The Godfather of Sole and his Spanish Turrón

Metal strap slingback, pink satin pump, hot pink patent slide, yellow heel, black satin heel

A traditional Spanish delicacy and the Godfather of Sole (as Naomi Campbell once coined him) equals a chic and delicious must-make treat. 

The Spanish Turrón is Blahnik’s signature kitchen-make. Surely the world’s most fashionable Turrónero, we can just picture him at his mixer, grinding almonds and dripping in honey in his signature bow tie and shod impeccably in fabulous heels (he famously road tests his own designs).

We are as wild for these sweet, nutty treats as we are for our shoes. First made in Valencia in the 16th century, they were brought to Spain by its Arab conquerors where the recipe was snatched up and christened a national treasure. 

Classically a combination of nuts (any type but almonds are a mandatory inclusion) and honey with egg white to bind together, the recipe has stayed true to its origins over the centuries. Some have tinkered with it adding sweet things like chocolate and nougat, but we say stick with the traditional. Like a good pair of Blahniks, the original is hard to beat. 

Manolo Blahnik’s Spanish Turrón 

(recipe via vogue.co.uk)

Ingredients:

• 400 gr honey
• 300 gr mixed dried fruits - chopped
• 200 gr almonds - roasted, peeled, chopped 200 gr walnuts - peeled, chopped 200 gr peanuts - peeled.

Place nuts and fruit in electric mixer and mix well. Add in honey and mix well. Press mixture firmly into tray with spoon. Cover top with aluminium foil. Place something heavy on top. Leave for 24-48 hours.

Remove weight. Cut into small pieces and serve.

turron image via gourmet, Manolo Blahnik image via telegraph

Divine inspiration

Whilst couturier Alexis Mabille’s collection was savaged by critics, here at FFF, we were quietly loving it for it’s unique inspiration and downright flamboyance. Plus we are partial to really big flowers.

Mabille took his cue from two iconic photographs. The first (top above left) of the very first supermodel, Lisa Fonssagrives. Sitting on the beach, the sun hits her face filtered through a pink paper umbrella which casts over her a gorgeous rosy hue. The second image by Patrick Desmarchelier of 90s supe Christy Turlington (top above right) shows her in the most glorious, and vast, rose headpiece.

Drawing divine inspiration, Mabille sent his models down the runway monochromatic from the top of their tissue flowers to the tip of their toes, complete with that Lisa-esque glow and Christy bloom.

The collection reminded us of our trip down south for the 2011 Melbourne Cup, where these sensational headpieces would have been right at home. The floral theme also had us reminiscing about a spectacular lunch we devoured at Melbourne’s culinary stalwart The Flower Drum, where the food is delicate Cantonese-style at its best. If you’ve never been, pop it on your to-do list. In the meantime, try one of host Gilbert Lau’s signature dishes… and do toss on an enormous floral headpiece. Haute perfection!

Flower Drum Steamed Beef with Tasty Rice
An ideal winter lunch, says Gilbert. This is a one dish ‘lazy’ meal but a healthy one. If you do not like beef, you can substitute boned chicken thigh for the meat.

Serves 4

• 320 gm rump steak
• 40 gm soy soaked turnip (available from Chinese grocery shop)
• 6 seedless red dates
• 40 gm sliced water chestnuts (available from Chinese grocery shop or fresh from market)
• 300 gm rice
• 270 ml water
• 1 rice cooker

Seasoning (A):

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 &1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoshing wine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 &1/3 tablespoon cornflour
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Seasoning (B):

• 4 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons heated peanut oil

Cut the soy soaked turnip into julienne strips approx 1 inch long. Rinse gently under cold running water for 3 minutes to reduce the salinity of the turnip and drain well.

Slice the beef thinly across the grain approx 2inches long. Marinate with Seasoning (A).

Soak the dates for 15 minutes and cut into thin slices.

Place rice in the rice cooker container and wash in cold water. Swill rice around the container in a circular movment until the water becomes milky. Rinse, add more water and repeat until the water is clear. Add water (270ml) and turn on the rice cooker to cook.

Just after all the water is nearly absorbed, lay the marinated beef and everything on top of the rice until the rice is cooked.

Before serving add Seasoning (B) to the rice.

Recipe via miettas

Wordless Wednesday: cropped hair is the new long...

images by Tommy Ton via style

Sunny side up with Julia Child

Alexander McQueen belted silk-chiffon dress, Tory Burch cropped slim bootcut jeans, Christopher Kane lace and stretch wool-crepe dress, Bottega Veneta two-tone leather sandals, Kitch Patent Lace Up Shoes, Jonathan Saunders renton printed cotton and silk-blend dress, Religious Stretch Wrist Wear.

Nothing can cheer us up like the sunny, golden hue of a perfect egg yolk. It makes us feel happy and full of cheery warmth …

Except perhaps the glorious good egg Julia Child whipping those amber yolks into shape and actioning a super quick feast of French omelettes. Watch, laugh and learn as the always original Julia throws parsley and pans with abandon, and cries a joyous “Voila!” on completion.

Bon Appetit indeed!

A FFFeast for the eyes!

Pens down people! Madonna’s Superbowl performance is like a big box of chocolates. Indulge! 

FBOMs of the Week: FF-Frocked Up!

WHO: Alexa Chung
WHERE: Chanel’s Numeros Prives Installation.
WEARING: Chanel shift, Christopher Kane clutch and ankle tie peep-toes.
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: We are super-mad for next season’s ice-cream pastels and this is a delicious nod to this sweet trend from its row of winking buttons to drop waist and gently tiered skirt. The shoes are yum and add that vital quirk factor. Where are they from? We want them.
FBOM RATING: 9/10. Time for a hair update Miss Chung.

WHO: Rooney Mara
WHERE: Santa Barbara Film Festival.
WEARING: Louis Vuitton
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT:  Well the colour is fantastic. So is the construction. What a shape, so minimal and controlled it aches.The slick of black hair, dark eye and strappy Mary Jane’s are spot on. As is the total lack of jewellery. Chic, chic, chic.
FBOM RATING: 10/10

WHO: Marion Cotillard
WHERE: Chaumet’s Cocktail Party for Cesar’s Revelations 2012, Paris.
WEARING: Christian Dior
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: This dress is Dior-licious. A simple winter-white silhouette adorned with the most heavenly piece of lace. The opaques and heels allow the dress to shout “Look at moi!”.
FBOM RATING: 8/10. A dark nail and an extra 5 minutes spent on hair would have earned Mademoiselle that extra 2 points…

WHO: Charlize Theron
WHERE: 2012 Bafta Awards Tea Party, LA.
WEARING: Stella McCartney dress and Bottega Veneta clutch.
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: Loving this choice of frock for a Tea Party! So FFF-ing appropriate. Adore the lace, peplum, high neckline and sneaking sheer panels that inch down the torso, all set off with that perfectly matte red lip.
FBOM RATING: 9/10. Not loving the choice of shoe here. A pointed kitten heel would have sealed the deal.

Images via celebritieswonder, style and vogue

Transeasonal update: the 5 items you need NOW!

It’s that time of the fashion season FFFs. No matter where you reside, the end of the season is nigh, and the wardrobe is feeling blah, boring and overworn. Meanwhile, a brand new, sparkling season beckons and with it, a tantalising array of new and fabulous fashion. Mon dieu, we crave it like chocolate. 

To satisfy our lust, we are shopping and stocking up on clever transeasonal pick-me-ups. Chic little treasures that slide effortlessly into our current wardrobe, whilst cleverly bridging the gap between now and next season.

There’s only 5 items required (if we are being really restrained), and here they are. Not only will they freshen up our everyday look and update our style, but they will satisfy our dire need to ditch the whole current wardrobe and shop our tails off.

1. The Cardigan
The ultimate layering garment. Toss it over anything and everything and do opt for a print or bright colour. It’s like a fashion facelift.

Jil Sander Navy cherry silk mix cardigan, Rag & Bone Fenland cardigan (bargain!), Bottega Veneta colour cardigan

2. The Shirt
Denim is a must, and it’s time to ditch the old white (it’s looking grey and old). We’re throwing in a stripe too, just for fun.

Isabel Marant denim shirt, TopShop cream shirt, Aubin & Wills striped blend blouse

3. Trousers
Your jeans are looking tired (check the seat. Has it fallen out?) and a new pair of neutrals or a pair in a different shape and crop will inspire new looks and brighten your day. 

Roland Mouret cream pants, Mother The Wilder Trouser jean, JCrew cropped tweed pants

4. Ballet Flats
You can never have too many. They are simply our staple shoe. Say yes to colour or an interesting treatment. You will find that no matter what you wear, they will impart serious polish and style.

Reed Krakoff two-tone flats, Roger Vivier green Belle Vivier (an FFF-ing classic!), Repetto patent slippers

5. Sexy heels
Pick one that suits your style and wear with your most fabulous cocktail look. By day, team with cropped pants or denim. A great way to inject a touch of new season-chic right now.

Miu Miu snake effect heels, Nicholas Kirkwood glitter heel, Zara laminated heel (FFF-obsession!)

Snap! Louis Vuitton .. in progress!

WHAT: A Louis Vuitton bag in the making.

WHERE: Louis Vuitton Sydney store opening party.

WHY WE’RE FFF-ING LOVE IT: Forget the beautiful faces and red carpet caper. The real star of the occasion was watching an LV artisan, flown out from Italy especially, construct our very favourite arm candy with such passion, care and extraordinary skill. 

Grab your shears, thread a needle and see more Louis Vuitton magic at work here…. 

Wordless Wednesday: New Month = New Lust List!

Markus Lupfer Smacker sequined merino wool sweater, Pierre Hardy wedges, Dibbern jugs, BE & D “Big City” sneakers, Elipson X Colette 2 Planet L Speakers, Damien Hirst clock, Martin Margiela L’Atelier mirrored stainless steel champagne bucket, Miss Lanvin figurine, OHSO Probiotic Chocolate, Jimmy Choo croc-effect coffee cup sleeve

Dior's Cakewalk

Mille Feuille translates as thousands of layers, and so too does this deliciously monochrome Dior couture collection by John Galliano’s successor Bill Gaytten.

Drawing inspiration from Christian Dior’s waspy waisted, full skirted silhouettes of the early 1950’s, it is breathtaking in its simplicity yet jaw dropping in its mastery. 

Perhaps the most succinct way to sum up the show is with a quote from Christian Dior himself, hand embroidered in organza on the skirts of select dresses — “Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity”.

So does this rather wonderful Grand Marnier Mille Feuille Crêpes Cake, the only thing one should eat whilst wearing one of Gaytten’s couture creations. Mind the ruffles…

Grand Marnier Mille Feuille Crêpes Cake
Makes 8 to 12 (dessert) servings

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cups chilled heavy cream, divided
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup icing sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest , divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or Cointreau

Blend eggs, milk, 1/2 cup cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with flour, salt, 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, and 1 teaspoon zest in a blender until just smooth.

Brush a 10-inch nonstick skillet lightly with some of melted butter, then heat over medium-high heat until hot. Pour in a scant 1/4 cup batter, immediately tilting and rotating skillet to coat bottom. (If batter sets before skillet is coated, reduce heat slightly for next crêpe.) Cook until underside is golden and top is just set, 15 to 45 seconds. Loosen edge of crépe with a heatproof rubber spatula, then flip crêpev over with your fingertips and cook 15 seconds more. Transfer to a plate. Continue making crêpes, brushing skillet with butter each time and stacking on plate.

Beat remaining 2 1/2 cups cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 3/4 cup icing sugar, 1 teaspoon zest, and Grand Marnier in a large deep bowl with an electric mixer until cream holds stiff peaks.

Centre a crêpe on a serving plate and spread with 1/4 cup cream. Continue stacking crêpes and spreading with cream, ending with a crêpe. Chill, covered, at least 4 hours and up to 24.

FFF note: we think a dusting of icing sugar and some caramelised orange segments would be just the thing to finish this masterpiece off…

Recipe via epicurious

Quick Bites: AbFab bijoux, Versace, baked brie, LV scent, Vreeland note paper, chocolate for the body & Paris street style

 

• Uber-jewel Queen Alexis Bittar’s new campaign features Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in character as Absolutely Fabulous’s Edina and Patsy. We love the behind-the-scenes video. nymag

• Our favourite show at Couture Week? The streets of Paris. Check out Tommy Ton’s inspiring real-style pics. (above) style

• We die for this deliciously creamy, warm baked brie. Minimum effort for maximum effect. livelovepasta

• A body scrub for chocoholics. Now you can really wear it on your thighs. stylelist

• Confirmed! Louis Vuitton are releasing their first ever fragrance under the expert nose of third generation perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. hb

• High on the want list this week is Connor’s special limited edition Diana Vreeland card set. Think chic set of twelve blank cards, each with a hand-stamped gold pearlescent ivory horn necklace on the front, and accompanied by twelve perfectly matching ivory envelopes, each hand-lined in red (naturally). Pens poised…. barneys

• Donatella Versace hasn’t shown couture in Paris since 2004, so her collection last week of red carpet gowns for “warrior women” was a stellar fashion moment. Think Thierry Mugler meets Alaia. Futuristic fashion at its most thrilling. 

Snap! FFF is eating .....

WHAT: Coffin Bay Oysters with watermelon and red onion salsa

WHERE: Gusto, Noosa, Queensland.

WHY WE’RE FFF-ING LOVE IT: As a rule, FFF adores her oysters freshly shucked, served on ice with a chilled glass of chardonnay and great company on the side. Sometimes though, a sneaky little slippery, dressed ever so chicly is just too delicious to resist. 

Need more than ice and chard with yours? Be inspired by our best dressed oyster list and, most importantly, find out how to shuck yours in an effortless, almost professional fashion.  Down it goes!

Grilled Oysters with lemongrass creme fraiche, fried garlic and lime

Oysters with ruby grapefruit

Baked Oysters with bacon and leeks - Highly FFF recommended!

Oysters with lime and chilli dressing

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters with chilli, ginger and rice wine vinegar - Highly FFF recommended!

Happy Australia Day FFFs and Geoffrey Rush's Pavlova

This Australia Day, other than a good lamb chop, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with 2012 Australian of the Year Geoffrey Rush’s signature (and decidedly Australian) Pavlova.

Advance Australia Fare! Enjoy…

Geoffrey Rush’s Australian Pavlova

4 large egg whites, room temperature
Pinch of salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons castor sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

To serve:
1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whipped

With:
10 passion fruits, for serving
4 bananas, for serving

Or:
Mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, boysenberries, or blackberries, for serving

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an 8-inch bowl as a guide, trace the perimeter of the bowl onto a sheet of parchment paper. Transfer parchment paper, pencil side down, to a baking sheet. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt together until glossy peaks form. With mixer running, add sugar in three additions, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Sprinkle in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla; gently fold to combine.

Mound the meringue in the center of the 8-inch circle. Using a spatula, evenly spread meringue out towards the edges. Transfer baking sheet to oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in oven. When meringue is cool and completely dry, top with whipped cream and desired fruits.

Images via nextmovie and marthastewart / recipe via marthastewart

Wordless Wednesday: Diamond Life

Stone Vicious 18-karat white and black gold diamond ring, Harry Winston Sunset Padparadscha and Diamond necklace, Diane Kordas 18-karat rose gold diamond arabesque ring, vintage Belperron brooch of 18 carat gold, diamonds, emerald ca 1930, Canturi Cubism earrings, Harry Winston vintage Estate Diamond Cluster earrings, Repossi diamond pave ring, Delfina Delettrez DNA bracelet

Louis Vuitton Prefall 2012: Sweet Chic

Louis Vuitton have presented a delicious PreFall 2012 collection in Paris over the weekend.

Think fluid lines and soft curves in duchesse satin, fine wools and silk in the form of chic car coats, baby-doll dresses, cropped jackets and fur lined, knee length skirts. Pops of Stephen Sprouse’s leopard print perfectly juxtaposed with deliciously smooth shades of chocolate and caramel and offset with toffee-toned palettes.

Wear this collection eating the snap, crackle and pop of Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bark… just mind the crumbs! Grab the recipe here.

Images via style.com and livelovepasta.com

Quick Bites: Iconic portraits, kale krisps, 3D fashion, wearable art, Australia Day beach bag, the ultimate soft & chewy choc chip cookie

• Famed photographer Terry O’Neill reveals his list of the 10 most iconic portraits of all time, including his divine shot of a relaxed and cheeky Audrey Hepburn in the pool, St Tropez style (above). dailymail

• FFF is all about kale right now, so this Whole Foods Market recipe for kale chips with chilli and parmesan is going to be on high rotation. (On a side note — can someone please bring the Whole Foods Market to Australia!). wholefoodsmarket

• Want to turn your child’s kindy paintings into wearable art? How about a picture of your nearest and dearest? Then check out the bespoke scarf service at Hayden-Harnett.  haydenharnett

• Don’t think 3D only happens at the movies. Nouio has utilised innovative technology to create 3D imaged fabric in a range that combines notions of nature and technology. Turn up to your next cocktail party in this little number, hand out the 3D glasses and watch the freaky fun begin… notjustalabel

• Anya Hindmarch’s beach print canvas tote is just the thing for celebrating Australia Day in style. net-a-porter

• If you’re more of a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie fiend than a crispy person, these babies are the ones for you. They include a ‘secret’ ingredient ensuring they stay that way for days (if they last that long). pastryaffair

A Stell(er) summer

Stella McCartney striped printed cotton top, cosmetics case, faux leather shoulder bag, orange slub blazer, deckchair-striped shorts, faux python & patent leather sandals, cork sandals, canvas shopper, straight leg twill pants, cotton-sateen top, skinny patent belt

If we could wear just one designer this season, it would be Stella McCartney. Like an icypole on a hot summer’s day, we crave her mad troppo prints, chic deckchair prints and flashes of fluro (faux) patent leather. 

Team with this fabulously happy capsule wardrobe, our new favourite salad (below). A clever FFF Aunt whipped this Maggie Beer’s special up on Christmas night and it has since become our tangy summer salad staple. Maggie calls it her Christmas Salad but we think its far too Steller just to eat on one day.

Chic-up and chow-down FFFs!

Summer Salad
(Maggie Beer - A Barossa Food Tradition)

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls young rocket 
• 3 witlof bulbs 
• 2 mangoes 
• 1 1/2 ripe avocadoes 
• 1/4 papaya 
• 30 mint leaves 

Lime vinaigrette

• 2 limes 
• 125 mL extra-virgin olive oil 
• sea salt 
• freshly ground black pepper 

To make the vinaigrette: finely grate the zest of the limes and juice the fruit, then combine with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside. 

Wash and dry the rocket well, and separate the leaves from the witlof. Cut the cheeks from the mangoes and remove the skin. Slice the flesh lengthwise into even strips. Peel the avocadoes and slice them a similar size to the mango strips. Repeat this with the papaya. Finely shred the mint leaves. Toss all the ingredients in a serving bowl with the vinaigrette, then check the seasoning and acidulate. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Shoe Year!

Miu Miu Watersnake-effect leather sandals, Bottega Veneta Two-tone leather sandals, Stella McCartney Perspex-heeled satin sandals, Giuseppe Zanotti canvas slingback pumps, Rupert Sanderson denim pumps, Charlotte Olympia straw and mirror pumps, Sergio Rossi fluro heels, Alexander Wang Chloe sandal, Charlotte Olympia Polly Leopard pump, Giuseppe Zanotti gold sandals, Roger Vivier Belle du Jour pumps, Pierre Hardy multi-coloured strap court shoes, Pierre Hardy neoprane court shoes, Pierre Hardy wedges

FBOMs of the Week: 2012 Golden Globes

OUR TOP THREE…

WHO: Angelina Jolie
WEARING: Atelier Versace gown, Lorraine Schwartz earrings
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: AJ is FBOM 101 in this deceptively simple ivory gown with the turned detail in luscious berry at her throat — perfectly accenting those famous lips and clutch. Hollywood perfection.
FBOM RATING: 10/10

WHO: Emma Stone
WHAT: Lanvin with a Cartier clutch
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: We know it’s a deadly sin, but we covet her style. The plum and cherry combination resonate perfectly with her alabaster complexion, and the  sweep of titian hair, cats eye and lace up heels nail it.
FBOM RATING: 10/10

WHO: Sofia Vergara
WHAT: Vera Wang and Harry Winston diamonds
WHY WE ARE FFF’ING LOVING IT: A Goddess. Full marks for the simple styling, sleek hair and clean make up. The petrol blue, fully boned corset and fish tail demanded it. Va-va-voom to infinity and beyond.
FBOM RATING: 10/10 (The $5,000,000 worth of Harry Winston diamonds will do it every time!).

As a little extra, enjoy some of our favourite Golden Globe moments from the past…
Nicole and Madge (the lady and the tramp) 1997, Kate Hudson went beautifully Valentino boho in 2003, Cate Blanchett wearing ruby Donna Karan was magnificent and pregnant in 2004, in 2009 Eve Mendes was fresh and fabulous in Christian Dior and a breathtaking 1974 turquoise-and-diamond Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and Charlize Theron dove into a deep blue mermaid gown by Christian Dior in 2005.

All images via instyle and popsugar

Snap! FFF is eating...

WHAT: Deconstructed Pavlova

WHERE: Jackies, Sydney

WHY WE’RE FFF-ING LOVE IT: Deconstructed. Such a lovely, descriptive, ‘fashiony’ term. Much more glammy than Eton’s “Mess”. The dessert equivalent of John Galliano’s Spring 2003 collection, this frivolous concoction of colour, texture, crackle and pop was devoured at 3.00pm in the afternoon, making it an indulgent and slightly sinful FFF experience.

Can’t get to Jackies?
Try Sophie Dahl’s delectable Rhubarb and Rosewater Eton Mess (below) from her equally sweet cookbook, Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights.

Grab the recipe here!