Back in the City

I can't believe it is now four weeks since I arrived back to my city life.

For some reason I have found it a hard slog to get back into my blog. I try to think of something to write about and I come up with a blank.  Writer's block??

 I have been feeling that my farmlife had much more fodder for posting than my citylife.

Everyday on the farm there is something uniquely rural related that emerges and provides an image and the potential to wax lyrical.    

I also have more time. Time, to ponder the meaning of life and my place in it.

Back in Sydney I am more preoccupied with work naturally,  but I also find my days have more routine and less opportunity for the type of blog material I hope is interesting for you.

I thought it might help stimulate my creative juices if I look back at some of what I have done in the last four weeks.

I celebrated my birthday long distance with beautiful flowers from Mark 

and with good friends that night at the Rocks Vintage Dinner.

This is a great night of food and wine under the lampshade and stars in the historic Rocks area of Sydney. Very special.

Have been eating plenty of spring vegetables including these fresh peas and broad beans I made into a puree to go with lamb cutlets for dinner with my sister A and nephew L. We had a good night! And another the next with some more of the family.

Have been making some of my farmlife no knead bread at least once a week. Also tested a part wholemeal version which was delicious

Ate at Balla at The Star. The new Steve Manfredi restaurant.

 The Crave Sydney International Food Festival is on in October and the program of events includes "Lets do Lunch" at restaurants all over Sydney.

Their offer was two courses and a glass of wine for $38

Fish and a rich tomato, olive and caper sauce

Chocolate Crunch

I hadn't been to the Star Casino since its renovation and reopening and it is an absolute improvement on the old one. Not that I am a fan of Casinos - but the hotel, retail and dining looks very Sydney 5 star.

A special Sunday lunch in Bowral with W and P.

W's excellent pea tart went well with my zucchini ribbon salad, with mint and feta.

It was also tulip time in the Southern Highlands and it was blooming.

Set up my office at home. Adjusting to that - and really enjoying it.

Started a new project and also ramped up planning for the Australian Tourism Awards.

Lots of walking, reading, and catching up with friends for coffee, breakfast and dinner.

Not a bad life.  Is it worth reading about I wonder?

City Bread

As much as I enjoy making bread on the farm it is much easier in my busy city life to buy my bread. Have you noticed that bakeries are the latest food mecca?
 They are everywhere. I know people that travel miles to get their favourite loaf.

Today I dropped into The Bourke Street Bakery in Alexandria after a meeting at the airport.   I have driven past on several occasions and noticed a crowd and thought it must be good.

They make everything by hand including organic sourdough and pastries and cakes.

The coffee was excellent - smooth and full bodied
(sadly something which is hard to find in the US,  particularly outside of the bigger cities).

The staff were friendly 

And I'm looking forward to trying these loaves- particularly the fennel, cherry and raisin loaf on the left.

 A baker's life is a hard one, with its long and antisocial hours creating the staff of life for a demanding audience.

I do hope they earn a good crust (excuse the pun) for their effort!

No need to knead.

I enjoy making bread - I like the process, the sense of achievement and of course eating it.

My success however, is a bit patchy - it usually tastes good out of the oven - but ends up being heavy the next day.   I have not been able to consistently get a crisp crust and because I don't bake bread in my city life - due to a lack of time and lots of bakeries outside our front door - I don't get enough practice.

Today I have had a revelation!

I have just finished baking a loaf of the famous no-knead bread developed by Jim Lahey from the Sullivan Street Bakery in New York. I first tore this New York Times recipe out of the Sydney Morning Herald in January 2007 and have been meaning to try it.

I would say this is the BEST loaf of bread I have ever baked.  Ever. In five easy steps.

1. Mix flour, salt and yeast and water (no kneading necessary)

2. Let rise for 18 hours

3. Pour out, fold over and rest for 15 minutes and then shape into a ball and rest for 2 hours

4. Bake in very hot oven in heated heavy covered pot for 30 minutes ( I used my Le Crueset)

5. Take lid off and bake for 15 minutes more to brown and then cool on rack.

Look at this loaf!

 It looks and smells perfect -  a good size and shape, golden brown with an amazing aroma that is now wafting through the house and into my nostrils. 

We are waiting for it to cool with taste buds running wild. 

Thirty minutes later.

Cutting into a nice, crisp crust

Holes in bread is a good sign.  I don't get that very often.

It tastes fantastic - crunchy outside, soft inside, fresh and yeasty, with a great texture and long flavour.

You must try it!