You will need:

• Yourself, friends and/or family
• Your MPT tour guide and private vehicle
• Your highly regarded local chef
• The breathtaking setting of the Mornington Peninsula
• Willingness to have a “hands on” cooking experience

Method:

1. Place yourself (with friends or family) alongside a ripe, seasoned tour guide in your private, comfortable vehicle.

2. Stir slowly along the exceptionally scenic coastal drive south of Melbourne.

3. Lower the heat at the gothic style Heronswood Estate adding a stroll through acres of stunning gardens and a delectable morning tea.  Take time to let the flavours infuse.

4. As your experience begins to simmer, releasing the aromas and desired consistency, be sure to take note of your heightened senses as you observe panoramic views of the city, bay and peninsula.

5. Collect local ingredients from a variety of artisan producers.  Visit cheese makers, berry farms, olive groves , orchards, hydroponic vegetable farms, chocolate makers and fishermen.

6.  Meet the faces behind these places and discuss processes and techniques. Press olives and learn about olive oil production; hand pick berries; experience the world of mussel farming, go behind the scenes at a bakery, meet a herd of goats and taste fresh goats cheese made that day. You’re truly becoming a world class foodie in the making.

7 .You now have the four elements required to produce a magnificent cooking experience: knowledge, local ingredients, relaxed hosts and a beautiful setting. It’s time to get your hands dirty.  Combine all elements in your mixing bowl and what happens next is in your hands.

8. With a local, cool-climate wine in hand, feast on your hard work, and reflect on the delights of the Mornington Peninsula, the produce you’ve discovered and the local people you’ve met.