When a Pineapple Princess has a 70th birthday!

An occasion like this calls for a Pineapple Party and Ann’s family arranged a classic – dinner and décor with a pineapple theme. A wonderful happy event enjoyed by adults and children alike.

https://www.saveur.com/raw-oysters-with-grille-pineapple-and-thai-basil-recipe/

Raw Oysters with Grilled Pineapple and Thai Basil

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. plus ⅛ tsp. Asian fish sauce, divided; 1⁄2 tsp. fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for squeezing; 1 tbsp. minced shallot, divided; 1 slice of fresh pineapple, ¼ inch thick (4½ oz.), skin cut away; 1⁄4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 dozen medium, sweet oysters; Finely chopped fresh Thai basil, or substitute regular basil or cilantro;  Very finely minced Thai chile, for garnish

In a medium bowl, add the sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of the shallot; whisk well until the mixture is thick and syrupy.

Preheat a grill pan or grill to high heat. Brush both sides of the pineapple slice with some of the sugar mixture. Transfer to the preheated grill and let cook until well-charred, about 3 minutes per side.

Remove the pineapple slice to a cutting board and finely dice it. Transfer to a small bowl and add the olive oil; stir well.

Shuck the oysters and, using an oyster knife, detach the meat from the bottom of the shell, reserving the liquid.

Place the oysters on a bed of coarse sea salt or crushed ice to stabilize them. Add at least 2 small cubes of pineapple to each, or more to taste. Top each oyster with a generous pinch of Thai basil leaves, a few pieces of shallot, and a sliver of Thai chile.

Serve immediately with lime wedges.

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.

Pineapples go camping!

Friends have been meeting each Easter at Wyangala Dam NSW for about 40 years. It was wonderful to join them there and enjoy a new generation of happy campers and budding waterskiers amongst the experts! Anne.

 

Pretty by day, even prettier by night.

 

Thanks for the beautiful solar lights Ann!

The Caribbean Night (pineapples !!!!!) provided a great excuse for tropical

costumes, food and decorations!

 

Handsome Pineapple Prince Archer.

 

"Aloha Lily" with Sam and Mum, Michelle.

 

Emily with her Poppy and a flamingo friend!

 Thanks for the lovely candle Kylie!

 

Rob and Ella grilled delicious pineapple wedges brushed with melted

butter and brown sugar

 

which were enjoyed by Peter and Melissa, and everyone else of course!

Anne, Mark and Jill - enthusiastic theme participants as always!

 

Sadly I didn't get a photograph of Jill's Cucumber and Pineapple Salad from

https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/food-recipes/recipes/cucumber-and-pineapple-salad

“Whether it’s for a BBQ, taco, burger or chilli con carne, our Cucumber and Pineapple Salad will pep up your meal with a balance of sweet, salty and spicy flavours.”

 

Serves: Four Time: 15 minutes
 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1 1/2 cup diced pineapple; 1 red chilli, minced; 1/2 red onion finely chopped; finely chopped parsley to garnish

 

Method:

In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolves.

In another bowl, mix the cucumber, pineapple, onion and chilli, and then pour over the dressing. Toss to coat and garnish with parsley. Serve with grilled or barbequed meats, or enjoy as a salsa with tacos or chilli con carne.

Cassie's chocolate eggs filled with Baileys Irish Cream were pretty special!

 

In case you're wondering what Ky's doing - he's riding the boat wake on a surf board!