Japan

There are few wonders in the world, at least in my humble experience, which compare to the splendour of the Japanese Alps. There are also few cultures in the world with such universal and uncompromising attention to detail as the Japanes

e one, whose deeply entrenched punctiliousness made it an economic giant and a nonpareil within the artistic and gastronomic circles.

Thus, was only fitting that us two economic refugees should seek refuge (as refugees do) in Hakuba, Japan, where the lakes and rivers are a rich emerald green, the snowfall is heavy yet gathers as light a feather, and everywhere you turn the beauty of the snow-capped mountains holds your breath captive.

Come spring time, the snow melts, giving way to a variegated valley of white, pink, yellow and green, as the cherry blossoms make their way through the islands of Japan. This much-revered flowering season unfurls from the south, passing through the ancient capital city, Kyoto, then Nagano and its highlands, as it quests further northward.

So with a little Wong sister in tow, visiting friends and family, and fellow refugees, the Hedleys spent six languid months in the valley of the White Horse.

A recipe to warm the cockles of you soul on a cold winter's day....

Daphne's Beef Stew

serves 4

1kg beef shin, diced

Butter

1/2 brown onion sliced

handful mushrooms

2 eschalots

2 cloves garlic

2 rashers of bacon

2 Large potatoes

2 carrots

1* 400gm tinned tomatoes

500gm beef stock

200 ml red wine

1 tblspn raw sugar

1 tblspn dijon mustard (optional)

splash of vinegar

5 cloves

10 black pepper corns

1 sprig rosemary

2 sprigs thyme

2 bay leaves

DIRECTIONS

Brown beef and set aside. Fry bacon, Saute onions and herbs, then return beef to dutch oven. add remaining ingredients and pop into oven at 230 degrees for 1- 1.5 hours. Add mushrooms towards the end.