2020 - The Year that Changed Everything

A lot has changed in the past couple of years. I went from being known as "the cake girl" to getting engaged and I gave up my business to work full time as a National Business Development Manager. The hours were easier in an office. I was given time to travel around Australia, demonstrate at well known Cake Shows and I met a load of fabulous people.

But then it was 2020 and Covid-19 hit. People everywhere were without a job. 
My fiancé David and I thought we were two of the lucky ones. His work in radio continued and mine seem to go from strength to strength.

Then David was made redundant. Radio wasn't doing as well as everyone thought. 

We continued through with wedding plans even though borders were closed and close family unable to come to the big event. I became a Hunting three weeks ago.
Again, we thought, at least I was still working full time...

The business was doing well. Very well. 

Who knew 2020 would throw another curve ball?

A "restructuring" at work made me redundant. It was bizarre to think of both of us out of work. I haven't been without a job or two since high school.

What should I do? Find more work or create another business that could end up being the dream job?

Let's try the latter.

So here I am. 

Back online. 

This time showing you my other passion - FOOD!

When I was a child I loved being in the kitchen...no, not cooking...Eating!!!
Mum and Dad both enjoyed cooking and it showed in the meals they prepared for us. With an Italian background, we were served easy cheap meals loaded with flavour.

Yes, I have had some kitchen training over my years experience in hospitality. But I believe picking up those little tips and tricks from my parents, having a passion for eating good food and my love for trying new things has all combined.

I'm hoping to show you what I've learnt and gain some more knowledge along the way.

Join me on the hunt for good food!!!

Mum's Easy Chicken Wings (& Cucumber Salad)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

I remember heading over to Mum's place and surprising her. Usually around lunch time...

She would pull out a pack of chicken wings from her local chicken shop. Defrost them and place them onto her baking tray. 

Man, those wings were so good I could eat the lot!

One day, I rang her and asked her how she made them. This recipe is a slight twist on hers as I know she used to like to add a touch of chilli powder but they're just as good! 

Recipe - Wings

500g Chicken Wings (I prefer the smaller ones)

Himalayan Salt and Cracked Black Pepper - to taste

Canola Oil Spray

Method - Wings

Make sure the wings don't have any extra fluff or feathers on them. Place them evenly spaced on a lined baking tray. 
Crack some salt and black pepper evenly over the wings.
Spray with Canola Oil and turn the oven onto 200 degrees Celsius (mine is fan forced).
Wait 5 - 10 minutes...just enough time to grab a glass of wine... and place the wings into the hot oven.

Give them  quick turn at 15min. They're usually ready in half an hour.

Recipe - Accompanied Cucumber Salad

1 Lebanese Cucumber

1 Punnett Cherry Tomatoes

1/2 Spanish Red Onion 

1/2 tub Bocconcini Cheese

3-4 Basil stems

1/2 Lemon

Himalayan Salt and Cracked Black Pepper - to taste

Method - Cucumber Salad

Chop the cucumber into 1cm slices and then quarter. Place into a bowl.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add. Peel and chop the red onion in 5mm cubes. Cut the bocconcini cheese balls into smaller pieces. 
Remove the basil leaves from the stems and slice. Place everything into the bowl together. 
Cup your hand and squeeze half a lemon into your palm catching any seeds that may pop out.
Finish with salt and pepper to taste.

Happy Hunting!