Blog | Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat

It all starts with one foot in front of the other

Jan 1, 2021
3 min

It all starts with one foot in front of the other

I’ve always felt that everything happens for a reason even though it may take years to understand. And that there is no such thing as...

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How to enjoy wild strawberries and stuff ...

Silvana Franze

Dec 8, 2020
2 min

How to enjoy wild strawberries and stuff ...

Watching a cooking show recently, I was surprised to hear the chef comment that strawberries are not usually a sweet fruit. If you're...

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Surrender to the magic of the Blue Mountains with our 7 Night Getaway Offer

Silvana Franze

Dec 7, 2020
1 min

Surrender to the magic of the Blue Mountains with our 7 Night Getaway Offer

This Xmas why not plan your holiday around the Blue Mountains? Easy to get to by car, you’ll be immersed by cool waterfalls, jurassic forest

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Who doesn't love free food? What about wild greens in your own backyard?

Silvana Franze

Nov 18, 2020
3 min

Who doesn't love free food? What about wild greens in your own backyard?

This next step should not be rushed (as I tend to do). Allow the greens to boil well past Al dente. You are not cooking pasta here!

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Silvana Franze

Sep 16, 2020
1 min

How to make fresh gnocchi from scratch

Our small class sizes means everyone gets a turn at our Italian cooking experiences.

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Who could absolutely do with a little reward right now?

Silvana Franze

Aug 28, 2020
3 min

Who could absolutely do with a little reward right now?

Since we reopened in late July (which seems so long ago) we’ve been booked solid. People are flocking to the Blue Mountains, understandably

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Silvana Franze

Jul 10, 2020
1 min

When things get tough, get tougher

Just when we think things are picking up, there is a very real threat of another economic downturn.

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Silvana Franze

Jun 20, 2020
1 min

How to make Pasta with Salmon and Capers

This meal is perfect when you've got left over cooked fish like salmon, tuna or trout. You'll have dinner ready in as long as it takes...

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Those three little words ... and it's not I love you.

Silvana Franze

Jun 20, 2020
2 min

Those three little words ... and it's not I love you.

We're all a little afraid of fish in one way or other. Here's a sure fire way to cook any type with success.

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Silvana Franze

Jun 18, 2020
2 min

How to make Fresh Tomato Sauce

If you've never eaten a plate of pasta with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes, you are in for a taste sensation.

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Silvana Franze

May 26, 2020
1 min

Eating in – in style

Eating at home for our 24th wedding anniversary had to be special so I combined traditional Mediterranean food with restaurant presentation.

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Finding stillness in monochrome serenity

Silvana Franze

May 23, 2020
2 min

Finding stillness in monochrome serenity

After the rain we’ve had, it's THE time to escape the office and get outdoors. Wait, what am I saying? We've been stuck at home so long ...

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Silvana Franze

May 22, 2020
1 min

Superfoods to live for

The not so humble purple potato, rich in antioxidants, fights disease and tastes scrumptious too.

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Silvana Franze

May 13, 2020
0 min

How to make Pesto without nuts

Making pesto is super easy and sooo much more delicious than store bought. We show you how to make it without nuts.

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How to make Linguine with baby octopus and capers

Silvana Franze

Apr 19, 2020
2 min

How to make Linguine with baby octopus and capers

There's something about Friday nights that says 'mmm pasta!". Have you tried linguine with baby octopus and capers?

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Silvana Franze

Apr 3, 2020
3 min

Schooling from home - Day 7:

Day 7 has come and gone and things are changing - already. Even the cat has noticed something fishy going on.

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When it all comes crashing down, you can still go out the back and make yourself a meal.

Silvana Franze

Apr 1, 2020
2 min

When it all comes crashing down, you can still go out the back and make yourself a meal.

I call on governments to include horticulture on the national curriculum. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need.

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Silvana Franze

Mar 24, 2020
1 min

Schooling from Home - Day 1:

An odd day. Being used to having no one around me during the day, I’ve got my daughter who’s in Yr 11, working from the dining room via...

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Silvana Franze

Mar 12, 2020
3 min

We live in dangerous times.

Watching the news to see an entire country has been shut down, I can’t help but admire the Italians for this level of action. At first,...

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Rethinking our gardens with bushfires in mind

Silvana Franze

Jan 17, 2020
3 min

Rethinking our gardens with bushfires in mind

When the threat of a bushfire is somewhat expected, a city girl like me doesn't give it much thought. Until it impacts the area I've loved.

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10 Fifth Ave Katoomba NSW 2780