Green Chilli Cornbread Recipe

A few weeks ago I made some amazing cornbread with some yellow polenta I purchased from an Italian Delicatessan & Cafe in Warrawong, NSW. The bread was so light and fluffy that we went through two loafs in no time. It is delicious hot or cold and the older the loaf got the more tasty it was, the texture changing to a crusty bread with a really unusual texture from the polenta flour in the mixture. This recipe makes two loaf pans and it freezes well.

1 cup gluten free flour (I used white maize meal but you could use one of a number of gluten-free flours listed)
1 cup yellow polenta
1/4c sugar or alternative (the first time I used raw sugar and the second I used agave syrup which has lower GI and tastes great)
2tsp cream of tartar
1tsp baking soda
1tsp cornflour
3/4tsp salt
1/4cup butter (or coconut oil)
2 eggs (or Orgran Egg Substitute)
1 cup buttermilk (or rice milk for dairy-free)
Combine and fill two loaf pans and bake @ 220oC for 25 min

Other variations found on the web include:

Green Chilli Cornbread Muffins A spicy little cornbread studded with fresh jalapeño peppers. Yum!
Chilli & Cheese Cornbread (with Polenta) Recipe

Note: To make this recipe gluten free it is important to use baking soda, cream of tartar and cornflour rather than baking powder.
Read more information below

How to make homemade gluten free baking powder
http://www.blisstree.com/bakingdelights/how-to-make-homemade-gluten-free-baking-powder/

Different between baking soda and baking powder
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm

Lee and Me Flourless Chocolate Cake and Iced Coffee

I have been hearing rave reviews about Lee and Me Cafe in Lower Crown St. Mall and today I finally got the chance to visit. It is located in the building that also houses Educated Palate which has downsized, now located on Townhall Place with the entry to Lee and Me on Crown Street opposite The Glasshouse Tavern.

I had just finished a photoshoot and was in need of a sugar fix to recharge the batteries when I arrived at Lee and Me and I made my way to the gluten-free baked goods I had been reading about. After a few moments I settled on a flourless Lindt chocolate cake with a tantalising crust giving way to a mousse texture to one amazing cake. Such a sinfully delicious taste with a dollop of cream and with a refreshing Iced Coffee for that afternoon pick-me-up.

After a stressful, if productive day it was great to sit and unwind with some amazing cake and enjoy some easy listening music and watch the people walking by. It was my first visit but I am certain to be back again soon. I also discovered that they offer Gluten-Free bread alternatives for sandwhiches and rolls. They have an amazing breakfast menu and lunch menu, both which feature some of my favourite foods including slow roasted pork belly, ricotta, chipolatas and the breakfast menu runs until the store closes at 5pm. Perfect for those who like a late breakfast like I do.

Lee and Me,
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle
75 Crown St Wollongong
NSW 2500 Australia

please ask the staff if you have dietary requirements and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. 10% surcharge on public holidays. No smoking. BYO wine only with corkage at $2.50 per person. Cakeage $1.0 per person. There is a toilet upstairs in the boutique which carries the latest fashions including the very popular Nudie jeans.

Make sure to check their blog for special offers and new products. If you are an artist Lee and Me are offering $250 in summer threads, looking for the best photos to launch their look for summer10. For more information visit their blog entry dated August 18th, 2009 for details.

Lee and Me
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle

opening hours - weekdays 7am - 5pm
weekends 8am - 4pm

87 Crown Street Wollongong 2500

phone: 02 42440695
email: leeandme[at]optusnet.com.au

www.leeandme.com.au/

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Illawarra Food Reviews by Vanessa Pike-Russell

http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/illawarra-food-reviews-lee-and-me.html

Sweet treats of the Illawarra

A guide to sweet treats found in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama cities.

Queen Street Bakery, Warilla

One of the best kept secrets of the Illawarra and they keep winning awards for their quality cakes, pastries, breads and other delectable treats. Make sure you try their pecan pie, individual lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and their cupcakes with attitude.



                                     

Delicious cupcakes   

Individual Cheesecakes

 Birthday cake decorated with lollies

Shortbread hearts and chocolate cookies

from mixed goods store next door

Jumbo size Wagon Wheel from Queen Street Bakery has to be tried to be believed. Only $2
Sure to bring out the inner child in adults and a great experience for kids who may never have tried a Wagon Wheel before.

Contact Details:
24 Queen St Warilla
NSW, 2528 Australia
Ph: (02) 4296 7133

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Tonitto Continental Cakes, Port Kembla

I have been a fan of Tonitto Continental Cakes since my first visit as a young girl. My Uncle Rocco owned an Italian Restaurant (The Capri) nearby and my cousin Marina and I would visit Tonitto's and by some of the amazing canoncini (cones filled with custard or chocolate) or connoli.




When I grew up I became very fold of the Rum baba.

Rum Baba that will make you cry 'mama' they are so good!




And you can't visit Tonittos without a Zabaglione.


In 1996 I had my wedding cake made at Tonitto's. They make an amazing tiramisu cake with icing and fresh flowers. Everyone loved the cake, especially those who do not like traditional wedding cake.

Photos © 2009 Tonitto Continental Cakes
Email: info@tonittocakes.com.au
169 Wentworth St Port Kembla NSW 2505
Phone: +61 (02) 42751977

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Zweefers Divine Cakes

When living in Corrimal for a few years I would visit the Gourmet Platter in what used to be Corrimal Shopping World and drool over the Zweefers Divine Cakes in their cake display cabinet. Then I found out that they had a store within the same complex and was amazed at the range of products and the fresh tastes. Since then they have moved to Fairy Meadow and have a large store where you can dine in or take away these delectable offerings which are sure to tempt. Don't go there on an empty stomach! 

43 - 45 Princes Highway,
Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519

Phone (02) 4285 4155

http://www.zweefers.com.au/

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Fudge makers of the illawarra

Fudge For Fundraising

(02) 4423 2587

5 McIntyre Way
Bomaderry NSW 2541
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Fudge Cottage & Sweet Delights

(02) 4455 1152

Shp 5/ 107 Princes Hwy
Milton NSW 2538
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Gran's Fudge

(02) 4423 2648

5 McIntyre Way
Bomaderry NSW 2541
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Mogo Fudge

1300 383 437

50 Princes Hwy
Mogo NSW 2536
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Mogo Fudge & Ice Cream

(02) 4474 3389

Princes Hwy
Mogo NSW 2536

Kangaroo Valley Fudge House

(02) 4465 1375

158 Moss Vale Rd
Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
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