Friday, October 30, 2009

Calling all Australian cooks

Yes, you heard.

I'm soliciting ideas for recipes using the following ingredients:
  • Macadamia oil
  • Mountain pepper berries
  • Lemon myrtle
  • Wattle seed

No, I'm not making this up. I'm trying to use more of the ingredients in my pantry, and ... I really have no idea what to do with these. But they sure sound interesting.

And yes, there's a story behind them. The hubby is a bit of an online gamer. You know, me and mine band together and invade you and yours, and all that. Anyway, a while back, the hubby and I were grocery shopping (our usual Friday night activity), and the following conversation ensued:

Me: Hey, stop the cart, I want to get some oranges.
Hubby: You know, I think I'd make a really good lead in a romantic comedy.
Me: You as an actor, or you as a character?
Hubby: Me as a character.
Me: Nah, I don't see it. You're more of the male lead's wisecracking best buddy.
Hubby: No, no. I rather see myself as a 1980s Steve Guttenberg.
Me: You see yourself as Steve Guttenberg?
Hubby: But only 1980s Steve Guttenberg.* Hey, remind me to pick up some Famous Dave's Rib Rub. I need to send some to the guy in Australia whose village I'm invading tomorrow.
Me: You're sending Rib Rub to an Australian guy and then invading his village?
Hubby: Sauce, too, ya think? Yeah, sauce, too.

*Is there anything BUT a 1980s Steve Guttenberg, you might ask? Clearly, you have not been privy to that masterpiece of modern cinema known as Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus, starring Steve Guttenberg as Santa's son, and Crystal Bernard as his potential love interest. It airs every holiday season on ABC Family. If you're really lucky, you can catch the sequel, Meet the Santas, immediately following. Yes, I'll watch anything while wrapping Christmas gifts.

So the hubby mailed this big ol' package of grillin' love to Australia, and a few short weeks later, we received a bounty of Australian culinary delights in exchange. I ate the macadamia nuts (heavenly), shelved the vegemite (I'm sure it ages like a fine wine), and am clueless as to what to do with the rest. So if you're familiar, give me a holler at alericks@yahoo.com, and give me some tips.

And, an award! I received this lovely award from Spryte at Spryte's Place, who makes super-yummy food, and whose blog design makes mine look a crappy form letter.

Thank you, Spryte! I'm supposed to answer the following questions using only one-word answers. Which is difficult for a babbler like me.

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Damp
3. Your mother? Adorable
4. Your father? Clever
5. Your favorite food? Lasagna
6. Your dream last night? Creepy
7. Your favorite drink? Milk
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. What room are you in? Dining
10. Your hobby? Eating
11. Your fear? Spiders
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Calmer
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Alert
15. Muffins? Chocolate
16. Wish list items? Yes
17. Where did you grow up? Hillsboro
18. Last thing you did? Bottles
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? On
21. Your pets? Adorable
22. Friends? Hilarious
23. Your life? Content
24. Your mood? Sleepy
25. Missing someone? Always
26. Vehicle? Shiny
27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target

And now I challenge the following over-the-top bloggers to do the same:

7 comments:

Palidor said...

Wattle seed? The heck is that? Sorry, but I guess you can tell that I'm no help. Congrats on the award! It's fun reading more about you.

Natasha in Oz said...

G'Day! I heard your call for help and I am here to help! I loved this post-What a great story. Anyway I have an idea with the Macadamia oil-it is beautiful when used in salad dressings. Just use it instead of the olive oil you might normally use.

Here is a link to a yummy recipe for shortbread biscuits (cookies) and there are some other recipes if you scroll down the page.
http://www.benjaminchristie.com/recipes/shortbread-cookies-with-wattleseed

Let me know if you want some more recipes...I have plenty up my sleeve!
So nice to find your blog-would love it if you could visit me some time too!
http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/
Best wishes, NM.

Cathy said...

I love weird foods from other countries! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Donna-FFW said...

Ill be interested to see what you make with these 'exotic' ingredients.

Joanne said...

I have never heard of many of those ingredients otherwise I would try to help! I can't wait to see what you do with them though. I loved reading about you in the MEME!

Heather S-G said...

Can't help you on the Australian front...but thanks for the laugh :D And fun answers! I was never much of a Steve Guttenberg fan myself...not even Short Circuit could do it...

Anonymous said...

These are some interesting ingredients you've got! I'll be curious to see what you make!