I have a massive treat for you guys today. Take a guess? Come on, I know you can do it! A box of cookies for whoever can do it? 😉
No takers?
Oh alright, fine, mes cheris, I will tell you. I am collaborating today!!! Why, yes, yes I am! 😀
Instead of reading a post with my mediocre, boring photos, my classic tangential style of writing will be punctuated by amazing photos by the very popular Sydney blogger (and my blogging husband) Vanny from Nessy Eater! Everyone give her a warm go bake yourself welcome s’il vous plait!
And just a reminder – enter my giveaway if you are an Aussie 😛
Now continue reading 😉
It would be a week ago now that Vanny and I were invited to attend the annual Sydney Food Bloggers Picnic! This was actually the 6th one (though honestly, my first one because of previous commitments each year) and was, as always, organised by Sydney’s leading foodies –> the rainbow coloured fabulous ChocolateSuze and reviewing genius Helen from Grab Your Fork! Thanks guys! 🙂
Now, as always, I am going to paint you a picture, set the mood before we get into some serious foodie-ing. Imagine over 80 people obsessed with food. If you imagine a pack of hyenas with better manners, it is basically the same thing. Now imagine that group, amongst an assortment of presents, tables, cameras and selfie sticks. Now, keep those wheels turning, and imagine a 44 degree day.
Now, dear Fahrenheitees – that is 44 degrees Celsius. Yes. It really can happen down under that we almost reach mid-way to boiling point. #straya
44 degree heat feels like someone took your air, and replaced it with the air that comes out of an operating oven. But without the glorious pie or cookie smell. And including mosquitoes. Hmm… interesting no? That air also has some kind of human bending ability or something because it has a knack for clogging your throat as well.
Ugh.
But moving on, moving on, because the heat was so worth it when you got to meet old blogging friends, while bumping into new people that you virtually knew or meeting complete strangers and making friends. We even had name tags, so pretty sure the system was based on the first day of kindergarten – score! 😀
Since we were all being food lovers, this picnic had one super unique element – there was a time limit till which we weren’t allowed to eat the food. We could set up the copious amounts of dishes, we could model them if you could find the space and I think we could touch the drinks (maybe not the handmade ones) but we could. not. eat. them.
Why?
Because of course, everyone needed time to label their creation, but more importantly photograph them! Classic.
Continuing on with my love for animal comparisons, it was like seeing a giant herd of bisons (NOT that we are as big as bisons, mind you!) all gathered around a lake, jostling for a spot to lap up water. Photography, in blogging, is as important as water.
It’s called survival guys.
And that just managed to heat the pavilion up a little more 😛 Thanks Vanny for jostling away, while I casually enjoyed myself in the mini hits of breeze pockets 😛
But the real showdown came when Helen announced a lovely little welcome and that in 5 minutes, the food would be ready to be devoured. I swear, when she set that time limit, every blogger’s eyes narrowed, and they shifted lightly on their feet, eyes darting to see which dish they wanted to be sure to get.
The wind was alive with the sound of telepathic thoughts and threats and people were so ready to pounce.
‘I’m sorry, don’t you think you’re a bit close to my macarons?’
“I’m sorry, do they have your name on it?’
“Well, yes, I made them..”
“Oh… well I will fight you for them!”
That really was the case, Ramen Raff knows how to stir up the masses 😛
I may be exaggerating a lot when I say we were like the bulls charging around like in a Spanish Arena, and that sunglasses were flying everywhere, hair being pulled back, t-shirts being shredded, but it makes for a much more comic image though, no? And you are all foodies, surely you have felt the desperation to eat akin to such a physical manifestation of it right?
Ugh, societal rules. Why?
Anyways, so as we ate and we ate, and did manage to eventually fill the seemingly bottomless pit that doctors seem to call a ‘stomach’, the atmosphere went from happy to super happy.
Is it possible to be drunk on good food and oodles of sugary iced tea?
Maybe sugary is the imperative word here… 😛 A drug in its own right and definitely a stimulant!
But everyone grew more and more relaxed, rubbing shoulders with one another and complimenting each other on their dishes! If I didn’t know any better, I would go a bit hippy on you and say that despite the heat of summer (jokes… spring… oh god), there was a lot of positive energy in the air 🙂
After a while, the constant eating dissipated and the food comas started anew, with the casual groan being heard from one side of the pavilion. This was when we started doing the Kris Kringle portion of the picnic. And boy, what a system that is!!!
Basically, everyone is given a number – the later the number, the better it is (I got 84) 😛
The first person is called up and they introduce themselves (though by the end, it was so over haha), and they choose a present from the giant stack sitting to the side. Ok cool, congrats you have a present.
Now, cue person number 2. They go over, unwrap another but WAIT. HERE’S THE TWIST! If they like person number 1’s BETTER, they can take it. Say whaaaaat? Now person number 1 has to open another present.
Now cue person number 3. They can take person number 2s. Person number 2 can take person number 1’s again or open a new one.
And so the system continues.
Can you imagine when it got to around person number 50? The swap over rate of presents was definitely massive 😛
It was initially a mind-boggling operation of epic proportions but after I finally understood it? It was damn funny.
Everyone wanted:
- The intricate, delicate teapots
- The mason jars
- The cheeseboard (I have never seen the beauty but you know… whatever classy adult people)
- The Hestonology book
- The animal waffle maker (I was so rooting to get this)
- The sake cups
- The ‘Chip’ Bag
You can imagine just how long this went on for 😛
Now, in case you were wondering, I went home with a six set of Mason Jars (I know right, the wait was SO worth it!) and Vanny went home with a cute ice-cream fan and nacho chip shaped notepad stickers 🙂
But now the question is of course, what did we bring to the picnic? Well, blogging husband and I happily decided that since I was a baking maniac and Vanny was a shopping queen, she would buy the presents while I baked up a double batch of something extra special.
You know… like Brownie Sandwich Cookies w/ Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting. 😀
Recipe coming soon!
But it was worth all that batter eating and frosting eating… I mean baking… since Vanny bought some pretty awesome presents for those who were lucky enough to get them!
Overall, the event was a boatload of fun (though you can probably tell that) – Everyday should be picnic day (though then, we really would be the size of bulls and bisons!) 😛
Thanks again Helen and Suze for organising it!!! And I know you guys all enjoyed Vanny’s photos so be sure to check out her blog (though I am pretty sure we will be collaborating again sometime soon!)
Till next time mes cheris, enjoy your virtual food coma!
|| Follow my foodie adventures ||
What a bunch of fun food bloggers you all are!! And the foods? OMG!! 😀
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Those baked goods looked amazing! What a great foodie get-together!
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What an awesome annual food event in Sydney! Actually I wanted to ask if you are ok and safe, I heard about the horrible incident few hours ago.
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Thank you so much my friend! Yes I am safe as are my family and friends, though I was meant to be in the city at the time it started. Everyone is so scared, it is absolutely awful – my thoughts are with them, though I wish I could do more!
Hugs
Uru
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Wish I could have been there!
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That looks so awesome! Sydney is the place to be right now, it seems (crazy summer storms and all). Foodie’s paradise ❤
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Sounds like a fun event!All the treats look delicious!Wish they did something like that over here 🙂
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Sounds like such a fun event, with food that looks like a dream!
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Blog meetups are the best!! Looked like you and Vanny had a LOT of fun! So jelly!!
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I’m full just looking at the pictures!
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It’s time I should learn from my hubby how to master making those scrumptious brownie cookie sandwiches! It was truly delicious 😀 ❤
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Reblogged this on Nessy Eater and commented:
Oh my is that my baking husband writing away about Sydney Food Bloggers Xmas Party 2012? And using Nessy Eater’s photos? 😀 MUST READ!
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Phew, that’s hot over for sure! What an array of goodies. Looking good, Uru. 🙂
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SO much fun…and so many inspiring recipe and presentation ideas!
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crimeny–that’s nuts! So much good and amazing food in one place. How could you even stand it? You are totally cute in the picture, yes! Thanks for sharing. Am going to lie down for a while now to calm myself 😉
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Wow, it looks like a fun time was had by all. I mean do you see all o that wonderful and glorious food? I would have a food coma
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Yes! Two cuties! And what a lot of delicious food! You would of had to roll me out of there like a barrel! 🙂
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I would have rolled down the giant hill if it wasn’t so hot 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Yes, you are CUTE))
and this food looks so DOGGONE good. O’ My!! xxx
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What a fab event! Pretty jealous of your 44C right now!
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OMG – everything looks insanely good! I’d have had to be rolled outta there. Those cupcake burgers are my favorite!
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That sounds like so much fun. I missed it because I was in Melbourne that weekend. But lovely to read about it here. Sydney bloggers are the best:-)
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It was great to finally meet you 🙂
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Right back at you Cassie 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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That “hamburger” is too cute for words! What a fun group of bloggers!
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Wow! Please post that recipe soon. It sounds amazing!
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it was lovely seeing you! loved the fudgey cookies you made!
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Right back at you 😀 Thank you, the recipe is up if you ever want to attempt 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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So fun! And all that food! Yum!
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What an amazing event! I’m stuffed just looking at the photos! 🙂 Lucky pups!
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Hi Uru, looks like a great time hanging put with people of like minds. The hardest part for me would have been waiting to eat. How fun!
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oh wow! looks amazing! I’d die to be there!
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Those burger cupcakes are too cute- And crazy realistic! Man, you enjoy some of the best events with your foodie community out there… I sure wish I lived near you!
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Haha I wish you did, we would go. off. 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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These are too too cute!! And I LOVE your snow falling!!
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Oh wow, looks like an awesome spread!
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your brownie cookies were awesome!! thanks for coming to the picnic!
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Thanks for hosting it! Super fun 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Awesome!
Have a wonderful day CCU.
🙂 Mandy xo
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Missed out on this event as I was down in the ACT, nonetheless I did enjoy evil secret Santa last year and oven n doubt it was insanely fun this time round too! Those cookies look insanely awesome!!!
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I wish you had been there, I was actually looking for you! 😛
Thank you, enjoy the recipe, it’s up!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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What a fantastic picnic with sumptuous meal to enjoy….
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You Sydney bloggers have so much fun!!! Cannot wait for your recipe! xo
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My goodness! Now that’s a party.
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How fun to sample all these lovely things! Food blogger parties are the best. Even when it’s hot outside!
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Thanks so much for coming and surviving the heat! Nothing gets in the way of food bloggers having a party 🙂
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Thank you so much for hosting 😀 Haha we do it best no doubt!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Very cute indeed and that looks like an amazing array of picnic food.
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What a fun and delicious picnic! You two are so adorable and sweet!
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Yes! You are both adorable! And what a fun time! You are two very talented bakers and food photographers–a definite skill. I love those little cupcake burgers! What a fun post to read. I envy the experience. 🙂
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Ngaw thank you :’) that is so sweet of you! They were my favourite too!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Sounds like a blast! One with loads of good food and friends. Loved the pictures, although I wouldn’t have loved having to wait for the food. 🙂 That 5 minutes must have seemed like forever!
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AHH WHAT a blast, and those TREATS!!!
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oooh, what a great post! I have never been able to make the picnic as my both my daughters’ bdays are in Nov, and their party always manages to fall on the date of the picnic #sadFace. It looks like uber-fun and by hook or by crook I WILL get there one day 🙂
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Aaah sounds like November must be your busiest month! That really sucks! Hope to see you there one day 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Sounds like a great day out despite the heat 🙂
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I couldn’t decide what goodies to pick first from that glorious feast.
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G’day and wow what a great fun filled food post and love the sense of community of Sydney food bloggers Choc Chip Uru! Cheers! Joanne
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