Often we all work ourselves into a complete state…for me it is simply due to my fabulous foodie obsessed schedule! Yes, it is my fault – as I say ‘yes’ to everything! How can I not – exciting television and stage demonstrations, food styling and constant recipe creation – oh what a life! But last week it took its toll and I needed to escape…. well I did with my family and dearest friends.

Escaping to our friends cabin, snuggled beside a rippling river and shaded by enormous gum trees.  Just waiting for walks, tree climbing and plenty of sitting around that camp fire complete with great conversation, music, and a good book. Add plenty of hot mugs of tea, glasses of red wine and delicious food.  A long weekend escape was just what ‘the doctor’ ordered.

Walks along the river.

Now eating – of course this is the biggest consideration (even when I am not working).   My wonderful girlfriend always has the cupboard & fridge bulging ….. but as a group of  5 of us are about to arrive for the 3 day weekend… extra supplies are needed. The meals must be simply delicious and put together with a minimal of fuss (and I mean minimum). 30 odd minutes and all prepared on a BBQ  (thankfully with a hood)  and a small portable gas burner.

So as you all know I work on lists. (even for a weekend escape). How to throw together several meals effortlessly – here is my shopping list.

The shopping is a 20 minute wiz around the supermarket on the way. ….

grab at least 1 kg of your favourite double smoked bacon and 3 dozen good large free range eggs. This means country fry ups, omelettes and scrambled eggs with all the trimmings

Bacon and Eggs anyone?

mushrooms – from the full flavoured large caps to the sweetest buttons. You can sauté them, stuff them and toss them into everything from breakfast to dinner.

couple vines of fresh ripe red tomatoes and loaves of good grain or crusty sour dough bread (and yes throw in a couple of loaves of my favourite gluten free bread and some trusty corn crackers).

essentials from the deli counter: shaved smoked ham, a bbq chicken (free range please), a couple of chorizo, prosciutto and or cabana, olives & fetta cheese Instantly great sandwiches, anti pasta nibbles (with a glass of wine) and flavour for the fry ups and omelettes.

spreads & sauces: good whole egg mayonnaise, French mustard, balsamic vinegar and a glorious jar of the best chutney in the store.

fruit & vegies: fresh and plenty- apples and pears are sensational this time of year – so are the grapes.

meats etc: a couple whole free range chickens, divine lamb rolled roasts -  rolled & stuffed,  grain fed good steaks,  boutique style sausages  ( yes better varieties are available next to the nasty  cheap horrible varieties)!

Grain fed sirloin steak and mushies for me please!

potatoes: perfect wrapped in foil and thrown into the bbq (sour cream? Oh yes please) or grated into hash browns and a quick au gratin with some cheese and and drizzle of cream. (cover the dish tightly with foil and pop onto the bbq plate)

tea and wine: plenty…. Earl Grey, English breakfast, Orange Pekoe and peppermint, a couple of bottles of your favourite Shiraz and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.    Oh and some beer too (if you like)

nibbles: potato chips, nuts, dips & crackers, chocolate & a couple of packets of biscuits (no I didn’t forget)!

water: gallons of it –  from still to sparkling

Here I am 3 days later and it feels like a week later. Relaxed, content and enjoying watching the children giggle and play another round of Uno. The cars are packed, the beds stripped, the wood pile restacked….but thankfully we are planning our next visit.

 Now what have I popped into the car to nibble on the way home!

Toasted marshmallows anyone?