Luncheon: such a delicious, exotic sounding word. So much more evocative than a boring old lunch. I’m sure no one ever has a luncheon alone, scoffing something microwaved at their desk between emails. No, for a luncheon there must be company, and an abundance of food, an ourdoorsy setting, plenty of booze and of course the whole afternoon to make the most of it all. Read the rest of this entry »

smokey paprika potato salad 

I have no problems admitting it. I’m a seasonal drinker. OK, so not when it comes to Champagne, which is the perfect drink for any occasion or mood (and I really couldn’t put it better than Madame Lilly Bollinger). But when it comes to table wines, I find my thirst guided by the climate. In the summer my fridge tends to be stocked with a healthy contingent of crisp dry whites with Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Semillon this years faves. But I know this is a passing phase and when the days shorten and I contemplate bringing my ugg boots back on duty, that I will no longer be turning to the fridge for my evening tipple. No friends, without a doubt Mr Shiraz and Mr Pinot Noir will be back among my closer acquaintances. Read the rest of this entry »

slow roasted lamb with red capsicum paste & pomegranate
on a green lentil salad with walnut dressing 

One of the things I love about wine, apart from the obvious, is how it can bring people together. Some people may see it as something elitist, and sure there is the odd wine wanker out there. But overall I find that people who like wine tend to be pretty cool and at the very least it always makes for easy conversation. Read the rest of this entry »

pistachio nougat icecream 

They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery and frankly, I couldn’t agree more. The fashion world is rife with people flattering in this way. But try as I may, I doubt my efforts to copy the style of Cate Blanchette could ever pass for either imitation or flattery. Fortunately when it comes to the kitchen my attempts at flattery have at least some chance of making the grade. Read the rest of this entry »

frozen almond marscapone cake with cherry compote

I remember complaining to my Dad a few years ago about how quickly time seemed to pass now that I was no longer a child. And my dear old Dad just looked at me and said ‘just wait until you get to my age: Christmases seem to come around like weekends.’ At the time I thought he was up to his usual exaggeration but now am beginning to see he may have a point. I can hardly believe it but as of Decmber 27th, stonesoup became a one year old. Read the rest of this entry »