Matt Dobson 
Tempering chocolate: finding the right balance. You’ve seen them do it on Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules, stressing, sweating and shaking over their failed attempts to temper chocolate. It might look easy, but if you’ve ever tried it yourself at home you’ll know it’s a delicate process that requires skill, patience and balance. Chefs, chocolatiers and … Read more
There are some recipes that I have been making on and off for more than 30 years now! Yes, that shocks me… I don’t feel old enough to have a personal recipe which is more than 30 years old. My recipe for Quiche Lorraine is one of these old favourites. I don’t make it as … Read more
Would you like to try some edible spoons with your cup of tea, coffee or chocolate? I know I couldn’t refuse something as cute as one of these Edible Caramel and Chocolate Cookie Spoons. There are so many possible ways to decorate them too! The idea to make them came to me when I was developing … Read more
I opened the fridge the other day to discover there’s a full container of frozen picadillo. I have not been eating a large amount of meats for the last few months now, plus a surfeit of this ground beef/potato dish to consume for days called for a need to “innovate” a bit. Bhing had a brilliant … Read more
One of the most lovely things about being a girl is having gorgeous girlfriends. I think the ability to chat about anything over cup of coffee and a sweet treat is a very female trait. After all when your eating something deliciously sweet, like a Pink Macaron, you can say almost anything. The other day … Read more
The “graveyard” shift in a call centre was both a boon and a bane for me. When Manila became a major US outsourcing hub in the early 2000s, salaries upped several notches. I jumped on the bandwagon, as many of us did. There was a catch, though – the challenge of keeping myself awake while everyone was asleep. … Read more
After our trips to Mexico I have fully embraced and immersed myself in Mexican cuisine. In preparation for visiting Mexico I had already bought a tortilla press and perfected the art of making corn tortilla. The delicious corny taste was an awakening of what flavours should be included in a true Mexican meal. Whilst in Mexico I … Read more
We have recently returned from Mexico and I am in love with the fresh simplicity of the food. Guacamole is now a food we devour almost daily. Please believe me when I say that EVERYTHING is better with the good old Guac! But, how do you make the perfect guacamole? What should be included in … Read more
Crispy Calamares is a popular street food in the Philippines. When I was a growing kid in the 80’s, the winners were fish balls, “dirty ice cream”, taho (a tofu dessert), barbecue, banana cue and balut, to name a few. Calamares was probably just a restaurant dish at the time. But in the last 10 … Read more
Have you ever fallen in love with a property from the minute you set eyes on it? I was in love with the Gypsy Cottage the moment I glimpsed this picture perfect getaway. I will tell you more about this gorgeous country hideaway in a later story. Right now I want to share a recipe … Read more
I have to share the delicious Easy Pork Adobo Recipe with our readers! It’s a very popular Filipino dish, so as a courtesy I am sharing this dish with the Gourmet Getaways readers. I have also learned that Masterchef contestant John Carasig from the Philippines has made a Chicken Adobo on the show. While in Australia, I … Read more
What would be your Top 5 Pinot food matches? I love a nice glass of pinot and finding the correct food match makes a wine all the more enjoyable. This story is for those of us who like to have our Pinot, and eat it too! Not too long ago I discovered a website dedicated … Read more
Hi Readers, I am visiting Julie in Coffs Harbour at the moment. We are having a great time discovering hidden gems and popular local restaurants in the town. Julie, Brett, Locky and Anais have been a great family to stay with, I will miss them. One little piece of Coffs Harbour I can share with … Read more
What would be a romantic meal to make? I asked the family. I need some romantic food idea’s for a Valentines Day dinner, and thinking along the lines of a Creamy Smoked Salmon Fettuccine. “There isn’t any romantic food” explained my mere male, Mr GG “There are romantic meals, but it’s not the food, it’s … Read more
I think I may have done something bad! I can’t decide if it’s just a little bad or very, very bad… It certainly wasn’t something a “good” wife would do. I think I will tell you what I did and you can decide if it’s bad, or BAD! I have been reading a cookbook by Jonas Camby … Read more
The most decadent hamper arrived at my door a few days ago. While I was signing for it, the delivery lady mused that it must be a Valentines Day hamper. I looked at her surprised, Valentines Day was two weeks away, why would she guess Valentines Day and not my birthday, or some other celebration? … Read more
It’s picnic weather and school holidays! On the Coffs Coast we have so many wonderful places to enjoy nature and a gourmet picnic. I thought it would be fitting to pack a picnic basket, with a delicious container of Baba Ganoush, and give readers directions to a favourite picnic spot of mine. Dingo Creek is just … Read more
The more years I spend on this planet the more I realise everything comes back into fashion sooner or later. That ugly corduroy jacket that you only just threw out, after holding onto for 10 or more years… it’ll come back into fashion… just as you are getting used to the extra space in your closet. … Read more
Who’s up for a slice of Australia Day Pavlova? It may be a little cliche but I’m making an “Aussie Pav” for Australia Day this year. The truth is, I’ve never made a Pavlova for Australia Day before! I wonder if that make me un-Australian? I’ve made a lot of other delicious Australia Day Recipes … Read more
What do you bring to an Australia Day BBQ? Do you hold an Australia Day party each year? Are these the kind of Australia Day Recipes that you would make? With Christmas a distant memory, I am starting to get into the Australia Day spirit! After all, it’s another holiday centred around food and booze! … Read more