One of the teams I support at work spends 30 minutes every Friday afternoon eating cake provided by someone on the team (the schedule rotates). This "Jelly Tip" cake probably represents the best I've had so far. Raspberry jelly top, vanilla cheesecake on chocolate cheesecake on a crumbled Tim Tam base. Epic. Bruce spent a bit of time perfecting the recipe, but his finished product really hit the mark.
It still gets cold during the nights and so I usually spend a bit of time on the weekends chopping firewood (into kindling) for my grandparents to use for their evening fires. I started off really rusty, but seem to have figured out a good routine when I need to split several a few boxes worth in a reasonable amount of time.
Winter cooking adventures continue with this delicious braised lamb shoulder. So simple and delicious.
After a month back in the States, Jess finally returned. Mark and I, having enjoyed a nice and quiet July, welcomed her return as it meant a bit more excitement in our daily lives. Case in point: 5 minute ab workouts off Youtube in the living room.
We took Mark go-karting as a part of his b-day celebrations. We had a pretty fun time at this drift kart place out near Henderson. I spent a lot more time in a sideways position than I normally do while karting!
I had the fortune of getting a spare ticket to the All Blacks v Wallabies match at Eden Park. Pretty happy to continue my streak of ABs matches (twice in two years now!) and to see my first match against the hated Aussies. The ABs harnessed the pain from losing the match the week before in Oz and brought their best. They even performed the special, Kapa O Pango haka!
After a tight first half, the game opened up and we got to see a lot of scoring on our end of the field (including this try by Conrad Smith).
After a well deserved victory, the boys celebrated the likely final home match for a number of long-serving players including Ma'a, Tony, Conrad, Keven, Dan and Capt Fantastic Richie. It made it even more special that I could be there to witness their last match on home soil. Go the All Blacks and best of luck for the World Cup later this month!
The second time around with the Coq au Vin proved a winner as I applied the lessons I learned the previous time. Without the time constraints imposed by several hungry guests, I had the freedom to let this batch cook in the oven longer and it really thickened things up while adding more and more flavour. Incredible. I also added more mushrooms this time for a heartier dish. I'd go so far as to say this probably represents the best of my cooking to date with the cast iron casserole.
Another Friday night dinner with Jess & Sue. This hole-in-the-wall Ramen shop in the CBD probably served the best tonkotsu ramen I've had to date in NZ. Very nice and flavourful. Would return!
Another weekend, another visit to the go-kart track (though, it has been a different track each time). This time, we went with the F&P Social Club and got to race in 3-man teams.
We even got a little sausage sizzle snack.
Our team (Ali, Chris & I) finished a respectable 2nd. Better luck next time I suppose!
We went out to Matterhorn to celebrate Ngok's birthday and got treated to a 3 course meal (due to our large group size). I selected this tarakihi (fish) and fried chicken appetizer in an excellent consommé. So yum.
Next up, lamb two-ways (shoulder & rack) with pickled eggplant and kumara mash.
And lastly, caramelized apple on an almond tart. Excellent. I knew the drinks would be on point (from my experience back in June), but I didn't expect the food to be so good. I would recommend visiting for great food and very, very good cocktails.
I've spent six months in NZ so far and it has taken me this long to finally make my first batch of poke. I opted for salmon since it looked fresh and tasty at the Auckland Fish Market. Ono.
I made the poke as my contribution for a impromptu dinner party with friends from the office. The main dish we prepped: pierogi (Polish dumplings filled with potato). Yeah, we handmade a whole lot of them. It took a few hours from start to finish and, while my wrapping technique leaves something the be desired, the end result tasted pretty darn good.
The full spread including Canadian maple syrup glazed salmon and a kale salad.
Dinner at Richard & Ngok's. Homemade, slow-cooker laksa. In a giant bowl to boot. Freaking delicious!
I returned the favour by inviting them over for dinner at my flat: Eggplant parmesan. Well received if I may say so.
Had a bit of a mishap with my contacts during a meeting at work the other day. Ouchie. Can't say I've had this happen before...
The Mac Daddy (seasonal special) burger from Burger Burger: grass fed beef, chicken pate, carmelised leaks and bacon. Washed it all down with a peanut butter and chocolate thick shake. Pretty pleased with my first taste of Burger Burger I must say.
I wish I could say that work looks like it will get easier over the next few weeks, but it really won't. Additionally, I'll be starting a 6 week class on Med Device regulations that will include attending lectures and homework. I don't think I'm going to be very social until the end of October...until then, adieu!
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