Before we left for Australia, I was told about all the unusual exotic fruit and was excited to try all that they had to offer. 

Our Welcome gift at the house in Port Douglas that we rented. From back left: Custard Apple, Pineapple, Mangosteen, Passionfruit, Papaya and Mango.

The inside of a Mangosteen – you eat the small white segments, which are kind of like a tart kiwi.

Papaya which the Aussies call “Paw Paw.”  Typically when I’ve had papaya in the past it’s been bland and mushy.  This one however was surprisingly sweet and flavorful. Continue Reading...

I am finally home after an amazing 3-week vacation in the Land Down Under!  Australia was so much fun – cute wildlife, beautiful sights and lots of relaxation.  Plus seek refuge from the cold, rainy gloominess that is Oregon winter and heading to a tropical wonderland was a very nice change! 

Our culinary Aussie tour was somewhat of a toss up.  We had some really incredible meals and some not so great ones, including lots of pub food.  Though we did find that Australians did have some similar food interests – a) they love pumpkin (perfect!) and b) they love pies.  Sadly for me they don’t really mean dessert pies but rather meat pies and veggie pies but to Brice this was wonderful.   Continue Reading...