Banana Cake

I'm always on the hunt for goood Banana Cake recipes, as I've *always* got excess bananas in my freezer department of my refridgerator. The toasted coconut on the top was a nice addition. The recipe states to bake for an hour, but that was far too long (in my oven at leaast). I baked mine for 40 minutes, so make sure you keep a close on the the time.

*Taken from Murdoch Books, 'Australian Family Favourites', pg 401, published 2007*

Ingredients
125g butter
125g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp natural vanilla extract (I used 2tsp vanilla essence)
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
125ml (1/2 cup) milk
250g (2 cups) Self Raising Flour

Butter frosting Ingredients
125g butter
90g (3/4 cup) icing sugar
1 tbs lemon juice
15g (1/4 cup) flaked coconut, toasted (I used shredded coconut)

Method
Preheat oven to 180C. Brush a 20cm round cake tin with oil or melted butter and line the base with baking paper.

Using electric beaters, beat butter and sugar in a small bowl until light and creamy. Add the eggs gradually, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add the extract and mashed banana and beat until combined.

Transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Dissolved the soda in the milk. Using a metal spoon, fold in the sifted flour alternately with the milk. Stir until all the ingredients are just combined and the mixture is smooth. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre of the cake. Leave in the tin for 10 minsutes before turing onto a wire rack to cool.

To make the frosting, using electric beaters, beat the butter, icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Spread onto the cooled cake, sprinkle with toasted cococnut flakes.

Ave A Good One...

Today is Australia Day. Our national holiday, though because January 26th has fallen on a Saturday the Public Holiday is on Monday. (So, it is alongweekend this weekend.)

To celebrate, I have made a typical Aussie dessert, just for me. Because I can and because I felt like it. I know Ms. Mac would love to be here helping me devour this...

...Pavlova with Peppermint Crisp on top.

Deeeelicious! (I used this recipe for anyone interested.)

Happy Australia Day everyone.

Enjoy a frothie later 'ron. Say G'Day to every shelia and cobber you know. She'll be right, chins up and throw a snag on the Barbie for me. Bewdy mate.

Fajitas

(Sorry, the photo doesn't look that appealing, but don't let this photo put you off. This is so work making!)

Oww...these were delicious. I set all the prepared ingredients in the center of the table and everyone helps themselves... I cooked the meat on the BBQ - which was quick, easy and smelt out the neighbourhood (mmm!). Instead of using beef you could easily use chicken and the result would be just as delicious. There was a lot of meat (for 4 adults) so you really didn't need quite so much)

*Taken from Murdoch Books 'Australian Family Favourites' published 2007*

Ingredients
185ml olive oil
2 tbs lime juice
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 red chillies, chopped (I used 2)
2 tbs tequila (optional) (I omitted)
1 kg rump steak, thinly sliced into strips
1 red and yellow capsicum, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
8 flour tortillas
guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomato and sour cream, to serve

Method
Combine the oil, lime juice, garlic, chilli, tequila and some pepper. Add the meat, cover and marinate for several hours or overnight.

Drain the meat and toss with the capsicum and onion.

Just before serving, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in a 150C oven for about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, you could 'zap' them in the microwave) Cook the meat and vegetables in batches in a hot heavy-based frying pan until cooked. Put the tortillas on a serving plate and sit in the middle of the table with the meat, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and sour cream. Let everyone assemble their own fajita.

Serves 4

Gone

I'm finding it a bit ironic that Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment on, what would have been, Michael Hutchence's (48th) birthday, USA time. Why do I say that? It is because Heath has always reminded me of Michael- the swagger when he walks, his personality. Something. And he was rumoured to be in line to play Michael Hutchence in an (apparent) movie about the man. I remember saying to Lyndon that I thought Heath would play a perfect Michael, rather than Colin Farrell, who was also rumoured to wanting the leading role.

I think the Australian media has gone into a frenzy today, with the news breaking here at 7:45AM (Queensland time). My SIL text me as she saw the news breaking on one of the morning shows here in Australia. Because Queensland is an hour behind both N.S.W and Victoria, we get programs recorded live in these states an hour later. I quickly flipped the channel over to Sky News on Austar. It is hard to sort out the 'true' facts when news is breaking and filtering out in bits and pieces. All I know is that the world has lost a handsome, young and talented actor (who happened to be Australian who 'did well'). His latest role in the new Batman movie has been said to be his best yet. I've 'Google'-d images from this movie and he looks very, very creepy. *shudder* They are saying he plays 'The Joker' better than Jack Nicholson did in the first Batman Flick (when was that movie - 1989?)

Today I am wearing my much loved Shem Watson T-Shirt. My designer t-shirt I bought off the actual designer whose studio was in the 1st story of a Chapel Street (in Melbourne) building. He was one of Heath's best mates.

I remember seeing photos of Heath with (then girlfriend) Naomi Watts, wearing 'Shem' designed t-shirts. Heath was photographed many times wearing this t-shirt, in support of his designer friend, apparently one of his closest friends. After doing some of my own research I walked into the designer's studio in Chapel Street (we were living in close proximity to here, back in 2002) with determination I was going to buy one of the t-shirts, no matter at what cost.

I wasn't actually expecting to meet Shem, but I did. It happened that he was working on that Saturday morning in his studio. He introduced himself and I felt star-struck. Silly, I know, but I did. He shook my hand, asked how I knew about his designs ("Heath of course") and tried on some t-shirts. He told me how he did the t-shirts, each one was individually screen printed. It cost me $90 but I have worn it so many times over the past 5 years, it is only now starting to feel a little sad with some holes appearing around the neck line. It is one piece of clothing I don't think I will part with.

Rest in Peace Heath.
*sigh*

And We're Counting...

I was 23 when I got my first passport. It was my 'ticket' to go and explore the United Kingdom, something I had dreamt of for many years.

Monet is 3. Her first passport application is in. It is her 'ticket' to 'London' and our other destinations we have carefully planned out. I feel really proud to be 'opening' up her world with this passport at such a young impressionable age. She is going to see some things she'll never forget and experience a lot of things that adults dream about doing, but never do. I know she will learn so much when we visit cities in Europe and I'm sure we'll be hearing about them in times to come.

Her eyes light up when we talk about our impending trip. They really do. She has a map she points to and the world globe. She'll point to where she lives (spot on) and where abouts we'll be going. I don't know if she knows just how a 'huge' trip it is going to be and what it all entails, but I know she kinda 'gets it'.

She's been talking so much of seeing Auntie Kim and Uncle T, big red double decker buses, the 'big clock' (Big Ben), the 'huge Ferris wheel' (the London Eye), black taxis, 'the queen' (her home anyway!), the 'tallest tower' (the Eiffel Tower), the merry-go-rounds (Paris' carousels), let me tell you, the list goes on.

She's been talking about what clothes she's going to take, because she knows it going to be a lot cooler there than here ("I'll need my scarf, my hat, my gloves, my coat") and which actual teddy bear gets the privilege of travelling half way around the world with her (and that would be 'Pickles the Bear')

We've begun to book our accommodation and I'm busy organising our 'schedule' (coordinating train travel with city accommodation).

Can't believe it is three months today to we fly off in our Cathay Pacific Plane headed to LHR via a Hong Kong stopover. How wonderful.

How old were you when you got your first passport? (If you have one that is!)

(Another) Sunday Outing...

Another Sunday, another Sunday drive!

Yesterday's drive took the three of us south of Cairns, to the foot of Queensland's highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere which stands at 1657meters above sea-level. Every time we've driven past, it is rare to see the top of the mountain, it's head is *always* in the clouds. Yesterday was no exception.

We visited Josephine Falls. I had been wanting to see the falls since I first spied the sign post off the Bruce Highway about 20 months ago.

The falls were pretty spectacular, thanks to all the rain we've had over the past week or so...

There were a few tourists who were keen for a dip in the pools there. I'm sure the waters were cooling but I'm too much of a wimp to go for a swim (let alone a paddle) in rivers/falls/creeks around these parts. (I think I research stuff too much and read about people dying in waters such as these because of water flow or crocodiles.)

By the time we walked back to the car we were wet through. Not from the rain, nor the falls themselves, but because of sweat. Urgh. *I know!* The humidity that comes with the rains sometimes is unbearable.

Our next stop was for a picnic lunch by the seaside! Sounds nice doesn't it? And to tell you the truth, it is because it was nice, bar a little too windy. The beach we visited was Branston Beach, about 17 kilometres off the Bruce Highway at Mirriwinni. (Love the name Mirriwinni, not to keen on the actual 'two-bit' town though!) We weren't expecting much at this beach but we were pleasantly surprised. Don't you love that when that happens?

The main street of Branston Beach (yes, there was a little town there) was lined with holiday homes which lined the beach, along with one little shop-cafe which seemed packed to the rafters. The beach was lovely, bar a little rough, but it was quiet and the outlook from our picnic table was lovely.

We left after our picnic lunch and headed to Babainda Boulders. For a fleeting moment I think we considered 'not going' but I am so glad we did. The Boulders were lovely and quiet a busy little spot, nestled in the mountains, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Gorgeous stuff. So green and the boulders in the running river were gigantic...

To give some perspective on the height of these 'rocks' there is actually a guy on the big rock on the right hand side. He is standing. I wonder if you can spot him?)

There was a track which ran alongside the river, through the lush green forest, lots of little spiders (and some big ones too!) were to be spotted, along with lizards, butterflies etc.,

Since 1959 over 15 people (mainly young men apparently) have drowned at the Boulders, held under by strong currents. Or maybe they were doing this...

Can you spot the boy jumping off the boulders into the gushing water below? Sure, looks like fun but you would never (ever) catch me doing something so foolish. We didn't watch them for long, couldn't stand watching them, in case something 'happened'. They were jumping at least 3-4 stories high, between the towering boulders into the green waters below...

By the time we walked back to the car we were all wet through (with lovely sweat again). I swear I have never felt so 'sticky' before. So here I am complaining and Lyndon says "This is how I feel everyday". Whoops, forgot the young man in this house works on construction sites.

We were home mid afternoon, driving home through some of the heaviest rain we have ever driven through. Amazing stuff.

All up it was a great Sunday drive, thoroughly enjoyable and visiting some (more) wonderful places that this corner of the world had to offer us...

When was the last time you went on a Sunday drive?

Sausage and Egg Salad with Anchovy Dressing

A bit of a bizarre salad, but really tasty, great flavours and easy too. What a combination hey? Kind of like a 'throw-it-together' meal... I used Beef and Cracked Pepper flavoured sausages.

*Taken from Murdoch Books, 'Tossed', published 2006*

Ingredients
4 eggs
250g green beans, trimmed and halved
2 tbs olive oil
4 good-quality sausages, cut into 1cm slices
2 thick slices crusty white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1cm cubes
200g mixed salad leaves
150g roasted red capsicum, sliced

Anchovy Dressing Ingredients
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tbs olive oil
2 tbs lemon juice
3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 tbs shredded basil leaves

Method
Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil, add the eggs and cook for 5 minutes. Add the beans and cook for a further 2 minutes. Drain and rinse the eggs and beans under cold water, draining the beans well. Crack the egg shells slightly and leave to cool in cold water.

Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a frying pan. Add the sausage slices and fry over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked, turning once. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside.

put the frying pan back over medium heat and add the remaining oil. When the oil is hot, add the bread cubes and fry, turning now and then, for about 2 minutes, or until golden on all sides.

Put all the anchovy dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Mash the anchovies well, mix thoroughly, then season with black pepper and set aside.

Once the eggs have cooled, peel them and then cut them into quarters. Put the sausages, beans, salad leaves and capsicum in a serving bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently. Top with the eggs and croutons and serve.

Serves 4

Flecker Botanical Gardens

You may remember last week I took my visiting parents to the Flecker Botanical Gardens in Cairns? If you're ever in this section of the world it is certainly worth a visit. The first time I visited with Monet it was not long after Cyclone Larry had visited the city so the gardens weren't looking too good. Last week was a different story though. The Gardens seemed to be flourishing.


I'm not one to know names of plants so I have no idea what most of these are called. All I know is that they all grow in tropical climates. A lot of the plants are species from Papua New Guinea and Asia but I do have to say, most of them are lovely...

Check out the flower on this plant...

My mum ohhed and ahhed over that flower, after all, it's not everyday you see something as magnificent!

(That's my dad taking photos and my mum probably pointing to some plant she's never seen before!)

One thing with tropical 'flowers' is the majority of them are fabulously bright, especially against the lush green leaves (bar the above 'dark flower')...

The next flower we thought was a tropical kind of 'Waratah'...

The Gardens looked so healthy, so green and best thing? So quiet! Except for the roar of airplanes taking off from the airport across the road every 10 minutes! *heehee* There weren't many people around so it was like having the tropical oasis to yourself. In fact, it was so quiet it was like you were in someone's personal tropical backgarden.

I need to visit there more often. Monet *loved* it. She loved reading the little description plaques beneath the plants and making up what they read.

"If you catch a Butterfly, catch it and let it go"
"If you see Dora say 'Swiper no swiping'" (you need to know Dora the Explorer to understand that one!)
"Tell Boots that Dora's catching butterflies"
"If you cross a bridge, find a butterfly"

Sure they didn't make sense but we all got good giggles out of them.

If you're ever in town make a special outing to visit these Botanical Gardens, you'll find them fascinating. Just take some Insect Repellent with you!