FoodieChat

In search of the best breakfast in Sydney, we decided to try the Armory Wharf Cafe.   I have stumbled upon this cafe by the Parramatta River inside Olympic Park/Bicentennial Park previously on a long bike ride - many cyclists stop here for refreshment, whether it be iced chocolates, hot chocolates, gatorades, water, whatever takes your fancy.  It seemed so relaxing with the water shimmering and the cool breeze coming through the open air cafe, it was perfect for a brunch on a summer’s day.  

Of course we had to try the big breakfast.  Two eggs poached, roasted tomatoes, sauteed field mushrooms, bacon, and a jumbo slice of toast.  I found the toast was a bit wet from the poached eggs, so maybe some resting aside would have done it good. But the mushrooms were certainly meaty and delicious. 

We also tried the corn cakes with bacon, rocket and avocado salsa. They also do a smoked salmon one.  Unfortunately, the bacon was cold.  But the salsa was nice, and the corn cakes were flavoursome and crispy on the edges.  I asked the waiter whether they were make “frittery” or “pancakey” and he told me frittery, but in my mind, the flatness makes them more pancakey, and my favourite corn fritters are still at Zenja Cafe or Bills.  But these were really nice corn pancakes!

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This is my interpretation of a pumpkin and leek lasagna from Australian Good Taste magazine.  I never would have thought that something with no meat could be SO tasty, such that I even relished leftovers!  It makes a great work lunch too.

Ingredients

• A wedge of pumpkin, chopped into 1.5cm cubes
• 250g of baby spinach
• Clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 6 free range eggs
• 200g sliced mushrooms.
• 1/3 cup of cream
• 1 handful of chopped mixed fresh herbs (I used parsley, basil and oregano)
• A handful of vintage cheddar cheese, grated

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Part 2 of budget cooking for 50 - breakfast. Menu: scrambled eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, toast. (sorry but hash browns too fiddly).

Scrambled eggs: allow 2.5 eggs per person. So that’s 11 dozen eggs.  Find 2 massive casserole pots, and break half the eggs into each.  Using an electric handheld mixer, beat the eggs, and add in 5 teaspoons of salt into each as well as the same of cracked black pepper. Mix in 300ml of thickened cream (or full fat milk if you’re watching your weight ). (more…)

A couple of weeks ago I put up my hand to cook for 50 people over a weekend away… that was before I knew that I had only an electric cooktop, 2 rack electric oven, one 2-slice toaster, 1 kettle, and a BBQ!! Needless to say, my helpers and I were too busy to take many photos, but here’s a few hints and recipes in case you need to whip up meals for 50 people!

Chicken shish kebabs

13kg chicken breast or thigh, cubed 

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