Highlands Treat, Family Receipt Book

Hearty Mountain Dinners at The Outlier Cradle Mountain Retreat

After a day of exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Cradle Mountain, there's nothing more satisfying than returning to the warmth and comfort of The Outlier Cradle Mountain Retreat. Nestled in the wilderness, this luxurious retreat offers the perfect setting for creating and enjoying hearty mountain dinners that nourish both body and soul. Here are some delightful dinner recipes perfect for your stay at The Outlier, using the retreat's premium kitchen amenities.

Classic Beef Stew

A classic beef stew is a quintessential hearty mountain dinner. Rich, flavourful, and warming, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy after a day of hiking.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped

- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped

- 2 cups beef broth

- 1 cup red wine

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1 tsp thyme

- 1 tsp rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.

3. Add carrots and potatoes, stirring to combine.

4. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tasmanian Salmon with Herbed Butter

Tasmania is renowned for its fresh, high-quality salmon. This simple yet elegant dish highlights the natural flavours of the salmon, complemented by a rich herbed butter.

Ingredients:

- 4 Tasmanian salmon fillets

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with dill, parsley, and lemon juice.

4. Serve salmon fillets topped with herbed butter and lemon wedges on the side.

Rustic Chicken and Mushroom Pie

A rustic chicken and mushroom pie is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a cozy night in at The Outlier Retreat.

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

- 2 tbsp flour

- 1 cup chicken broth

- 1/2 cup cream

- 1 tsp thyme

- 1 tsp rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

- 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly until thickened.

5. Stir in cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet, mixing well.

6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Cover with puff pastry, trimming any excess and pressing the edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.

Staying at The Outlier Cradle Mountain Retreat offers not only luxurious accommodation but also the perfect setting for creating hearty mountain dinners. These recipes are designed to be both satisfying and nourishing, making your stay even more memorable. Whether you're enjoying a classic beef stew, savoring Tasmanian salmon, indulging in a rustic chicken and mushroom pie, or opting for a vegetarian shepherd’s pie, the fully equipped kitchen at The Outlier provides everything you need for a delightful culinary experience.