Can you imagine going to Queensland and not getting sand between your toes? Mr Surfer Dude would certainly not allow it. But after the Problogger Training Event last weekend on the Gold Coast I travelled inland, rather than heading straight to the beach. And atop an extinct volcano fell in love with the beautiful hinterland and fresh produce of Tamborine Mountain. So I am incredibly excited to bring you a super clever recipe from Tamborine Cooking School, plus notes on new foods and travel tips. It’s the first post in a brand new series from Scoop Nutrition. We will still have our indepth weekly post and roving dietitian reporters out on assignment. But every Friday you will get an added bonus. A little foodie inspiration or magazine style short content. It’s a sneaky read at work or the spark of an idea to launch you into a happy, healthy weekend. 
The old school approach of an honesty box for roadside avocados, rhubarb, garlic, ginger, kiwifruit, mushrooms and more is the first sign that you are in a very special place. And the view from Tamborine Mountain to the sparkling coast is as spectacular as the love for local food. There is foraging to be had in the magnificent National Parks with bush foods like finger limes (above), Warrigal greens, wild macadamias and lemon myrtle. Plus artisan goodies from local vineyards, Witches Chase Cheese Factory, Jimboomba Quail Eggs and the surrounding Scenic Rim Food Bowl. The riches of food spill out like lava once did fertilising the surrounding soil. And that was before we stepped into Chef Terri’s vegetable garden at Tamborine Cooking School. 
A French trained chef Terri easily adapts her classes to special dietary needs, with a twist of good health and recognition of our fast paced lives. Plus she was absolutely delightful to our snap happy bloggers! You’ll love how this recipe uses Gow Gee wrappers as a shortcut for ravioli. And the subtle blend of spinach instead of basil in the pesto that lets the golden macadamias shine through. Grab the full recipe here: Tamborine Cooking School Mushroom Ravioli & Macadamia Pesto. We’ll back on Tamborine Mountain with another foodie file very soon, as there is so much more to share, especially the restaurants on offer. Have you ever been lovelies? What cooking school adventures have you done around the world? Do you like our idea of a foodie Friday?
Emma was an invited guest of Gold Coast and Queensland Tourism and attended the cooking school with a group of food bloggers. Thanks to Southern Cross 4WD Tours for the transport and adventures off track!
