry sauce.  Cranberries are generally unavailable in Australia but Woolworths sell frozen berries. Another alternative (cheats) to achieve a similar result is to buy, Ocean Spray  Whole Cranberry Sauce from Coles in Neutral Bay then add orange zest, balsamic vinegar and pecans.  

INGREDIENTS

•  About 3 cups fresh cranberries or frozen  
• 1 cup pure maple syrup (1/2 cup for Australian taste)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the cranberries and syrup in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Let them bubble gently, stirring often until the skins on the cranberries have all split and the mixture has thickened, 4 to 5 minutes (cover the pan with a lid if the cranberries splatter).
2. While the berries are cooking, put the pecans in a small, dry skillet, and stir them over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
3. When the cranberry mixture has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the orange zest, vinegar, and pecans. Mix well. Serve warm or transfer to a covered container and chill.
4. Make-Ahead/Freezing Instructions: The relish will keep for 10 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Artists' Camps at Sydney Art Gallery Nov to Feb

'From my Camp' 1896  Arthur Streeton
Art Gallery of NSW
 
From 'Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours' 
Mosman Bay to Zoo walk

Streeton is at the Art Gallery of NSW from Nov 7 to Feb 1

 1890's  Streeton and Roberts,'pulled through the lazy

green water and lunched in the shade and in the open air' 

to join their fellow artists under canvas
in camps set up by Hopkins and Ashton."
" 'Til matrimony claimed their souls."  

From 'Through the Heads to Balmoral'

Artists' Camp at Balmoral 1890
Mitchell Library 

Gavin Souter "The prevailing atmosphere was one of pipe smoking, whisky drinking,  and yarn spinning camaraderie which was apparently not appreciated by the wife of one frequent visitor.  The air of running wild was repugnant to her so after  her third visit, she went no more" 

"I shout and laugh at my immense wealth
all free and without responsibility.
Who could steal this from me?  No-one."...A Streeton

The Wisdom of Jacarandas... It's time!

For those who have university experience in Australia, 

the appearance of the Jacaranda trees' clusters of purple blossoms means;

It's time ... to buckle down and study for the exams.

 In Sydney, you can witness the bursts of purple line the skies from late October to early November and if your university days are well behind you, you can enjoy Mother Nature's spectacular display without stress.  

A native of South America, a legend was spread about the spirit of this tree, which continues to inspire a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs around the world. 

According to the Amazon myth, one day a bird of great beauty, carrying the priestess of the moon, descended upon the Jacaranda Tree.  The lovely priestess was on a mission to teach the villagers wisdom, ethics and how to live in harmony, with all of nature.  When she taught mortals all she knew, she returned to the adorned in Jacaranda blossoms and ascended to the heavens to be with her lover, the son of sun.

It may be that the tree is associated with wisdom that many Australian campuses have a Jacaranda tree growing on them.  The intention may be that in striving for passing marks on their exams, the students don't forget about ethics and use all that they learned to realise a fairer world for all of nature's living things.

This is the hope, as passing marks in theoretical classes may no longer be what the world requires of humanity, but greater compassion for all living things to keep our world alive.

Summarised from an article  by "Eda Utku" <eda.utku.writer@gmail.com>

For a great song - with fabulous images go to the link below. 

https://youtu.be/3Ins0EesFYc    Jacarandas in November

Trick or Treating in NSW - ABC News informs

 

New South Wales says trick or treating is OK, but there are some caveats

Providing the level of community transmission remains low, NSW Health said it was "supportive" of Halloween festivities going ahead, but "with some caveats", as limits on gatherings across the state are being increased to 30 people.

To keep Halloween celebrations outdoors, it should be a front-yard rather than a front-door event. For trick-or-treat outings, a supervising adult is advised to join children from the same household, instead of having groups of children moving about together.

"Keep it local and put effort into decorating the front yard, rather than focusing on well-known 'treat streets'," a NSW Health spokesperson said.

"Provide closed packaging for treats and instead of communal lolly bowls, consider other ways of distributing treats, like strewn along the front fence.

"And have hand sanitiser at the front gate."

Maintaining a 1.5-metre distance between people from different households is recommended and children "should not share costume face masks".

American Style Pork Ribs hit the spot

I was served these 'finger-lickin' ribs by an American friend and I have to say they were superb!

The method calls for boiling then cooling the ribs and finishing off by grilling or in the oven.  This sounds like a bit of a fiddle, but it actually works well especially for plan ahead meals. 

For 4 hungry people,  you'll need 4 x 500g racks pork ribs; in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, add plenty of roughly chopped garlic and 1 chilli, bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, drain and set aside until ready to finish off. 

For the sauce place in a saucepan, 3/4 cup tomato puree; 1/4 cup each Worcestershire sauce and vinegar; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup golden syrup or brown sugar (less for Australian taste) 1 red chilli, chopped; salt and pepper; 2 cups water then simmer for 10 minutes.  Reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce to baste the ribs while cooking for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned.  Serve with the sauce on the side.

Men and their BBQs

 "Australian men aren't known for their ease at social chat.  Beyond the footy scores and house prices, even a soulless electric grill appears to have the ability to stir genuine yarning and conversation in the way a camp fire might once have done."  Richard White, historian.       

Excerpt from  ALFRESHCO - foreshore flavour

 https://clairemitchell.com.au

'BBQ transformation 2020 ?? Research only

Are these the BBQs of the past?

 

 I know that this is male territory and perhaps I shouldn't go there but...

This is not a 'takeover' tactic - it's RESEARCH.  Why do I need to know! 

 'ALFRESHCO - foreshore flavour'  is a historical and elusive search for an Australian Cuisine, given that we have access to wonderful local produce.  

Picnics are featured and BBQ's of course; it is acknowledged that Aussies try to claim the BBQ as our own, where it is considered traditional, if not sacred.  Therefore, I need to keep up with trends  -  will this more portable trend create more balcony space and perhaps more taste???  

A recent article by Richard Cornish, informed how "The great Aussie barbie is undergoing a transformation.  Those hefty, hooded gas-burning behemoths?? are being pushed aside by a wave of charcoal-fuelled grills, mostly portable."  

 Jumbuck Mini Spit Society

A charcoal barbeque that has a fan page with 12,000 Facebook followers.   Jumbuck society founder, Matt "Crackleman" Jackson says   "There is something about smoke, fire and cooking meat that brings people together."
There's too much to research in one post and there are important tips such as "You do not want lots of white smoke coming off the charcoal.  that is unburned fat that will form a bitter, sooty layer on your food."
So, I'll continue to document my research and pass it on.  Your thoughts on this would be valued.  
Cheers Clara

$60 MILLION FOR HARBOUR TRUST HERITAGE SITES

Copying in the great news for our foreshores

Sussan Ley MP, the Environment Minister to North Head today announced an additional $40.6 million investment into the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. This takes the total investment to more than $60 million to restore and maintain the Harbour Trust’s, military, convict, Indigenous and industrial maritime heritage sites.

Minister Ley said this year’s Budget will ensure the start of the implementation of recommendations from the independent review of the Harbour Trust.

“The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust review was about ensuring the rich history of these amazing sites are conserved and remain in public hands and accessible to future generations,” Minister Ley said.

The Budget also supports a key review recommendation to develop a refreshed vision for Cockatoo Island and North Head Sanctuary as well as site-specific capital plans and heritage asset audits.
To read the Minister's full statement, click here.

Further information on the actions the government is taking in response to the Independent Review of the Harbour Trust is available at: https://environment.gov.au/about-us/shft-independent-review

Headland Park - Chowder Bay

Macquarie light station

North Head Sanctuary

 

John Williamson - Cootamundra Wattle - A tribute to my mum

 

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Spring is here at last with its promise of hope.

In Mosman, camellias have finally stopped flowering just as the wattle flowers.

I love wattle and this song - sent to me by my son. I'm listening to the words, Brent. Claire

"A tribute to my Mum, even tho John wrote this for a wife. My mum taught my two Brothers and I the love of reading, music, poetry, animals, flowers, the bush and the need to get past adversity, of which she had so much and raised us alone and worked so hard, always thinking of the future but not forgetting the past.

Rest In peace and know you're loved and yes she loved wattle. She somehow found time to help many others a tribute to her loving heart. She once told me she did the best she could and wasn't perfect. I think I was blessed to have her as my mother, mistakes and all."

John Williamson

John Williamson - Cootamundra Wattle

A tribute to my mum.

Walking with Beethoven

German artist 1800s Joseph Koch - one of the early 1800s artists who had a new respect 
for the beauty and wildness of nature.

Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, also known as the Pastoral, 
depicts the peaceful countryside which he loved.
Click on the link below to hear this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMJPZ-mu-Ts

Our glorious foreshores, including Balmoral, provide many peaceful places
to walk and enjoy nature.
I wonder what would Beethoven would have called a symphony depicting our foreshores?

Photo - Christopher Maait

                                      

         

Photo - Christopher Maait

HARBOUR TRUST REVIEW A WIN FOR THE COMMUNITY

Chair Hi  I've copied you in just in case you missed the announcement made by Harbour Trust Chair, Joseph Carrozzi, on 18 June 2020. The confirmation that the Harbour Trust will remain in the hands of the Commonwealth government is great news for the community. "It has recognised our conviction that the life of the Trust should be extended in perpetuity and in its entirety, that the legislation is appropriate, that there is an urgent need for funding, and that 50 year leases are over-long." Kate Eccles  - Mosman Parks & Bushland Thanks Kate, for all your hard work in assisting to make this happen. Cheers Claire Letter from Harbour Trust Chair Joseph Carrozzi To our valued community,  The Members of the Trust, including myself as Chair, welcome the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, released today.   Announced by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, in October 2019, the Independent Review has been an opportunity for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to evaluate the Harbour Trust’s legislative, financial and governance arrangements.   We have welcomed the important input from you, our community, during the review process. We are pleased that the review has confirmed that the Harbour Trust should continue to operate as an ongoing entity and will remain in the hands of the Commonwealth government. A win for the community.  This will guarantee the continued public ownership of – and access to – iconic places on Sydney Harbour, cared for by the Harbour Trust in partnership with the community.   This endorsement is a testament to our track-record of creating public spaces that are rich in natural beauty and heritage value. I am delighted that the Harbour Trust’s network of sites will be protected for the people of Australia. We welcome the initial financial support on capital works and look forward to receiving confirmation on funding in the upcoming budget process. This will allow us to address a backlog of work and allow for greater public access to and enjoyment of our sites – particularly Cockatoo Island and North Head Sanctuary. Although the report validates the efforts of the Harbour Trust over the course of the past two decades, there is still work for us to do.   Our mandate it to revitalise former Defence sites and other Commonwealth lands on Sydney Harbour, and ensure they are open and accessible to all Australians. We look forward to continuing working in close partnership with the community as we strive towards this shared vision.  I encourage you to view the report on the Independent Review, which is available on the Department’s website.  Sincerely, Joseph Carrozzi Chair, Harbour Trust The Harbour Trust acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands and waters of Sydney Harbour, including the places under our stewardship. We respectfully acknowledge the Borogegal, Birrabirrigal, Cammeraygal, Gadigal, Gayamagal, Wallumedegal and Wangal people, including Elders past, present and emerging. PO Box 607, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia  |  info@harbourtrust.gov.au | www.harbourtrust.gov.au  You are subscribed as mosman.parks@gmail.com to our newsletter. You can unsubscribe from the Harbour Trust newsletter at any time by clicking here.

Hurrah!! Our Taronga Zoo is reopening.

We missed you and your mates but hear that you'll be back soon.

"The jungle sounds
heard at night
across the bay, 
bring a strange 

exotic note 

to suburban
Mosman life; 

to some disturbing, 

to others
a call to adventure."

from 'Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours'

With the reopening of Taronga Zoo  I'm reminded of the absolute beauty of the site of our zoo.  So much to see, and learn as you walk  'In the wild.'  There are of course beautiful foreshore walks to and from the Zoo, with stunning views of the city as well as historical and cultural interest or you can travel there by car, bus or ferry.


Having animals living in this wonderful, natural environment can sometimes mean that we don't always get the best up-front view, as experienced with the alligators, where from our perspective, we are sometimes only able to observe a large open mouth, obviously waiting to snap but we're more than happy that the animals are happy.

Happy Claire (as long as he doesn't snap me)

ANZAC SPIRIT IS IN US ALL

Hi there

I'm passing on an extract from an article written by a friend, Eda Utka. To me, it epitomises the spirit of Australia, including our new residents from other lands.  Thanks Eda

LEST WE FORGET 
Claire

This Saturday is a special day here in Australia. It’s a day of remembrance for the men who sacrificed their lives to fight battles in faraway lands. One of those distant lands where Australians and New Zealanders fought was Turkey, my homeland.

This year, I baked ANZAC Biscuits. These biscuits are symbolic of a mother’s love and the innovative spirit of the ANZACs. The mothers of the ANZAC soldiers developed a recipe made from non-perishable ingredients to last the long journey to Turkey and this biscuit made of flour, rolled oats, coconut flakes, golden syrup and butter was born.

So this ANZAC spirit that we talk about, mateship, humour, ingenuity, courage and endurance, it is not only in the men who served overseas, but in the women who were left behind to raise their children to provide moral support, bake and ship off ANZAC biscuits as a symbol of their love. These days I see ANZAC spirit in people who leave behind their homes to come to Australia to study or start new lives here with their families.

I see it in people like Christabelle, who first offered me ANZAC biscuits despite being Indonesian. I see it in anyone who’s left all they know to start a new life after battling an illness, breakdown of a relationship, becoming a mother for the first time, decided to write a book, left a job that was comfortable for a new challenge. In short, we all embody the ANZAC spirit. It is the human spirit. Eda

You can read this article in full at https://www.writepublishgrow.com/lest-we-forget-that-anzac-spirit-is-in-all-of-us/