ONE of the best things about Thredbo is of course the snow and all the fun that comes along with that… however there is definitely more to Thredbo than that, as I was reminded on my trip down a few weekends ago for some hiking and relaxation.

Thredbo’s mountain in summer transforms into the mountain biking and hiking mecca of Australia. Thredbo offers over 34 kilometres of mountain bike trails to enjoy and over 20 different walks and hikes for those looking for an outdoor adventure, experience the stunning scenery of alpine Australia and conquering Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko.  Whether it’s a family friendly hike to the top of Mt. Kosciuszko or an advanced day hike across the Australian Main Range, there’s something for every age and ability to enjoy. With tons of glacial lakes, unique flora and fauna and mountains as far as the eye can see, it’s a must do! They also run some group and private guided hikes during the summer time, which are great if you really want to get to know the area better.

Middle Eastern Lamb Salad

“This recipe is inspired by everyone’s favourite food writer; Ottelenghi. When I first encountered the flavours of the middle east as a kid I wondered whether I might have been adopted from there, obviously that was ruled out with my incredible likeness to the rest of my family, but I have spent the rest of my eating life up to this point being pulled to those flavours especially when writing recipes. This is a great dish to put in the middle of the table and share with friends, using pita bread as your eating utensils.”

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chilli flakes

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

2 tsps Baharat spice

500g (1 lb 1 oz) lamb neck, finely chopped

¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, extra for drizzling

½ (130g/4 ½ oz) brown onion, thinly sliced

3 (200g/7 oz) silverbeet stems, trimmed, stems and leaves shredded

2 tbsps currants

440g (15 ½ oz) store bought hummus

2 tbsps lemon juice

1 cup flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped

½ cup mint leaves, chopped

½ cup (100g/3 ½ oz) tinned butter beans

2 (40g/1 oz) watermelon radishes, thinly sliced (optional)

Place the garlic, paprika, chilli flakes, cumin, coriander, Baharat and lamb in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Set aside.

Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat, cook the lamb, in batches, for 3 minutes or until just browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, cook the onion and chopped silverbeet stems, stirring occasionally, for 16 minutes or until golden brown and softened.

Add the silverbeet leaves and currants, cook for a further 4 minutes or until all the liquid has cooked off. Return the lamb back to the pan and stir to combine, until warmed through.

Spread the hummus over a serving platter and top with the lamb mixture. Combine the lemon juice, parsley, mint and beans and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle with extra olive oil and top with radish if using. Serve with warm pita bread.

Serves 4-6.

Dairy Free Recipe

You can order the full e-book at the following link : Kirsten Jenkins “One Leaf at a Time” 

Image and Styling: Kirsten Jenkins

WHEN Michael Edwards and Matthew Low stumbled across “Redleaf”, it was as if the property chose them to be its new owners! A luxurious retreat in the historic town of Wollombi; a quiet town nestled only a short drive from the Hunter Valley wine country.

It was obvious a great deal of work lay ahead to bring the property up to its former glory, but the framework was solid and the grounds well established. Plus, the building was gorgeous and just needed some love and attention. During the long settlement (three months), Michael and Matthew used this time productively, transforming Redleaf into their dream getaway.

As it is impossible for Michael and Matthew to spend every weekend away from Sydney, they have opened up Redleaf Wollombi (which is the sister property to their first getaway Redleaf Browns Mountain in Berry) for visitors to relax, unwind and truly feel spoilt by the plush retreat.

The pair invited me into their Italianate-style villa to show me the culmination of all their hard work.

What is your favourite room in your house?

My favourite space is most definitely the living room.

Why is it your favourite room?

Firstly, I think it’s because Matthew and I did it together. We compiled every element in here, and we had so much fun buying all the pieces that fill the room. It was an absolute joint effort. Luckily, we have very similar tastes – it certainly makes it a lot easier!

The room has a number of traditional elements and features natural materials such as stone and timber. The colour palette is quite neutral except for the pop of colour (artwork on wall), which really stands out.

We both love entertaining and this room is where all our family and friends congregate around the fireplace for great food, great laughs and great conversation. The view from the living room is pretty spectacular; the garden, the pool and the gorgeous countryside.

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

Family and friends are our focal point as is the living room. We are spoilt with the wonderful produce and organic wines from Wollombi and as we love to cook, and entertain; this room really sums up who we are. The house features six bedrooms, enough room for loads of friends and even their children.

What do you like most about your living room?

The light! The room is bathed with stunning natural light. During winter, the view was quite bare, but as the seasons have changed, the gardens are looking lush and green and cast a different light in the room. When summer arrives, the mood will change again.

If you could invite anyone into your living, who would it be?

I’d love to have Sophia Loren as our guest. She’s fantastic and epitomises timelessness. We’d enjoy some great food and wine and then I’d want her to entertain me, could you imagine the stories?

What would you change about your favourite room?

Absolutely nothing! The whole room came together exactly as planned. It’s everything we wished for.

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

Don’t hold back — not with colours or furnishings. Put in all the time, thought and energy required to make your room reach your dream and expectations. And, do it with strength!

If you are interested in stay at ‘Redleaf’ Wollombi visit their website: www.redleafwollombi.com.au  for more details.

OVERSIZED STRATA APARTMENT WITH ENCHANTING VIEWS IN EXCLUSIVE ENCLAVE

For property information and images click here