Alfresco - pasta with tuna for these summer evenings

Equally good hot or cold but for picnics, either prepare at home
or add grilled tuna to a prepared penne salad.

TUNA:  Heart Friendly, Lowers Blood Pressure, Improves the Immune System, Helps with Weight Loss, Strengthens Your Bones, Improves Skin Health, etc; is delicious and quick to prepare.

Cook 2 cups penne in a large pan of lightly salted boiling water according to the packet instructions or until al dente. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add 500g tuna steak, cook, stirring occasionally, for 2—3 minutes until seared. Remove from the pan, cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Return the pan to high heat and cook  2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced; 2 long red chillies, seeded and finely chopped and 4 chopped anchovies.  Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.  Add a punnet of grape tomatoes and a handful of black olives and cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Add the hot pasta and tuna to the pan and gently toss. Add a handful of basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.

A Perfect Aussie BBQ

BBQ / grill at Hill End Caravan Park NSW

We have a tendency to use the terms ‘barbecue’ and ‘grill’ interchangeably but in the US the BBQ refers to cooking for a long period at a low temperature, where meats, particularly tough cuts, soak up the smoke and marinade flavours to become very tender and moist. We do favour cuts such as Butterflied Lamb which is served pink and therefore is in between the two. However, grilling which is the opposite approach is most commonly used for everyday backyard cookout fare in Australia: ‘the method of cooking food hot and fast on the grill. “We’ve probably been brought up with the burnt sausage and well-done steak cooked on the barbecue,” Australasian Barbecue Alliance Co-Founder, Adam Roberts, said. “Whoever was doing the barbecue probably said, "That’s the way I like them when in reality they’ve just buggered it up.” ...

The Aussie barbecue has evolved; these days tong-wielding enthusiasts are embracing global
influences, turning down the heat, and transforming the humble backyard barbie into another excuse to pit mate against mate in healthy competition. The final touch which remains however, is a
handful of gum leaves in the fire for that dinky di (authenic) outback flavour.
Less heat, more time — it’s part culinary movement, part sport.
Extract - ALFRESHCO: foreshore flavour

On the other hand, Celebrity chef, Matt Moran, said a BBQ was about showcasing the best summer ingredients - a selection of Aussie beef, lamb and sausages, plus seafood.
"I think we're all pretty traditional on Australia Day.  Most Aussies like to keep it simple - I love the snag rolls with caramelised onions on freshly buttered baked bread roll - it's a memory and taste you can't beat.
 Daily Telegraph, Jan 20 - 'Australia Day 2019'

Caramelised onions 

These are wonderful served cold as an accompaniment to cold meats, pates and terrines or hot with grilled meats. They’re very easy to make at home – you simply cook the onions slowly to caramelise their natural sugars while the brown sugar and balsamic help the process along.

Heat 2 tbsp oil on a grill or in a large frypan over low heat. Add 3 large red or brown onions, sliced and a good pinch of salt and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from catching. Don’t be tempted to turn the heat up, as you don’t want the onions to burn. When onions are softened and tinged golden, add 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Cook over low heat for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelised.
Recipe P170 - ALFRESHCO

A

'Man your Esky this Christmas!

Man Your  Esky!

What is the BBQ without the Esky?

Many countries have a long history of grilled meats, yet Aussies try to claim the BBQ as our own, where it’s considered traditional, if not sacred. The barbecue and sausage sizzle along with the truly Australian invention of the Esky, have become emblems of Australian hospitality with ‘Firing up the barbie’ practically a way of life... So what's the special role of the Esky?

Esky definition: 1. a brand name for a cool box (a box with a lid,
used for keeping food and drink cool) 

A common factor uniting the barbecuing world, public or private, whether born in Australia or elsewhere, is that it’s the men who do the cooking. And as they do so, they talk.

Richard White, Australian historian and author of ‘Inventing Australia’ says, “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 yearning and conversation in the way a camp fire might once have done.”

Mark Thompson in ‘Meat, Metal, & Fire: The Legendary Australian Barbecue’ believes Aussie men fulfil their hunting and creative instincts in the ritual. At the end of the day, it’s mateship, the sharing of good food and casual relaxed moments that is an intrinsic part of our lifestyle. 

We can create a gourmet meal with all the trimmings, cooked to perfection, or just have a few chops and snags (sausages) maybe a bit charred; with bread; throw in some beer/wine and enjoy the day.
Extract from ALFRESHCO: foreshore flavour 

Fabulous summer shot of The Pavilion, Balmoral

Yet another fabulous shot of The Bathers  Pavilion- this time captured by Tim James



The Tramp Tramp Tramp of Workless Men
1929-1932

1929: ‘The Great Depression’ seized the world.
An economic ‘ogre’ crippled industry,
threw workers to the streets –
and having vent its worst fury,
lingered in the shadows until WWII.

Hardship endured; depression employment
yielded the Sydney Harbour Bridge,
Balmoral beautification scheme;
Rotunda, Bathers Pavilion, Promenade.
“Concrete mad!”, they all said.

As part of Depression employment projects, Mosman Council embarked on the Balmoral Beautification Scheme. The Bathers Pavilion came first (1929), then the Promenade (1930), along with a bridge to the Island, followed by the Rotunda (1930). The latter two were funded by the State Government as Depression employment projects.

The bathing pavilion was commissioned by the council as their response to the growing demand to cater for the enormous increase in picnickers and bathers that resulted from the opening of the tram line extension to Balmoral.

Designed by Alfred H Hale, in a classical Mediterranean style, it was opened in 1929, its purpose being to ‘decriminalise’ the activity of mixed-sex bathing. It had 1506 clothing lockers and 239 cubicles where bathers could disrobe in privacy. The upper floor was used for drying bathing suits (woollen) that were for hire. It remained essentially as a large changing shed until 1967 when it was established as Mishka’s Restaurant where brunch became an institution. Now re-renamed ‘The Bather’s Pavilion’, it’s a stylish venue for casual and formal dining, following extensive legal challenge and public debate.
Extract - THROUGH THE HEADS To Balmoral, Sydney

Today Serge Dansereau is the owner and Head Chef at the Bathers' Pavilion restaurant, cafe and Kiosk on Balmoral Beach in Sydney.

Serge with Claire at the launch of ALFRESHCO : foreshore flavour when he spoke about his book 'For the Love of Good Food' which describes how his passion for fresh regional produce has encouraged the development of specialist food throughout Australia

Salads to enjoy for ALFRESHCO foreshore dining

Pomegranates - Stephen Trebilcock

The pomegranate is one of the main fruits in Armenian culture (alongside apricots and grapes). Its juice is used with Armenian food, heritage, or wine. The pomegranate is a symbol in Armenia, representing fertility, abundance, and marriage. 
It is also a semi-religious icon.

Pomegranate  herb & walnut salad

A simple, elegant salad perfect for picnics on Australia Day.  Add the dressing, pomegranate seeds and walnuts at the site.

Combine in a large bowl,  2 Lebanese cucumbers, diced small; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped; 2 handfuls of spinach or rocket leaves. 

Use pomegranate dressing (see below)  or a red wine vinegar dressing, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and a large handful of roasted walnuts

Pomegranate Dressing

Prepare 1 pomegranate by cutting it in half - juice one half to yield 1 tbsp juice after removing some of the seeds to retain with seeds from the other half.  Combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil with 2 tsp pomegranate molasses, 1 tbsp pomegranate juice, a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and cracked pepper.

A substitute for pomegranate molasses which can be purchased from good supermarkets, 

Pomegranate molasses is traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine and has a distinct sweet and sour taste. It is also referred to as pomegranate syrup or pomegranate paste. Pomegranate molasses has gained popularity worldwide and is being used to give a new flavour to non-traditional dishes and drinks.

Top Substitutes

You can use various foods in place of pomegranate molasses. The top substitutes are cranberry concentrate;  balsamic vinegar with sugar; sweetened pomegranate juice syrup.  Add sugar to your taste.

Recipe - ALFRESHCO: foreshore flavour

A joyful moment on a Sydney Ferry

Catch a ferry, following in the wake of mid-century visitors to the 'Pleasure Grounds', mostly around Mosman - at Cremorne Point, Athol, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Rosherville and Pearl Bay when excursionists were conveyed in their hundreds by chartered ferries from the city.

Hundreds of holiday makers indulged in amusements which included foot racing, dancing, swimming, Punch and Judy Show or just the indulgence of drinking beer.
Extract from Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours

A friend was saying recently that she was being mindful of the joyful moments in each day. Yesterday, was such a moment for many of my fellow passengers on the ferry bound for Circular Quay. A group of Irish musicians was belting it out Irish folksongs in an upstairs corner of the ferry - simple pleasure and a joyful moment experienced with their enjoyment showing clearly on the faces of those who joined in.

What a great idea for the upcoming Australia Day.

ALFRESHCO A History with Recipes released for outdoor fun

'ALFRESHCO foreshore flavour' follows and expands on previous books; 'THROUGH THE HEADS to Balmoral, Sydney' and MOSMAN MEANDERS & foreshore flavours'.

Outdoor eating, whether a backyard BBQ, an elegant alfresco supper or a picnic at the beach, is about the pleasure of sharing food with friends.

I explore the process of adapting and developing through our First Fleet legacy of portable industrialised food, the early influences on food and tastes, the introduction and inspiration of world cuisines and the birth of the modern food industry.

WITHOUT GREAT PRODUCE THERE CAN'T BE GREAT FOOD. 

Caprese Skewers P 90

Simple finger food ideal for alfresco / picnics, this salad includes traditional ingredients ie 180g baby bocconcini, 8 cherry or grape tomatoes and 1 cup fresh basil. 
Simply toss in a dressing of 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1 tsp sugar or honey, and 2-3 tbsp olive oil, seasalt and freshly ground pepper then thread on skewers.

Enjoy - Claire

Aussie cockies keep us supplied with fabulous produce

Our land of extremes

As Dorothea Mackellar expressed so well in her poem "My Country",
Australia historically is a land of extremes, as the farmers well know;
devastatingly depressing, as they struggle with stress and anxiety,
loss of hope and collectively the loss of millions of dollars in income.

My Country 

by Dorothea Mackellar (1885 - 1968)

The love of field and coppice,

Of green and shaded lanes.

Of ordered woods and gardens

Is running in your veins,

Strong love of grey-blue distance

Brown streams and soft dim skies

I know but cannot share it,

My love is otherwise.

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror -

The wide brown land for me!

A stark white ring-barked forest

All tragic to the moon,

The sapphire-misted mountains,

The hot gold hush of noon.

Green tangle of the brushes,

Where lithe lianas coil,

And orchids deck the tree-tops

And ferns the warm dark soil.

Mackellar was an Australian poet and fiction writer.  My Country, was written at age 19 in 1904, while homesick in England. 

From - The Australian Jan 11   2011 - Floods in Queensland.

Mental health organisation, Lifeline, is preparing for a surge in rural depression as, after years of drought, farmers watch their bumper harvests being washed away by floods.'

New standards are obviously needed to prevent urban development in flood prone areas. The environmental and social consequences are often overridden with the primary interest being the economic value of the land. Farmers today understand their forefathers didn't farm appropriately for Australian conditions but today's farmer has a different appreciation.

Hopefully, the following years with full dams and replenished underground water storage, will be more positive for the Aussie cockies who keep us supplied with fabulous produce and by the way, they are not subsidised. Flood can follow drought but even if there is little rain in the period to follow, good harvest will normally occur due to the underground storage and moist soils.

"We need the Rains"

Clara waxes lyrical - "We need the Rains"

 360 degrees horizon 

Following a visit to catch up with G's family in Dooen - Wimmera - Victoria
Dooen Pub is alive and well today and still fulfills a vital purpose as a meeting place for farmers, residents and travellers to tell their tales, share time with others to renew their faith that the arid earth will be quenched in time. Clara

Wheat silos near Dooen


 

Dooen Hotel opened in 1876
 (Photographed 2004)

 

 



"We need the Rains"
Clara -  Easter 2001  - for G

Dooen Pub

What'chya been doin' all this time

Since they built you in 1876?

On a vast dry plain beside this endless road
Only silos to interrupt the wide horizon.
"We need the rains," you must have said,
and still do now.


You've quenched the thirsts, heard the tales
Of those brave folk who toiled and sweated
Endured the drought yet kept their faith 
That the parched earth would yield its golden bounty.
"We need the rains," they must have said,
and still do now.


Horse and cart; semi-trailers, cars 
Bring a thirsty crowd to drink, to tell their tales 
Share time with others to renew their faith
That this arid earth will be quenched in time
"We need the rains," they must have said,
and still do now.

'Drought, flood & bushfire' - biblical constants

Drought dried waterhole became a bog

Sheila in the Bog (Sheila - Australian slang for 'woman')

A glimpse of bovine terror -
Rolled back eyes and flared nostrils
Showed your intense and overpowering fear
Of sinking further into the mud


Drought dried waterhole
Circled by frantic calf, desperate to connect
Sensed disaster removing prime security
Yet respected danger there


It’s hungry demands had led you to
Seek scant remaining water
Violent efforts to reach familiar foothold
Immersed you even deeper


At your peak of terror when it seemed
your struggle for survival had been lost
Help arrived in human form
Backed up with red tractor


“Hook the noose around the horns
Hold the horns - keep the head steady.
Don’t want to break her neck!
Come on Girl - you can make it!”

“Well done Men, - I knew

We’d get the sheila out of the bog”

Mates back in the army on duty again!

They got her out - she didn't last the night. We feel for the livestock and native animals trapped in the floods. 


Clara - Stanthorpe Queensland -
October 2002





Aftermath - following September 11, Bali bombings Undermined human security

Terror

Bovine terror in your eyes -
Your familiar foothold
No longer there.
Structure of security changed
Threatening the fibre
Of your survival.
Drought is your terrorist--

Sydney Harbour Bridge completed during the Great Depression

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district and the North Shore.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge construction started in 1924 and took 1400 men eight years to build at a cost of £42 million. Six million hand-operated rivets and 53,000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction.  It was officially opened on 19 March 1932 in the midst of the Great Depression.

Before Paul Hogan (from the movie Crocodile Dundee) became famous,
he worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a painter.

Construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge

Capta
Captain Francis De Groot, a member of the proto-fascist New Guard organisation,
preempted the bridge’s official opening, riding up on horseback and slashing
the ribbon with his sword. De Groot was dragged from his horse by police
and later convicted of offensive behaviour. 

Jack Lang cutting the ribbon

Fathers Day Gift Suggestion

The Island   David Boddam Whetham

We live in a friendly and safe community nestled in a very beautiful harbour-side locale of historical and cultural importance.   It’s worth reflecting on how special Mosman is and how important it is to preserve what we have. This sentiment has been wonderfully captured in two books written and   published by local resident Claire Mitchell – ‘Mosman Meanders and foreshore flavours’ and ‘Through the Heads to Balmoral, Sydney’.   They’re great reminders of our past, present, geography and history together with beautiful illustrations and interesting facts, walks, stories, and recipes.   Prof Dennis Bobyn                                              Claire Mitchell    0421 319 496   http://mosmanmeanders.blogspot.com

Snapshots of content which may appeal to the special men in your lives. Fishermen ‘In the Know’- Balmoral Wharf is still an excellent fishing spot where you might be lucky enough to catch the following:-  Dec/Jan – Salmon/Kingies;   Mar/Apr-Jewies;  May/Aug – Trevally/John Dory;  Sept/Oct-Tailor…  The occasional Eastern Rock Lobster can also be found with the help of a waterproof torch. Messing about in boats In 1857 the ‘Dunbar’ was wrecked off South Head.  Some of the timber salvaged from the wreck was used by boat builder, Dan Sheedy, to build a yacht of unique design.  The yacht, The Australian, was designed by Richard Hayes Harnett,  who ignored all previous and current hull forms and led the world in yacht design by studying the shape of a mackerel.  After it was launched in 1858, he sailed it into Mosman Bay. Underwater diversity SIMS ‘Sydney Institute of Marine Science’ is an innovative multidisciplinary marine science facility located in historic buildings at Chowder Bay and Georges Heights, the location ideal for marine research.Photo - A 360 degree underwater camera system off the Sydney Coastline.  1923 - 1950 Order of the Star of the East  Amphitheatre Built to view the returning Christ walking on the waters through the rugged heads; replaced by a re brick citadel “Suburbanisation had conquered all.” ‘The Manor’ in Clifton Gardens  was bought in 1925 by The Theosophical Society (The Order of the Star), after leasing it since 1922 for a community of 50 people, headed by the notorious occultist, Charles Webster Leadbeater. (The story surrounding the amphitheatre is one of extreme controversy, doctrine splintering and radical breakaway factions .  Its membership included such people as, Prime Minister - Alfred Deacon; architect - Walter Burley Griffin; with Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Joyce, DH Lawrence and Gandi influenced by it.)  Available from Outlets -   Pages & Pages;  Oracle Bookstore;  Frenchy’s, Mosman Art Gallery - $29 ‘Through the Heads to Balmoral’ is available  an e-book through your favourite online bookstore - $9.90

PROMENADE – “Concrete mad”, they all said.

BALMORAL PROMENADE WALKWAYS, PAVING AND SEATING WORKS – SOUTH OF BALMORAL RESERVE

Monday 6 August – Friday 30 November 2018 

Council Contractor, Design Landscapes Pty Ltd will be undertaking the seating works at the southern end of the Balmoral Reserve between the Public Dinning Restaurant/Swimmers Club/Kiosk Building and Children Play area.This work will be undertaken during the period of August to November 2018.

With the work on the promenade progressing well it's interesting to look back to the 1930's when the promenade was first built as a Depression employment project.

Extract from 'THROUGH THE HEADS to Balmoral, Sydney'  

The Tramp Tramp Tramp of Workless Men 1929 'The Great Depression seized the world An economic 'ogre' crippled industry,Threw workers to the streets - and having vent its worst fury,lingered in the shadows until WW11. Hardship endured, depression employment yielded the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Balmoral beautification scheme; Rotunda, Bathers Pavilion, Promenade. "Concrete mad!" they all said. “…  Later, a promenade was built, which made a big difference to the area. .. they used to have to shovel the sand off the tramlines after heavy winds and rough seas…” Ted  Pethebridge The public campaign of opposition to the development meant that many councillors did not survive at their next election, being accused by the electors as being ‘concrete mad’.  Not everyone welcomed the exchange of the great sand dunes and the cutting of many more trees, for an English –style promenade. “Well, it was our beautiful sand dunes.  To spoil it with that cement structure was shocking. The same as we hated when they built that monstrosity there.  We thought the bathing pavilion, was the ugliest thing we’d ever seen.” Margaret Ewart   ‘Mosman Voices’

However, many did grow fond of the promenade from the baths to the pavilion, with the beach on one side and the Morton Bay and Port Jackson Figs on the other.

Safe from future threats of council amalgamation?

I am in agreement with Penelope Pryke (Mosman Daily July 5  2018 – Your Say) that the threat “is far from over”. See transcript below.

In the Newsletter 04 Sept 2017, on the MAFA2016 site, it’s stated that “We are very much relieved and pleased that Mosman has avoided council amalgamation.  However,  we should not be complacent  and convinced that the current state of affairs is necessarily permanent.”   

Reasons are given as to why MAFA remains wary, concerned and  prepared to reactivate its anti-merger campaign. Dennis Bobyn on behalf of the MAFA team, looks to our new council to continue to defend Mosman and build our community  to be ever more efficient, strong, safe and enjoyable.

Claire Mitchell   Foreshore Flavour

TRANSCRIPT

Last year, an Upper House Bill on banning future council mergers, including Mosman, without community plebiscites was defeated by the Berejiklian government.

David Snedden (Your Say, 28/6) says that the council amalgamation “threat has passed”. David, the threat is far from over. A Liberal state government election win will mean Mosman will once again be threatened. The Premier has denied this and Felicity Wilson will too but the coalition promised no mergers before and deceived us. Communities know the Government listens intently to the Property Council, the Urban Task Force, Committee for Sydney and Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, all supporting future council mergers and expanded development.

The only barrier to that is Mosman volunteers who fight consistently for us. Let’s not forget the hard work of now Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, councillor Tom Sherlock and council staff who prevented us being delivered to Willoughby and North Sydney decision making.

Council safety work wasting money? No. State Government? Yes. Road work spending is peanuts compared with your taxpayer’s money on local government reform of over half a billion dollars to make Mosman, North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai etc do what their developer mates want.

Penelope Pryke, Mosman

Great news for our harbour slopes

Hi there

Great news for our harbour foreshore slopes as explained in the article below from the Mosman Daily 28/7/2018.

The Harbour Trust and Mosman Council along with the vigilance of local residents have protected our 20 km of beautiful, natural foreshores from inappropriate development but this was threatened by recent legislation which meant that there was no longer a need for a development assessment for some one or two storey houses. 

Thanks go to Kate Eccles on behalf of Mosman Parks & Bushland Association and to MP, Felicity Wilson, for her support in ensuring that our valuable foreshores continue to be considered and preserved, by the extension of collaboration with Mosman Council. 

Cheers Claire