My New Zealand From a Simple Foody Perspective

I'm getting used to the fact that occasionally someone will present me with a half-full bottle of wine.  Think about it, if you opened a bottle the night before, had a glass and it was lovely, wouldn't you want to share it with your friend the next night?  Sure you would.

Someone once brought me a loaf of white bread.  I didn't know what to do with it.  She explained, "well, you said you were having sausages for the kids..."  Children love sausages and the way they like 'em best is bbq'ed and then wrapped in white bread with tomato sauce on top.

Sausages are very popular here and you can get all kinds.  The butcher I like best has some amazing varieties.  I was just there this morning stocking up so in my freezer now are:  Beef and Guinness, Chicken Cranberry and Chestnut, Morrocan Curry (those are lamb), and Beef and Mushroom.  YUM!

Chorizo is hit or miss.  I seldom find it how I remember it from home.

I'm still looking for a really sharp and satisfying cheddar cheese.  I had one I loved but don't see it on the shelves anymore.  Hate it when that happens!

I'm almost ready to try vegemite... At least now I can tolerate the smell of it.

I will never be ready to add beets to my burger OR  a fried egg which, if you put the two together and add tomato sauce, would be the definition of a proper Kiwi burger.  Poor Greg has to go home to mum if he wants one of those!

Dried fruit appears in the strangest of places.  An otherwise perfectly good chocolate chip cookie for instance.  I must admit, though, I now make date scones I'd be proud to serve to any of you!

Greg made dinner the other night -- Mouse Traps.  Toast topped with mashed potato and ham (or bacon or whatever) and then covered with cheese and put under the grill until the cheese melts.  It was the yummiest comfort food ever.  Who knew.

A good go-to dinner for Lloyd if he's too hungry to wait?  Baked beans on toast with a fried egg on top.  He loves it!

I've never had more tea in my life!  Got some downtime in the afternoon?  Have a cup of tea!  A friend comes 'round for a visit?  Put that kettle on!  A cup before bed is a lovely way to end the day.  (I love my coffee still, that'll never change.)

Food, Food, Food!  Grounding.  Reassuring.  Comforting.  Bonding.  Satisfying.