ciao tutti!! Saturday and the weather is glorious, even if a tad on the hot side. All the more reason for getting outside to stock up on your Vitamin D and N levels.
Another post from la cucina: if you haven’t made BAKED RICE for ages, it’s time to make amends. It’s ultra easy, delicious and one that the kids can make any time. Recipes from CWA cookbooks, favourite Great Aunt (good excuse to phone and check up on them) or Mr Google.
Mine is based on powdered milk, Arboria rice which results in delicious creaminess, but any medium grain will do. Don’t forget the strips of fresh lemon, vanilla and the italian ‘pinch of salt’ which is 3 fingers + the thumb! If you have them on hand, throw some raisins, sultanas or mixed fruit in the bottom of the dish. buona cucina… buon appetito!

ciao tutti! Wednesday brings a tinch of cooler weather and thoughts turn to ….. SOUP!
The Little Cellar Rat’s suggestion for a hasty, tasty lunch – Jazzed Up Tomato Soup. Start with your favourite tinned soup, grate in some tasty cheese, bless with a sprinkling of Italian herbs, smoky paprika and a kiss of chilli flakes… and you’re almost done. Add some fingers of toast spread with perhaps hummus. Oh, if you have chorizo or a little bacon, a sprinkle of either adds the finale.
buon appetito! buona cucina! a domani.
Stay safe, stay smiling and remember we are all in this together

ciao tutti! It’s Easter Tuesday and the sun is bathing us here on The Hill in its buttery creaminess.
The days have been warm but that sting of the summer sun has been put to the side.
For all the Working From Homers it’s back to the desk/computer. by now you will have worked out very practical strategies for being productive and staying sane. don’t forget to get you daily does of Vitamins D and N(ature).
The Little Cellar Rat picked up these gorgeous gems on her morning walk. Like other CHILDERS WALKERS she is loving the new stretch of red footpath along Lions Drive. Thank you, Bundaberg Regional Council!

Stay safe, stay smiling and remember that we are all in this together.
alla prossima!

ciao tutti! Fish or seafood is most likely on your Good Friday Menu and no doubt there will be a wedge or two of lemon or lime. Before you discard them, use the segments to give the plates and pan a good wipe out.
If you have one or two still left over, throw them into the washing up water. The fishy smell will be g-o-n-s-k-y! buona cucina… alla prossima!

The Little Cellar Rat made ‘caponata’ on the weekend. That’s lunch sorted for a few days.
Chunks of capsicum and wedges of eggplant (don’t peel or salt, no need to if they are young with tight skins, just slice off stalk end.) Use an oven pan with sides approx 3cm, give them a massage in EVO Oil and roast in med-hot oven.
Put in wide-mouthed jar, anoint with usual suspects and herbs of your choosing. Some chilli flakes add a surprise. Put on Dean Martin and ‘VOLARE’ You’ll need nothing else!
buona cucina, buon appetito!
Stay safe, stay smiling and remember we’re all in this together.
à domani, amici e amiche

ciao tutti! The early mornings here on the Hill have a distinctly autumn feel and the Little Cellar Rat is enjoying the freshness and cool that April is bringing.
Post for today is a Kitchen tip: finding it a challenge to get rid of the smell of cut onions from your hands? TLCR has a nifty little Stainless Steel Soap but you can improvise using your stainless steel kitchen sink. rub your wet hands around and back and around the sink. It takes seconds but the smell will be gonsky! It works like magic and the Scientists among us will know the reason. (Explanations welcome!)

Terranzo the Winemaker and Maria the Little Cellar Rat enjoy breakfast 10 months out of 12 on the back deck. It faces north and is the sunniest spot. We have birdsong to lift our hearts and a view to the green hills as a feast for the eyes.
Our house was built over a century ago by the Burton Family, early pioneers in the cane industry. As we survey the beauty of the hills around us and the richness of the red soil, we often feel their presence and appreciate their vision and hard work.
This morning’s ‘Moment of Magic’ was the vision of fountains of water penetrating the trees that border the canefield up the hill.
We are blessed indeed! Fresh air, sunshine and plenty of space in these stormy times.
a domani!

ciao tutti! ‘All work and no play’ is not advisable for any of us. If you have Other Family Members working from home or Kids with an ‘Early Start to the Easter Vac’, PLAN FOR PANCAKES for Morning Tea break. OFM / the kids can whip them up. They can be as big/small, basic or fancy as you like: sliced bananas or any fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, spoon of ice-cream or yoghurt and DON’T FORGET THE DUSTING OF ICING SUGAR. Use some of those nice plates you have + a knife and fork. delizioso! buona cucina e buon appetito!
PS IF like the Little Cellar Rat you are GF, GF SR flour is fine to use. Pancakes are great fresh. If you have any left-over, keep refrigerated and reheat in Microwave on MEDIUM.
The Cellar Door might be closed but Phone + Mail orders are still do-able and welcome 4126 3470 0408 875 305
Stay safe, stay smiling and remember we’re all in this together!

ciao tutti!! How are all our WFH-ers?
Have you had your dose of Vitamin D and N (that’s N for nature) yet today? There is a little touch of autumn in the air so, if your situation allows, put on your Shady Lady Hat and take a stroll …. if you are looking, you will find Friday Surprises all around you, like this lichen on the Jagera tree near TLCR’s clothesline.
‘Stay safe, stay smiling and remember we are all in this together.’
a domani!