tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135957831962831822012-01-28T10:32:06.713+11:00Family of Foodies is designed to encourage parents to share their love of food with kids- Bringing everyone back to the table.Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.comBlogger3121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-41267955821306904782012-01-27T18:41:00.000+11:002012-01-27T18:41:13.320+11:00

Very early on in my trip I needed to head down to Memphis to visit my dear friends Sara and Shawn and to meet their beautiful 8 week old son. I was very excited about this trip because not only was I going to see some wonderful people and get to hold the cutest little baby (OK on par with my boys), I was also hoping to get a glimpse of Elvis's abode and eat a bit of Southern food. I almost got

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-5222168573621509732012-01-24T20:47:00.000+11:002012-01-24T20:51:23.257+11:00

December just past seems like a lifetime ago! I am happy to say I have begun 2012 with a positive outlook and thus far injury free. The boys and I boarded our plane on December 30th and headed over to Chicago for a well deserved rest and relaxation. It was fabulous to catch up with friends, eat fantastic food and compare notes on what's new in our lives. However, I feel like I have over

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-38533427192237914112011-12-14T17:23:00.001+11:002011-12-14T17:24:13.873+11:00

A terrible, terrible month it has been for me. I have been snapping away with the camera and waiting for that one night when I get a chance to write about a few yummy meals we have eaten. Alas, it is December and the busiest time of the year for any caterer I am sure. I know it sounds like an excuse but I can assure you I am not happy with my blogging performance! Another thing I'm a little

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-70893093360509863432011-11-29T14:25:00.001+11:002011-11-29T18:49:43.058+11:00

Hello dear readers! It is true I have been off gallivanting across the states of Australia instead of cooking for my family but with very good reason. Last month a got an S.O.S email from a reader who is lucky enough to be a chef on a fantastic boat called Dr.No which is travelling all over the Pacific in search of amazing dive locations and destinations where they can launch the fabulous little

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-73754358131106790892011-11-20T13:18:00.001+11:002011-11-20T14:37:10.168+11:00

I think it is a first for me to have the Christmas cake baked and decorated before December. Last year I managed to make it and decorate it about a week before Christmas. The brandied soaked fruit didn't really have enough time to soak but that didn't stop us from enjoying this very moist and delicious cake while sipping cups of tea. Christmas cake is something that you either love or hate.

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-17617261623876390382011-11-16T16:01:00.001+11:002011-11-16T16:51:36.339+11:00

The kids came out of school today with rumbling tummies. It is true, they always seems to be rumbling after the school bell rings but today Max was particularly grumpy and broody. I was contemplating a sticky bun at the bakery but didn't have the energy to walk up and down the big hill and I also didn't have the head space for all the huffing and puffing I would of had to listen to on the way

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-56247840577935184952011-11-09T12:04:00.000+11:002011-11-09T12:04:31.607+11:00

My mum introduced this to me way back when I was a kid and I just love it with any roast. Actually, I think I only ever make it when I'm having a roast come to think of it. I can't ever remember not liking zucchinis but to offer this to my boys would be a great waste of time and zucchini! I think I have finally learnt not to make the boys eat foods they REALLY hate. After 3 years of putting

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-26161787357480721382011-11-06T17:19:00.000+11:002011-11-06T18:35:24.791+11:00

I don't know why but making a sponge has always been something that I have been scared of. I think I was told years ago that they were tricky, only people with 'the touch' can make a good one. Perhaps this was something I talked myself into so I didn't have to make one? Whatever the reason, sponge cakes have never been high on my to-do-list, until recently. We made a trip down to Melbourne a

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-12425799840417202072011-11-02T15:29:00.001+11:002011-11-02T15:30:42.173+11:00

I have been meaning to write this post for a couple of weeks and today is my first midweek day off in over 2 years, so I am doing all the things I want to do. There were tears on the couch last night. I had just finished the biggest day of catering (Melbourne Cup) and I was relaxing, revelling in the fact that I might not have to do it next year when Alex asked if we could have sushi for

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-36234048098280436882011-10-16T16:42:00.000+11:002011-10-16T16:42:21.615+11:00

This was not the blog I thought I would be writing today. As I downloaded a few images from the camera, I have realised I really need to find time to get talking about some of the meals we have been eating this week, however, like most things in life we were thrown a curve ball. Last night Nic and I went out to dinner at a wonderful little French restaurant in Surry Hills with a good friend

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-61938938094476974092011-10-13T15:39:00.000+11:002011-10-13T15:40:36.674+11:00

I'm sure you all get the same looks as I do when you go and pick the kids up from school. The grumpy face stares up at you like it was all your fault the school bell didn't chime an hour ago. "Hello boys!" is 9 times out of 10 met with.... 'Ohhh I am soooo hungry, did you bring anything to eat?' where the answer is always 'no, but I'm sure there is something at home'. It's when we get

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-40153740347164318492011-10-09T11:20:00.000+11:002011-10-09T11:20:59.966+11:00

Yesterday I started the day cooking pumpkin risotto at 8am. The boys poked their heads into the kitchen to see what was for breakfast... 'Yumm, what's for breakfast' Max asked sniffing the butter, garlic and onion combo sauteing on the stove. 'Cereal was my reply.....and some toast if your lucky'.  You see I was running behind schedule for my TVSN shoot and because it's live filming I

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-72242778303391875632011-10-03T19:59:00.000+11:002011-10-03T19:59:21.893+11:00

Look I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, nor have I been eaten by aliens or had surgery to my hands.  No, I have been on a path trying to find a new direction for my life. More importantly, I have been trying very hard to start living my life the way I actually want to, instead of my work life ruling me. As most of you know I have been working in the corporate catering sector where I

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-70075348297634937412011-09-11T13:49:00.000+10:002011-09-11T13:49:05.119+10:00

On Thursday a good chef friend of mine and I put on a dinner at Sydney's Basque Club. Tustra from The Big Paella and I are trying to narrow our field down to the jobs that we actually really want to do instead of the food we must do to survive! When you have been cooking professionally for over 20 years (eek!) you start to get a bit fed up with all the bulls----t of the kitchen world (and

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-81422165181361109482011-09-05T16:14:00.000+10:002011-09-05T16:14:14.084+10:00

I bought a pie crust last week...this is not something I thought I would ever say! However, my lovely blogger friend Susie wrote a post a couple weeks ago about a delicious chocolate pie she recently made and her pictures were VERY convincing. After reading through the recipe I thought I would give it ago seeing as I hadn't done much in the dessert line lately. I also thought I had a can of

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-56236027318927017792011-09-04T11:22:00.000+10:002011-09-04T11:22:32.326+10:00

Firstly I have to send a big Happy Father's Day greeting to my dad.  I let the weeks go by and never got to the post office...... Not only did I not send a card, my sister the more organised one out of his daughters actually got him a card/present but thought it was the following Sunday. Poor dad had to wake up this morning with nothing from his daughters except a couple of phone calls and

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-46835915947585385332011-08-20T15:22:00.000+10:002011-08-20T15:22:32.023+10:00

Last night I was pulling a chicken out of the fridge when Alex pops his head in to show off his latest costume (he was wearing his dressing gown and declared he was spider man!). After telling him how cool he looked I then turned my attention back to the chicken. As I was pulling it out of the plastic and rinsing it off I hear "Cool mum, is that what a chicken would look like without a head?"

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-74630168072119913072011-08-07T16:24:00.000+10:002011-08-07T16:24:07.112+10:00

I decided to try something different today.  I've been meaning to preserve myself some lemons for about a year now but just never got around to having ALL the ingredients in the house at one time. It really hurt when I was making the lamb tagine last week and I had to use fresh lemons instead. Even though I still got a beautiful lemonly flavour it wasn't nearly as intense as it could of been if

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-4623780079057586022011-08-05T17:34:00.000+10:002011-08-05T17:34:48.913+10:00

It was a cooking frenzy last weekend. I somehow managed to wrangle a full day off on Sunday and where do you think I spend most of my day? (bar the morning watching Max play football)- in the kitchen! I know I cook for a living and spend a crazy amount of time around food every other day, but when I manage to have a spare few hours of peace and quiet I love to cook healthy and delicious meals

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-47544021089575867342011-07-26T20:09:00.000+10:002011-07-26T20:09:51.902+10:00

 Another night was going to pass by with me thinking our evening meal was yet again not yummy enough to blog. Maybe that is the wrong thing to say because I knew it was going to be yummy......perhaps I should say, I thought chicken wings weren't glamorous enough to blog? Glamorous or not, chicken wings would have to be one of my (and my families) favourite bone cracking, skin sucking sweet

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-72739072004658208362011-07-25T07:04:00.000+10:002011-07-25T07:04:06.708+10:00

July has been a bit of a slow blogging month for me. I'm not to sure why I feel I haven't been cooking blog worthy meals? maybe it has something to do with the ups and downs of work, school holidays and the rain. Let me tell all you non Sydney siders, it has rained for pretty much the entire month of July, it is official that last week was the wettest week in 50 years! Along with the rain is

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-6613284056526134072011-07-17T11:49:00.000+10:002011-07-17T11:49:31.064+10:00

It was Alex's birthday weekend. I can't believe my little one is turning 6 on Tuesday! I also can't believe how busy I have been this week with work events. I am only saying this because I feel that I kind of ran out of time to cook up a storm for his birthday.  I felt terrible of course but I have to say the big bowl of lollies, endless array of chips, sushi (bought from my favourite sushi man)

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-34911275099633394222011-07-10T18:54:00.000+10:002011-07-10T18:54:55.624+10:00

I was going through my cookbook shelves this morning, looking for a recipe I use to make quite a bit when I was the dessert chef at Campagnola- Tiramisu. I remember when I first made this recipe for the owner and head chef to try. I'd spent all morning preparing it then brought it down to the main kitchen to watch it disappear within seconds while the kitchen boys were left with moustaches of

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-26688812669943386372011-06-28T20:11:00.000+10:002011-06-28T20:11:15.923+10:00

I went to pick the boys up from school today and I was greeted with sniffles, red noses and turned down mouths and yet they seemed perfectly happy. Max is just like his dad, even when he looks like death he never complains about it and just keeps on going. It was only when he told me he was cold that I took notice. This is the boy who wears shorts and a t-shirt 365 days a year, I mean he was

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-15357844641563691072011-06-26T16:04:00.000+10:002011-06-26T16:04:22.520+10:00

I was at the butcher the other day asking for something inspiring. The lovely Aaron just looked at me, muttered something about indecisive cougars and told me to just pick something. 'What did you say? back up the truck my friend, you called me a what??!' After a tongue lashing from me and stating a few facts (being number one that I am NOT yet in my forties so out of cougar range and secondly

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-74976831401791312272011-06-19T15:45:00.000+10:002011-06-19T15:45:41.659+10:00

I am not sure why I have waited so long to blog this meal? At the time I remember looking in the fridge to find not much in sight. The fish shop is closer than the butcher so that was pretty much how I started preparing dinner....with a quick dash down the street! It must of been a Wednesday night because I was trying to get dinner organised before heading off to yoga. I remember this because

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-57112569923204819012011-06-12T18:59:00.001+10:002011-06-13T14:48:26.089+10:00

About a year ago I met a lovely lady at Max's AFL club (Australian football league). We had just moved into our new neighbourhood and was on the look out for like minded people. I have to admit I didn't have much luck with group gatherings. I wasn't sure it if was due to the fact that I hadn't been back long in Australia or if it was me entirely who didn't fit into theses somewhat clicky

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-5303165945049345572011-06-07T20:43:00.000+10:002011-06-07T20:43:29.314+10:00

It was swimming night tonight for my boys. It used to be a half hour of sitting pool side breathing in heavy chlorinated air while watching the boys swim laps of the pool but then somehow that changed. Somewhere along the path I must of had a conversation with the head swim teacher about Max's advancement. I think in this little chat, I wasn't really listening.......or it was never mentioned (?

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-87051709381528818752011-06-05T18:32:00.000+10:002011-06-05T18:32:07.911+10:00

I woke up this morning craving chocolate cake. This is weird for me because I am usually about all things savoury- cheeses, cured meats, pickles, olives....etc. I remembered reading the kitch's blog a month or so ago and she posted about her delicious family chocolate cake, so the first thing I did was jump on to see. There is was, a great big chocolate cake, slathered in sweet, sweet icing-

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-73503255976808508262011-05-29T08:38:00.000+10:002011-05-29T08:38:35.075+10:00

A blog I love to turn to is dinnersanddreams. I enjoy reading Nisrine so much that I purchased her cookbook, Marrakesh Express by Nisrine Merzouki. Her blog is full of fabulous photos, recipes and wonderful stories of how food has influenced her life thus far. Late last year when I had time to read a lot more blogs than now, I enjoyed seeing what Nisrine was up to and her ideas for pre dinner

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-11889813614885289012011-05-25T20:21:00.000+10:002011-05-25T20:21:09.594+10:00

No one does roasted nuts quite like Americans. I am not a big nut lover, in fact two cashews are about my limit, however, I have been known to eat more than my usual two when roasted. Nic on the other hand loves them! He will happily pop handfuls into his mouth and think nothing of it, as do Max and Alex. When we had friends around the other night I was thinking of ideas as to what I could

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-6638246705214513692011-05-22T10:52:00.000+10:002011-05-22T10:52:23.780+10:00

The time has come people, when I am sick to death of the same old same old. Monday came around just as fast as last Sunday, I looked back on the week and thought to myself- nothing made that week a great week. We didn't do anything that stood out....come to think about it, we haven't done anything in the past 4 months that has been fun, engaging or memorable. Last night Nic and I threw a

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-54987333569860654912011-05-16T16:03:00.000+10:002011-05-16T16:03:55.119+10:00

Winter is here folks! Maybe I have been in Sydney long enough to become acclimatised because last week I was cold. The wind was blowing in from the ocean and slapping us all in the face. I don't remember it feeling so cold this time last year, however, I may have turned into a wimp? (and I know all you Midwesterners are laughing at our 60 degree winters and thinking- toughen up!). Shopping

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-23870477650667185492011-05-14T13:10:00.000+10:002011-05-14T13:10:40.779+10:00

I was giving myself an early mark from work yesterday. I'd had a busy week and I went in early to prepare my morning orders. It was around lunch time (1pm) that I remembered I had leftover tortellini in the fridge at home. You know the feeling you get when you can taste your up and coming meal on the tip of your tongue?  I entered the house starving hungry, pulled open the fridge door to

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-49178789046630422692011-05-08T10:51:00.000+10:002011-05-08T10:51:45.086+10:00

My sister rang me the other day. We don't talk much toward the end of the months because it's the busiest time for her at work...she practically lives there until months end is finished (some accounting term I have gotten use too over the years). I have to say I haven't called her in a few weeks myself due to a couple of massive weeks at work. You know that feeling of - please, just let me make

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-55832240911738034852011-05-05T17:49:00.000+10:002011-05-05T17:49:25.156+10:00

  Almost every Friday Nic gets a text from me or a phone call which goes something like this- "Do you feel like fish tonight? I think fish would be good...." Where he replies... "Do you want me to get some fish on the way home?...." "Yes please!!!!" is what I usually type back, or if I've had a shitty day, I'd be a little more sarcastic and say something like......"seeing as you pass the

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-73624347156717728822011-05-03T20:07:00.000+10:002011-05-03T20:07:23.680+10:00

T-bone steak was on the menu the other day which is an absolute favourite of mine when in need of an iron fix. Cooking the steaks on the Baby Q is a no brainer, however, I wanted a bit of a flavour surge. We have had a bag of carrots in the fridge for about a week now (I had good intentions on making a carrot cake but.....) and I do love carrots but the boys really don't like cooked carrots and

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-21327664842237113412011-05-01T11:32:00.001+10:002011-05-01T11:34:37.440+10:00

With the Easter break all over and our guests back home, I believe I am getting some sort of normality back into my daily grind. I have just been flicking through my recent pictures of past meals and wondered where to start? Should I post about the wacky tuna and sausage dinner I made....no, not first up you might think I totally lost the plot so I'll save that one for later. I was leaning

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-44084066051897170312011-04-21T14:55:00.001+10:002011-04-21T14:57:14.280+10:00

I know I said I was coming back, but your right....this is ridiculous! It has been a very busy week this side of the bridge. We are lucky enough to have some of our old U.S friends drop on by for the past week, so when I haven't been working I have enjoyed a few drops of vino and an awful lot of chatting. I am please to also tell you that I have some great recipes up my sleeve for next week,

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-65950704151653579172011-04-11T17:55:00.001+10:002011-04-11T17:57:44.534+10:00

 OK it is time for me to remove myself from my blogging slump. I don't know what's got into me lately. I feel like all my food is boring, nothing worth telling the world about and who really wants to read another of my burger blogs?? Yes, that's right I have been on a bit of a burger mission. I've decided to ride it out and not bore you lovely readers with yet another picture of deliciously

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-3458145899769732802011-03-29T19:04:00.000+11:002011-03-29T19:04:50.465+11:00

Nic has been off across the other side of the world this week while the boys and I were lucky enough to have Pam, Nic's mum offer to help us with the day to day runnings of our family. Nic was giving papers on 16th Century Italians in Montreal, the jist of the paper I believe was about a donkey!?  I know, some people have all the fun jobs! With my leg still in the boot and the boys still

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-21340571289342407462011-03-20T14:19:00.000+11:002011-03-20T14:19:58.395+11:00

For the past two nights I have been woken by the early morning rains. We haven't had much rain (in Sydney, sadly I can't say the same for parts of QLD and Victoria) in past months. So when I hear it on the roof, I lay quietly listening to it falling and enjoying the stillness of the house, after all it is usually around 4.30 am. Since breaking my ankle I have to wear shorts. I could wear skirts

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-72085161907219388742011-03-17T16:06:00.000+11:002011-03-17T16:06:38.693+11:00

It's St. Patrick's Day today and I was enjoying it at 6am this morning while piping icing onto a clients batch of shamrock shaped cookies I was madly finishing off for there 8am delivery. It would of been fine if I'd had a little extra warning, but that's not how the catering business works and I'm almost going to change the company name to www.lastminutecatering.com- however, this is another

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-46883690142712818392011-03-14T16:49:00.000+11:002011-03-14T16:49:57.586+11:00

I can hardly believe 9 years ago I was sitting up in bed at 8.30am feeling hungrier than I'd ever felt before. I remember thinking to myself 'Where are the lunch people???'  Those dry cheese sandwiches a nurse dropped in my lap just after giving birth really didn't enter my stomach, instead they simply attached to the walls of my mouth and slowly turned into a paste with what little saliva I had

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-79857880498376078942011-03-08T17:22:00.000+11:002011-03-08T17:22:09.865+11:00

I was flicking through one of my favourite books the other day and noticed a great picture of  Vietnamese pork balls, grilled on a skewer. The picture was really appetizing and the thought of anything Vietnamese sounded delicious, so I flipped through the ingredients quickly, made a mental note to remind Nic to pick up some pork mince while shopping and kept this recipe filed for a meal this

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-86376165502546508202011-03-06T14:06:00.000+11:002011-03-06T14:06:09.420+11:00

 Well the time finally came when Nic and I brought last years Christmas present to ourselves- a BBQ. It's not that we couldn't agree, or that we are not very excited about it- quite the opposite. It has taken all of three months for us to find a spare hour on a weekend where were could go and select one. I guess having me rocking around on one good leg and one booted one does have advantages!

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-21703237852124402472011-02-28T16:09:00.000+11:002011-02-28T16:09:42.662+11:00

 When three o'clock rolls around, I am guaranteed the same question every day... "Mum I'm hungry.....can I have something to eat?" The boys are starving everyday when they arrive home and I've gotta tell you, I almost could give them a big bowl of pasta just to tied them over until dinner time, but I don't want to encourage this type of behaviour until they hit their teens at least! Looking

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-88492601043074238562011-02-27T19:13:00.000+11:002011-02-27T19:13:25.518+11:00

My local fruit and vegetable store is great fun to wonder around. The shelves and benches are stacked high with fresh, colourful fruit and vegetables on one side while the opposite has a massive array of local and imported cheeses. Along with theses cheeses are 101 different types of crackers, olive oils, vinegars, sugars, gourmet pastas etc.. And for all of us who love a bit of pickled herring

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-78424016858304730232011-02-18T15:18:00.000+11:002011-02-18T15:18:30.251+11:00

A couple of weeks ago (before I decided to break my ankle), my sister rang and asked if we'd be interested in going out for brunch to meet her new man. Of course I jumped at the offer and was bursting to finally get a geezer, but I had to insist they came to us. "Phew!" said Tarsh, I was hoping you'd say that. After all, I knew the history here and wanted to pull out all the stops for this brunch

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-11324338786531632802011-02-14T17:35:00.000+11:002011-02-14T17:35:21.397+11:00

I have been keeping my eye on the post for the past week,  I was expecting a letter that hadn't arrived yet. Of course I blamed it on the crazy weather we have been having all over the world lately (so if you sent it late Bryan then I haven't blamed you!).  My dear friend Bryan asked if I'd entertain the idea of having his daughters flat Stanley come for a trip to Australia. I of course was happy

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-45816819412382299842011-02-10T19:12:00.000+11:002011-02-10T19:12:32.523+11:00

Friday afternoon is a time I really enjoy. It doesn't matter if I have to work the weekend because Friday night is all mine.  I get to sit back, relax and let my darling hubby make me one of his fabulous dry martinis -if I wasn't such a guzzler I'd have taken a photo of it beforehand.....maybe next time, or the time after that? With blue cheese and crackers on the balcony, martini and scotch in

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-11643648110300948182011-02-05T20:35:00.000+11:002011-02-05T20:35:51.602+11:00

I have to say it.....it's HOT people! When the temperature climbs over 40 degrees (100 something) in Sydney, you know about it. I'd love to say I'm used to it and all is hunky dory but that would be lying. I HATE the heat. I go red, get itchy lumps on my feet, sweat more than any girl I know and am irritable all the time- a joy to be around I know.....I even annoy myself! Nic was out, Max was

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-76947745906912499982011-01-30T19:27:00.000+11:002011-01-30T19:27:45.628+11:00

A few months ago, right before Christmas actually, I joined a new pilates studio. It's my neighbour's new career move. I love pilates and like to support local businesses so I decided to join and try for a healthier new lifestyle for 2011 (not to mention helping a new start-up business). Part of this new lifestyle change was to eat healthy, yummy foods (that really hasn't changed for the past 5

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-3919120963769110912011-01-26T21:16:00.001+11:002011-01-26T21:38:07.391+11:00

It's hot, humid and Australia Day. I remember it being the same way this time last year too. What better way to show our patriotism than pack a picnic, dust off the boogie boards, jump in the car (minus stereo and a/c- not happy!) and join the thousands of Aussies that head to the beach to celebrate living in this beautiful country. As far as I remember, Australia Day is all about kicking back

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-68492480893793634712011-01-20T17:38:00.000+11:002011-01-20T17:38:42.467+11:00

I got a phone call from my dear friend and old neighbour last weekend asking if I wanted to come over with the boys for a BBQ? I think it took me all of about 5 seconds to say YES! I love a good outdoor BBQ and I love it even more with great friends and food. As always she tells me 'It won't be much......just a couple of salads and some meat and sausages'. The fact that she even invites me is

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-88542543971142823022011-01-17T16:17:00.000+11:002011-01-17T16:17:58.970+11:00

Christmas just gone brought a few 'firsts' to my family; It was the first time Alex (my youngest) went to Tasmania, it was the first Christmas I have spent with my family since having kids and it was the first time I rode a billy cart my dad built! Anyone who tells you having kids is all hard work and yelling, I give you permission to give them a raspberry. When dad first found out we were bring

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-70412209175711493432011-01-14T12:21:00.000+11:002011-01-14T12:21:50.769+11:00

  I'm back!! It is January 14th, 2011 and I am FINALLY sitting down to blog once again. I do apologise for my absence since, dare I say it, early December!   It was out of my control because I found out the hard way; I'm NOT superwoman, nor am I a super mum. I always knew December was going to be busy, however, I didn't anticipate working 10-15 hour days, seven days a week plus trying to keep my

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-70547992672080899982010-12-07T19:39:00.000+11:002010-12-07T19:39:18.609+11:00

I was supposed to write this and say, "it was my birthday yesterday....." That was seven days ago. What can I say, November/December is the time of year when people like to eat/party/celebrate and generally have fun. This is a good thing seeing as I have built a business around it, however, it also means a lot of early mornings and late nights rolled into one. This is my excuse for having my

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-51853287570379158112010-11-24T19:58:00.000+11:002010-11-24T19:58:32.719+11:00

Last Friday was the day we celebrated a favourite, adopted holiday of ours- Thanksgiving.  Our first year back in Australia we didn't do anything. That is not to say we didn't want to, it's just a) we didn't really know anyone and b) Our house wasn't exactly the most inviting place. Our dining room was the size of a shoe box and the kitchen wasn't much better. We decided somethings were better

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-75376783691504628092010-11-18T21:45:00.000+11:002010-11-18T21:45:42.436+11:00

Do I really have to write anything?  The kids faces say it all really. I could of put chopped liver and raw onion in the salad and I don't think they would of even noticed, just as long as there were enough ribs to go round!  I can't say enough about how delicious pork ribs are (American style that is, you have to have American style here in Australia otherwise you automatically get Chinese

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-2689923961629244042010-11-14T16:43:00.000+11:002010-11-14T16:43:08.197+11:00

It was a beautiful, sunny morning here in Sydney this morning. I awoke to a quiet house. The boys were still sleeping and my tummy was grumbling. When I first wake up and the only thing that pops into my mind is food, there is no way I can lounge around and try to go back to sleep. Pancakes were calling me. Because I have been working the last 3-4 weekends, we haven't been able to have our

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-81904040665522832462010-11-11T17:47:00.000+11:002010-11-11T17:47:40.154+11:00

I was walking through the fruit and veg shop the other day and put a container of marjoram in my trolley instead of oregano. They do look very similar at a glance and I have to confess I never buy marjoram. I have a problem with the after taste and the bitterness that creeps up on you. Anyway, once I was home it was to late to exchange so I decided to give it one last go. I love fresh oregano

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-21165445971374184152010-11-04T17:27:00.000+11:002010-11-04T17:27:49.132+11:00

I am not to sure if I have blogged about Thermomix before? I'd like to call it my new toy, however,  we have had it at work for a few months now so it doesn't really seem all that new. For those of you who are asking what the hell am I talking about, this little baby does it all and adds a 'fun' element into the kitchen not to mention speed! We have made loads of sorbet at work, blended

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-57190641401978246382010-10-31T14:09:00.000+11:002010-10-31T14:09:01.714+11:00

Summer is trying very hard to rear it's head but every now and again we get a cool evening where you have to put a jumper (sweater) on with your shorts. When these days come about I feel I need to make the most of them and whip up a roast or rague just so I don't forget how to make them in the summer months. When we lived in Chicago it felt like it was winter for 9 months of the year; I use to

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-46382910556948614912010-10-27T18:02:00.000+11:002010-10-27T18:02:11.796+11:00

Yesterday was a day of late orders for me at work. I swear my phone rang more when I was at the swimming pool watching the boys do their lesson than it had all day! I am learning this is the nature of catering and because it is my own business I have a very hard time turning people away....no matter what time they call. As it happened, I had a client with a last minute request for afternoon tea

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-65156001165869902802010-10-25T19:33:00.000+11:002010-10-25T19:33:44.686+11:00

I feel I could almost be called a burger fanatic. In the past three years I have blogged about pork and pea burgers, beef burgers that actually turned out to be lamb burgers, pork and ginger burgers, veggie burgers and some more about beef burgers... What is my obsession? I'll tell you why I love them a) you can be eating dinner within 20minutes of walking in the door b) flavour packed meal

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-91790528996559926372010-10-24T19:01:00.000+11:002010-10-24T19:01:34.591+11:00

When you work 6 days a week (or if I was to be honest it's more like 7 these days) you look forward to that one day when you don't have to set the alarm; you can take a few moments to listen to the rain outside before thinking of getting up and better yet, you have the option to roll over and go back to sleep! This is what I did this morning folks and I loved every minute of it. I even decided

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-54472023169566831932010-10-10T13:52:00.000+11:002010-10-10T13:52:56.453+11:00

We are at the end of term 3 school holidays here in Sydney. For the past two weeks while the catering side of the business goes into hibernation I have been teaching kids how to cook and we aren't just talking cupcakes! For most parents, school holidays is a bit of a pain in the behind because sadly our working day is the same as ever and no matter how you dress it up, no boss I know would say '

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-70597781892136449632010-10-08T18:04:00.000+11:002010-10-08T18:04:49.398+11:00

This may look like an average family meal you wouldn't get excited about but let me tell you, it got us salivating. Not wanting to veer from my family health kick, I have been dreaming of green veggies tossed in oyster sauce for the last week. A funny thing to dream about I know, but when I start planning meals I sometimes throw my mind into it and the only way for me to move forward is to make

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-7678952807397729242010-10-06T06:26:00.000+11:002010-10-06T06:26:45.496+11:00

I have been on a mission this week to feed the family healthy dinners. Still sticking with 'back to basics' cooking, I am seeing what dinners I can pull out of my....hat, so to speak. Just like my green goddess craving, chicken pies have been right up there with me wanting some of that heart warming comfort. I find pot pies are a great way for me to fill the boys up on extra veggies. Max isn't

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-17957936935778383882010-10-04T20:09:00.001+11:002010-10-05T16:55:53.105+11:00

I was introduced to the green goddess dressing when I worked with chef Vince Battista back at Union pizzeria in Evanston. Vince told me it was an old American classic that he loved and wanted to revive it. 'Sure' I said and then happily grabbed the recipe and began knocking it up for the nights service. To say I was impressed would be an understatement! That glorious, creamy, herb dressing was

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-56922917056542838532010-09-29T20:38:00.001+10:002010-09-29T20:39:14.439+10:00

This was one of my all time favourite meals as a kid. I could smell it cooking from the local park and remember rubbing my fingers around the pan to get all the crusty bits off when dinner was all finished (I was one of those kids who ate and ate yet looked like a bean pole....until I hit my teens that is!). I haven't made beef stroganoff in years, weird really, since I use to love it so much?

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-42255223405498720622010-09-27T17:49:00.000+10:002010-09-27T17:49:02.276+10:00

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best and this is why I share one of my favourite salads with you today. I don't know if you can really call it a recipe? I make this when I need a heat fix, it's summertime, dinner on the fly, feeling like some veggies, something to go with a curry, peckish yet thinking of my figure........ are you getting my drift? Sometimes you can over think

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-60781635237856935462010-09-21T17:25:00.000+10:002010-09-21T17:25:07.755+10:00

My kids love green apples, they'll choose them over golden delicious, pink lady's, galas etc....any day. I think it is the sweet/sour flavour that draws them in. I however am not that much of a fan. For me the pure sweetness of a pink lady is delicious, no to mention the sweet juices of a hand picked gala apple dripping down your face. I tend to reserve the greens for cooking (if the boys

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-61160121755670116322010-09-19T18:12:00.000+10:002010-09-19T18:12:50.814+10:00

I know it has been an age since I last blogged but to tell you the truth, I haven't really felt like the last dozen meals we've eaten to be blog worthy. I'm in a rut you see. I seem to be on auto pilot making the 'no brainer' family meals and not being to impressed with the out come. I mean they taste fine, it's just that I think I can do better, what I really need to do is get over this hump

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-28725571514691905312010-09-08T21:09:00.000+10:002010-09-08T21:09:34.224+10:00

I wasn't quite sure what we were having for dinner tonight. The boys had swimming which means we are always home later than usual. I started dinner hoping the rest would follow.  Putting on a saucepan and adding olive oil, onion and garlic usually gets my senses going, then nine times out of ten the rest seems to come. By the time the onions were ready I had decided to make a quick black bean

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-80386381381647217392010-09-06T18:11:00.000+10:002010-09-06T18:11:43.858+10:00

  I'm sure you have all heard of Rick Stein. If not, he is a fantastic chef who is well renowned for his seafood cooking. Anyway, Rick had a documentary on telly a month or two ago about his trip around Asia. I was checking out one of my favourite kitchen shops the other week when I came across his book Rick Stein's far eastern odyssey. After flipping through it I just had to own it. The book is

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-55620479915176611242010-09-01T20:37:00.000+10:002010-09-01T20:37:19.312+10:00

OK people, I have 25 minutes before my pilates class begins, so I'll be quick. My mother-in-law gave me this recipe months ago, could even be a year by now, anyway. I know I asked for it, so I obviously tasted it, loved it and wanted to make it at home......this was before I decided to own two businesses and keep myself extremely busy! It has been way to long since I baked anything for my

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-63775168402990131372010-08-29T17:59:00.000+10:002010-08-29T17:59:49.637+10:00

We've all made steak, potato and greens I am sure. I don't need to go into detail here....like preaching to the choir! However I felt I did need to blog about my 5 year old coming to help me make dinner the other night. The boys are very in to helping around the house at the moment and it is one skill I am encouraging whole heartedly. Just the other day Max set the table for dinner without being

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-47382587497156818262010-08-21T19:17:00.000+10:002010-08-21T19:17:13.052+10:00

To all of my frequent readers I have to apologise for my absence these past few weeks. I received a lovely email from fellow blogger Bryan asking after my existence which I totally appreciate- thank you. I was happy to tell him and now you all that all is well.  I was not sick, at death's door or anything else other than 100% consumed by the opening of our cooking school. I think I put everyone

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-77528302053912346952010-08-19T17:53:00.000+10:002010-08-19T17:53:36.040+10:00

It's dumpling time again in the Baker house. If I could eat a selection of dumplings every other day, I would be a very happy camper, I just love them! I always make extra and tell myself I'll freeze the ones we don't eat...and that never seems to happen, we always end up eating them all! My sister was  over a few weeks ago and we had a very busy day. The dinner hour was approaching and as

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-60681072803913883992010-08-02T18:21:00.000+10:002010-08-02T18:21:04.605+10:00

Apparently Nic's fans are missing him and apparently I have been pretending to cook meals when in fact Nic is the one cooking (he tells me this but I cannot remember the meal in question?). So today's blog is NOT about me but my other half. I have to admit I know I am one lucky lady who has a husband that cooks,  enjoys cooking and will knock up a family meal when he takes one look at me after a

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-25992993845415764042010-07-29T18:05:00.001+10:002010-07-29T19:23:24.478+10:00

Nic and I are celebrating 10 years of wedlock this year, and in that time you know I have never made us roast beef. We have had plenty of roast chicken with lemon and herbs, a hand full of roast lamb legs stuffed with feta and olives or cooked in the Weber with garlic, black pepper and rosemary on the bone.....just no roast beef. I didn't believe Nic when he first told me we had never had roast

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-37294557978215281742010-07-24T17:59:00.001+10:002010-07-24T18:02:42.056+10:00

I've been meaning to blog about this meal I made last week. I can still remember the lovely textures and flavours it produced.  I had recently bought Kylie Kwong's  recipe book Simple Chinese Cooking. I love her food, restaurant and t.v stints so I thought I should also own one of her books. The pictures are beautiful, enticing and vibrant and I was determined to make one of the dishes. Nic

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-61141121452019058712010-07-21T20:12:00.000+10:002010-07-21T20:12:24.970+10:00

It's cold and rainy this side of the bridge.  Rhubarb is looking young, tort and vibrant in Harris Farm (grocery store) so what is a girl to do but put two and two together and eat something totally divine and heart warming this winter. I topped our crumbles off with my all time favourite vanilla ice cream and then didn't hold back. I love this recipe because you can whip it up on the fly. I

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-86024313151545166362010-07-18T20:40:00.000+10:002010-07-18T20:40:07.701+10:00

Can my little baby really be turning 5? I know he is because when I asked him that exact same question he looked at me, shook his head and in a 'what the hell' kind of tone answers "I am NOT a baby mum...geeeez!" and he is right, but when you know you are not going back for another I guess the last one will always be your sweet little one. Alex decided he would like to have a cooking party this

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-24768775675761085712010-07-11T22:36:00.000+10:002010-07-11T22:36:16.155+10:00

Max has been hounding me for the past week for some ribs. I popped into my butcher the other day and tried to pick up a few slabs, however he had them covered in a very dark, thick sauce and lets face it, I can be a bit of a food snob.  I declined and said I'd come back when he had plain ribs. He probably took offence but I just couldn't do it. We all LOVE ribs in our family and I couldn't just

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-47804077071010989432010-07-05T20:04:00.000+10:002010-07-05T20:04:09.811+10:00

It has been drizzling rain in Sydney all day today. The house has a chill about it and yet my kids insist on living in shorts and t-shirts all year round. I am wondering if this is usual for kids who are brought up in cold climates in their formative years? Whatever the case maybe, I know Max will never wear those beautiful jeans I bought him months ago and I can pretty much guarantee Alex won't

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-57016464970365442992010-07-03T19:47:00.000+10:002010-07-03T19:47:35.321+10:00

I had a few lamb chumps I needed to use up this week and I was trying to figure out the yummiest way I could feed the family. I was in the mood for anything really, so when I discovered I had some haloumi left over in the fridge I got really excited. How could the kids not get excited about pan fried cheese drizzled in lemon juice and then tossed through a warm salad of char grilled lamb, beans

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-28373871545922341822010-06-29T17:38:00.000+10:002010-06-29T17:38:30.900+10:00

It was Friday evening and I'd made an early dinner. The boys were all showered but not yet ready for bed so I decided to sit on the couch with them and flick on the box. For all you International readers, Australia is going through the Master Chef boom. It is massive here, we can't seem to get enough of the trials and tribulations of cooking for the cameras. I regularly get asked what I think of

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-26352852499005208782010-06-27T17:15:00.001+10:002010-06-27T17:59:16.820+10:00

I had to do the unthinkable on Saturday- take both kids shopping! Nic was due back from Italy late Saturday night and we had only scrapings of food left in the fridge so there really was no way around leaving the boys at home to fend for themselves (no matter how much they begged and pleaded). The only way I can make shopping 'doable' for them and I, is if they stand in the toy section and stare

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-19903171643575080152010-06-16T21:16:00.000+10:002010-06-16T21:16:39.383+10:00

It's been a hard week to say the least!Hubby flew out to Italy on Friday morning for some archive digging, by Friday afternoon I get a phone call from Alex's daycare telling me he isn't to well and if I could come early that would be great. Friday was also the first day of our cooking school kitchen install- a very exciting day and one I really didn't want to miss. I managed to see the

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-7689823487605022732010-06-10T19:25:00.000+10:002010-06-10T19:25:41.244+10:00

I love seafood. Every time I eat it, I wonder why I don't eat more of it. We use to eat fish at least once a week but I am afraid we have whittled it down to once every three weeks, or when I remember to change directions and walk down the hill to the fish monger instead of up the hill to the butcher, baker (and candle stick maker!).  I mean lets face it we are creatures of habit, and as I have

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-20018228156090297702010-06-07T17:35:00.000+10:002010-06-07T17:35:29.793+10:00

It's been a busy catering week folks! I think I have made my weight in mini quiche, lamb pies and sandwiches.....oh so many sandwiches! Anyway, enough about that. I have also been doing a lot of yummy dishes and teaching a few classes of late. Last Saturday I spent the evening teaching a class some quick and delicious tapas dishes. A really fun night and the group I taught were loads of fun and

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-59438252871108851302010-06-01T06:02:00.001+10:002010-06-01T06:02:00.503+10:00

I think it was in our last few weeks left in Chicago that I first tasted this delicious shortbread. I'd invited myself around to my friend Roisin's house for a cuppa on a brutally cold morning. Roisin had/has a magnificent kitchen and it was pure pleasure to just hang out in there and talk while admiring the beauty around me. Not only does Roisin have a fabulous kitchen, but she also knows how

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-90032735400851333832010-05-30T13:19:00.000+10:002010-05-30T13:19:18.714+10:00

I'd love to tell you I just finished roasting a delicious pork belly and served it with the beautiful Jerusalem artichokes I saw in the fruit shop the other day but, I am really here to serve up yet another delicious, quick and speedy pasta dish.  Can you eat to much pasta? I have asked myself this question a few times and my final answer always comes down to- no. I know no other dish that can

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-52680868905505893552010-05-25T16:16:00.003+10:002010-05-25T16:16:00.293+10:00

I think it is fair to say we are having red meat withdrawals. Maybe I am imagining it but I think we are all looking a bit twitchy and deficient these days. I was just thinking to myself I really feel like a juicy steak when Nic blurted out that he thought it had been ages since we last had some beef, and perhaps I could pick up some steaks on my next run to the butchers.  Coincidence or just

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-76788345132481284272010-05-23T10:16:00.000+10:002010-05-23T10:16:01.515+10:00

It is wet, cool (I just can't say cold when the highs are still around 20 degrees during the day) and clouded over here in Sydney. Winter is coming and I for one am getting excited about winter warmers around the dinner table. One of the great things about reading blogs from all over the world is my  massive recipe collection I now have at the touch of a few buttons. I have written down ideas

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-1446915250821197592010-05-20T18:36:00.000+10:002010-05-20T18:36:15.090+10:00

I think it is quite acceptable for me to post a 'quick' meal after such a long break. I have been trying to get to the computer all week but I keep getting caught up with work stuff! (which reminds me I need to put on my dough for pita bread, as I need to knock out 60 before tomorrow......welcome to a caterers life!). My MIL was up in Sydney this week and popped over for dinner on Tuesday. We

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513595783196283182.post-74851483688323258202010-05-11T20:18:00.003+10:002010-05-11T20:23:20.993+10:00

I think by now it is clear my eldest son is not ever going to be a vegetarian. And I think after reading my blogs for a while, readers have come to realize I am as stubborn as a mule when it comes to feeding the family good, tasty food even if that does include the odd meat free variety. I put up with the moody pouts, whining and dry reaches from the boys, as I live in hope that one day they will

Camilla Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864345613638162188noreply@blogger.com6