Lockdown hit us here in New Zealand on the 18th August, a day when I was supposed to be heading to a new cafe in town, August. I had seen lots of positive reviews on Instagram, and was eager to try out their wild dandelion pie and maybe even the burnt Basque cheesecake. Instead, we retreated to our homes, and just imagined going out. Luckily, The Pandemic Pack Collaborative Cookbook, which I have mentioned before (see Friday’s post), has been able to offer us a chance to try some things at home from various Wellington establishments. Both recipes from August looked really good, and I decided to try out the Beef Shin Pappardelle this Sunday.
The recipe is a wonderful combination of beef, vegetables, tomato and fresh oregano from the garden. To serve, a little of the sauce is stirred through the cooked pasta, along with some grated parmesan which just melts into the pasta. The dish is served with parsley, grated feta cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a little extra black pepper. I served a rocket salad on the side.
Verdict? Absolutely gorgeous. Extremely tasty, full of flavour and a definite ‘do again’ I can hardly wait to get to August for real. The wine is a Bourgogne, delivered by Noble Rot.
Entered as part of Natalie the Explorer’s Weekend Coffee Share.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
Dandelion pie and cheesecake! Sounds like a winning combination. Hopefully you get there soon! In the meantime, I love the pandemic pack providing inspiration and your beef dish looks great.
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You’re a natural when it comes to photographing food! I am glad to know you are trying out special dishes despite not being able to go out.
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Thank you Anne!
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That pasta dish loks absolutely lovely! De Cecco is a lovely pasta brand, I learned some time ago that it’s made near where we normally go for holidays, and my husband found recently they now also make gluten free pasta so I’m delighted about that!
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It is a good brand of pasta. Bit more expensive, but good quality.
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Hope you will soon be able to go to August, such a lovely name for a cafe.
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Oh me too! We will hear at 4pm today if we are moving down a level.
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Everything looks so fresh and your Beef Shin Pappardelle dish makes me hungry. Well done! I’ve been following the news in Australia and New Zealand. Thinking of you. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Thanks Natalie!
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It sounds like your meal tasted just as good as it looks!
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It was really good!
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Lovely T&K, lovely and it looks mouthwatering.
Be careful, someone is going to try ad talk you into opening your own restaurant once covid finally retreats from our front pages.
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🙂
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I saw your pics on Instagram – it looks great…
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It was so good – will definitely make again.
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Looks so delicious I think you missed your calling, presentation is perfect as always.
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Oh thank you!
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That looks amazing and what a great idea~
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Yes a great idea during lockdown.
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