Just a little hello and to let you know I didn’t forget you.
I hope to come back soon with more to share…
PS: Does anyone know the name of these flowers ?
Posted in Breathtaking | Tagged flower, nature, New Zealand, Summer | Leave a Comment »
It was mid-day when Paprika and I left home with a light picnic packed in the bag and a vague idea of where we were going.
On the road the traffic was busy.
And it seems everybody was outside that day.
There were girls smartly dressed, on their way to the Wellington Cup.
Men angling at the seaside.
Enthusiasts playing with their model aeroplanes in the light breeze.
Families, sunbathing and playing on the beach.
And us, like everyone else, enjoying this beautiful day.
We drove around the Pauatahanui arm of Porirua harbour.
The light was incredible, making the waters shimmer and the surrounding hills look like velvet.
We spotted a peaceful location, laid the mat and ate our lunch.
Then we walked along the sea and reached these colourful baches.
I liked the way each one is customised with little quirky details and catchy colours.
Afterwards, we went to the ancient Pā site* in Whitireia park and contemplated the great vista of Porirua harbour, Mana island and Marlborough sounds in the background.
It felt so good up there…
*Pā were built by Māori as fortified refuges for times of war, but were also secure living places and centres for learning, crafts and horticulture. They were often located on naturally defensible high points such as the ends of steep-sided ridges, coastal headlands or isolated hills but were also built on the edge of swamps and sometimes on flat land.
Source: Open Space New Zealand
Posted in Breathtaking | Tagged architecture, New Zealand, Porirua, Summer, Wellington | 4 Comments »
When my sister was here, I cooked every day and was pleased to do so.
Unluckily, I didn’t bake as much as I wanted.
I even didn’t get the chance to make a galette des rois, before she leaves…
The day before her flight, she told me how much she liked the little cookies I made and sent for Christmas 2008.
That’s long time ago ! I was surprised she remembers them.
So the last evening, with the help of my niece, who likes cooking and baking too, we made some cookies.
I made cookies again lately, to eat with homemade apricot jam. Classic, but good.
I also tried to flavored frozen yogurt with jam.
This one was a little bit too tangy for my taste bud, but refreshing, specially these last days which have been pleasantly warm.
Now, I swear this is my last apricot-related post !
Cookie recipe here.
Posted in Delicious | Tagged abricot, apricot, cookie, frozen yogurt, jam, sablé, Summer | 9 Comments »
Today it’s Friday and the beginning of a long week-end here in the Wellington region: On Monday it’s the anniversary day of the province.
Not sure how Paprika and I are going to kill the time, but we should not stick around here, because the weather forecast is not that optimistic for the next following days…
I wish you all a nice week-end and leave you with these pictures taken at the beginning of this week at Worser bay.
You have to imagine Worser Bay as a tranquil sandy little bay on the East coast of Wellington.
In the background, small sand dunes, and across the road following the coast, pretty little houses facing the sea and leaning back to Seatoun Heights hill…
And me. Walking. Looking. Breathing. Enjoying each moment.
Posted in Breathtaking | Tagged nature, New Zealand, seaside, Wellington, Worser Bay | 5 Comments »
When Paprika came back home, yesterday afternoon, the clafoutis was still warm, ready to be served.
The recipe said ’serves 6′, but somehow we ate the whole clafoutis as a late afternoon snack !
Traditionally prepared with cherries, I baked this clafoutis with apricots and peaches.
It’s simple, easy and versatile too.
We were ready then to go to the Botanic garden for a free jazz concert…
And it was crowded ! We didn’t get a chance to see the stage, but still managed to hear the songs…
Apricot & Peach Clafoutis
- 300g fruits
- 3 eggs
- 100g flour
- 70g brown sugar
- 25cl milk
- 60g unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla pod, split and grated
- 1 tsp of rum
Rinse, stone and cut apricot and peach // Preheat oven to 180°C // In a tart dish or a cast iron fry pan, place the butter and let it melt in the oven // In a bowl, whip together eggs, salt and sugar. Add vanilla and sprinkle flour and keep on whisking. The batter should be smooth // Remove the fry pan from the oven and pour melted butter in the batter. Add milk and mix well. Add rum and mix again // With a paper towel brush the remaining butter on the side and bottom of the fry pan // Pour the batter and place pieces of fruits // Bake for 45 minutes (or until golden on the top) // Sprinkle icing sugar on top and serve still warm.
Posted in Delicious | Tagged apricot, clafoutis, dessert, French recipe, peach, stone fruits, Summer, sweet | 12 Comments »
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