A trip through my favourites...

....Or, all the stuff I would cook if only I had the time!

A few people have asked me this week what food sites I find inspiration from, so I thought I would share a few links, both to specific recipes, and otherwise to blogs and sites that I frequent. So here are just a few...

Tastespotting - This is an absolute feast for the eyes! It has many new and interesting ideas, and happily, leads me to many new blogs and food sites. The beautiful pictures help of course, and one day I would love to have the courage to submit something to their site.

Not Quite Nigella - I have been following this blog for a couple of years now. I don't remember how I found it, but I really enjoy NQN's wonderful prose, pictures, and adventures. I visit this a few times a week, and always find something new and exciting. As a former Sydney resident, I recognise many of the restaurants as well, which always gives me a healthy dose of nostalgia

Foodjmoto - This website I stumbled across recently. I love the Japanese influence on Karolyn's cooking, as well as her wonderful stories of family life.

Paris Patisseries - when you click on this link, you'll understand why!

Diner's Journal -  A source of inspiration, especially for Mark Bittman's minimalist meals. 

Of course, as you can well imagine, every time I open up my browser I manage to find something else I simply "must try". Food Critic Andrew is a willing taste tester, and a few recipes even manage to make it through to these lovely pages.

And here's some epic meat for you! Bought to you by Epicmeattime - these guys are hilarious!

And not to forget "My Drunken Kitchen"...The editing really makes this...

Mobile Repertoire Food!

Hi everyone,


Just a quick note to say that I have been rejigging the site a little,  including getting a Facebook page up and running for the site, and smartening up the widgets. I have also made the site available for mobile phones. Enjoy - I've had a bit of a look from my iPhone, and it really is quite user friendly. Let me know if you have any problems in the comments section. 

New Facebook fan page

Hi everyone,


I have also started a Facebook fan page for this blog - I'd love if you joined! 


Find it here

Review: Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil's Food Cake Mix

Photo: Penny Williams

It is Friday, and it is the weekend for me! I get to start my weekends early because the working week at my day job starts on a Sunday. Yeah, that part totally sucks, but hey, at least it is a nice quiet day - few distractions and no hassles. I've been doing this since last November - and if I had a choice, I would like to go back to a normal "Mon-Fri" schedule. But even more, I would love to make this blog more a part of my working life (read...make some money off it!).

Anyway, for a girl working full time (or, in fact anyone), sometimes a packet cake mix really does make the day a whole lot better. Imagine, it is a Sunday evening, and you've promised your work colleagues that you will bring a cake tomorrow. This cake mix is the answer for you. Betty Crocker does one of my favourite cake mixes. It is very easy to make (4 steps only!), relatively mess free and uses ingredients that I normally have in the cupboards. Best of all, for a "packet" cake, it tastes natural and works every single time. 

Cake with whipped cream centre.
Photo: Penny Williams

The only extras you need are water, vegetable oil and 3 eggs (and 50 minutes of so). A stand mixer helps, but isn't necessary. I didn't have one for years, but now I really enjoy the convenience of having one. I can start a cake whilst the dishes are being done of an evening and a few minutes later am ready to pour the mix into a pan. Of course, you can also make this recipe into cupcakes if you have some patty pans available.

The "Creamy deluxe frosting" is also included in the box and I personally think this is the best part - and the reason I prefer to buy this particular cake mix. You can buy the frosting separately, but frankly, I think I would probably sit down in front of an episode of "True Blood" and devour the whole lot in one sitting! So best to leave it well alone. 

This time, you will see that I cut the cake in half and spread whipped cream all over the base, before putting the top back on and icing. Then of course devouring some.... Nope, this one certainly didn't make it to work! It won't even make it past the front door, if Food Critic Andrew and I have our way....