"I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled ..." - A Modest Proposal.
When I was a young lass, I presented this satirical piece in my English class much to the horror of my religious class mates. But now, thanks to a company called First Impression Moulds, you can make yourself the creepiest baby cake ever and carve up the little cherub. Nom nom nom.
It seems like yesterday but once again I'm faced with the annual challenge of a suitable gift for Mister Barlin's birthday. I love giving gifts but find it difficult to putting together something inspiring and unique for men and after some thinking, I settled on a jar of chocolate coins but alas, these are very much a seasonal product so when I searched through various department and specialist stores at Chermside, I came up with nought. Where was I going to find the rest? After snatching up four bags in Big W CBD, I recalled the TV advertisements for Tom's Confectionery Warehouse, a crazy Brisbane icon that indeed trades every day 8am - 9pm except Christmas. So with Spensley in tow, we arrived to find every chocolate and sweet under the sun including these giant Easter Bunnies. You can purchase this one kilogram rabbit as shown by my lovely assistant for less than $30.
After composing ourselves, we found the chocolate coins we sought, piled them into a pretty jar and popped it into the post. A creative, unique and attract gift sourced for another year. Huzzah!
It might be March 7th in Australia but it's still yesterday in America. Which means it's actually Oreo's 100th birthday! I recommend celebrating with one and by reading my Ode to the Oreo.
The March 2012 edition of MasterChef Magazine is just full of inspiration (in fact it's a must have) and this amazing salad by Kate Bracks caught my eye. However I couldn't justify the cost of purchasing 750g of lamb backstrap, verjuice and vino cotto so I've made some minor modifications for the budget conscious and I can say the results were quite pleasing to both taste buds and wallet. Take 750g of lamb chops and marinade them overnight in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of light soy and 1 finely chopped clove of garlic. The next day pan fry the lamb chops until medium rare and set aside to cool. Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of dijoin together and pour over half a thinly sliced red onion, 2 halved, stoned ripe peaches sliced into wedges, 100g wild baby rocket and crumble 60g soft goats cheese. Toss the salad and then portion onto plates and layer the lamb over the top and serve.
I've just been spoilt by my gorgeous friend Mellie J, who sent this pair of cook books via her Mother (who also happens to be super awesome). Apart from the petite size and droolworthy photography, these books have inspiring recipes like S'mores Cupcakes, Spiced Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Pecan Mascarpone and Manchego Croquettes. I think my cooking might be downsizing to nibbles in the near future.
I was out at Pourboy Espresso yesterday when I spotted their cold press coffee brewing system. So what is it? Cold press coffee is a process of extraction using room temperature water over an extended period of time (usually 12 hours) and produces a sweeter coffee which is best consumed cold and black. It's absolutely amazing and I'm keen to include in a Tiramisu in the future.
The mood was dark and the heavy rain was blowing sideways as I staggered through the Queen Street Mall in a desperate bid to avoid supermarket tea. T2 and the Tea Centre weren't open, but Toby's Estate was and on a shelf in front of a counter sits a range of loose leaf available in attractive metal tins or silk pyramid tea bags. I triumphantly clutched my Toby's Breakfast Blend (a combination of Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling and China Keemun leads), paid for it and started to dash out the door when a staff member thrust a card into my hands for a free coffee. So that's my epic story of my obsession with tea and how I managed to score a free coffee before my morning catch up with Sam. Toby's Estate was originally suggested by Sam and I was keen to try it as Sam is quite canny about these things, being a keen cook and connoisseur. The Toby's Estate began over 10 years ago out of one man's garage and you guessed it, his name is Toby. From those humble beginnings, Toby's Estate has now grown into a national empire supplying beans and servicing the caffeine depend with its own chain of cafes. Toby's Estate Brisbane discreetly popped up in November and has become a favourite of addicts travelling the migratory path between the Queen Street Mall and the Queensland University of Technology. The interior is modern, comfortable and no fuss much like the food. 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 79 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday to Friday, Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: 1300 679 750. 
