MULBERRY LODGE COUNTRY RETREAT
  • Home
    • AWARDS & MEDIA
    • SUSTAINABILITY & THE ENVIRONMENT
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • GALLERY
  • LUXURY PACKAGES
    • LUXURY B&B PACKAGE
    • HELI-SWAG ADVENTURE
    • COUPLES PAMPER PACKAGE
    • PLATINUM PACKAGE
    • FOOD & WINE & ART PACKAGE
    • ORGANIC WINE & PCNIC PACKAGE
    • WINTER WARMER PACKAGE
    • GIFT VOUCHERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • BOOK NOW
  • McLAREN VALE AREA GUIDE
    • WINERY LONG LUNCHES
    • MCLAREN VALE LUNCH PLATTERS & TAPAS
    • MCLAREN VALE RESTAURANTS
    • WINE TASTING
    • MCLAREN VALE EXPERIENCES
    • MCLAREN VALE GIN & SPIRITS TRAIL
    • MCLAREN VALE BREWERY TRAIL
    • MARKETS & EVENTS
    • TOUCHSTAY
  • CONTACT US
  • Blog

Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Savoury Muffins

27/10/2018

0 Comments

 
Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Savoury Muffins
Pumpkin, Spinach and feta Savoury Muffins
These gorgeous cheesy, savoury muffins make a perfect breakfast snack or lunch box snack. I usually make them with gluten free flour as many of our guests are gluten intolerant. The small snack size versions keep perfectly in the freezer so make a batch and they'll do for snacks for a couple of weeks ( or maybe not, they're so yummy you might just eat them all in one sitting). Enjoy!! Download a copy of the the recipe below. 

​Click "Read More"for the recipe

Read More
0 Comments

Banana and Sultana Muffins

28/7/2018

0 Comments

 
Banana & Sultan Muffins
Banana & Sultana Muffins
This is great way to use up those bananas that always seem to be left to go brown. Quick and easy to make when you have a spare half hour in the kitchen.  I always have a selection of muffins on the go for our guest breakfasts and this is one of the favourites.   

Click "Read More" for the recipe


Read More
0 Comments

Healthy Coconut and Vanilla Muesli Bars

14/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Not only are these muesli bars delicious, they're a healthy version as there's no sugar  and coconut oil is used instead of butter. I offer these as part of my guest breakfast each morning but they're great snacking on during the day.

.Make these sugar-free Muesli Bars part of your Sunday cook-up repertoire to have handy during the week.

Click "Read More" for the recipe


Read More
0 Comments

Gluten Free Chocolate & Raspberry Brownies

27/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
This has to be one of the most delicious gluten free treats that I make for our guests. Much better than the standard recipe and I always get lovely comments from our guests. So I thought it was about time to share this. Welcome to chocolate brownie heaven! .

The original recipe calls for fresh raspberries but I've found when they're out of season and expensive you can replace the fresh raspberries with a bar of dark Lindt Raspberry Chocolate, and of course I stock up on this chocolate when it's on special offer. I actually think I prefer them with the Lindt raspberry chocolate.

Click "Read More" for the recipe  

Read More
0 Comments

Lemon Polenta Cake - YUM!

12/8/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
We have the the most amazing lemon tree on our property which fruits all year and  I have great fun finding lots  lovely recipes in which I can use our lemons.. This was a cake recipe that I found a while ago by Nigella Lawson and is one of the most delicious, and moist cakes that I have come across. The bonus is that it can be made gluten free and dairy free.

I always treat our guests to some homemade cake and this is by far one of the favourites. 

Click "Read More" for the recipe 


Read More
1 Comment

Walking & Wine in Winter

17/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rob and Lucy recovered from trekking the first 5 sections of the Heysen Trail at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – Lucy’s written about it here 
 
In late June, we boarded a plane in sunny, tropical Cairns, and flew to Adelaide for a week of walking by the ocean and drinking wine in McLaren Vale. Obviously it was the best holiday ever. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
​As a base to explore, I can’t think of a better place. We didn’t get to stay for half as long as I would have liked (damn those kids), but what we did see was brilliant – top quality wineries and restaurants within walking distance, friendly hosts, beautiful gardens and delicious food (thanks for the brownies Hazel, they were divine).
 
With no car and not much time, we relied on our fantastic hosts to ferry us from winery to winery (you know some of them open at 10am? 10am!). We went conservative and only shipped home 42 bottles from 5 wineries, and spent our evenings at The Salopian Inn working our way through their fantastic gin menu.

We loved Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat and McLaren Vale, even in the middle of a blustery winter - our only complaint was that we didn’t get long enough down there to see everything…
 
But not to worry, we’re already planning the return trip for 2017. 
​​​
Picture
The Blending Bench at d'Arenberg

Rob and I are both from somewhere more Southerly than Cairns, and while the long, dry, sunshine-y Winter is beautiful, it often makes us long for crisp days and fresh breezes. We walk when we can (and when someone else offers to take the kids), but getting to walk the start of the Heysen Trail was something special, with and abundance of fresh air, incredible scenery, and heart-pumping exercise.
n general, my holiday requirements include
 good food, beautiful scenery, and wine (I’ll substitute wine for cocktails in the tropics)

Rob’s perfect get-away looks more like something from a boys’ own adventure so finding a place that fits us both can be a bit of a challenge (thankfully he feels the same way about the wine).
 
We found the Heysen Trail when searching online for ‘epic Australian treks’, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Off the bus at Cape Jervis, and within 30 minutes we’d waved goodbye to civilisation and were watching dolphins frolic in the waves. What followed was 4 days of magnificent cliffs, rolling green hills, and long sandy beaches, along a well-marked track which has been maintained by the Friends of the Heysen Trail (and they really do a great job).

​77km later, we were weary but elated to reach Encounter Bay.
 Which is where the eating and drinking began. 
 
3 nights of camp food was more than enough for me (and even Rob was hanging out for a steak), so we ditched the packs and started sampling the best of everything the Fleurieu Peninsula had to offer.
 
We tried everything (obviously I needed to regain the weight I’d lost on the trail. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) and made our way the next day to McLaren Vale to stay at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat
Picture
Lunch at Au Pear next door to Mulberry Lodge
0 Comments

Pumpkin, Bacon, Potato, Spinach & Feta    Frittata Muffins

5/4/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

​I love autumn and having just harvested 40 pumpkins and butternut squash along with plenty of fresh spinach in the garden, I love to find new tasty ways to use these ingredients.  During the week, our guests at the Lodge are provided with a scrumptious Breakfast Hamper filled with homemade goodies and these Frittata Muffins are a perfect addition, providing a small hot element to their breakfast. 

These muffins are also perfect for lunch on the go, picnics or school packed lunches.  I like to make a batch ahead, they store well in the fridge for a few days, or can be frozen and reheated  

Click "Read More" for the recipe

Read More
0 Comments

Poached Eggs & Salmon in Potato Rosti Baskets

5/5/2016

0 Comments

 
This is one of my favourite breakfasts to cook for our guests. A gourmet breakfast that's simple to prepare, looks beautiful, is very indulgent and not too filling, the perfect way to start your weekend stay at Mulberry Lodge. I use local free range eggs, rocket from the garden, our own potatoes in season, and I like to make make my own basil pesto when we have plenty of basil growing in the garden in summer.  The potato rosti baskets can be frozen. If  you intend to make a batch and freeze them then only cook for 25 minutes initially and then finish the cooking for about 15 minutes once thawed from the freezer. 
Picture
​Makes 4
Prep Time 20 mins (+10 minutes cooling time)
Cooking 50mins
 
550g brushed Golden Delight potatoes, peeled, halved
125ml (1/2 Cup) water
2 tsp olive oil                                 
Salt and Pepper
Vegetable oil, to shallow fry
1tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
1tbs white vinegar
4 free range eggs
60g of rocket leaves
300g of smoked salmon
Basil pesto
 
Place the potato and water in microwave safe bowl. Cover with 2 layers of plastic wrap. Cook in microwave on high for 6 minutes or until the potato softens slightly. Drain. Set aside for 10 mins to cool.
  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Spray 4 250ml (1 cup) muffin pans with oil.  Coarsely grate the potato. (I use the large grater attachment attach in  my food processor) It takes about 30 seconds to grate the potatoes using the food processor. 
  2. Add the oil and potatoes to a large bowl; season with salt and pepper and mix through with your hands until potato evenly coated. Press the potato into the muffin tins with a good base and push up the sides to form a basket.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until brown and a little crisp.
  4. Add vegetable oil to a small frying pan. Heat over medium –high heat. Pat the capers dry and add to the hot oil. Stir for about 1 minute until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
  5. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add the vinegar. Crack the eggs into separate cups. Carefully slide the eggs into the water. Cook for 3 minutes or until the whites are opaque and just firm. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a plate lined with paper towel.
  6. Divide the potato baskets among the plates. Top with rocket, smoked salmon and eggs. Sprinkle with the fried capers and then drizzle the plate with Basil pesto.
Click the document below to download and print the recipe.  
potato_rosti_baskets_with_poached_eggs_and_smoked_salmon.pdf
File Size: 271 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

0 Comments

Mulberry Lodge Oat & Raisin Cookies

16/4/2016

1 Comment

 
Oat and Raisin Cookies
Oat & Raisin Cookies

 
If you love your oatmeal cookies soft and chewy, this is THE Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe for you! Nicely crispy around the edges, studded with plump and juicy raisins, and buttery in taste with the faintest wisp of cinnamon, these cookies smell heavenly when they’re in the oven and also keep really well!

Click "Read More" for the recipe 
​

Read More
1 Comment

Mulberry Lodge Spicy Plum Jam

29/11/2015

0 Comments

 
At the Lodge we're blessed to have an abundance of fruit trees around the property including - plum, nectarine, peach, fig, apple, pear and cherry, orange, lemon, lime and mandarin - I try to use as much fruit as possible in jams, chutney, sauces, cakes and desserts. 

At this time of year our plums are just about ready to harvest and one of my favourite jams to make is my  Plum Jam. I serve this to our guests at breakfast and I'm often asked for the recipe as its quite unusual so I thought that I'd share it with you.    
Picture
 Makes 7 Cups
 
Ingredients 
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp star anise seeds
6 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 dried bay leaves crumbled
2 cups dry red wine
1.25Kg of whole sugar
2kg plums quartered and stoned
1/3 cup (80ml) of lemon juice
  
Method
  1. Place a couple of small saucers in the freezer to chill. Place spices, bay leaves wine and 1 cup of sugar in a large wide heavy based saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and leave to cool. When cool strain through a fine sieve over a bowl
  2. Return strained syrup to pan with 1 cup water and plums. Bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer over low-medium heat for 35 minutes.
  3. Uncover pan. Add lemon juice and remaining sugar. Cook stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then simmer, uncovered, over medium heat, skimming from the top for 45-50minutes or until jam jells when tested.
  4. To test place a small spoonful; on a chilled saucer then return to freezer for 1 minutes. Run your finger through the chilled jam; it should be the consistency of honey and wrinkle slightly when pushed.
Once at this stage pour into hot sterilized jars and seal  

Enjoy on hot buttered toast - YUM!!
Print Recipe
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    May 2021
    October 2018
    July 2018
    November 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    February 2015

    Author

    Hazel and husband Nik own and run Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat  which is a beautiful and unique mud brick property in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. It's our home and business and run as a hosted luxury, country escape for the discerning traveler. We aim to provide our guests with a wonderful relaxed and indulgent experience. Through the blog Hazel will be sharing information her own recipes, activities and experiences in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia 

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Fleurieu Peninsula
    Food
    Garden
    Pinterest
    Recipies
    Wine

Navigation

Contact us

Home   
Book Now                                                    

Luxury B&B Package
Heli-Swag Adventure Package

Platinum Package
Gourmet Food, Wine & Art Package

Couples Pamper Package              
Organic Wine & Picnic Package 
Winter Warmer Package   ​
Gift Vouchers

​Gallery
E
xperiences
Mclaren Vale Local Area Guide 
McLaren Vale Restaurants 
McLaren Vale wineries serving lunch and platters
Wine Trail 
Gin & Spirits Trail
Brewery Trail  

​Blog
Touch Stay - Digital Guides 
​
Awards & Media
Commitment to Sustainability and the Environment
Privacy
Terms & Conditions
Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat
PO Box 850, 202 Main Road
Willunga
SA, 5172


T: 0424 825 965
E: hazel@mulberrylodgewillunga.com

Follow us on

  • Home
    • AWARDS & MEDIA
    • SUSTAINABILITY & THE ENVIRONMENT
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • GALLERY
  • LUXURY PACKAGES
    • LUXURY B&B PACKAGE
    • HELI-SWAG ADVENTURE
    • COUPLES PAMPER PACKAGE
    • PLATINUM PACKAGE
    • FOOD & WINE & ART PACKAGE
    • ORGANIC WINE & PCNIC PACKAGE
    • WINTER WARMER PACKAGE
    • GIFT VOUCHERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • BOOK NOW
  • McLAREN VALE AREA GUIDE
    • WINERY LONG LUNCHES
    • MCLAREN VALE LUNCH PLATTERS & TAPAS
    • MCLAREN VALE RESTAURANTS
    • WINE TASTING
    • MCLAREN VALE EXPERIENCES
    • MCLAREN VALE GIN & SPIRITS TRAIL
    • MCLAREN VALE BREWERY TRAIL
    • MARKETS & EVENTS
    • TOUCHSTAY
  • CONTACT US
  • Blog