New Year Eve

I have been so busy the past few days. Or rather, the time has gone so fast lately. We shared nice meals since camping, simple but nutritious. Now, I cannot wait till the New Year, less than 3 hours to go. I just saw the fireworks from Sydney harbour on TV and it was simply amazing and spectacular. We had fish, sweet potato chips, frittata, mushrooms and salad for dinner. I feel so full right now. I barely had enough space to fit in dessert- brownie cheesecake.

Salad with spinach, lettuce, radish, grape tomato, carrot, red pepper and feta cheese

Brownie cheesecake (not baked by me though)

Chocolates!!

Christmas Eve Dinner

For Christmas eve, we had a really nice dinner. We had turkey with cranberry sauce, cauliflower gratin, honey roasted parsnip, garlic bread and salad (of course). It was easy to put up since most of the main dishes were cooked in the oven or just needed to finish off cooking in it.  It was all a matter of timing which goes in the oven at what time. Anyway, it all came together nicely. Everything was delicious and I was certainly left with a full and happy tummy.

Camping food prep + Photos of trip

We went camping this year for Christmas. I just returned yesterday and I had the best time ever. I could not wish for a better way to celebrate Christmas. We visited so many places and certainly made the most out of every single day. The day before, that is, Christmas eve, I prepared a lot of food to bring to the campsite, mostly sweet treats.  I made 16 sushi rolls (for lunch next day), a yule log, and choux (cream puff). The previous day, I baked a box of Christmas shortbread cookies, a few dozens  macaron, and made some creme patissiere (my first time success) to fill the choux the following day. I was so glad everything went well. Planning and organisation are the key. I will write a post for each of the items I prepared in the coming few posts since I took so many photos and I want to keep this one short.

Here is random selection of the views I had the chance to see. The south is so beautiful with some incredible sightseeing. We went down south to Augusta, visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, along with Grace Town, Hamelin Bay,  Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury and Australind. It's been such a great experience. Enjoy!

Heart-shaped rock found on Hamilton Bay

Kangaroos and wild rabbits at the campsite

Duckies at the campsite

Busselton Jetty

Rotary Park in Busselton

Hamilton Bay

Random bird prints on the sand

Hamilton Bay

Nativity set at Lumun Christi Church in Augusta

On the way to Grace Town

Random minion feature at the Sunflower Animal Farm

Grace Town 

Grace Town

Kangaroo paw plant

Water lilies in Margaret River

Margaret river 

Full moon 

From Campsite view - Molloy Island

Molloy Campsite

Hamilton Bay

Cape Leeuwin 

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

  

Another Nativity set at Lumun Christi Church in Augusta

Turner Caravan Park

Turner Caravan Park

Kangaroos at the campsite

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse from afar

Joey at the campsite

Frozen pizza (Ristorante)

Happy Sunday. If you are too tired from cooking by now, then have some frozen pizza. I tried this one from Dr Oetker and it is quite good. The base is thin and crisp. This is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Simply bake in the oven. No stress. Do have some salad on the side though.

Mini Zucchini Bites

This remain one of my favourite go-to snack. These zucchini bites are so simple to make, and are so delicious. I did not have squash, so I replaced it by equal amount of zucchini and carrots. I also baked them in a mini muffin pan this time and the result was as incredibly good. This is a great appetiser or snack.

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas and it is a day to be filled with joy, sharing and hope. Another year of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas.

This is a photo of the lovely nativity set from the Thornlie Square shopping centre to mark what we are celebrating.

Here is a Christmas wreath I also baked to mark the festivities. This is a cinnamon and walnut-rich sweet bread, very flavoursome and I just can't get enough of that crunchy crust.

Happy Holidays !