Bloody Mary for New Years Day

Currently I am enjoying some time off work, getting organised for the New Year and catching up with friends. Life has slowed down and I am relishing the fact that I don't have to wake up to an alarm every day. I am actually waking up earlier than I normally would because of this and it means that I can get a head start on the day. 

I am not sure if the same thing will be said for New Year's Day. I know that even in my "wizened" thirties, I will still be celebrating New Year's Eve with friends and there will still be champagne flowing. It is going to be a civilised BBQ rather than traipsing through the streets of Sydney (as I did in my twenties) looking for a pub that wasn't packed to the gills, or trying to find "the best spot ever" to watch the fireworks. Not to mention deluding myself into thinking that I was the special person who would be able to get a taxi home at 3 a.m. Oh, the lessons I have learnt...

I know I will probably not have the hangover that I used to endure in my twenties the next day, but I think that a Bloody Mary is a pretty great pick-me-up to have during a late breakfast or brunch after celebrating the night before. 

My Week That Was...

Hi everyone! Here is my week that was:

I decided that it was time for the garlic to come out the other day. I planted six but there are only five pictured here - I'm not really sure why, but I suspect it was either still in the dirt, or I dropped it. They are currently hanging up to dry and I cannot wait to try them. As you can see, two of the bulbs are tiny! I can't explain this, maybe they were too crowded - I don't think they would have grown any bigger...

Triple Stuffed Mushroom Canapés

Sometimes I wish I lived in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of the year; I have never had a white Christmas, never worn a daggy Christmas themed jumper while sipping on egg nog... Um, I think I might have been watching too many Christmas movies.

Time to focus on reality. What is my reality at this time of the year in Australia?

My reality is that it’s summer and I have just over a week of work left until Christmas! It's warm and the sky is blue (mostly), and it's time for swimming and daylight savings. 

There are also mozzies (mosquitoes) and cricket blaring on the T.V. (summer has its down side). But it’s also a time to catch up with friends and family and go to Christmas parties! It's the time to have a cold beer or glass of bubbles in one hand and a tasty bite in the other.

Orange and Sage Duck Liver Parfait

Ugh! 

I have to be honest here with you all: dealing with raw duck liver really churned my stomach.

Firstly, the texture reminded me of Ghostbusters slime. The liver kept slipping out of my hands, and when combined in a bowl, formed one great quivering mass of super-liver.

Secondly, the aroma was incredibly strong, and to me, nasty. I can only describe it as metallic and fleshy.

To quote D:Ream: Things can only get better.

My Week That Was....

The Christmas tree in Martin Place, Sydney.
I walk past this every morning and evening, it makes me so happy to know that there are only a couple of weeks left until Christmas and holidays.

Pink Grapefruit and Aperol Fizz

Hands up those who like sorbet.

OK, those with your hands up are welcome to stick around. Those with your hands down may click away – I do not understand you but I am sure we can work it out next time, no hard feelings.

Now, hands up those who quite like the idea of taking a bottle of sparkling wine and drowning your sorbet in it. Now put your other hand up and raise the roof because that, my friends, is exactly what I did.

Allow me to explain. 

My Week That Was...

I thought I might start a new series here at The Littlest Anchovy to show you some bits and pieces that happen in my week. I'm just changing it up a little and I hope you enjoy!

Last weekend we went away with some friends to Norah Head. I had a ball spending time with such interesting, charming and funny people. There were visits to this beach, loads of gorgeous food that people whipped up and sensational cocktails. These people know how to live it up on a beach weekend away...