A French affair

COLDER DAYS AND NIGHTS CALL FOR NOURISHING COMFORT FOOD. TRY THESE CLASSIC RECIPES FROM FRANCE, DESIGNED TO WARM THE COCKLES OF YOUR HEART.

Beef Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy)

Serves 6

This French stew is an old favourite and is delicious served with mashed potato and steamed vegetables. For the best stew of your life, start preparing this two days before serving and use homemade stock if you can.

Ingredients – Beef marinade

☐ 800gm chuck steak, cut into 5cm cubes ☐ 2 large carrots, cut on an angle ☐ 16 pearl onions or small round pickling onions ☐ 1 bay leaf ☐ 3 sprigs thyme ☐ 750ml red wine ☐ 3 tbsp olive oil ☐ ¾ tsp salt ☐ ½ tsp pepper

Ingredients – Stew

☐ 200gm button mushrooms, halved ☐ 150gm bacon piece, cut into 1cm thick pieces ☐ 50gm unsalted butter ☐ 3 garlic cloves, minced ☐ 2 tbsp tomato paste ☐ 6 tbsp plain flour ☐ 3 cups low sodium beef stock (homemade if you have it) ☐ ¼ tsp salt ☐ 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

1. Firstly, marinate the beef. 2. Place the beef marinade ingredients in a large ceramic dish or a ziplock bag. Marinate overnight in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hours. 3. Strain liquid, into a bowl, reserve marinade.

Separate the beef, carrots and onion. 4. Reduce wine by pouring it into saucepan, bring to boil over medium heat. Simmer vigorously, skimming off any impurities, until reduced by half. Set aside. 5. Brown beef and vegetables. 6. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. 7. Line a tray with paper towel, spread beef out and pat dry. 8. Season beef with salt and pepper. 9. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large oven-proof pit over high heat. Add 1/3 beef and brown all over.

Brown remaining beef in batches, adding more oil if needed. Add beef to bowl. 10. Add bacon and cook for 3 minutes, remove and add to beef. 11. Saute mushrooms and cook until golden brown, remove and place in new bowl. 12. Saute onion, add more oil if needed and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Add to bowl with mushrooms. 13. Add butter to pot and add carrot once melted. Cook for 3-4 minutes and add garlic. Cook for a further 1 minute. 14. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. 15. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes 16. Slowly pour in beef stock, stirring constantly and then add wine and stir until flour is largely lump-free. 17. Add beef, bacon, thyme, bay leaf and ¼ tsp salt and pepper into pot and stir well. 18. It’s all about a slow cook from here. 19. Bring to a simmer and then cover and transfer to oven for 1 hour. 20.Remove from oven and add mushrooms and onion. 21.Cover with lid and return to oven for 1-11/2 hours or until beef is fall apart tender. 22.Remove from oven and test salt – add more if needed. 23.If possible, leave the stew overnight as the flavour will develop. 24.Reheat gently on a low stove and serve with fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed greens. Sprinkle parsley as a garnish.

Chocolate Souffle

Ingredients

☐ 1-11/4 cups of high quality, semi-sweet chocolate and chopped in pieces ☐ 2 large egg yolks ☐ 2 tbsp cornflour ☐ 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder ☐ 210ml milk ☐ 6 large egg whites ☐ Pinch of salt ☐ 1/3 caster sugar ☐ Sugar and butter for ramekins

Method

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees. 2. Lightly grease each ramekin with butter, give them a sprinkle of sugar and tap out any excess. Place them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. 3. Place chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave. Stir every 20 seconds. Set aside. 4. In a bowl whisk egg yolks, cornflour and cocoa to combine. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, bring milk over medium-high heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir about ½ cup of hot milks in the egg yolks to slowly warm it. Then pour warmed egg mixture slowly into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook until filling is thick, for about 2 minutes. Whisk continuously.

Remove from heat and stir in melted chocolate until smooth and fully combined for about 1-2 minutes. 5. In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Add sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form for about 3 minutes. 6. Stir about ¼ cup of egg whites into the chocolate custard.

Spoon into prepared ramekins evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until chocolate souffle has risen about 2.5cm above the top of the ramekins. Open the door and let stand for about 5 minutes. Top with powdered sugar, cocoa, or melted chocolate if desired. Serve immediately with double cream or vanilla bean ice-cream.

Book club

WITH RAY AND LISA MONICO, HALCYON LAKESIDE

Ray and Lisa escaped the colder weather in Canberra to make a life at Halcyon Lakeside. Ray spent most of his career working for the Commonwealth Government, in recent years in IT management and procurement. Lisa ditched a finance career to study visual arts as a mature aged student and now enjoys life as an artist.

Ray’s choice – A Gambling Man

Author: David Baldacci, Pan Macmillan, RRP: $16.00

I have read in excess of 34 books by American author David Baldacci, however this is the first featuring Aloysius Archer, a straight-talking WWII veteran who is fresh out of prison. It is set in the late 1940s and is a stand-alone novel unlike many of his others which are a series. This book appears to capture the spirit of the era, though I am not old enough to speak from experience! The characters are very interesting as is the plot. I do feel Baldacci’s other books are better but this is still a good read.

Lisa’s choice – Island Beneath the Sea

Author: Isabel Allende, Harper Collins, RRP: $17.99

Isabel Allende is my favourite author and her novels are set in historical periods, often dark times. This is an older book (published in 2009) and spans four decades and tells the story of Tete, a young girl born into slavery in the 1700s. Tete is sold to a young Frenchman who has moved to Haiti to oversee the family’s sugar plantations. Her relationship with her “master” is complicated, and she falls pregnant with their daughter. The Haitian Revolution against slavery begins and the story moves to New Orleans where Tete is hoping to gain freedom. Allende’s ability to write with such passion about the strength of the human spirit against adversity is what makes her books so compelling to read.

Ray’s choice – Mary, Mary

Author: James Patterson, Penguin, RRP: $16.99

This book is an older one of crime writer James Patterson and is one of the series featuring FBI agent Alex Cross. Like the rest of his books, it is a good read. It is fast paced, with the usual twists and turns expected from the thriller writer’s novels. The book is well written and engaging, intertwining both Alex Cross’ personal life and the crimes being investigated. It is not until the very end that you discover the real villain, which adds to the suspense. Again, a good story from James Patterson, though perhaps similar to other books with Alex Cross as the hero.

Debbie Lindsay, Megan Frahm and Michael Stewart

Brian and Sharon Williams

Stargazing

HALCYON RISE, THURSDAY 22 APRIL 2021

Homeowners and invited guests gathered under the stars for woodfired pizza and an informative presentation from members of the Southern Astronomical Society.

The amateur astronomers pointed out many interesting facts about the constellations above the community. It was also a great opportunity to test out the community’s new toy - an impressive Celestron telescope.

Gary and Jan Wilkins

Roger and Helen Lang

David Dumolo, pizza chef, Jan Wilkins and Vicki Venables

Rhonda Laarhoven, Chris Popplewell, Pam Cramer, Daphne McDade, Pam Beardmore, Marion Stutchbury, and Chris Carter

Champagne lunch and fashion parade

HALCYON GREENS, WEDNESDAY 12 MAY 2021

Ladies from Halcyon Greens were treated to an impressive fashion parade by former top model and fashion designer Margo Mott.

Margo once modelled for Karl Lagerfeld and many European fashion houses, but the Gold Coast native has had her own label - called That’s Me - for the past 17 years. All of the pieces in her collection are made to order to fit each individual women’s body shape and height. There are no buttons, zips and all pieces don’t require ironing. All of her collection is manufactured locally on the Gold Coast. The 80 guests at the champagne luncheon were entertained by Margo’s fabulous presentation, which also included accompanying music by vocalist-guitarist Clive Hartnett. Needless to say, the parade has sparked a shopping frenzy amongst the ladies at Greens.

Denise Holland and Janet Jones Elizabeth Edwards, Helene McKeller and Shirley Walker

Marlene Palmer Margo Mott Kay Goddard Haines

Peter Downing Arthur Collins, Sharon Downing and Tony Allman

Peter Downing and Kate Collins

B-lympics

B BY HALCYON, THURSDAY 20 MAY 2021

To celebrate the Tokyo Olympics starting in July, B by Halcyon homeowners and buyers held their very own B-lympics event!

The atmosphere was electric as guests cheered loudly from the sidelines and competitors tried their hand at archery and laser shooting. The events sure made for thirsty work! Guets enjoyed the opportunity to mingle over drinks and delicious woodfired pizza as the sun went down.

Wendy and Brian Mosely Bruce and Gaylene Smith

Lynn Lamble, Wendy Mosley, Ossie Feiner, instructor, Colleen Watts, Ian Rye and instructor. Front: Jo Feiner

Alison Edwards and Ruth Llewellyn Robin Styles and Marina Laqua Maya Loveridge

Judy Pilgrim

Rodney Clark fashion parade

HALCYON LANDING, FRIDAY 7 MAY 2021

Some lovely ladies got to play model for a day at a fashion parade organised for homeowners by label Rodney Clark.

Everyone had a wonderful time at the morning tea event which showcased some stylish outfits for the upcoming cooler weather. The modelling scouts are calling!

Lynn Parr and Lynne Edwards Martina Themsen and Beth Foster

Representative from Rodney Clark, Judy Pilgrim, Jill Barrett, Margie Slender, Angela Ford and Kay Wilkinson

Koi Boys Pam and Darrel Cramer

Koi Boys

HALCYON GREENS, FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021

The fabulous Koi Boys entertained a sell-out COVID-safe crowd in the Recreation Club.

The talented trio, who have also featured on TV program The Voice performed for three hours, singing modern songs and old favourites. Homeowners had a great night and were unified in their praise for the Social Club for organising the event.

Steve and Julie Cooke Ralph and Geraldine Daniels

John and Karin Enger Christine and Theo Perkins

Pam and David Slight

Dance through the ages

HALCYON GLADES, FRIDAY 14 MAY 2021

The Baby Boomer Party Band got the crowd up and moving at the musical event in the magnificent Recreation Club.

The duo played the best of the 50s, 60s and 70s to the homeowners who came dressed for the occasion.

There were a few who dressed up in costume, including some rock and rollers and a 1920s flapper. It’s great to see everyone and having a COVID-safe night.

Trish and Geoff Jones

Halcyon communities

Judged Australia’s best lifestyle communities... Thank you

Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities.

Downsize to an acreage lifestyle 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Located in Logan Reserve and set on 100 picturesque acres fronting the Logan River. This sprawling community is a tribute to the traditional South East Queensland lifestyle amid open spaces, rolling hills and with deep agricultural roots.

8 Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve (off Logan Reserve Road) - Display homes open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI Nestled in the foothills of Buderim and wrapped in sub-tropical rainforest, B by Halcyon offers a retreat to nature just minutes from beaches. Here, you can lose yourself in creative pursuits, a health and wellness journey or the sense of community.

2 Retreat Drive, Buderim (off Whites Road) - Display homes open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Greens

GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA

Enjoy country club living at Halcyon Greens, Australia’s first golf and lifestyle community designed for over 50s. The 84 acre community is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, and overlooks natural wetlands and nature reserve.

7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama - Display homes open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Glades CABOOLTURE

Located five minutes from the centre of Bli Bli and situated within the masterplanned Parklakes 2 community, Halcyon Lakeside features 5-star resort facilities, over 6km of connected walking tracks and 450m of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills. Halcyon Lakeside was judged Australia’s best in 2019 by the UDIA and the Property Council in 2020. Situated at Caboolture north is Halcyon Glades; a tree change located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Halcyon Glades offers the best of both worlds and includes all the hallmarks of an award-winning Halcyon community.

34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon once again turned to the Gold Coast’s prestigious North Shore for its first waterfront lifestyle community, Vision by Halcyon. Located on an island at Hope Island, the exclusive gated community won the UDIA QLD’s Seniors Living award.

11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast at Bli Bli, Halcyon Landing is a shining example of award-winning masterplanning. In tune with nature, the 25-acre lifestyle community is bordered by a 2km signature walking trail and natural parklands.

27 Waigani Street, Bli Bli - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon Waters HOPE ISLAND Halcyon Parks CALOUNDRA

Judged Australia’s Best Seniors living, Halcyon Waters is recognised as one of Australia’s premier lifestyle communities. Designed exclusively for over 50s, the vibrant community is set amongst 100 acres of open space and natural waterfront parklands at Hope Island on the Gold Coast’s North Shore.

1 Halcyon Way, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Just five minutes drive from Caloundra’s beaches and town centre, Halcyon Parks nestles comfortably on a leafy 36-acre site surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The masterplanned community incorporates quality architect-designed homes, gated security, comprehensive resort-style facilities and a strong community culture.

42 Meridan Way, Caloundra - Homes available, inspection by appointment

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WINNER 2018

HIA Queensland Specialised Housing

Autumn 2021

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