THE CAPTAIN’S CHRISTMAS TREATS

Christmas is the time for celebrations, fun, good food and drinks, and great company – whether it be on the water or on land. Bonding with your family and friends over Christmas treats and activities is a loved pass-time and one of Captain Frank’s favourite things about Christmas. For those that love food and fun activities, there is no better time of the year!

Want to enjoy some special treats and foodie fun this holiday season? Here are some ideas to explore for making and baking and some of the Captain’s favourites…

CHRISTMAS TREATS & FUN

Shortbread – Everyone loves a good homemade shortbread cookie, and these can be baked in all shapes and sizes, including Christmas trees, stars, Santa, reindeers, etc. This is a fun activity for all involved so gather your friends and family together and cook away. Don’t forget to decorate the cookies, using Christmas coloured icing (or nautical coloured). A true Christmas classic!


Fruit Mince Pies – For a long-lasting Christmas treat, a fruit mince pie will do the trick. This tasty treat is a classic and homemade pies are a favourite. With a mix of fruit, nuts and spices the fruit mince pie is mixed together and left to rest until the pastry cups are cooked and ready to go.


Rum Balls – One for the adults, a classic rum ball puts a twist on all Christmas party occasions. The secret of a rum ball is that they don’t actually contain too much rum, however, this is your personal preference, and you can add more or less according to your liking. Decorate as you please and enjoy them for yourself or give them as a gift. You can never go wrong with an indulgent rum ball, and rum is the liquor of choice for many sailors and sea captains!


Gingerbread Houses – Get the family together and entertain the kids with some gingerbread house creations. Having a gingerbread house bake-off is a great Christmas Day pass-time to keep everyone busy. With house kits available in a number of stores and supermarkets, it’s a fun activity for all ages to do. Add on some extras to the decorations (perhaps some nautical fun) and work to create the best house of all!



The Trifle – One of the longest-running classic desserts around, dating all the way back to the 1500’s; the trifle is the most classic and timeless dessert. Families for generations have passed down their trifle recipes so this dessert often contains family secrets, making each version unique and different. This dish is layered with everyone’s favourites including jelly, custard, cream, jam sponge scrolls and fresh fruit, and the layers piled up look amazing in those beautiful glass dishes.



Pick just one or two treat options, or if you and the kids are on holidays, why not try all these fun treat ideas!?! Share them in person with your family and friends and share your creations with Captain Frank and the team on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #christmas #christmastreats #christmasdesserts #christmasideas #activities #allthingsnautical

BORED AT HOME ?

SPECIAL EDITION 4 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

As we sail through the weeks of lockdown (not for the first time), many individuals and families are starting to feel a level of boredom. If you’re looking for some guidance or new activity ideas, our team has collated a list of 10 fun things to do at home with your family.

With such a diverse range of activities listed, there is sure to be something for every household to love.

10 FUN THINGS TO DO AT HOME WITH YOUR FAMILY

Listen to a podcast – Want something to boost your mood or expand your mind? Or want to listen to your old favourite TV show cast members and artists talk about their time in the spotlight? Podcasts range in genre – from murder mystery to Q&A’s, educational and nautical topics, to best friends just talking about life podcasts – and have it all these days.

If wanting to take some time out, you can find self-meditation and inspiration podcasts, which can motivate you to work hard in these times to better your mindset. Listen on your daily walks/runs or when you are doing the household chores.

Catch up on your reading – Discover the best books released in 2021 or catch up on some old classics. These days most books can also be purchased as an audiobook, so that you can listen on the go. Fiction or non-fiction, the list of books available to read is endless.


The team at Sea Sydney Harbour have selected some of their reading favourites to get you started:

  1. The Wife Upstairs; by Rachel Hawkins
  2. The Kitchen Front; by Jennifer Ryan
  3. The Beauty of living Twice; by Sharon Stone
  4. Somebody’s Daughter; by Ashley Ford
  5. Last Call; by Elon Green

Take up a hobby – Find something new to do, to show off when the time comes! This could be anything from photography or arts and craft, learning a musical instrument, learning about sailing and boats, to perfecting cocktail making.

Finding a hobby will keep you happy and positive, keep your mind occupied and see you strive to make yourself and the way you live better. Why not focus this time on doing things you love?!?



Create a mood board or bucket list – Get inspired to move forward in lockdown and think ahead to the sunnier days! Take images of places and things you want to do in the coming years. Create some goals you want to achieve in the future. Put it up somewhere you can see every day to keep yourself motivated to complete these activities and goals.

Expand your wine tastes (one for the 18+) – Take a leap into the expansive world of wine and create your own wine tasting tour in the comfort of your home. Buy different wines from your local bottle shops that you wouldn’t buy on a regular basis, trying new varieties every night. You can add some cheese and appetisers to make it even better, or cook meat to go with your wine selections. Expand your taste in wine and be ready for the better days to come, when you can enjoy a glass with your family and friends.



Get active – Missing the gym? It’s time to create your own home workout. This will keep you motivated and make you feel good at the same time. You can have gym equipment delivered to your house or create workouts that don’t need any. Look online and find your inspiration, stay fit and be ready for when the gyms re-open. You can even do some yoga in the morning to make you feel good and get you up and out of bed before you start working from home or doing your chores for the day.


This will keep you active and make you feel good all the way down to your soul. Make the most out of lockdown, don’t wait for tomorrow, start now and make every minute count!

Get your gardening on – Roll up your sleeves and get into the garden – it’s the perfect time of year to do it just before spring! Turn your garden into a beautiful, happy garden and watch it flower the first flowers of Spring, bringing you joy along the way every time you look at it. You can even just clean up your garden, the parts you have been looking at for months which have been on the to-do list. Now is your time to get it done.

Clean out and organise your house – Do your annual Spring clean in Winter this year and clean out all the junk in your house. It’s time to hit that corner of the house that you have been avoiding for a long time. Clean it all out – this will make you feel good; if you don’t need it get rid of it!

If you need some inspiration The Home Edit is where to find it. They have a show on Netflix, and after watching just one episode, you will be inspired to clean and tidy up your house. They also have a book if you prefer to learn and read. These girls are amazing – they really know how to clean and organise a house.


Baking and cooking – Get the kids in the kitchen or do it yourself, and bake the meals you always dreamed of making. Expand your skills in the kitchen and become a master chef. Your family/house mates will love you for it.

There are some great recipes online at the moment (even via Woolworths and Coles), so try making them any day of the week, for dinner, lunch or breakfast. There are also lots of great decorative ideas online for those baking lovers, including nautical-inspired designs. It’s never too late to try something new and make the best out of your time at home!


Game on – Get your game on with your family/house mates! Whether it be board games or puzzles or everything in between, this will keep the fun in the house and expand everyone’s minds, while keeping some healthy and exciting rivalry going within the house.

Be sure to get the family involved, don’t just let the kids do it alone in their rooms. Find a game to involve everyone of all ages in the house. For the older kids/flatmates that love to put their mark on the games, think about making one to suit your group – it’s a fun activity to make the game and also play the game.


Pick just one or two activities to keep you and your family occupied during the lockdown, or why not try out all ten fun ideas!?! You may have to do it indoors (or in your backyard), but you can certainly still have lots of fun at home, keeping yourself focussed, active, and in high spirits.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #stayhome #isolation #boredom #activities #family #allthingsnautical

SWEET EASTER TREATS

Easter is a time when the phrase “calories don’t count” is definitely appropriate, so why not indulge in some sweet homemade Easter treats?!? 

Here are two fun but simple recipes selected by Captain Frank, that are guaranteed to please and impress your guests. Created as single servings these treats are perfect for parties and gatherings hosted at any venue – at home, outdoors, or even on a boat.


TRIPLE CHOC EASTER EGG BROWNIES

This fun dessert is a great Easter twist on a classic sweet dish that is great for all ages. Delicious and rich, it’s perfect for those chocolate lovers and can be created within the hour!

Serves: 12. Prep: 15 mins. Cooking Time: 45 mins.

  • 200g dark chocolate Easter eggs, roughly chopped
  • 250g butter, roughly chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 ¼ cups plain flour, sifted
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 100g small milk chocolate Easter eggs
  • 100g small white chocolate Easter eggs
  • Icing sugar, to serve
  1. Preheat oven to 160°c. Line a greased 22cm-square cake tin with baking paper.
  2. Place dark chocolate and butter in a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Place eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add cooled chocolate mixture, cocoa, flour, baking powder, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Fold through milk and white chocolate chunks. Transfer mixture to prepared tin and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through but still slightly fudgy in the centre.
  5. Serve dusted with icing sugar.

WHITE CHOC & PASSIONFRUIT MOUSSE

Served in an Easter egg shell, these treats take less than 30 minutes to prepare and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Serves: 6. Prep: 5 mins. Cooking Time: 15 mins.

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 egg whites
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • ½ cup passionfruit pulp
  • 150g white chocolate
  • 300ml thickened cream
  • 6 medium Easter eggs
  1. Use an electric beater to beat 3 egg yolks and ¼ cup caster sugar until pale and creamy. Fold in ½ cup passionfruit pulp alternately with 150g white chocolate, melted and cooled slightly.
  2. Beat 300ml thickened cream until soft peaks form, and in a separate bowl beat 3 egg whites until firm peaks form. Fold into the passionfruit mixture.
  3. Break tops from 6 medium Easter eggs and sit eggs in serving glasses. Fill with mousse and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight until set.
  4. Optional: Serve with chocolate shards for dipping.

IT’S TIME TO INDULGE

To complement these fabulous dessert treats, consider a fabulous party venue! Why not try something different this year for your Easter celebration and take your party off dry land and onto stunning Sydney Harbour?!?

Include these dessert options into your Easter menu and share your ideas with Captain Frank and the team. Share your favourite Easter creations on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #eastertreats #easter #boatfoodideas #yesimadeit #allthingsnautical

TIME FOR A SLICE WITH THE CAPTAIN

The way to Captain Frank’s heart is definitely through his stomach and his most recent food love is savoury slices. It’s a healthy and tasty food option and better yet, with a little preparation it’s a great dish for your boat celebrations.

 

PUMPKIN & ZUCCHINI SLICE

“So much flavour and such a tasty dish!” – Captain Frank 

Serves: 6         Prep: 10 mins          Cooking Time: 40 mins

  • 200g peeled pumpkin, cut into 1cm cubes
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 1 corn cob, husk and silk removed
  • 1 large zucchini, coarsely grated
  • 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely grated
  • 1 cup coarsely grated gold sweet potato
  • 1 cup self-raising flour
  • 1 cup coarsely grated cheddar
  • 5 eggs, lightly whisked
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 20 x 30cm baking pan with baking paper.
  2. Combine the zucchini, carrot, sweet potato, flour, cheddar, half the corn and half the pumpkin cubes in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk egg, milk and oil in a small bowl. Add to zucchini mixture. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with the remaining corn and pumpkin.
  4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the slice is firm to touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

PEA, ZUCCHINI & FETA SLICE

“The perfect way to get all those greens into your body!” – Captain Frank

Serves: 6         Prep: 10 mins           Cooking Time: 40 mins

  • 2 large zucchinis, coarsely grated
  • 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 60g baby spinach, finely shredded
  • 1 tbs coarsely chopped dill
  • 1 cup self-raising flour
  • 1 cup coarsely grated cheddar
  • 100g feta, crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups frozen peas
  • 5 eggs, lightly whisked
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 20 x 30cm baking pan with baking paper.
  2. Combine the zucchini, spring onion, spinach, dill, flour, cheddar, half the feta and 1 cup of peas in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk egg, milk and oil in a small bowl. Add to zucchini mixture. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with the remaining peas and feta.
  4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the slice is firm to touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

SHARE YOUR SLICE FAVOURITES

Slices are a great addition to a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can certainly alter a recipe to include your favourite ingredients or what’s in season. Because they can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature they are a great idea for boat menus!

Include these slice options or any other favourites in your next party menu and share your ideas with Captain Frank and the team. Share your savoury slices on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #savouryslices #boatfoodideas #yesimadeit #allthingsnautical

A CHEESECAKE FAVOURITE

Captain Frank’s dessert pick for Christmas is a playful cheesecake that will go down a treat with both adults and kids – he’s never the one to make it… but he sure does love to eat it!

 

PEANUT BUTTER & POPCORN CHEESECAKE

“Include peanut butter and you have a winner dish!” – Captain Frank

Time to serve. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour.

Serves: 12         Prep: 45 mins          Cooking Time: 10 mins

  • 1¼ cups chocolate biscuit crumbs
  • 80g butter melted
  • 500g cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup caster sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 3 tsp gelatine dissolved in ¼ cup boiling water
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup thickened cream, softly whipped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup thickened cream, extra
  • ¼ cup popping corn, popped as per packet instructions
  1. Combine biscuit crumbs and butter then press into the base of a greased and lined 22cm round springform pan. Chill.
  2. Beat the cream cheese, caster sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in gelatine and peanut butter, then fold through cream. Pour mixture over prepared base. Chill for 3 hours or until set.
  3. Heat sugar in a saucepan over a medium-high heat, without stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar begins to melt. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Remove from heat and carefully add extra cream. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool.
  4. Top cheesecake with popcorn and drizzle over sauce. Serve immediately.

 

SHARE YOUR DESSERT FAVOURITE

Do you have a dessert idea that you would love to share? We would love to see it as Captain Frank and the team enjoy tasty food both on land and on water! Share your dessert selections on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #christmas #dessert #yesimadeit #allthingsnautical

WINTER WARMERS: HEARTY SOUPS TO WARM YOUR INSIDES

With winter upon us, here are Captain Frank’s favourite winter warming recipes – hearty soups that are simple to make and will leave you wanting more.

 

PUMPKIN AND CHORIZO SOUP

“You just can’t have pumpkin soup without the addition of chorizo!! And lots of it!!” – Captain Frank

FullSizeRender
Individual soup servings. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Serves: 4         Prep: 20 mins          Cooking Time: 40 mins 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chorizos, finely diced
  • 2 small brown onions, coarsely diced
  • 900g Kent pumpkin, skin removed, seeded, cut into 2.5cm chunks
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled, coarsely diced
  • 3 gloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¾ tsp ground cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 6 cups water
  • ¼ cup thickened cream
  • 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
  1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and chorizo and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until crisp on the outside. Transfer the chorizo on a plate and set aside.
  2. Add the onions then pumpkin and carrot to the same pan and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the onions and pumpkin begin to soften. Add the garlic, bay leaf, smoked paprika and cumin and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until the pumpkin begins to caramelise.
  3. Add the vinegar and cover with the water. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Add the cream and bring back to a simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Discard the bay leaf.
  4. Working in batches, blend the soup in a blender until smooth. Pour batches back into the saucepan to reheat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Ladle into four bowls. Top with cooked chorizo and pepitas.
  6. Optional: Drizzle with extra virgin oil and serve with bread.

Alteration on recipe by Curtis Stone

 

PEA AND BROCCOLI SOUP WITH CHEESY CROUTONS

“This is a great vegetarian option and the cheesy croutons are the perfect addition to the dish.” – Captain Frank

IMG_5126
Tasty and colourful. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Serves: 4         Prep: 15 mins           Cooking Time: 20 mins

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, coarsely chopped
  • 1 potato, peeled, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 4 cups (1L) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 small head broccoli, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups (240g) frozen peas
  • 20g butter
  • 4 thick slices bread
  • 2 slices tasty cheddar
  • Coarsely chopped chives
  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, potato and garlic. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until the onion softens. Add the stock and bring to boil. Add the broccoli and peas. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes or until broccoli is very tender.
  2. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan over low heat and heat through.
  3. Preheat a sandwich press or large frying pan over high heat. Spread the butter evenly over 1 side of each bread slice. Sandwich the cheddar, butter side out, between bread slices. Cook in sandwich press for 2 minutes or in frying pan for 2 minutes each side, or until cheddar melts and the bread is golden brown. Cut into 2cm wide croutons.
  4. Divide the soup among serving bowls. Top with the croutons and sprinkle with chives to serve.

Recipe by Curtis Stone

 

 

Do you have a tasty winter warmer recipe that you would love to share? Share your winter recipe creations on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #winter #winterwarmers #yesimadeit #allthingsnautical