Corby-Sue's Table

CORBY'S TABLE - Good Food Made Simple

Sundays 12-2pm - Brunch Bondi Stylz...funk 'n food

  Test track by CorbySue

Imagine a world where everything you know to be true is challenged...like naughty decadent sweets that aren't ‘bad' for you...or detoxing from your culinary sins turned into a joyous and ‘kind-to-your body event.'  I know, I know, you're nodding your head in disbelief, as did I...but my guests on this show were quite literally, a revelation!  A word I must have uttered at least half a dozen times.  

First up, the very passionate and talented, in equal meaure, Rowie Dillon from Rowies cakes joined us in the studio with boxes of sweet delights from her Commercial Kitchen.  But here's the thing, every item is wheat free, gluten free and dairy free.  EVERYTHING.  But here's the second thing, and this is particularly important so take note...they taste un-bloody believable!  In a world where many are looking for healthy options, either by choice or necessity, I consider Rowie to be the Goddess of Gluten-Free.

Formerly a TV Commercial Producer, Rowie Dillon is a self-made woman whose passion regarding good food and experimental cooking uncovered a treasure trove of skills.  In 2001, Rowies Cakes launched with the original orange and almond cake, a rich little number still on the menu, and fab with a cuppa.   However, nine years later, the list has grown to include plenty of mouth watering morsels.  There are a number of wonderful items from which to choose and can be found scattered throughout Sydney in any cleverly run cafe!  Food intolerances, I believe now top the list of ‘food trends' that influence what's hot, and although I cringe at the use of the word ‘trend', I hope that you get my meaning...However, these sweets are for EVERYONE.

You can also take Rowie home with you with her Pantry line of cake mixes, sweet shortcrust mix and the soon to be released savoury shortcrust.  However, a personal favourite that will be featuring in a David Jones near you is the newest member to the family - a dairy and nut-free Rocky Road that could give Daryl Lea a run for their money!  Truly.

I could wax on, as I do, but I am genuine when I say that if you are looking for an alternative sweet that won't cause the bloating and blahs, regardless of your food orientation, these treats are for you!  A very pleased audience member took home Rowie's cakes Treat Box and my grateful neighbour is currently cooking up a gluten-free storm in her kitchen with the take home products and will report back over the next couple of weeks...Thanks so much Rowie!

Just for the record, I have never, ever, met an unattractive Naturopath.  Makes me think that there's something to this whole ‘healthy approach' to living!  Our gorgeous resident Naturopath, Belinda Kirkpatrick, came in to talk about the use of supplements while de-toxing and convinced me that the whole process didn't have to be a misery in a box for $39.95! 

Belinda offered a far more holistic approach to supporting one's body during a detox and spoke about an experience not based on deprivation and starving...although chocolate and champagne still didn't feature.  Plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and select grains, along with a bit of welcome protein.  Not so bad really...Personally I'm gearing up for the big Community Detox starting on Feb 15^th and can't wait to reap the rewards!  I will detail my progress in the coming weeks...

Apart from the odd bit of drifting in and out while imagining myself as fit and fabulous as Belinda, I heard every word that she was saying and discovered that ‘supporting' one's liver during a detox is key as well as one's, um, gut...so liver tonics and some form of acidopholus need to make an appearance.  But as I always say, seek advice from a professional.  We're so lucky to have Belinda share her knowledge across our airwaves, but you can also find her in lots of other places too!  Just check her site for more info. 

For all new mums, or expecting mums, Belinda will also be hosting a mums like me group from our very own BONDI FM cafe headquarters starting in March 2010.  I like the idea of mums having access to a healthcare professional in a relaxed forum.

For Belinda's next visit, we are throwing open the suggestion box and ask you, the listener, to tell us what you want to know.  Drop me a line at info@corbysue.com

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK - BAKING TRAYS

Inspired by our first guest, and working in one too many ill-equipped domestic kitchens over the last few years, I think the absence of ANY baking equipment is an outright travesty.

You may be thinking to yourself that you're not really a baker, so why do you need baking trays?  As much as this is a valid question, I want you to keep your mind open because you may not bake today but that doesn't mean that you won't be inspired to tomorrow.  In fact, just the act of stocking your cupboards with some of these baking trays will expand your horizons, so hear me out!

Here's what I think you need with a couple of examples of the wonders you can create just with the mere presence of them!  

• 2 x biscuit trays - biscuits, scones, pizza, bread sticks, roasting veg, drying fruit; most versatile
• 2 x mini muffins - muffins, cupcakes, frittatas
• 1 x muffin - as above!
• 1 x round spring form cake tin - cakes, pies; savoury & sweet, ice cream cakes...
• 1 x loaf tin - banana bread, small lasagne
• 1 x slice tin - lamingtons, savoury tarts

Why don't you try out with your new baking equipment with one of these fab new recipes?.  There's BRODY'S BEST EVER BROWNIES and a GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA DOUGH.

Happy baking!

LISTENER QUESTION OF THE WEEK -

"My muffins are always rock hard..." - Shauna, Dover Heights

To avoid over mixing, put all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and make a 'well' in the middle.  Then mix all of the wet ingredients in a separate bowl or jug, pour these ingredients into the "well" fold the all together in three or four broad strokes.  Don't worry about the lumps, they will dissipate once baked...

‘A basic formula for muffins is 2 cups flour, 2-4 tablespoons sugar, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 egg, ¼ cup oil, shortening or butter and 1 cup milk. When the fat, sugar and egg ratio in a recipe reaches double or more than this, you have reached the cake level...'

A big thank you to the gorgeous women who are walking the talk; Rowie Dillon and Belinda Kirkpatrick.  But let's not overlook the welcome return of our Prodigal Son, DJ Jon!  Like a fish to water, Jon was spinning the funk 'n soul with some seriously old school classics.  From the Fat Back Band to  the latin vibe of Jack Costanza, it was all systems go!  The smoky bass tones of DJ Jon even graced the mic this week!  Do we have the makings of another Wolfman?!  

Despite this being the end of January and our Healthy Kick Start theme, I want to encourage all of you to continue making the effort towards one healthy new habit, if not a week, then maybe a month!  Next week we'll move into the Fab month of February, where we'll be 'eating and drinking with heart...'

It promises to be a great month, despite the lack of sugar, alcohol, warm ciabatta bread with olive oil...oh puh-lease!  Fear not, our one and only Wine Guru, Ben Hughes, will be back with his homework assignment complete, and we'll be talking about the growing trend in organic and bio-dynamic wines here in Australia.

Thanks as always to all of  you for tuning in and turning up each week.  I just want to leave you with this one thought, "Effort is the greatest declaration of love...show you care and cook something.  Anything!"

Til we eat again...

Corby-Sue x