Family Christmas Pineapply Picnic

Not only did my sister-in-law Colleen bring a fabulous Christmas Tree to our family get together (a miniature pineapple plant) she also made a delicious pineapple tea loaf! 

A perfect pineapply picnic! Anne

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/blog/christmas-tea-loaf-recipe

Christmas Tea Loaf recipe

"This classic Australian tea loaf is the perfect accompaniment to a Christmas cup of tea. The original recipe comes from the 1939 edition of the The Australian Sunshine Cookery Book for Every Housewife, which was found at Miss Porter's House in Newcastle. We've added some tea and icing sugar for extra Christmas cheer, but no doubt the women of Miss Porter's enjoyed this loaf all year round. Serve with a slather of butter and house slippers" website authors

Adapted from “The Australian Sunshine Cookery Book for Every Housewife”

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup chopped raisins; 1/4 cup butter; 1 egg; 3 cups plain flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup castor sugar; 1 cup milk; 6 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 cup crushed drained pineapple; 4 teaspoons black tea; Icing sugar to decorate

METHOD

Preheat the oven to  160°C

Beat butter and sugar to a cream.

Stir in beaten egg.

Sift in flour, baking powder and salt, adding milk to moisten.

Add the raisins and pineapple. Stir to combine.

Turn mixture into a greased loaf tin and bake for 75 to 90 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow cake to cool, then turn out of tin.

Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.

 

My husband Les grew this magnificent specimen of tropical fruitiness tucked away 

from the icy fingertips of Jack Frost.

 Ann's nieces Deb and Jess have grown a fabulous pineapple on the mid north coast NSW! 

Pineapple Protein Balls and some seriously cool pinapalia

This recipe was adapted from several different online sources:

Soak 15 pitted dates in boiling water until softened. Drain away water, puree in a blender, scoop into a medium mixing bowl.

To the dates add 2 cups almond meal, 2 tblspn cocoa powder and 3/4 cup finely chopped crystallised pineapple. Mix well, roll into balls. Toss the balls in 1/2 cup desiccated coconut and refrigerate. 

Makes about 12 protein balls.

My new favourite T towel, thanks Alex

Ann's pretty new Op Shop doiley 

A lovely vase/candle holder found by Ann

Ann's friend Brad wearing what could only be his very favourite shirt!

Delicious looking pineapples grown by Robyn's Dad, 

George, at Redland Bay, Queensland

Growing pineapples in Kenya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUNYp3pQGNo

This youtube is an inspiring story by resourceful Peter K Mwangi who developed 1 acre into a 20 acre organic farm producing pineapples and providing employment in Kenya.

Pinapalia rules!!

                         Thanks to everyone who sent us recipes, photos, inspiration and objects relating to pineapples during 2020!

Jasmine sent this great badge from South Korea!

And Wendy brought this gorgeous brooch back from Darwin!

Carol found this iron on transfer in Spotlight!

Donna's Dad grew this little beauty in Port Macquarie!

Donna gifted this beautifully scented soap ... 

and luxurious beach towel!

Ingrid enjoyed a delicious pineapple drink in Jindabyne!

Ella spotted this pineapple planter in Jindabyne too!

Ann's friend Steve looks very dashing in the tropical fashion statement he wore to celebrate her birthday last month!

Sarah saw these pineapple offerings and decorations in Singapore!

And she found these Christmas decorations and earrings in Canberra!

Friends of my cousin Jenny enjoyed some of Hawaii's sweet pineapples! They look delicious! What gorgeous presentation!

Robyn had a delightful afternoon tea served with milk in a cute pineapple topped jar!

Les bought this lovely pineapple, honey and cassis scented hand lotion!

            I recently met Diane and Audrey of the Leura evening branch of the CWA who were selling some tasty pineapple marmalade at their stall.

Les actually ate these herrings in pineapple curry! 

These don't look too exciting but tasted great!

These were sweet.

And Colleen decorated with some stunning festive lights for 2020's celebrations!

Pineapples everywhere !!!!

Thanks to our ever vigilant pineapple spotting families and friends for these little beauties !

This delicious (especially when cold) pineapple tea and sweet smelling soap 

were found in Bangkok by Ella.

Greg found this pineapple stair post while exploring the historic houses of England.

And Greg spotted these festive shop window decorations in Prague, Czechoslovakia. 

And Greg also found this tropical drinks menu in a bar in Prague.

Lorraine and Mark noticed this very expressive pineapple plant pot in the Gili Islands, I'm not sure if it was welcoming them or . . .

 Rob spotted this pink pineapple in Singapore.

And Bronnagh photographed this one in her Poppy George's garden 

in Redland Bay, Queensland.

Thanks to Marisa, Isami and Sue for giving our lounge a tropical touch!!!

 Lucky Ann was given these cutters and chocolates by her niece Sofie.

Alice and Clinton brought this stunning fabric work home from Kenya.

Les enjoyed this tropical (ie it has pineapple!) seafood pizza 

at the Z bar, Collaroy Plateau, Sydney.

Anna spotted this gem on Instagram !

Jessica and James enjoyed this beautifully presented dish at the 

Hum Restaurant in Saigon, Vietnam.

Leonie found this inspiring artwork while exploring Nambucca Heads, NSW.

Jane found this dubious example of New York interior design 

while perusing a Vogue Living magazine (date upspecified!!!)

Jane also found these two, terribly hard to resist, items of furniture while surfing online! 

Alex shouted Jess this delicious breakfast in Canberra 

before a visit to the dentist, I'm sure it was worth it!!! 

It's a combo of French toast with coconut custard, pineapple butter, 

pandan gel and toasted coconut.

My cousin Robert found these on the shelves at Costco, 

note to self . . . when visiting Costco next . . .

 Donna splashed out with a chocolate fountain at Sydney Airport, 

hmmm looks like strawberries and marshmallows are the main favourite!

I bought an eco friendly Pina Colada scented solid shampoo bar 

at The Magpie in Dungog, can't wait to try it.

 And this pineapple vendor was waiting for me at an Op Shop in Singleton NSW

It's already on my bucket list - to visit Sarah in Cornwell 

- but now that she's sent me this photo, I'm halfway to buying my ticket!!! Anne