Melissa’s Kitchen High Tea

August 30, 2015November 21, 2015 ~ margaretsealey ~ Leave a comment

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe,” are tokens of good luck that a bride traditionally carries on her wedding day. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolises borrowed happiness; something blue stands for love and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity.

This traditional rhyme captures the hopes, good wishes and above all else, the love that brings friends and family together for a wedding. What it doesn’t capture is the fun involved; both in the preparations and the event itself. To begin the countdown to the wedding and wishing for Lissa to feel a connection with our family’s country traditions, I decided to host a kitchen tea for her. I felt sure, that fueled with champagne, my friends, the bridesmaids and Lissa’s girlfriends would offer her hilarious and sage advice concerning her future wifely duties. I envisioned this event in the back garden and thankfully, the weather gods complied.

party table decorated with herb challenge — Table decorated with hot pink table runner, ferns, pansies and the Herb Challenge ready to go

Unfortunately, I couldn’t serve just champagne for Afternoon Tea. My wonderful girlfriend, Julie offered to help me with the cooking but I couldn’t leave everything to her, much as I wanted to.

The wonderful, thoughtful and hardworking Julie

So, I practised my high tea skills. Alas, I’m no Adriano Zumbo. I had to cross chocolate macaroons off the menu as mine resembled the dark side of the Moon. I experimented with gluten free vanilla cup cakes, wrestling with piping bags and butter cream frosting. (It looked so easy on Youtube!) Still, they passed the taste test and didn’t look too bad when I smothered them in decorations. Wanting to serve mini lemon and caramel tarts, I blind baked pastry for the first time. Imagine my relief when they came out perfectly. Not a burnt crust among them! I only had to practice the time-honoured country art of scone making. I had assured Melissa that Scone making was in our genes! My mother could turn out a wonderful batch of scones in no time flat without having to measure a thing: surely so could I? Friends gave me the lemonade and cream recipe, however the scones didn’t rise enough for my liking. Next came a melted butter recipe. Disappointment ruled my kitchen! Finally, I adapted a traditional recipe and remembering Mum’s secret touches, a great batch.emerged from the oven needing only strawberry jam and cream.

Feeling reasonably confident that my guests wouldn’t starve, I organised the games that we would play. In keeping with the culinary theme, I decided on an identify a herb game.

There were ten herbs to identify including Lovage and the Mother of all Herbs There was much merriment and discussion as the pots were passed around, closely examined and answer sheets filled in.

Rachek, bride to be, Melissa, Toni and Helen — And so is the bride to be

There was also a Masterchef Challenge. The wonderful people at the Pass Cafe provided a tray of their unique gluten free brownies and a list of the ingredients. Everyone had to taste and decide what the ingredients were. These were so delicious that it was difficult to concentrate on separating the tastes in your mouth! This did provide a great segue into Afternoon Tea proper.

It was very difficult to choose what to have first! One good thing about fine china cups, saucers and plates is that the plates are small so that you don’t feel guilty about having seconds or indeed thirds. I couldn’t resist Leone’s White chocolate berry cheesecake or Julie’s chicken and cucumber sandwiches. And I really do think that tea tastes so much better in bone china tea cups, don’t you?

Feeling very relaxed and replete, it was time for Lissa to open her presents. Helen got proceedings off to a hilarious start. She had Lissa don kitchen attire that would keep her future husband, Ben very interested in the kitchen, though one could wonder what was on the menu!

All that's missing is the g-string — All that’s missing is the g-string

Each lovely gift came with a family recipe and the story behind it. I had sent the recipe cards out with the invitations. Lissa was thrilled. I’m sure, she’ll enjoy making each of them and adding to them as she embraces married life.

My gift was a sentimental one.As Lissa loves candles, I asked Kate Hogan, Lissa’s cousin, creator of beautiful hand-crafted soy candles produced under her brand (www.numberninetyseven.com.au) to make three special candles for Melissa. They will celebrate Ben and Melissa’s first Christmas as a married couple, their first anniversary and the birth of their first child. I wrote a small verse for each candle and Kate and her sister, Mel, did the rest. They were simply stunning.

It was time for more fun. The bridesmaids, Toni and Brooke, volunteered to be models as the rest of us created two alternative wedding dresses for Melissa out of toilet paper and masking tape. Don’t they look adorable?

More champagne and all too soon, it was home time. It had been such a fun afternoon! Lissa and I had put together a small collection of kitchen goodies which we wrapped in a flour sack tea towel to thank our guests for coming.

Love is definitely in the air!

Winter Walks in the Bay

July 19, 2015May 5, 2016 ~ margaretsealey ~ Leave a comment

Matilda making her first snowman in her Grandmother’s garden in Woodstock.

As the weather man predicted, much of Eastern Australia is in the grip of an Antarctic vortex. It has snowed in places where it hasn’t snowed for fifty years! My family and friends down south have posted instagram pics of gardens and paddocks adrift with snow. I peruse fine details. Are those Jenny’s sunglasses on that snowman, I wonder? Mmm, it has been too long since I played in the snow. I would love to be there with Jenny and Monique, sloshing around the garden in gumboots and thick socks helping little Matilda to build her first snowman and … landing a snowball or two on unsuspecting victims! It would be a perfect winter walk.

But envy isn’t good for the soul. And Winter brings its own marvels to Byron Bay. It is usually delightfully warm and sunny during the day, around 22 degrees Celsius, with low humidity. Perfect walking weather. When the winter tides move the sand back around The Pass, it is possible to walk from Main Beach to Little Wategoes along the sand. The sky is winter blue as Kenn and I stroll along Main Beach.

IMG_20140626_123928 — Main beach at low tide, heading for The Pass

Soon, we’re at The Pass. I can’t believe that there is so much sand. Not a rock in sight on the path.

Walking through the Pass, no rocks to stop me! — Walking through The Pass, no rocks to stop me!

Rounding the headland, we negotiate the inlets. Who doesn’t love to run around a rocky outcrop, beating the waves? Occasionally, our feet get wet.

IMG_20140626_125932 — Can I make it? Yes I can!

Then we’re at Wategoes Beach and the going is easy. Strolling past the Pandanus palms, I follow the curve of the beach around to Little Wategoes. There are more rock canyons to negotiate. We feel like explorers. There is no one else here except the starfish in the rock pools and the whales in the bay.

IMG_20140626_130128 — More rocks to negotiate.

We make it and there is a treat in store!

At the end of the beach, we watch as the ocean puts on a spectacular show. We are so lucky to be here, at this time, for free! We sink onto the sand and rest awhile. Before the tide changes, we make our way back to Main Beach where a perfect scene awaits.

This warm winter walk has been memorable. But I have a confession to make: right at this moment, I’d rather be a’snowing with little Matilda and Jenny in Woodstock.

Jenny and Matilda snow it up! — Jenny and Albie snow it up!

How cute is this?

July 12, 2015May 5, 2016 ~ margaretsealey ~ 5 Comments

My version of Georgie Hallam's Gidday Baby pattern — My version of Georgie Hallam’s ‘Gidday Baby’ pattern

Not so long ago, my friend Julie who is so gifted at all things crafty, sent me a link to a new knitting website called Loveknitting. ( www.loveknitting.com )

There, while I was drooling over an amazing variety of yarns and projects, I found a free pattern for this adorable little cardigan. It was by Australian designer, Georgie Hallam. Her version was knitted in a beautiful 8 ply White Gum wool, a boutique Australian merino yarn and is pictured below.

I downloaded the pattern, printed it out and was impressed by how clear and detailed her instructions were. Nevertheless, as I perused the pattern, I was a little concerned. The cardi is knitted in one piece from the neck down on circular needles. I had never attempted anything like this before! However, I had suitable wool in my stash, a lovely angora, bamboo and merino wool mix. So nothing ventured, nothing gained, I would give it a go.

Wool and circular needle in hand I looked at the first instruction: Cast on 50 stitches using the long tail cast on method. What did she mean by long tail? Who could I turn to in my time of need? Youtube! I watched a couple of clips and chose one to follow closely. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn4rcAnnS7U) This cast on method created a very firm and defined edge. Mmm looks quite professional, I thought to myself.

I knitted the yoke, and found the increasing very easy to follow. Soon I was down to splitting for the sleeves and body and Georgie’s instructions were excellent. Crossing this hurdle, it was a simple matter to knit down to the hem incorporating the garter stitch bands as I went. And there were no seams to sew up later! At this stage, I was wondering why hadn’t I done this before!

love the garter stitch bands — Garter stitch bands are simple yet effective

Then I came down to earth. I had to pick up stitches for the sleeves. Georgie stipulates in her pattern that you use 8inch/20cm circular needles or your own preferred method for knitting in the round. I have avoided knitting in the round as much as possible in my knitting career so I certainly didn’t have a preferred method! I tried to buy the right circular needles. At first, I was unsuccessful. I found some. (www.luciatapestrieswoolcrafts.com.au) They were made by Addi. While they were coming, I knitted one sleeve on four needles – a painfully slow process, but the end result was nice.

Then the Addi needles arrived. And the knitting was easy.

Addi tiny circular needles — Addi tiny circular needle

That left only the buttons to be sewed on, a couple of strands of wool to be woven in and I was finished.

I’m with Georgie, when she says that this “cardigan is perfect for welcoming babies into this world and into your heart.” This pattern and others by Georgie are available on both LoveKnitting and Ravalry. I must confess, I can’t wait to see this cardigan on little Genevieve!

Kitten has new family gasping!

June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 ~ margaretsealey ~ Leave a comment

Our latest addition to the family, little Calico, is exceptional in every way. She is a pure bred rag doll kitten who already knows that she is stunningly beautiful. Although only fourteen weeks old, she seems very happy to lounge on a cushion and be admired by all and sundry. She has an engaging, gentle purr and loves to snuggle.

She likes to practise her hunting skills on her scratching pole and she is very determined to demolish a microwave box that Kenn has thoughtfully added to my living room decor.

It's here somewhere, I know it is! — It’s here somewhere, I know it is!

callie creeping — I will get it, I will.

callie playing — Take that, you pesky … exactly what kind of mouse are you?

But she is clearly related to Superwoman. She is able to leap prone humans at a single bound and run faster than a speeding bullet when I want to put her to bed. I have never spent so much time under my dining table in cobra pose, something that will please my yoga teacher I’m sure. I am sneezingly aware of my housekeeping shortcomings.

hiding — You’ll never catch me under here

But sometimes Callie clearly wants the place to herself. You can see her plotting as she stretches out her paws. Her eyes glaze over like that baby in the Mammia disposable nappy ads and … she lets loose. The most incredible aroma wafts towards us. It is the most excruciating smell I have ever encountered in my life. Definitely a Eureka moment! They say nerve gas is bad! Give me the trenches any day! We run outside closing the door to prevent an escape. We fill our lungs with life giving air and gaze back at Callie. She is smirking at us while she surveys her kingdom with satisfaction.

backyard 2 — We could put the tent in the corner … maybe?

Kenn and I begin to panic. Will we have to live in a tent in the backyard? Then the pet shop and Google come to our aid. Confinement in the laundry and the provision of new soft, fluffy paper kitty litter entice Callie to adopt the feline cleanliness code. Co-habitation is now possible.

Life should be purrfect from now on.

To be or not to be… Nanna… Nonna… Grandma… Granny…. Grandmother

May 30, 2015May 5, 2016 ~ margaretsealey ~ 1 Comment

For years now, I have been a closet GIT. Not a “silly, incompetent, stupid, annoying, senile, elderly or childish person” which is the Wikipedia definition of git ( though I’m sure at times I have been all of the above) but a “Grandmother In Training.”

I have undertaken my training diligently yet stealthily. After all, one doesn’t want to be perceived as putting undue pressure on one’s children or as wishing for early entry to a retirement home. As my nieces gave birth to adorable children, I practiced my knitting skills. These were quite rusty. Living for fifteen years in a sub-tropical climate will have that effect. So in a good cause, I knitted baby blankets and little jumpers. A certain speed and dexterity returned. I now had a legitimate excuse to hang out in the baby wool section of the craft shop and stock up and knit some more … and secretly put some aside for … later. Then my youngest sister, Tanya, fell pregnant. She knew she was having a little girl, so now I could peruse the baby wear sections of department stores. Did I like this little dress or was it a just a little too pink, I’d ask myself. Of course I had to cast my eye over the boys’ section as well. After all, something blue might be needed … one day. Younger work colleagues had babies too. Surreptitiously, I listened to their baby talk while I was supposedly marking essays and when given the opportunity, practised burping and rocking a baby to sleep. I hadn’t totally lost the knack.

My training has not been in vain. On May 6th 2015, Genevieve Grace entered the world. Kenn and I flew to Perth, Western Australia to meet her. She is without doubt the most beautiful baby in the world; a sentiment I’m sure, shared by all new grandparents. After her very first bath, she was angelically peaceful.

Watching Kelly and Christian cradling Genevieve brought back such happy memories for Kenn and I. It didn’t really seem that long ago that I was nursing and playing with Christian.

And now he’s nursing Genevieve!

It’s like ‘the circle of life’ in The Lion King – minus Mustafa! All I had to do now, was decide on a title. In the end, I followed my family tradition and chose Nanna. I have very fond memories of my Nanna Lewis and Nanna Hayden. Hopefully, Genevieve will be able to say the same of me.

One day I will be big enough to play with Nanna Sealey

Souvlaki and chai energy muffins

March 22, 2015May 5, 2016 ~ margaretsealey ~ 5 Comments

Until relatively recently, my culinary skills could, at best be described as rudimentary. This I attribute to my childhood. The kitchen was a place where I had to mop the floor and peel potatoes. It was the place where my sister Jenny always got to wash up, while I had to wipe up and put away the dishes, a much more time consuming task. To this day, I don’t know how she managed to convince our mother that she was the superior washer upper when she completed the task in a time worthy of an Olympic 100 m champion. So, in protest at my unfair treatment (and a desire to finish my current book), I avoided the kitchen as much as possible. As a result, I left home knowing how to pour milk on cereal, boil an egg, cook toast and open a can of baked beans – real survival stuff!

But one of the joys of living in Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers is the foodie culture.. There are an amazing variety of restaurants and cafes to sample. This week, I revisited The Cyprus Tree, our local Greek restaurant. This restaurant never fails to deliver memorable and delicious food,from souvlaki to scrumptious seafood, perfect for a birthday dinner for my friend Annie.

As well, the area is full of really knowledgeable, capable people willing to share their skills and help you develop yours. This week saw the inaugural meeting of Byron Library’s Recipe Club. The club will meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm, at the Library. There was a very promising roll up of interested parties. The guest speaker was the bubbly, Julie Ray.
I had met Julie before when I had attended her seafood paella class in Lismore at The Pepper tree Kitchen. I shared the photo of my success on that occasion with as many friends as possible. My culinary efforts had never looked or indeed tasted so impressive! So I was looking forward to listening to what she had to say. I was not disappointed. She came laden with ideas about interesting ways to use macadamias, a totally decadent recipe for a passionfruit cream curd cake and her chai energy muffins which we shared for afternoon tea. The muffins were delicious and you can find the recipe at Julie’s website, julieray.com. I noticed that she also had a great recipe for Gramma Pie on her website, that she had sourced from Bangalow grandmother, Mrs Jarratt. I love trying heritage country recipes. Maybe it’s because I love to daydream about all things historical.

chai-muffins-300x127 — Super healthy Chai energy muffins