People all was say, “it’s the simple things in life which are often the best”. I have to agree! I love jetting off to a luxury destination, but when that’s not possible, it can be just as good to stop and smell the roses. Or in this case, to stop and take a deep breath in of sea air and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, and create a simple Garlic Chilli Haloumi on the Campfire.
When I started Gourmet Getaways my aim was to get out more, do more, holiday, eat and explore… and entice my readers to do the same. Somehow with all the travel, I forgot to slow down and appreciate the little things.
This story is about a secret spot near Coffs Harbour and a deliciously simple Afresco Friday recipe. This is my Alfresco Friday story, I have invited some talented bloggers to also contribute a dish to the picnic on the Gourmet Getaways Facebook page, so if your looking for more ideas I’m sure you will find some great suggestions there.
Today I’m sharing a very simple Garlic Chilli Haloumi which is cooked on the campfire, it’s simple and delicious. Also, I think I have only ever had Haloumi served with lemon and I thought it was time to mix things up a little.
I served the Haloumi two ways. The adults had the Garlic Chilli Haloumi. I knew the children like something a little sweeter, so they had Haloumi served with Quince Paste. We couldn’t forget the squeeze of lemon and both options were a big success.
What I really liked about grilling the Haloumi over the campfire, is that it was such a great family experience and a lovely sharing atmosphere. The kids love adding sticks to the fire or poking at it and we all sat around, listening to the waves break on the shore and watching our food cook.
Garlic Chilli Haloumi on the Campfire
Ingredients
Oil
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup parsley tightly packed
- 1 or 2 red chilli
- 2 cloves garlic
To Serve
- 400 gm Haloumi
- 3 slices lemon
- Quince Paste
Instructions
- Place the oil ingredients in a blend and pulse until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. You want it to have flecks of parsley and chilli but not be too chunky.
- Pour the oil into a sealable jar ready for use.
To Serve
- Slice the Haloumi in 1 cm thick slices.
- Pre heat a frying pan or grill with butter, add about 2 Tbs of the oil.
- Place the Haloumi on the butter and oil.
- Cook the Haloumi briefly on each side until just golden.
- Remove from the heat and squeeze lemon over the cheese.
- Serve with the quince paste and crackers if desired.
How to Get to Pebbly Beach from Coffs Harbour
- Pebbly Beach is 50km North of Coffs Harbour.
- Head north on the Pacific Highway past Woolgoolga until the Station Creek turnoff. You will turn right on to Baracoongir Way which is a dirt road.
- Continue along the dirt road until you reach another right turn, signposted Pebbly Beach 5.4 kms.
- This dirt road will take you to the beach access point.
- There is about 800 meters of sand driving though the dunes.
- The dunes have wooden slats in the most difficult spots to assist the wheels to gain traction and to protect the environment. Stay on the track and you will have the least amount of troubles and protect the environment for future use.
- The trickiest part of the beach driving is getting from the dunes to the beach and vice versa as the sand is very soft.
- Once on the beach turn left and enjoy the view as you make your way to the bush camping ground.
- Drive all the way to the end of the beach.
- You will find a saltwater creek to cross and about 100 metres of dunes to climb before you reach your destination.
- Pebbly Beach is used for bush camping and day tripping.
- Make sure you time your visit at low or mid tide. At low tide the beach driving is simple. You will find hard packed sand that’s smoother than the dirt road into the beach!
- At the end of the beach is a saltwater creek crossing. If you arrive at low tide you will find a trickle of a creek to cross. Mid tide you should take a stroll to check the depth of the creek. High tide you will be stuck waiting for the tide to recede before you can cross to the other side. Not a bad problem to have as you are at a deserted beach paradise. Have a swim and enjoy.
I hope you enjoyed my suggested campfire Chilli Haloumi, I like to keep things as simple as possible when we are having a day at the beach.