Autumn lunch

Our good friends J and W's home is a beautiful property on Coolangatta Mountain near Berry, 

2 and 1/2 hours drive south of Sydney.

With the recent rain it was brilliantly lush and verdant - can you believe only a month earlier it was a dry, brown landscape?

We have spent many relaxing weekends here over the years and we always enjoy fabulous food and wine, overlooking this stunning panorama.

Their outdoor living room has been the scene of many a raucous dinner with course after course served from the wood-fired oven.

Last weekend was no exception.

Saturday night, we ate tapas style from the oven- a melted greek cheese with roasted red pepper,  chorizo and potatoes, skewered quails wrapped in proscuitto with braised fennel and leek. 

You will just have to imagine how these dishes looked - it was all hands on and no time to take photos.

Next morning after a walk we were ready to prepare the next meal. 

The Chinese style pulled pork neck was in the wood fired oven early to cook slowly for 4 hours.

The pork had been marinated in hoisin sauce, soy, rice wine, ginger, honey and five spice.

J and I pottered leisurely around the kitchen, catching up, chatting about food, recipes, health, travel and life. As we have done so many times before.

The pork was pulled out of the oven to rest, butternut pumpkin roasted and a fennel salad with mint. coriander and chilli tossed.

Wine poured.

Time to eat!

A late lunch in the autumn sun, overlooking the farm, with great friends, food and wine.

Nothing better!