A couple of weeks ago I enjoyed a cruise around the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula as part of a Tasting Australia media trip.
If that wasn't decadent enough, I and my fellow food writers and bloggers were served delicious canapés and lovely Australian wines by our own private, on-board chef.
Yes, that really was a tough day. Read my Kangaroo Island Sailing article and commiserate with me.
Jokes aside, one thing that impressed me most about our cruise was the fact that all the food was seasonal and local. It was a tremendous showcase of the rich bounty of the Fleurieu region.
Now I love shopping at my local food markets. Every week I go to the markets with list in one hand and shopping trolley in the other, prepared to shop sensibly. And most weeks I come home with at least three or four unexpected purchases that I just couldn't resist.
This is how this latest recipe - Ruby Grapefruit, Melon and Proscuitto Salad - came about. I was at the Adelaide Central Market when I spotted some lovely ruby grapefruit and at a local kindergarten fair when I was charmed by some home-grown melon. I already had some salad leaves and red onion at home so all I needed to do was buy some proscuitto from the local deli.
Now that's what I call eating seasonally and locally!
Image (c) Christina Soong-Kroeger
I'm just back from a week on a Tasting Australia media trip, and boy, did I have an amazing time!
Tasting Australia is one of Australia's premier food festivals, attracting over 50,000 international chefs, food media and food lovers to Adelaide, South Australia, every other year.
2012's event was an eight-day festival of some 80+ events, including talks and panel discussions, cooking classes for adults and kids, workshops, wine tastings, celebrity lunches and dinners, tours and cooking demonstrations.
Whether you were a beginner foodie or a consummate bon vivant, there was something for everyone.
I was lucky enough to join the Tasting Australia media trips to three South Australian regions - the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Barossa Valley - so look out for upcoming reviews, articles and guides to the best foodie finds in these areas. For those that can't wait, check out my 72 Hours in Adelaide for Foodies article.
In the meantime, I'll be doing my best to stay warm in the cooler Autumn weather. With that in mind, here's a great recipe for a Sugarless Apricot & Apple Porridge that I've been making for breakfast to help me start the day right. Enjoy!
Image (c) Christina Soong-Kroeger
Lighter meals are always popular during summer. That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste or style though.
So if you're wondering what to cook for a light but indulgent summer meal, why not try this lovely Grilled Seafood Salad with Persimmons followed by Mini Pavlovas with Pomegranate Seeds?
Both recipes are utterly swoon-worthy but not overly filling, so you won't feel compelled to nap afterwards.
You could also add a Thai tom yum (hot and sour) soup, a curry or stir-fry and steamed rice to round out the meal nicely.
Serve with white wine, beer or fruit juice and prepare to bask in the glow of your guests' compliments.
Image (c) Christina Soong-Kroeger
Salads don't always have to consist of just lettuce, tomato and cucumber. They can be as varied as your imagination. Try this salad made with grilled mushrooms and asparagus spears, topped with a gorgeous soft poached egg and drizzled with a zesty dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley and chili flakes.
It's a delicious accompaniment to a meal of grilled chicken or fish or also makes for a satisfying main course on its own.
