Passport for Your Palate-Lamington

No comments

Lamington is an Australian delight. A sponge cake dessert, covered in chocolate, and then rolled in desiccated coconut. These little treats are part of every Aussie childhood. They appear at birthdays, morning and afternoon teas, fundraising events, and of course on Australia Day each January 26th.

I’ve enjoyed these delectable cakes on just about every trip to Australia, but my favorite time has to be visiting Kangaroo Island, South Australia. It was a trip in 2015 that I took my son, Cullen, on for his 18th birthday and soon to be high school graduation. We were spending a couple nights on the island doing tours with Exceptional Kangaroo Island, owned and operated by Craig Wickham and his family.

Day 1 was out day to go Koala spotting. Searching out koalas seemingly hiding in the high branches of the eucalyptus trees. During our outing we stopped at a billabong, where we did happen to spot several of our little furry friends, for morning tea. The guides had brought freshly made lamington to enjoy with our tea. I don’t know if it was the cakes were that much tastier or the venue we were eating them in was so much more intoxicating to eat them in. Either way they were truly a treat.

I reached out to a good Aussie mate of mine and asked her if she could point me to a good recipe to replicate this yummy treat. I share here with you the link to a recipe by Mardi Michels published in 2014 by Jamie Oliver. Mardi mentions that this is an adapted recipe of her nana’s. Give it a burl for your next celebration.

Homemade Lamingtons


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Lamington
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Barramundi

No comments

A must try fish when visiting Australia is Barramundi. It is a hearty whitefish akin to Seabass. Barramundi is found in Australia’s northern tropical waters and Southeast Asia. There are also some fish farms and wild fisheries that supply the growing global market consumption. In Australia, you might also find this delicacy listed as ‘Passion Fish’ after a Aboriginal folklore in which the fish is supposed to have special aphrodisiac qualities.

Of course while best to dine on this tasty fish while visiting Down Under, you can find this fish in local US Markets at such places as Whole Foods and Costco. Like bass the Barramundi can be cooked in a variety of ways making it a great choice for the diner table and easy for most cooks to master. Barramundi can be fried, grilled, barbecued, baked, char-grilled or steamed. It is excellent served with a dressing of a lemon sauce, mustard, sauce or even something with Asian flare.

I think one of the easiest and simplest things to do is to bake it in foil with added seasonings or flavors. This is similar to the traditional Aboriginal method where they would wrap in the leaves of a wild ginger plant and bake in the hot ashes of the fire. Most vegetables work well as a side or just placing the filet on top of a bed of salad greens for serving.

Baked Barramundi

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees
Take out foil and lay onto a baking sheet. Place filet on foil.
Drizzle fish with olive oil and season. Get creative here and experiment with the flavors you like. I like to keep it simple with just some lemon juice and garlic and maybe a little thyme.

Wrap the foil around your filet. This step locks in the moisture for the fish
Place wrapped filet on baking sheet in over for approximately 20 minutes.
Remove filet and carefully unwrap. Plate with some steamed or sautéed greens. Baby red potatoes also make a nice addition. Again, it’s really up to you here.

Enjoy!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Barramundi
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Marinated Cheese

No comments

It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming to a close. The air is changing. Kids are back in school.  Life is getting back on routine and football has returned.  For those of you, who have been following me for awhile, you know I am a huge football fan, and you will find my on my couch, at friend’s homes, or even a neighborhood bar/restaurant to keep up with my Green Bay Packers.

I’ve been a fan for years considering I’ve lived in Wisconsin 4 different times and received my degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  I don’t keep up with college as much as the NFL, but will always be a Bucky fan.

One of the things that comes along with my football fanatics is a food spread.  I don’t really cook dinners on Sundays and tend to prepare more finger foods to graze upon.  And of course, when you are a Packer fan, and have been a Wisconsinite, you can not enjoy a football game with out some sort of cheese on the table.  So, as things rev up for this season, I bring to you an oldy but a goody. I don’t even recall where it came from as it is just amongst the recipes in my old hand written recipe box, but I do know you can find several versions of it on line.  It is so simple! Yet it has the appearance you may have slaved all day upon it.  It always get raves reviews!  As the men say, “that is some good sh*t!”  Enjoy!

Marinated Cheese

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp chopped parsley
3 Tbsp minced green onion
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
1-2oz jar diced pimentos
1-8oz block sharp cheddar
1-8oz package cream cheese

Directions:

-Mix 1st 10 ingredients together. Stir vigorously. Set marinate aside.
-Cut block of cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
-Repeat procedure with cream cheese
-Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish, standing the slices on side.
-Pour marinade over cheese slices.

Cover and refrigerate 8 hours. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon marinade over cheese slices.
Serve with assorted crackers.

12 to 16 appetizer servings.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Marinated Cheese
read more

Dining Your Way Through the Hawaiian Islands

No comments

What comes to mind when you think about the islands of Hawaii?  Do you envision beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and green vegetation? Do you think of culture and luaus?  Do you think surfing?  Do you see a land of volcanoes?  The islands and state of Hawaii are all of these and more!

Did you know one of the great things Hawaii is becoming known for is a dining destination. Yes, it is a foodies paradise as well.  Hawaii has Michelin Star chefs, making dining an incredible experience. The land itself grows rich harvests such as chocolate and coffee.   Here is a quick tour around the major 4 islands with some must stops for those wanting to tickle their taste buds.

Kauai
Avalon Gastropub-This place brings comfort food to a whole new level with amazing customer service
Kiawe Roots- Kiawe is Hawaiian mesquite. This restaurant offers flavors of their local barbecue.

Oahu
Madre Chocolate-A must visit for any chocolate lover this shop is located in Chinatown. They have a bean to bar experience with chocolate making classes, truffle making classes, wine pair tastings, rum pair tastings, and whiskey pair tastings. They are truly passionate about spreading chocolate love.

Maui
Maui Wine-I know you are thinking wine in Hawaii. Yes! Just as California is known for the grape, Hawaii is known for pineapple. At Maui Wines you can do tastings and tours of this delicious libation.
Also be sure to visit Mark Ellman’s Restaurants, Mala, Honu, or Frida’s. Mark was one of 12 chefs that developed and promoted regional Hawaiian Cuisines.

Hawaii
Ueshima Coffee Company’s Kona Coffee Estate- Try Kona coffee all day long and have a Coffee Roasting Experience. This is the only place were certified Kona is grown.
Hamakua Heritage Mushroom Farm- I bet you never thought of mushrooms and Hawaii in the same bubble before. Here you will go on tour that takes you through the Japanese bottle growing process and at the end of the hour long tour you will learn to prepare and cook each variety and of course you’ll get to eat your own savory creations.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslDining Your Way Through the Hawaiian Islands
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Tostadas and a Mule

No comments
One of the great things about traveling is tasting.  No trip should be taken without making a dive into the local cuisine and trying out the restaurants.  January had me in a new destination with new yet familiar flavors.  I am a spice girl. I love foods with a lot of flavor and a bit of heat.   I got just that with my visit to Frida’s in La Antigua Guatemala this past month.
Frida’s is a Mexican restaurant located close to the heart of La Antigua on 5a. Ave. Norte 29.  It is open 10am to 1am and has two floors with bars and dining. My visit had our group seated on the second floor as a stop for appetizers before heading to our dinner meeting. The place has a very upbeat vibe serving both locals and travelers. Reservations recommended.  The cuisine is traditional Mexican with a flare.  For our appetizers we had mini tostadas served with very fun and tasty cocktails.  Frida’s was gracious enough to share with us the ingredients of our delicious bites that I’d like to pass on to you. They would be great party pleasers.

The recipes for the food and drinks we had are:

Spicy Margarita
1.5 oz of white tequila mixed with lime, triple sec and chile de árbol infussion. Served in a margarita glass with salt and chile on the rim!
Oax Mule
1.5 oz of young mezcal mixed with macerated ginger, lime, sugar and cucumber topped with tonic water. Served with ice and a piece of fresh grapefruit.
Tostadas de pulpo:
Cover a black corn tostada with an avocado mouse, top it with grilled octopus with garlic and coriander and put a bit of chile de árbol oil on top!
Tostadas Atún:
Fresh tuna marinated in lime and orange juice with cilantro, pepper and pickled onion. Add sweet corn kernels, put in a corn tostada and top with chipotle mayo.

Note the corn tostadas were about the size you would find in a corn chip bag. I would use a circle cutter to cut out from real corn tostada for these small bites.  My personal favorites were the Oax Mule and the Tostadas Atún.  Enjoy!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Tostadas and a Mule
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Pomegranate Martini

No comments

I’m a vodka girl.  I’d say any of us that imbibe whether frequently or not have a go to favorite spirit. Mine happens to be vodka. Was it due to years of being exposed to the incredible James Bond films and his signature “Shaken not stirred” martinis? Maybe. No matter where the taste came from I am a sucker for ordering and trying new martinis wherever I go.

This year one of the best creations I came across was in New York City this December at the Refinery Rooftop. A great rooftop space with incredible ambiance and amazing views of the Manhattan Skyline.  The natural lighting, décor, and friendly atmosphere made it a great stop for our Friday afternoon cocktailing.  The drink we ordered was called Pom-ises Pom-ises.
It was served in a beautiful copper martini glass. With a little google research with new friends I met at the corner of the bar, we found the exact glasses on Amazon.com along with some more affordable options as well.   Here is my recreation of the drink.

Pomegranate Martini
1 3/4 to 2oz Vodka  (Tito’s or your favorite brand or even an already infused pomegranate vodka. I do Tito’s as it is gluten-free)
1/2oz Pomegranate Juice (POM or Simple Truth brands are great options and easy to find at your local super store)
1/3oz Orange liqueur
Fresh lime juice

Garnish:
Slice of Lime

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake and strain into a copper martini glass or glass of choosing
Garnish with Lime slice


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Pomegranate Martini
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Jellied Cranberries

No comments

It’s Thanksgiving time here in the United States, which means it’s time to give thanks for all our blessings as we gather around the table.  It is also the time to pull out your stretchy pants for the overindulging you will do on all your family and friend’s cooking.  Then the big nap that ensues and takes over your body after such a wonderful feast. True relaxation!

In this bit, I share a recipe that has become a kid’s favorite and annual request. It became part of our thanksgiving in its original recipe form around 2003 when we first moved to the state of Tennessee.  That year, we had become very self-conscious of our health, and unlike Wisconsin, Tennessee can be quite warm on Thanksgiving, and thus we began cooking our turkey on the grill that year.   This year, however, I am taking my dish with me to Vermont, where the kids and I will enjoy family time with my parents.

I love this dish because it is effortless to whip up first thing Thanksgiving morning or can be prepared a day ahead, which makes it a perfect dish to bring to other homes.  My current recipe is an adaptation from a South Beach Diet recipe I found back in 2003. Since then, like any good cook, I have modified and tweaked it over time to its current state.  I love its freshness with the crisp tart cranberries, sweet, bursting pomegranates, and zesty orange.  I sometimes have to make two bowls due to its popularity.

Jellied Cranberries
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 envelope (four 1/2-cup servings) sugar-free raspberry gelatin (you can use regular, just cutting calories here. Also, Jell-O brand is gluten-free)
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
ice cubes ( I use the crushed ice setting on my refrigerator when the time to add)
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (Time saver: buy the ones already seeded in the fruit section of your grocery)

Instructions:
Stir boiling water into gelatin powder in a medium bowl for at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Measure 1/2 cup of cold water and add enough ice cubes to make 1 1/4 cups ice water. Add cold water and ice cubes to gelatin.  Stir until slightly thickened. Remove any remaining ice. Set aside.
Add cranberries and orange zest to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until finely chopped (do not puree). Add to dissolved gelatin.  Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until set (About 3 hours)

On Thanksgiving, this is always one of the first things I make and get put aside.  It is a great recipe for the kids to help put together too.  I have always loved having my kids in the kitchen since they were toddlers—fond memories of “cook’s helper” in their homemade aprons.

What are your family’s favorites and traditions? I would love to hear.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Jellied Cranberries
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Creamy Zucchini Soup

No comments

South Australia is your one stop-destination for world-class wine, unbeatable gourmet food, spectacular natural scenery and unique wildlife. This summer, I was fortunate to visit Adelaide, South Australia’s capital and Australia’s best boutique city.  During my time there I was fortunate to be able to get out on a wine tour to explore the rolling hills and beautiful country side that surround it.
One of the stops along our trail was Longview Vineyard.  Longview is located just outside the historic township of Macclesfield and is a stunning family-owned Adelaide Hills single vineyard with the feel of an old world estate, but still clearly Australian.  It is located in am most beautiful setting giving you stunning views across the rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Perfect in winter or summer season, the estate is designed for events and boasts a new tasting room and eatery that I was more then willing to give a go.  Truly what is better than wine, food, and good friends to share it with.Luckily for us, the tour included lunch at this stop and my travel buddies and I are still talking about the food and wine we had that day. In particular, we can’t stop thinking about the absolutely delectable mouth-watering zucchini soup the cook made of us.  We were so taken with the soup, we had the host bring her out so as we might get the secrets to her incredible creamy soup that had no cream in it at all.

Since being back in the states, several of us have taken our hand at replicating the beautiful green liquid we were served.  Here is a culmination of our efforts in a recipe for you to try.  I am still tweaking myself and in this version, I’ve actually included a bit of broccoli.  I am told by my good travel agency owner friend, Amal, whose husband is a chef, that the secret lies in the sauté of the vegetables in a 2 to 1 ratio mix of butter to olive oil, with butter being half the ratio.  Give it a go and let me know what spin you put on it.

Creamy Zucchini Soup
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 white onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 large zucchini, chopped
1/2-1 cup broccoli florets, cut in small pieces (optional)
1 1/2 cup vegetable broth/stock
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Wash and prepare your vegetables.
Heat oil in large pot and sauté over a low to medium heat until the onion and garlic are translucent.
Add in the zucchini and broccoli; stir for a few minutes.
Add the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Season to taste.
Once cooked, use a stick blender and blend the soup to form a smooth texture.

Garnish with fresh shaved parmesan and basil infused olive oil. (optional)
Serve with a toasted crostini.

Makes about 4 servings.

Longview Vineyard is located along South Australia’s Epicurean Way. The Epicurean Way is a 4 day drive food and wine trip that seamlessly links together the four iconic wine regions of Mclaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, and Clare Valley. It is a perfect inclusion in an Australian itinerary for those who travel with their taste buds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Creamy Zucchini Soup
read more

Passport for Your Palate-German Eggs

No comments

What are German Eggs?

Well, it’s an affectionate name we’ve given to the style and method of eating an egg that we discovered in Germany and Austria. Back in the early 2000s, my then-husband lived and worked in Julich, Germany.  He only came home for week visits about every  6 to 8 weeks, during the two years the company moved him there. Meanwhile, myself and 3 toddlers were living back in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Well, one day I decided instead of him flying home, that I should pack up the three kids despite their young age and take a trip to Germany instead of him coming home.
I spent a good part of a year planning it.  Learning German, reading up on the countries, and planning a 2-week driving itinerary that would suit both parents and children alike. Once the trip was set, I packed up 3 kids (2, 4, and 6 years of age at the time) and boarded a KLM flight for Amsterdam for our summer vacation.

One of the things I loved was breakfast while we were there. You see I am not really a fan of traditional breakfast food. You know cereals, waffles, pancakes, and such.  I much prefer to eat something more like dinner or lunch. Even now I’ll take a plate of leftovers over a standard breakfast. You can imagine the joy, if you are like me, to discover in Europe they have lots of things on the morning buffet that are more like lunch.  Meats and sausages, bread, cheeses, and more!  All fresh from the farm.  My mouth is watering just envisioning some of the table spreads I remember coming down to.
Well, one of the staples on these tables was eggs.  Not just hard-boiled eggs though, but what we would refer to as soft boiled.  What made these eggs even tastier was the way they were served with their own special cup and utensils. They became the family favorite.  So much so that I began the search during the trip to find my own set of Eierbecher (egg cups) and Eierlöffel (egg spoons), along with the special egg cracker.

Thus when we returned from Germany and Austria, the kids would request German eggs because that’s where they were introduced to the soft boiled egg.  We have a tradition now of eating them for our holiday breakfasts, but they make the perfect treat for a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast.  Mind you there is some trick to producing the perfect soft boiled egg and this is what I/we learned from our travels.


How to Make the Perfect Soft Boiled (German) Egg

2 eggs
Small bowl with cold water
Pot ( some say the glass is better than aluminum)

Bring a salted pot of water to a boil.  Large enough, there is room for the eggs not to collide.   Gently place eggs into boiling water. ( I use a slotted spoon to set in the boil slowly)  Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low.  Set timer for 5 minutes or 6 if you like your yolks a bit thicker.  When the timer goes off, carefully remove the egg with a spoon and set it in the bowl of cold water.  Note: if you are boiling more than 2 eggs, you will need a larger pot and add a minute or 2 more.

To eat, place the egg in your egg cup, use the top egg cracker to remove the top, then use the small spoon to scoop out the deliciousness.  Salt and pepper as desired.

Serves 1



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-German Eggs
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Australian Meat Pie

No comments

What is an Australian meat pie?  Well, it is one of the foods you must absolutely try when you are visiting.  It is pure comfort in the palm of your hand. It is a must have when I am Down Under.  The pies are often referred to as Australia’s national dish.
Australian meat pies are hand-held sized meat pies containing dice or minced meat. Sometimes they will also have gravy, mushrooms, onions, cheese or other vegetables in them. They are often served with tomato sauce. (Australia’s version of ketchup) My understanding from my Aussie friends is that mince meat is the way to go, but I often opt for the beef and mushroom myself.
For me, my visits to Australia were not the first time I encountered a meat pie.  My father’s family is from New England, Vermont to be exact and my great grandmother, Nanny Dot, and her sisters used to make a minced meat pie. Most often around holidays such as thanksgiving.  Her pies where made in a regular pie dish vs the smaller hand-sized pies I eat in Australia.  I have to say as a young girl I wasn’t very fond of the minced meat flavor. Probably why I still opt for the beef and mushroom. To me the  Australia meat pies are a cousin to our pot pies. Which I do make on occasion from a full-size pie to individual ramakins.
Meat pies actually go way back in history over to Europe during the middle ages.  Making savory pies was a way, or only way, back then to preserve meats.  Today, though in Australia, you can find these handy little delectable take away pies at sporting events, holiday celebrations, and most local bakeries. My most recent visit to South Australia, one of the travel agents in our group found a place to deliver.  We’d been in country 7 days without a bite and couldn’t head to the airport for our flight home without one. The store brought them to our hotel for a quick dine and dash before piling in our vans for the trip home.
Today I share two recipes with you. One from the recipe book of my relatives for making minced meat and a traditional meat recipe for today’s Australian pies.

Mince Meat Recipe from Myrtle Taylor Pillsbury’s Book

2 pounds meat
2 1/2 pounds sweet apples
4 pounds sugar
1/2 pound suet
1/2 pound butter
2 quarts cider
3 teaspoonfuls of cloves
6 teaspoonfuls all spice
6 teaspoonfuls of cinnamon
1 teaspoonful pepper
4 nutmegs
1 glass of brandy
3 glasses wine
Salt and one cracker

Raisins stewed and chopped, use if desired citron and lemons.
The above is made in a regular pie dish for 6-8 servings.
Unfortunately, the book has no directions on how to prepare the pie. This is typical of the recipes I find from my ancestors. I always get to experiment in making it come out the way I remember.


Australian Meat Pie
I’ve adapted my recipe based on above and other recipes that I have seen for the meat pies.  Once you have a basic recipe you can pretty much add and modify to your content as I mentioned pies come from a range or meat only, to meat with chees, to meat with mushrooms, and on.

For the Crust:
Here is my standard go to pie crust recipe that I use for a standard 9-inch pie. To make individual pies you would roll out and cut into large circle and cut out your circles for your individual crusts. Another option is to buy prepared dough or puff pastry.
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening or 2/3 cup lard  ( I use Crisco)
2 cups all -purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water
Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mix becomes size of small peas. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until flour is moist and pastry almost cleans sides of bowl.
Roll into a ball.  Roll out on lightly floured surface. Cut your rounds for your individual pie pans.  Place one circle in bottom of each pie tin.  Once pie is filled top with second circle. See instructions below.

For the Filling:
1 ½ to 2lbs cubed meat minced or lean ground beef
1 onion finely chopped (optional)
2 clove garlic minced
½ stick butter
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ cup red wine
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
½ -1 6oz can of tomato paste
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons flour (mix with some water or broth before adding)
¾ cup beef broth
½ tsp thyme
Freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions for pie:
-Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft.  Add beef, breaking into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for about 8 minutes. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant.
-Add broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, nutmeg, allspice, tomato paste and thyme and bring to a boil.  Add flour mixed in liquid and slowly stir in to thicken. Add more thickening if needed, but mixture will thicken up more when chilled.   Lower heat to medium-low to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning to suit.  Transfer to a bowl and let cool in refrigerator.
-Meanwhile prepare crusts.
-Once filling is cooled. Make sure rack is in center of oven. Place a baking sheet on the rack and pre-heat to 425F
-Fill your pie shells, don’t overfill. Use water or egg wash to brush the edges. Pinch and crimp the pastry together. Brush top. Place small slit in middle with point of knife.
-Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on rack for 10 minutes before serving.
-Serve with tomato sauce (ketchup)



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Australian Meat Pie
read more