Friday, April 27, 2012

HOW TO HERBS...OUR EDIBLE GARDEN AND PLANTING FOR WINTER...BELLA..BELLA!...OUT AND ABOUT IN BEAUTIFUL MELBOURNE....WINTER WARMING TART RECIPE...AND BLOODY MARY REVISITED...PLUS A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO SUM UP ANZAC DAY....LEST WE FORGET.....

THERE'S A DISTINCT CHILL IN THE AIR

It's starting to get a little chilly here in Brisbane...we love it!
Our herb garden has been restocked with Winter varieties and we all have been diligent with the upkeep so we can start creating some delicious soups!

Our edible garden in one of our huge Lipa Urns...blessed by our solid stone Buddha statue.

Herbs to plant now include Parsley, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary as these varieties will withstand the cold of winter well.  Frost is one of the biggest problems facing the herb garden, however in the warmer parts of Australia, such as here in Brisbane, we rarely have frosts to contend with and have included some mint, chives and basil in our garden.  The Thai Basil variety is very hardy and I find it replenishes itself once cut back...it has a slight minty hint to the flavour and is perfect for soups and using in Asian style dishes as well as the staple Mediterranean fare.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN

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Not only are we in this months Australian House and Garden Mag. but also our gorgeous Bella Chandelier!



The Bella is just one of those chandeliers that, with its neutral tonings and sophisticated elegance slots into so many applications.  We just love it!  The Bella is currently available in the large size as pictured and we also have one last small in stock.
Phone us on 07 38526002 to secure your Bella, or to find out more info.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Last weekend we had a great trip to the city of Melbourne...the city of shopping, bars, restaurants and football if youre a guy :-)

One of the things we love about Melbourne is how the old is melded in perfectly with the new in respect to architecture.  There are some stunning old buildings in the Melbourne CBD.


We stayed at The Savoy on Little Collins.  Its a great Art Deco style hotel positioned close to the train station, clubs, restaurants, bars in the heart of Melbournes CBD.



As you know, we do love to recommend exceptional Australian Businesses of distinction and we found a worthy establishment on our travels in Melbourne.



The Saint and Rogue Public House and Kitchen is situated on Little Collins Street.  If you are looking for a place to drink and eat that really gets back to the grass roots of what a public house is all about, then the Saint and Rogue is the 'must do' destination.  The first night we stopped by for a drink and were pleasantly surprised by the cosy ambience...we grabbed a drink and settled into one of the many 'nooks'...people watched and just chilled, wishing we had discovered this place earlier on in the evening.



Impressed by nook drinkies we decided to head back the next night for dinner.  Up the staircase to the Dining Area and another very cosy and comfy nook booth for great service and a delicious 'pub' meal....me thinks that some of the pubs here in Brisbane could take a leaf...no wait a minute...the whole book from the Saint and Rogue.  With all boxes ticked for service, ambience and food we retreated back into the brisk Melbourne Autumn air and began planning our next stay...and this time we will take some ring-ins with us.



For those who love to shop and for those who just love to people watch and stroll...then Chapel Street is the place to be.  This street is a 2 day trek...one day for one side and another for the next.  Designer stores interspersed with Antique and Second Hand clothing stores to give a retro and village feel, there really is something for everyone in the shopping department and then theres the array of quality eateries that just leave no 'want' snubbed.  

Pete the Greek and I spent most of our day trying to find a Greek restaurant we had discovered years before....we found it!...and settled in...

Met the kids later for a drink at the Irish Pub....more people watching and checking out who bought what.

Thank you Melbourne for looking after us...keeping us entertained, fed, watered and happy.

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Now that its starting to get cooler we say goodbye to the swimming pool and hello to fireplaces/firepits, fluffy socks, long after dinner baths and soups, flans and hot chocolate.

I can now use the oven in the kitchen without looking like I have been standing fully clothed in a sauna for an hour after using it.  And so, the season to cook yummy eggy quiches and tarts  is back!



I wanted to share with you this great recipe for Asparagus, Gruyere and Leek Tart, one, because its easy and the family will think you are particularly clever and their very own Nigella, plus its delicious and should keep the whole family happy.  Serve it up with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.  I make my tarts the day before so all I need to do is heat up the oven when I get home and then 5 mins to throw together a salad...easy peasy...just as we like it!

ASPARAGUS, GRUYERE AND LEEK TART

(Recipe serves 6)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 leek (white and light green parts only), halved and thinly sliced, then well washed
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 1 bunch (1 pound) asparagus, tough ends removed, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • Ground nutmeg
  • I use shortcrust pastry from the shops....because otherwise I wouldnt have the time to make it :-)  But if you are a clever, Super-mum type, you can make the pastry from scratch.  Just any plain shortcrust or pie crust is fine.
1 cups shredded Gruyere Cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lowest position. In a large pan, melt butter over medium. Add leek and asparagus; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, 1/2 teaspoon salt, teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Place pie crust on a pie dish or square pie tray. Sprinkle with cheese; top with asparagus mixture. Pour egg mixture on top.
  3. Bake until center of quiche is just set, 50 to 60 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Cook's Note

To make sure the vegetables are distributed evenly, spread them in the crust before pouring in the egg mixture.

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IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY...AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS...RIGHT??
COCKTAILS!

After our little sojourn at The Saint and Rogue and the imbibing of a cocktail or 3, I am now hooked on Bloody Marys.  I know we have done these way, way in the past on Style in The City blog, but I really feel that this classic fave, that is not just reserved for hangover cures, well deserved a second go...this time with a twist of difference!...this time with Horseradish to really give it some kick and also clears the sinuses nicely!

And so they say in the classics......bottoms up!

THE BLOODY MARY


ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Vodka
  • 4 oz. Tomato Juice
  • 1/2 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 t freshly grated Horseradish or Creamy prepared Horseradish 
  • 2 pinches Celery Salt
  • 3 dashes Tabasco (or more to taste)
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

directions:

garnish - There are a ton of variations.  Go with what you prefer...  Celery Stalk, Lemon Wedge, Lime Wedge, Pickled Green Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives (add a little olive juice for a dirty Bloody Mary), Baby Carrots, Cocktail Onions...
1. Combine all the ingredients into a mixing glass.  Add ice and roll the mixing glass to combine ingredients.  This is not a shaken cocktail.
2. Strain into an ice filled glass and garnish.
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We have so much to be thankful for.
Below is a wonderful posting on facebook via a friend of a friend that we just had to share with you.
Sometimes you really do need to sit and reflect on how amazing our lives our and how much there is to be grateful for.  We thank those who have been before us and made the ultimate sacrifices to give us the lives we live today in this beautiful country.

(Credit to Donna Bird for this amazing photograph taken at Cairns Dawn Service)

"As midnight approaches on the most important day for most Australians, the ANZAC spirit never rests. The sacrifice made by our comrades has afforded us all a lifestyle that we often take for granted…and must never be forgotten." 

"The significance of the Red Poppy as “a symbol of remembrance deriving from the fact that the poppy was the first plant to re-emerge from the churned up soil of soldiers’ graves during the First World War” proves that even in times of great sadness – the beauty of nature and the human spirit is our biggest hope for the future".

"Make a pact with yourself to support not only your friends and family, but also complete strangers with random acts of kindness and no expectation of thanks or reward…not just on one day, but throughout the year". (Anon)


Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead....bring on all good things!

Caths off to New York...as you do....we look forward to bringing you pics and info on all her 

adventures in the coming weeks.



The Charcoal Team

xxx



Thursday, April 19, 2012

LEST WE FORGET...BRINGING OUT THE ANIMAL IN YOU...RRRRR...OUR AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN AD WITH DAMIEN BREDBERG....BEST EVER CRAB CAKE RECIPE...THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL (WARNING...MAKE SURE YOU WEAR YOUR HELMET)...THAILANDS OUTDOOR CINEMA AND MORE! ENJOY!

WELCOME TO STYLE IN THE CITY!




WE'RE JUST WILD ABOUT......


Well, hellllloo pussycat!  This week, we bring out the animal in you with the latest from Carlucci and their wild 'Exposure' range.



Printed velvet designs with amazing depth (sooo luxe) and black/white jacquard weaves that bring a sophisticated take on the traditional animal print.
Their fabulous animal prints and weaves, from zebras to leopards, pony hides to crocodile skin (prints of course...faux, faux, faux...just saying...) are set to pack a statement, whether it be big or small.  Perfect for a character piece.  We custom make any chair, sofa etc...in ANY choice of fabric from our bigger than big range.  The options....well, they're endless....and exciting!


Courtesy Unique Fabrics

To see all the options available to you, please visit the Unique Fabrics website where you will find access to their International listings and Exclusive Unique range of fabrics, wallpapers and more.


If you're looking for luxurious faux-fur, then check out Carlucci's comprehensive range of furs; from shaggy to smooth, all extremely soft and tactile...hmmmmmmm....makes me just want to snuggle in and have a little siesta....back in 15....

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN


...our ad in  the latest House and Garden
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Well, its not quite the cover of the Rolling Stone, but we have our ad appearing again, this time in the May edition of Australian House and Garden magazine. 


 We have had a huge response to the creative ingenuity that went into this ad.  We thank Damien Bredberg, from Damien Bredberg photography (and the team) for his genius.
You can find more of Damiens work at:



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Mmmmmmmm......the other day Pete the Greek took me to a restaurant by the water for lunch.  It was a lovely day and I had an entree of Crab Cakes.  I'm not going to plug this particular restaurant (and we girls LOVE to plug quality Australian Business....) because the meal was overpriced for the standard received...BUT the crab cakes were delicious.


Here's my serve of crab cakes


So, of course I went straight home to google away the most enticing crab cake recipe I could find.  I usually find googling 'Best Ever' Crab Cakes etc...takes me to something special.

And so, we bring to you this week our Best Ever Crab Cake recipe...from my kitchen to yours.
Perfect with a light salad or accompany with asparagus spears and a drizzling of quality olive oil..(we like to use Bon Haye Olive Oil from our Gourmet Provisions Pantry).  Another suggestion is to serve up with a home made salsa..they are easy to make.  Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, spring onion, herbs of your choice (fresh coriander ties in nicely), avocado and then just add a splash of quality balsamic (we use 'Bad Sally' from our Matchetts range once again in the Provisions pantry here at Charcoal...its so sticky and flavoursome..).  Mix all the ingredients together lightly and voila!...the perfect accompaniment to the crab cakes...also goes well with chicken, steak and fish.

Before I start digressing again...heres the crab cake recipe!



BEST EVER CRAB CAKES

Ingredients (serves 8)

  • 1 x 200g carton Stewart's fresh crab meat
  • 2 green shallots, ends trimmed, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stick, finely chopped
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tbs chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 70g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)
  • 1 tbs vegetable oil

Method

  1. Combine the crab, shallot, celery, egg whites, dill, Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spoon six 1-tablespoonful portions of crab mixture into the pan. Use an egg lifter or small palette knife to gently flatten. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat, in 3 more batches, with remaining crab mixture, reheating the pan between batches.
  3. Place the crab cakes on a serving platter. 

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Hello and welcome to Cocktail Friday...although in this instance its Cocktail Thursday because Jen's off to Melbourne for a few days starting tomorrow.
For the uninitiated, our weekly Cocktail section of the blog serves no other purpose than to get you all warm, fuzzy and relaxed, because its Friday and you certainly deserve to be spoilt.
This week, we have the impressive and yet super easy Cocktail Recipe, the Flaming Sidecar for you.
Can a cocktail named after an unfortunate and possibly tragic motorcycle misadventure be any good you ask?...and the answer is yes indeed!

THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL


HOW TO MAKE THE FLAMING SIDECAR COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 x ounce of brandy
2. 3/4 ounces of Cointreau
3. 3/4 ounces of Fresh Lemon Juice
4. Ice
5. Orange peel for garnish.

METHOD

Combine all the ingredients but the orange peel into a cocktail shaker.  Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a flaming orange peel and below is the instructions on how you can do this!

Be sure to pop your feet up with a James Dean movie and just sip away!
Cheers!


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THIS IS WHERE WE WANT TO BE....

On the 'What Will They Think Of Next' list of things that astound and truly make us want to just head home, grab the visa, stock up on frozen foods for the family and just head to the airport is this latest gem.....

Archipelago Floating Cinema set in the middle of the quiet waters of Nai Pi Lae Lagoon on Kudu Island in Thailand.


Now, this is going on the bucket list!


Stunning location


I wonder if they have choc tops??


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And so, we wish you a very happy weekend.  Cook up some crab cakes and perhaps Anzac Biscuits to mark the occasion on Wednesday.

...Lest We Forget....



....Until next week.  
xxx

Friday, April 13, 2012

OUR LATEST QUEENSLANDER RENOVATION PROJECT!...NEW WHEELS...PEAR AND RASPBERRY BREAD COMFORT FOOD WITH A HEALTHY TWIST!...FRENCH 75 FOR CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL WITH AN EDGE AND MORE!!!

LATEST CHARCOAL INTERIORS PROJECT


....HERSTON RESIDENCE...



Our intrigued clients popped in one day to see the Charcoal Designers after visiting a home recently renovated by the girls.  They loved it and had loads of questions for the team in regards to proposed renovations of their family home in leafy Herston.  With two teenage girls to also consider, the directive was to create a relaxed, comfortable space, enhancing the natural character and charm of their Queenslander style home, whilst also extending an air of elegance.  Sounds like a challenge?...one which the girls relished and we are very proud to present the finished product to you.



The home was firstly repainted throughout as the original white was too stark.  Changing the paint colour throughout created warmth and gave the space attitude and distinction.

Study - BEFORE


AND....


AFTER...






First port of call was the Office/Study which essentially required form and function, non-conducive to relaxation.  The space was perfect with high ceilings and doors overlooking the front verandah onto the leafy garden, and a plethora of collectable books just waiting to be shown off.  So, now to do justice to the bones of this room...the girls took advantage of the high ceilings and floorspace with custom built-in cabinetry incorporating not just shelves, but filing drawers, storage areas, printer access and more, plus a moveable library ladder, adding to the grandeur of this space.  Shelving was also installed either side of the French doors leading out onto the verandah.  The much loved old desk which oozed character was retained and beautiful Middle Eastern rug added to enhance the charm of this room.  We also love the original artworks and were gobsmacked to find that this was by our clients daughter.  It works in perfectly and also adds to the character of this stunning space.

Hallway - BEFORE


AND...


AFTER!

First impressions mean everything and the home entry was given a facelift with new lighting with our Bella Chandelier.  The clients beautiful existing console and art were reworked into the space with stunning results.

Lounge/Family Area - BEFORE


AND....


AFTER!


Quality and good design were big on the wish list for our clients who had lived with their existing furniture for many years.  These pieces were reworked into the downstairs media area with success and the design team refreshed the room with Black striped Rolled Arm Sofa, Custom Made Studio Armchairs, Cabinet and a Coffee Table in Reclaimed Oak.  "The beauty of the option of custom made furniture is that you can completely cater to the clients needs in regards to colour scheme, comfort, aesthetics etc...the results are always rewarding." says Colette.
The addition of a charming Middle Eastern Koli Kosh floor rug completed the transformation of this room.

Sitting Area - BEFORE


AND...


AFTER!!

As you can see in the 'before' photo, quite a lot of structural renovation was done to the sitting area, especially designed for the man of the house who need his own space to reflect, read and direct traffic from :-)
Walls were enclosed for aesthetic and practical reasons (now the airconditioning is a lot more efficient) and the noise from the media room downstairs is now minimised.  A practical, yet handsome Mizuya Japanese 2 section cabinet now takes pride of place against the newly constructed wall alongside his newly custom made leather Boston Club chair.  The custom made side table in reclaimed oak is the perfect size to rest a book and a scotch glass.  Cathie says "A feature of this space is the Karaja hand woven Middle Eastern rug, handpicked for the client"

Dining Area - BEFORE


AND...


AFTER!!


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With their love of home entertaining, the huge back deck area suited barbecues and relaxed, casual dining, so we wanted to bring that same feel inside but with a twist of formality and elegance.
The custom made parquetry table in oak now takes pride of place in the dining area, complemented by High Back Woven Split Bamboo chairs.


The bare area was transformed to this.....




The bare space adjacent to the dining area was just begging for an interesting cabinet to add dimension and display some of our clients collections from distant travels.  The inclusion of a striking Red Asian Rice Cabinet with carved features and side detailing was the perfect choice as the owners were lovers of Antique yet unique furniture.  Having the mirror custom made to specific dimensions meant that the ideal image could be realised in a perfect juxtaposition of modern with seasoned.




We thank these wonderful clients for allowing us into their home and working with us in a team effort to actualise their initial vision and concept.  It is a true honour to work with lovely, lovely people!

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You can see the full project on our Charcoal Interiors Website.  From Dubai to Darwin...our design team will travel to you.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
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OUR FLASH NEW TRUCK


We have THE best workshop manager in the world, and now everyone knows who he makes furniture for!

Be sure to give him a very pleasant wave and toot next time you see him on the road...most likely delivering one of our gorgeous customised pieces.  


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...CHECK US OUT ON PINTEREST...


We have become huge fans of Pinterest.  Its such a great tool for ideas and inspiration on photography, recipes, design, fashion etc....  Just type in the subject you wish to get ideas on, and you will be presented with stacks of leads to blogs and websites.  We are now on Pinterest too!

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Pinterest has opened up a whole new world of recipes for me too.  There are a lot of fabulously talented home cooks out there and we have found one who resides right here in Brisbane.  Playing In The Kitchen is a blog full of delicious recipes and I must say the Pear and Raspberry Bread caught my eye...the picture alone is mouth-watering.  Being not much of a 'baker' I found this recipe easy and super delicious.  The kids also devoured the loaf.






Photo courtesy of Playing In The Kitchen...click here to see the full blog

Enjoy this recipe for Pear and Raspberry Bread.

Ingredients


1 cup Self Raising Flour
1/2 cup Wholemeal Flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 egg beaten lightly
1 Pear Peeled and Diced
1/2 Cup Fresh Raspberries

Method


1. Preheat oven to 160C
2. Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamon.  Mix all the dry ingredients together.
3. Mix in the wet ingredients, the pears (diced and grated) and lastly the frozen raspberry.
4. Spreat into a loaf pan.
5. To make the granola toppings, scrunch all the ingredients together with your fingertips.
6. Sprinkle on the bread loaf and bake in 160C oven for 1 hour.


....Raspberry Facts....
Available all year round via the freezer section of the supermarket, Raspberries are not only delicious, but also considered to be one of natures 'Super Foods', a rich source of Anti-oxidants, Vitamins and Minerals.



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RELAX...UNWIND...AND CELEBRATE FRIDAY..WITH A COCKTAIL!
YOU DESERVE IT....




.....THE FRENCH 75.....







Champagne or Sparkling Wine tends to be only used for formal occasions as a toast or for specific celebrations such as New Year or Christmas, and as a result, not many know of the variety of ways that this classic beverage can be enjoyed.
Instead of tossing in the stock standard strawberry, why not try a French 75....


THE FRENCH 75




Ingredients:
  • 4 Oz. Champagne 
  • 1/2 Oz.  Gin 
  • Splash Lemon Juice 
  • Orange 
  • Twist
Mixing instructions:
Add champagne to gin in a champagne glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

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Until next week...love...light and laughter!

The Charcoal Team
xxx