Tuesday 3 June Chefs Karen and Vicki

Lazy morning, with nothing on Vicki's calendar planned for us today, except recover from yesterday and pie and dessert making. Slightly different breakfast for me and my four furry friends when I finish off the last of the ginger beef that I couldn't fit in last night. Not sure if they entirely approved as I reckon they were still hanging around for Vegemite on toast afterwards. Vicki and Joe reckon the doggies are going to need therapy after I leave. Hurtful!

Yesterday Shirley gave me a very special gift to take home with me. She wasn't sure about the weight of my new pet rock because I keep saying that I can't fit any more in it, but I'll carry it in my handbag if necessary! The words inside the card say, "Thankyou... for blossoming in the garden of my life." Ooh, how lovely...

Eventually it is time to get stuck into making those pies. Lots of things are slightly different to what I'm used to so hope all goes well. Vicki is in charge of rolling out the pastry (at home the pastry sheets are already rolled out). She has 2 piemakers that will make 2 pies at a time. I previously tried to buy her a Sunbeam 4 pie maker like I have but no luck (have to tell you about the scam some other time). I am in charge of putting the pastry into the pie makers and filling with the meat mixture I made yesterday. It is a very efficient little production line.

Our first dozen are completed and are cooling. Eventually 35 successful pies made! Vicki did try using a different pastry for 4 pies but the pastry was not up to our standard, so Joe was happy to eat a couple for his lunch!

With pie making out of the way, Vicki then makes a passionfruit slice (for the dessert). I'm then left in charge of the kitchen to make a quiche for our dinner which is duly made and consumed. It has been a very successful cooking day. Just how much the locals enjoy an actual meat pie tomorrow,who knows, as it is not something they are used to. Diane suggested we make 20 pies but we are optimistic that they will be so popular, that people will come back for seconds....or we will be eating left over pies in the days to come. Tomorrow will tell the tale.