Hundertwasser Toilet, Kawakawa- Bay of Islands - Homemade Mince Pies

There has been an enormous tragedy in New Zealand and our hearts go out to all in Canterbury. Christchurch City has enormous destruction from this mammoth earthquake and every New Zealander here and around the world is really feeling for our compatriots in the South Island.
I have been at home for a week and I was glad I was, so that I could watch this tragedy unfold on television. But after a week it was time for me to go and join my husband on the boat.
While I was away in Auckland he moved from the Whangaroa Harbour to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
A sight for sore eyes. If you have never been to this part of the world. Put it on your Bucket List,

On the drive up I stopped in Kawakawa for a coffee and relief stop. Kawakawa is the home of the famous

Hundertwasser Toilet. We have passed through so many times but seeing as I had the need, I decided to spend my penny there. What an amazing place. read about it here

Then of course after leaving Kawakawa, I reach Kerikeri, wonderful fresh Fruit and Vege at roadside stalls
As I was leaving one of these stalls I heard the cooing of doves and there they were
Wild doves all perched in the tree. Gorgeous

Back on board it's back to cooking and I fancied some French Bread Rolls for lunch
Thanks to Terry Thompson's Cajun Creole Cooking Book, I have a great recipe.
Check it out here
Crunchy crusts and a crumb full of holes.
Stuffed full of of avocado, salami /smoked salmon, cheese and tomato.
Excellent.

Been listening continually to the radio, as we hear the story of the tragedy of Christchurch, our second biggest city here in New Zealand

People have been amazing, including supplying food to the poor people in Canterbury, who have no power, water or sewage. If I was able, I would be making pies to supply those in need.
So I fed us instead. Bit hard to contribute food from a boat in the Bay of Islands.
I thought I should make a basic Grandma style of mince.

Mince and Mushroom Pie 
1 packet Puff Pastry

1 onion finely chopped
250 gms minced beef
Sea salt and Pepper
2 tablespoons Flour
1 cup Beef Stock
Large dash of Worcestshire sauce
Large dash Tomato ketchup

2 tbs Vegetable oil
200 gms mushrooms roughly chopped
Sea salt and Pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 glass red wine

In a pot saute chopped onion
Add minced beef, season with Salt and pepper
Fry till brown
Add flour and stirring, cook it out
Add beef stock, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and simmer till it thickens

Meanwhile in another hot pan add chopped mushrooms
Saute quickly in oil
Season with Salt, pepper and oregano
Add wine and reduce
When reduce add to mince cook for another 5-10 minutes
Cool completely
This mixture should be fairly thick for the pie

Roll out pastry and line tins
Fill with cold mince mixture and bake
till golden brown
Two for dinner tonight - two for tomorrow

I quickly sauteed carrots, courgettes and celery in some butter. Seasoned and then added a little water. Let
simmer till water is absorbed. Tender, tasty and great with a pie. Dale accompanied his with Homemade ketchup. I had mine naked. Both worked.