Here I am in a little place called Glen Innes somewhere north of Newcastle. That’s Australia, not England! All the places nearby have a Celtic ring to their names: Ben Lomond, Glencoe, Dundee and Balmoral! There’s even an annual Celtic festival!
view from my cousin’s place in Glen Innes |
One of my numerous Australian cousins lives here with her husband and four kids and I am visiting for a few days. The scenery is stunning and such a contrast to Istanbul. Where are the people? the cars? Here it is green with rolling hills, spacious and quiet except for the birds and cicadas.
This evening Jill went to town and cooked a first class meal. They’re all very competent in the kitchen, my cousins. Despite the fact it was about 31 degrees today, it was a roast dinner and pork in honour of me! She put her shoulder of pork in the oven this morning on a high heat and then turned it down low for basically the rest of the day.
The smell was tantalizing as it slowly roasted with its accompaniment of apples and onions. We were out and about but gradually the aroma drew us in.They eat early here but I was ready.
The menu included a delicious mixed salad with lettuce, tomatoes, green pepper, snow peas, white cheese, and black olives:
Jill excelled herself with all sorts of side dishes including my favourite baked pumpkin with rosemary, roast potatoes, cauliflower au gratin, and a mixed vegetable stir-fry with a curry tang.
cauliflower au gratin |
As for the meat, it was so tender,it virtually fell apart upon carving. The joy of having melt-in-your mouth pork with homemade gravy not to mention the crackling is indescribable when you haven’t had it for a long time!
roast shoulder of pork cooked to perfection |
a delicious plate of roast dinner at Jill’s |
I should add that Jill herself is a vegetarian.
I have no doubt you are enjoying your trip to down-under!
MMMM….roasted pork dinner! You lucky duck! =) Savor every crispy morsel while you can. The cauliflower au gratin would be a fun recipe to share if you can. Thanks!
i would like the pork recipe too! that looks fabulous! how can one live without pork?
Dinner looks fantastic! How sweet of Jill to make because you know she didn't make the meat for herself, right? I shouldn't be reading this while on an empty stomach because I want, I want, I want! Right now! Thanks for sharing, it looks delicious. I can see that it is also very beautiful there. I love the first picture. Have a most marvelous time.
Yes, I thought it was pretty sweet of Jill too! She is amazing how she knocks up meals in no time flat with all these children!!!
I would love to share the cauliflower recipe when I get back to Istanbul! Alas no pork there.
Thanks for all your good wishes, love from Down Under!
Sounds like a delicious meal. Enjoy your visit!
Yet another wonderful dish to sample for you. Hope you are having a fantastic time 🙂
Sounds like you're having a great time.
There's an award for you over at my blog if you would like it xx
Did you say "crackling"? OMGosh, haven't had that in 30 years! yummy, I thought only Southerners (in Alabama) ate crackling! 🙂
Back in Sydney now and managed to access my blog! Yes, I am indeed having a great time, thanks for your warm wishes! But the weather is really strange: grey and wet! And this is their summer??
Yes, hensrule, we Brits do like our crackling! I'm enjoying the beautiful wine here too!
Something for everyone there, so pleased you are having a great time despite the 'summer' weather.