Simply put, New Zealand is a breathtaking place. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the air feels like the color blue, fresh, gentle and crisp. The green landscape this time of year is lush and full. So many cattle and sheep dot the countryside that you expect a herd of shepherds to crest the hills at any moment. All the beauty New Zealand offers makes believing in God as our Creator easy.
When we arrived at Alpine Hunting on the North Island, I immediately felt at home. I discovered something that has been tucked in my brain like an arrow in a quiver. The kitchen has the ability to welcome like no other room in the house. The smells, the warmth, the food, the serving of people, all play a part of making strangers into friends. Loving the kitchen means loving people.
Joann Anott ran the kitchen at this lovely lodge. Her quick smile, swift pace and attention to detail had me impressed from the get go. The entire week of our stay she prepped, planned, and worked that kitchen and garden. I took so many pictures of her dishes I think the food started smiling for the camera. Every appetizer, every meal, every dessert, was thought out and crafted with care. Joann and her gift of serving was one of the highlights of our trip.
Another highlight was David Blayney. David was the professional hunter, our PH, the guy who spends a great deal of time helping, pointing, driving, sweating- basically working his tail off- insuring that our hunting expedition is a successful one. He was awesome. Positive, funny and what I would expect a friendly Kiwi to be. And when I asked David why he was a PH he said, The people. The friendships and relationships that happen when you spend time together. And that made him my favorite PH ever, that universal principal that relationships and people trump so much in this life.
Sometimes life takes you over an ocean, on a mountaintop, only to rediscover- no matter where you go or what you do- people matter. Relationships matter. Loving the ones in your life with goodness, truth and integrity matters. David reminded me that wherever we work, visit, or make our home, the relationships we forge and cultivate are worth the most. Treasure them.
Stik a Fork in to new places, stronger friendships and a good ole New Zealand Lemon Tart.
Lemon Tart
Shortbread Crust:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
Place dry ingredients into food processor. Add butter and pulse until it comes together in clumps with butter. Press evenly into tart pan with fingers. Prick bottom. Cover and place in freezer for 15 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees, sitting inside another pan until shortbread is golden brown.
Lemon Filling:
5 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed real lemon juice
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh
lemon zest
In the food processor, process cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and blend until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time- thoroughly process, scrapping the sides of food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth and well blended. Pour in cooled shortbread and bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees until filling is set. Chill at least an hour and garnish with sugared lemon curls. Thanks Joann!
