Travel theme: Cooking

Posted on by Miriam

“Food always tastes better in the great outdoors”. That’s what my mum always said, and you have to admit, mums are rarely wrong.

Mum was a great cook but, as with most things in life, it was only after I moved out of home that I truly appreciated her.

great cook

Home cooked Italian classics, lasagne, tiramisu, gastronomic hazelnut tortes … I never quite perfected her reporteire but she instilled in me a great love of food, of life and of the great outdoors.

Cooking up a storm

This was my first Easter without her. I spent it doing what she would have loved, being with my beautiful family, enjoying time in nature with the people I love.

Last weekend I was way off the grid, camped in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, around the Buckland Valley, about four hours from home.

It was lovely to also catch up with my daughter, who’s now living away from home.

There’s no denying that camping and mealtimes brings us together. Here’s Harry and my daughter’s new Blue Heeler pup Tilly sharing a drink.

We enjoyed the simple things. Off road driving to spectacular mountain peaks, the colors of Autumn leaves, bushwalks and, at night, relaxing round the campfire.

Like an age old ritual, cooking and eating around a campfire draws us together. 

Laughter, story telling, reminiscing and good wholesome food, starry skies and warmth … it’s what memories are made of.



What is it about fresh air that stimulates the appetite – and everything else?

Breakfasts are always big. Well, it is the most important meal of the day after all.

Doug cooking

They usually consist of a combination of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausages, toast, baked beans … often all of the above if hubby has his way.

Lunches are often simpler when we’re on the road. Wraps, sandwiches, salads, fruit or just a good old fashioned picnic.

Here are my boys enjoying a picnic lunch on the shore of Lake Buffalo on Easter Saturday.


And enjoying some cheese and biscuits on the tailgate of hub’s ute on Sunday on the top of Mount Buffalo. 

Lunch with an awesome view. Proof that joy is in the simple things.

Dinner is usually the main deal when we’re camping. After a day exploring it’s time to sit back and cook up a feast.  

Easter Saturday we cooked a roast lamb on the Cobb Cooker with the full assortment of roast vegetables …

Focus on the good things in life and you’re bound to improve your mood.

Yes, this really does apply to me … 

I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.” – W.C. Fields 🍷 (Oh yes, I do love a glass or two)

Cooking is the art of adjustment.” – Jacques Pepin  (Who follows a recipe to the tee. Not me.)

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” – Luciano Pavarotti  (Nothing beats living in the moment. Cook with love, eat with friends)

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With Easter behind us I hope you all had a chance to share some happy times with the special people in your life.

May we all relish the joy in the ordinary, appreciate the simple and truly savor all the blessings in our life. There’s always something to be grateful for.

Wishing you a great week ahead, filled with smiles, happiness, nourishing food and all of the good things in life.

Cooking-With-Love-Provides-Food-For-The-Soul
In response to Ailsa’s Travel Theme: Cook

 

123 thoughts on “Travel theme: Cooking”

  6. Wow, you really know how to camp! And it looks like you had the whole place to yourselves. What a beautiful place for you to share with family. It makes me want to visit Australia.

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  7. Miriam, what a wonderful Easter trip with your family – and it must have been great to have your daughter along! 😀😀 The one of you all round the camp fire looks so welcoming, atmospheric and I can sense the contentment and mutual joy of being together. I can’t agree more with your words of:’May we all relish the joy in the ordinary, appreciate the simple and truly savor all the blessings in our life. There’s always something to be grateful for.’ After a blessed time in Sweden over Easter I’m trying to retain the calm and innner peace and savour all the blessings..too often we race away without even noticing them…that is the pity.

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    1. Hi Annika, thanks so much for your kind comments. I’m glad you had such a lovely time in Sweden over Easter. Hope you can hold onto those feelings of peace and contentment. xo

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  8. Oh Yes Miriam! This looks wonderful – amazing views, a breakfast to die for and dinner served with wine, love and laughter… what could possibly be better than that! How lucky we are that we can enjoy spending precious moments with our beautiful families… Have a good week my lovely friend xxx

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        2. Thanks Miriam – I’m looking forward to it although slightly nervous – I know you understand that feeling!!
          Better late than never – I’ve just posted part 6 of the LOA series.. Hope all is going great for you this week xx

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        3. Perfectly normal to be nervous Wendy, yes I understand all too well but I’ve no doubt you’ll be fine. I’m off to work shortly so will look forward to reading your new LOA post tonight. Big hugs xo

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        8. I think you may be surprised that suddenly the light will appear and some of the other issues will simply fall away… However, I also recognise that I’m at least 2 years ahead of you following the loss of our mum’s so you’re right because if I cast myself back 2 years, it wasn’t the best of places to be… Bless you Miriam.. It will get better though.. Sending BIG BIG Hugs xxx

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  9. Beautiful post i resonate. We are vegeteriab and mum like her food just so.. my mum is a fab cook and i am hit and miss. These day more hit. And yes cooking is experience, you get better each time. I do love cooking, it is quite enjoyable when i do whole heartedly..

    ENJOYED your post and photos ..lovely. have a great day.

    Regards bella

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    1. Thanks Bella. Must admit my cooking has got better as I’ve got older though it’s nowhere near as good as mum’s used to be. Hope you had a lovely Easter my friend. xo

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  18. Your mom was so right about the taste of food outdoors. Your fall is our spring, and I’m going to camp alot this summer. I’m going “whole hog” so to speak with a 4 wheel drive truck, rooftop tent and a new canoe soon and I will share with all the beauty of outback Maine.

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  19. That looked absolutely wonderful! It is too cold and rainy here, we are a few months away from being able to camp comfortably, but I am really looking forward to it after your post 🙂

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      1. Certainly did but we nomads stay at home on public holidays. It’s like life in reverse. When we went to Corryong recently we wondered how we used to drive up there on a Friday night when this time it took 3 days to get there! That’s life I guess.

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        1. Yeah, I can totally understand that. We’d be doing the same thing if we were in your shoes. Love Corryong. Did you stay at Clack Clack?

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  24. Your camping trips are amazing Miriam! The incredible food you prepare and the impressive views! I’d camp all the time if I was in australia! I didn’t know your daughter left home
    Now. What is she doing? I’m sure you miss her dearly.

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    1. Yes I do miss her, but it was wonderful spending some quality time together over the weekend. She’s living on a large cattle station about four hours from us, doing what she loves most in the great outdoors. It’s a big move for her but so far she’s doing well. It helps that she has a new pup that she’s training and who goes everywhere with her.

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  25. Wow where you went was beautiful. I love the shot of the meal with the wine glass and the water in the background. I was never big on camping but you make me want to go. It looks like so much fun and to just relax and appreciate all that this beautiful world has to offer, what a waste not to take advantage of that! Hubby out did himself again with breakfast!! Love the dogs drinking together too, what a pretty puppy your daughter has. I think she’s going to bigger than Harry. It looks like you had a lovely time with your boys. Sorry about missing your mum, each holiday/birthday/anniversary brings around that sadness especially the first time through. When you’re feeling very happy and content, sit and be quiet, those will be the times you would be able to communicate with her. Dwell on the happy memories, the laughter, the good times and know that she is completely happy now and as always smiling down on you and feeling so proud of the lovely soul her daughter has and how you write with such feeling. Warm hugs & much love! xo

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    1. What a beautiful thing to say Deb. I must admit that I haven’t ‘felt’ mum in quite a while, which sometimes makes me feel sad and disconnected, we were always so close. Maybe it’s because my mind feels so full with so many other worries and there’s no room. But you’re right, I feel that she’s at peace and that helps me cope though there’s always that gaping hole. As for our camping, yes, it’s the best. I love our beachside camping trips just as much as our mountain and riverside camps. Anywhere where’s a good view is good for me. Funny cos I rarely camped as a child. We went on lots of day trips but didn’t camp. It was only after I met Doug that we really started camping in earnest! Hope you wake up to a beautiful new day Deb. Big warm hugs xo

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      1. I’m so fortunate to still have both my parents, I can only imagine what that hole feels like. Now think to yourself what would mum have to say about my worries. I say acknowledge them and look towards the solution, for every problem there is an answer. As for camping you certainly do pick the sites with beautiful views. I really enjoy “going” with you. Clear blue sunny skies here this morning, still a little chilly but it will warm up. Off to get ready I go…feet up? Enjoy your evening. Big warm hugs xo

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        1. You know, you can come along with me anytime Deb. Your words never fail to pick me up or put a smile on my face. Mum would have just loved you I know. I’m now winding down after my meditation and journalling and feeling much more at peace. ❤️ You go and enjoy those sunny skies and have a fabulous day. Big warm hugs back xo 🙂

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        2. And one day I just might! I love our crazy upside down world, now I’m winding down while your working through your day! I believe I would have loved your Mum too, she has such a beautiful daughter, who I’m sure is a reflection of her!! xo
          So glad you had some peace last night…I’m putting my feet up now for the night, watch a little tv, have my ice cream do my post and then it will be off to bed with me! Enjoy your lunch, your day and I’ll talk to you later!! Sweet hugs xo

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  26. Hello dear Miriam,
    Such a heartfelt post with you outlining many changes to your family dynamic this Easter.
    It looks like camping adventures with your children will be a huge part of your life as they become adults… who could resist those beautiful campfires, memories relived and awesome brekkies made by your hubby.
    You truly make camping sound awesome and a chance to wallow in the beauty of the simple things in life… with gratitude. Your photos really take us to the campsite too.
    Thank you for a wonderful post and wishing you a wonderful week too my friend 🌹💕

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    1. Hi Di, yes there have certainly been some huge changes in my life this past year. Lots of massive adjustments and life changing events but I guess we all go through this at various stages, don’t we? Even our camping dynamics have changed but that’s ok, still so much to enjoy.
      Hope all is well with you Di and you’re having a terrific week. Thank you, as always, for a lovely thoughtful comment. Hugs xo 🙂

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      1. You’re very welcome Miriam. And if it makes you feel like you’re not alone, yes, you are right. In some way or another it does. But it’s still a huge shock and life changing for you when it’s your turn…💐
        All’s well here and thank you for asking.
        Until soon… 😘💕

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  28. Couldn’t agree more with this post Miriam! Love cooking/eating outdoors. Your mother was right– meals taste better out in the open. And loved a Pavarotti quote– the joy of stopping 3 times a day to eat/share a meal with someone. And– favorite photos– the camp fire and the one of you cooking at the grill!! Looked like a beautiful time with your family! Here’s to more camping trips ahead!! xo

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  29. I love the way your family rolls, Miriam. I truly do. Treasured memories are not in short supply with you guys, and it is so wonderful to have a glimpse of the new ones you are creating. Great food, good wine, a fantastic family and a roaring fire. There is nothing more you could possibly need. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us!

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    1. Tanya your words are so kind, thank you. Yes, our camping trips are always a great chance to relax and chill out before the real world hassles set back in. Which they have, but that’s life hey? Hope you’re keeping well lovely lady. Warmest wishes to you and thanks for stopping by.

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  30. So good to see you enjoyed your time away with family Miriam. You are right food does taste better!! I feel for you being your first Easter without your mum, but so glad you did something you enjoy. Have a good week 😊

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      1. Yes all going well. I’ve got another week and then I’ll be home again. Hubby returns from Kokoda on Monday so will be good to have him back in one piece too.

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  31. What a beautiful post, Miriam. I too love to go camping yet have not had the opportunity to do so because of the mini Vet clinic we have within our home. My heart goes out to you about your Mom but it brings joy to know you were doing exactly what she had Loved to do. Happy Belated Easter!! 💖🌹💖

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    1. Thank you lovely Amy, and a happy belated Easter to you too, your words are very kind. Your mini Vet Clinic sounds like a lot of work but very worthwhile. Warmest wishes to you 💕 xo

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  32. You’d never guess Pavarotti liked his food, would you, Miriam? 🙂 🙂 Easter was a little strange for me. I kept picturing Dad sitting there watching snooker and Grand Prix, as he did most Easters, while I cooked lunch. A flying visit from the prodigal son cheered me up though. Or was it the wine and chocs?

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  37. I’m glad you were able to enjoy your first Easter without your mom despite missing her, though I’m sure she was there with you in spirit. One of the reasons I love your blog is that you do so much camping and outdoorsy stuff — total opposite of me. I’ve always hated camping, and especially that I feel the entire experience seems to revolve around meals – preparing them, cooking them, cleaning up after them. But you make it look like an adventure and a joy and a blessing. I wish I could do that, because I know my husband would like it. Maybe he needs a different wife… At home, when I have time off from work, I do enjoy cooking and being outdoors in my yard, but camping where I live is nothing like the beautiful scenery you share. So I will continue to live vicariously through you 🙂

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    1. Of course you can live through me, at least through my camping experiences. 🙂 I’m sure you’ve got many blessings in other areas of your life, but we certainly are lucky to have so many beautiful places here. Yes, you’re right in that much of camping revolves around food but somehow outside its more fun and exciting (and hub often does the actual cooking so it’s a treat for me). Big hugs Kim and enjoy your weekend. 🙂

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  41. Pingback: Travel theme: Cooking — Out an’ About – thrivewalker

  42. Seems like an awesome way to make some new memories. I loved the first comment; I couldn’t help but laugh — “moms are rarely wrong.” The older I get, the less I question anything she says.

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  48. Incredibly inspiring, I always threat about going away for a week, no social media, no phones, just the great outdoors and great food. Never do it!

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