The Best Banana Bread Ever...

My friend and nutritionist, Anne Goetze, developed this recipe and I tweaked it with one small ingredient addition. My boys will not eat a simple banana but they devour this cake in seconds and it's pretty wholesome so I don't mind terribly much.


1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup quick oatmeal
1 cup sifted plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
2/3 cup oil (i use canola)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tsp sesame seeds


Pour boiling water over oatmeal. Mix; let stand until cool. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and soda, whole wheat flour and brown sugar in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas then mix with the oil, eggs and oats. Beat well. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. Pour into in a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (I don't because the kids don't like them). Bake at 350F (180C) for 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean.


Try it.....

Shang Hai in Chatswood

Normally satisfied with the more southern style of Chinese food, the New Shang Hai offered us a delicate and delicious alternative. This eatery, in particular, the Lemon Grove location, is a big favourite of several of my Chinese friends. We arrived at opening time to our choice of seating but the restaurant quickly filled up and was full within 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, a few of our favourite items were not available but we substituted with some pretty tasty treats.

小籠包	New Shanghai Xiao Long Bao - Steamed mini pork bun

 

小籠包

New Shanghai Xiao Long Bao - Steamed mini pork bun 

金華火腿一ロ酥

Deep fried pastry filled with shallot & ham, coated with sesame

金華火腿一ロ酥

Deep fried pastry filled with shallot & ham, coated with sesame

花素蒸餃	Steamed vegetarian dumpling

花素蒸餃

Steamed vegetarian dumpling

生煎包	New Shanghai pan fried pork bun

生煎包

New Shanghai pan fried pork bun

Best Chinese on Sydney's North Shore

In the 20 years that I've lived in Chatswood (on and off), I have seen the North Shore evolve from a quaint residential suburb to a high density hub of shopping and eating. With the influx of cultures from all over the world, we now also have a surfeit of food choices.

I am excited about working my way through all these eateries but for today, we find ourselves at a small but busy, strikingly clean open kitchen serving a wide range of Chinese dishes.

  

Chilli Salt and Pepper Squid

Mixed Veg with Tofu

Soya Sauce Chicken with Soft Noodle

BBQ Pork & Soft Noodle

The chicken in each of the dishes was outstandingly tender. The salt and pepper squid came with just the right amount of fire and just the right amount of crispiness without being oily. The dishes were NOT glutinous or floury like some Chinese food can be.

Another surprise was that each dish had a distinctive flavor unlike some places where each dish is a variation on the same flavour theme.

My favourite new flavours came in the Ginger and Shallot side dish that came with the Steamed Chicken. It was fresh and full of zest.

Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. From $9.50 to $17....

As always, check out Urbanspoon for more reviews..

Firefly Wine & Tapas - Lane Cove

Conveniently located in the Lane Cove mall, Firefly is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a glass of wine or a even a relaxing coffee. This evening, we find ourselves on date night enjoying the warm ambiance of this local wine and tapas bar.


A taste of Kevin's Pan Roasted Barramundi, revealed voluptuous Thai flavours that melted in my mouth. Especially next to my rather plain roasted beet salad which begged for pomegranate syrup or other. 


Although my salad was a little disappointing, I would definitely return.

You can vote for this restaurant or review it on Urbanspoon.

Tucci - The Most Stylish Restaurant in Portland!

From the rustic wood flooring to the modern steel cutlery, Tucci is a marvel in modern design and a wonder to behold. Every detail has been attended to and with the large comfy chairs and extensive menu and drinks lists, be prepared to linger and relax.

The perfect dinner companion!

Ah, but what about the food and wine? Overall, the food is very nice and the wine is lovely. I would class it in the nice and reliable category of restaurant. 

Always a favorite, we started with fried Calamari with a Tucci touch - tasty mayonnaise dips. I think I have ordered this at every visit.

I had to get my fill of Salmon before leaving the Northwest. This was a little overcooked and plain for my taste but then there is always dessert...

You can read more at Urbanspoon. 

Best Coffee Deal In Sydney Town

With the uncertainty of our personal future and the craziness of the world economy, I am constantly looking to save a penny or two (or cent as it were), and still enjoy a little break time.


This week, I found Coffee Fest in Macquarie Shopping Centre where $3.50 will afford you a lovely coffee and large piece of homemade Raisin Toast. Both were delicious.


If you are a senior, by far the best deal is Top Ryde City on a Monday. Coffee is FREE for you. Just a few more years to wait for me!

Bilson's Restaurant Sydney

My niece works here at the most expensive restaurant in Sydney. In this video, she is zooming across the kitchen during a busy service. You can see her at 01:11 and then a few more times darting across the screen. She works very hard. Luckily she is young and vivacious as well as a good cook!

I am yet to enjoy a dining experience here but stay tuned. You can read more about Bilson's on their website or at Urbanspoon.

Food For Swimmers

With two athlete swimmers training 5-6 days per week for 2-3 hour sessions, we spend a great deal of time researching and providing a nutritious diet for these youngsters.

In addition, we need to make certain that they have enough energy to get through their training and enough protein to recover.

BREAKFAST

A typical day begins with eggs, whole wheat muffins, pancakes or steel cut oatmeal. 

LUNCH

The kids pack themselves a large lunch for school consisting of fruit, sandwiches, crackers, hummus,  and energy bars.

SNACKS

An hour before training, the kids will have one or two of the following: apples, grapes, sushi, bagels and cream cheese or Nutella or the like. Just enough energy to get them through training.

Right after training, they indulge in a chocolate milk or protein drink. 

HYDRATION
The kids drink around 3 litres of water per day and the occasional sport drink for electrolytes. They prefer Propel and sometimes Powerade.

DINNER
Usually this consists of a protein, either meat, chicken or fish; some carbohydrates like pasta or potato and vegetables for everything else. A little later they will snack again. Brandon calls it "second dinner".


Useful links:

USA Swimming has an entire section on Nutrition which includes articles and recipes.

Sports Dietitians Australia has terrific tips for swimmers as well as other sports such as basketball, track and football.

Swim Clubs Australia has a great article on High Performance Nutrition for Swim Meets etc..

Noble View

NOBLE ROT was booked without hesitation this month as our Dinner Club selection. It has been on our list of musts for sometime and we were not disappointed.

The design and decor alone is worth a visit not to mention the extensive wine selection. Add this to the great food and wonderful view and you have a definite Portland must!

After our salad and soup course, we enjoyed a real variety of dishes from the ultimate comfort food, Macaroni and Cheese to seared Cod but the absolute favorite was the creme brulee which Kevin thought was the best he had ever had (and he has had a few!).

Seared Cod in broth of Leeks, Shrimp and Celery

Pork Chop with Chorizo Polenta and Peas with Romesco Sauce.

Grilled Flat Iron Steak served on Asparagus with Blue Cheese Sauce and French Fried.

 I was limited in my choice as I cannot eat shrimp or oysters and I rarely order chicken or pork when out so this left the Flat Iron Steak which was a little difficult to chew. The fries, however, were perfect. John was also disappointed in his Pork but Kevin thoroughly enjoyed his Cod and also his crab cake for starters.

Our desserts were paired with flights of dessert wines which was a real treat.

A wonderful after dinner treat, we stepped onto the balcony to enjoy this amazing view.

Click this link to find out more about NOBLE ROT.

You can also check out URBANSPOON for more reviews.