ROAST LEG OF LAMB GREEK STYLE

Preheat oven to 160 deg C
Wash 2.3 kg leg of lamb , pat dry and set on the rack of a roasting pan .
Slice 6 cloves of garlic and mix with 1 dsp of salt , 1 tsp of cracked pepper and 2 tbs of dried oregano .
Make incisions in the leg of lamb with a sharp knife, insert seasoned garlic slivers which are best dipped in oil .
Mix 1/4 cup of melted butter with 1/4 cup of olive oil , now rub over the surface of the lamb joint .
Pour the juice of 1 lemon on top .
Cover pan and cook at 160deg C for 1 and 1/2 hours .
During the roasted period add 1 cup of water to the liquid in the pan , baste often until meat is browned and done to taste .
Half way through cooking period , small peeled onions and or washed whole potatoes may be placed in pan around the lamb.

THE BEST ROASTED CHICKEN

Preheat oven 200deg C
Place 1 x 3kg roasting chicken under cold running water and wash inside and out , pat dry with paper hand towel .
Squeeze the juice of 1 orange all over the bird .
Then quarter another orange and 1 medium onion quartered inside the bird .
Tie the legs up with kitchen string .
Sprinkle salt and cracked pepper all over the bird , then sprinkle lightly with dried rosemary .
Place bird , breast side up in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup of water in the pan .
Roast the bird for 1 hour .
GLAZE
To prepare the glaze , heat 3 tbs of whole grain mustard in a saucepan along with 3 tbs of honey , 1 tbs orange marmalade and 3 tbs of sweet sherry ..heat until everything is hot and smooth .
Spoon the glaze over the bird and continue to bake till the bird is golden brown .
The bird will be cooked when the drumstick moves easily .

ROCKY ROAD

You can use the alternative to chocolate , sold as white chocolate to make what is known as "white Christmas "
This is so simple , all you need are the ingredients , 1 saucepan and a bowl ......plus this recipe makes a great gift , once made break it into pieces wrap it  in cellophane paper, tie with a ribbon .... there you go best present .....plus you made it and are giving it with love .
Ok  simply place in a bowl , 1/2 cup of chocolate bits , 90 grams of white mini marshmallows , 90 gms of mini pink marshmallows... ( you will find the mini marshmallows in the cake / flour section in Woolworths  )
1/2 cup of shredded coconut ,
1/2 cup of goji berries  (or soft raspberry lollies , if you want to be naughty )
1/2 cups of chopped nuts  ( your choice ),
Now mix these all together ...
Place 400 gm of dark chocolate or white cooking 'chocolate ' in a saucepan over a low heat and stir till melted .
Then stir through the melted chocolate with the dry ingredients till well combined pour into a lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set and then break into pieces ...

BLOOD ORANGE SALAD

Blood oranges are available in Woolworth supermarkets , these are just perfect for a salad but if you can' get toWoolworths , substitute them with a fresh Valencia orange .

Simply slice the orange , discarding the ends .

Place slices on your serving plate , sprinkle with a little shredded coconut ,  the same of granulated nuts , a handful of hydrated sultanas or sliced medjool dates ..

Dress with a few fresh  green leaves .

To serve spray with a balsamic vinegar , and a few crumbs of feta cheese .

 

MIDVALLEY'S MINI POP UP MARKETS

Than you to everyone who dropped by Mid Valley mini pop up market yesterday ( 1st Friday in September ).
It was so good to see everyone and for your support .
Thanks to Belinda , Joan , Laresa and Emily for preparing the tasting plates .
There were fresh fruit and leaf salads , blood oranges , beetroot and zucchini carpaccio's bought to life with a fresh and fruity olive oil supplied by Darnum Park Estate ( than you Birch Cavallaro ), I prepared the same salads dressed  with different dressings ....one with honey and mustard , another with chocolate and balsamic vinegar , the raspberry and balsamic vinegar was just as popular .
the same salads  served with different dressings made each salad totally different .......
The salad plates proved so popular and such a great way to get you to eat your greens .
The no bake desserts virtually wale out the door , lemon slice , dark chocolate rocky road and a white Christmas .
I was well supported by the stall holders in the mini pop up market.......
South Gippsland honey farm
Australian farm nuts .
Darnum Park Estate
Greg Little from the Salami Shack ( that's where I purchased the black pudding ...traditional English recipe )
Chris and Kate  Allen , Tambo Gourmet Foods
Woolworths donated free fruit for the children and all the ingredients for my food demonstration .
Baker's Delight for their generous free giveaways .
Oliver's Meats for their continued support and offering great cuts of meats  and ready made meat delicacies for you to take home and just pop in the oven .
Gippsland FM 104.7 was live to air , keeping  Gippsland informed and entertained .
It was a great day and we will do it again on the first Friday of each month .