Fru'Choc'Tail

The South Australians are very proud of their infamous candy, FruChocs i.e. fruit chocolates. The fruit tends to be peaches, apricots, strawberries and raspberries. Well, one So. Aussie bartender created a FruChoc’Tail at Belinda and I had to try it. The entire process was unreal. The bartender used some unusual ingredients for the base and then loaded the top with crushed ice. He poured “Ice Magic” chocolate model over the top which dripped down the side of the glass and put some FruChoc pieces on top. I have to say that I enjoyed eating the chocolate on top moreso than the actual drink.

Well, here’s the recipe. Give it a go. If you want the FruChoc candy pieces then send me your address and I will send them to you in the mail. I can only afford to send it to three people so the first three will get a bag. Email me your address to cindylafranchi@yahoo.com.

Enjoy!!!!!

30ml Tequila (1800 Blanco)
15ml Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
1oml Cointreau
30mls Apricot Nectar
15mls Peach Puree
Dash lime juice
Dash sugar syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top with a crown of crushed ice and garnish with Ice Magic (chocolate hard shell) and halved FruChocs. Be quick with the FruChoc garnish, before the chocolate hard shell sets.

Jervis Bay

The first weekend of February I went to Jervis Bay with the Klages family to celebrate the life of Hans Klages. Hans was the father of my friends Jess and Ash and husband to their mom Lesley, who I have been staying with in Wollongong. Hans loved to scuba dive and snorkel and anything else involving water so the family decided each year to celebrate his life by spending a weekend at Jervis Bay. It's probably the largest bay I have ever seen in my life and has crystal-clear water. We snorkeled, kayaked, swam, and laughed for three days in 85 degree weather. It was such a fun weekend. Here are some pics for you to enjoy. I also took some pictures for Jess and Jeremy's wedding invites.

When was the last time you said FAR OUT??

Hello from Down Unda(er)!

I never know how often I should write a blog. There is usually a lot going on and I could write every day but its too time consuming.

First I wanted to let you all know that I am not on fire but it seems like the whole state of Victoria is. Its extremely tragic and worse than the San Diego fires we experienced in 2007. With the extreme heat wave leading up to the fires the winds had picked up and the embers where flying everywhere. The death toll right now stands at 180 with 130 deaths in cars. The fire was creating huge clouds of black smoke and while people were trying to escape the fires they ended up in car pile-ups because they couldn't see past the black clouds, and the fire engulfed the cars. The fires have wiped away hundreds of homes and entire townships. It is so sad but the Australian people are so awesome and are giving tons of money for the victims. It's not over yet but some of the fires are contained. My prayers go out to the victims and all the missing people.

Well, I finally made it to Adelaide. Adelaide is located in the state of South Australia and was settled by the English. The homes and architecture here is pretty vintage and really beautiful. It's definitely not beach-cottage style but its really fun to see all the different houses. Most of you met my friend Belinda who spent four months in San Diego with me last year. Her family lives here in Adelaide and have been taking great care of me. I call Belinda my "insta" because I met her the day I picked her up from the airport in San Diego and she instantly became my friend....well, we really didn't have a choice. :)


I've been meeting her friends and going everywhere with her. We went to Cleland Wild Life Park and took pictures with koalas although I wasn't able to hold one. The koalas are trying to recover from the heat. They are so adorable.

We fed kangaroos, duck, emus and other animals. There was one kangaroo that was so buff he looked like he was on steroids. Not one that you would want to see in the wild.


After Adelaide I will be going back to Wollongong for the month of March. My friend Jessica is going to be getting married on April 4th so I will be helping her get ready and surfing with her leading up to the wedding. Also, a good friend of mine Lauren Dowler will be flying in on March 1st and will be here for 5 weeks. I can't wait to see her and spend time with her.

Thank you all for emailing me and skyping me and praying for me. I'm a little homesick at the moment because I miss you all so much. I will be writing again soon. Belinda and I will be going to Kangaroo Island so I will have some pictures and new stories to share after that.

AND............
If any of you want to come out and visit me then I encourage you to. Australia is amazing and full of adventure. If you get the travel bug then send me an email.

Oh yeah, about the title of this blog. Everyone here says "FAR OUT" in the most random of times. Its really funny to hear. I don't think I've ever said that but I'm sure my parents did. Just a funny side note.

Blessings,
Cindy