Autumn Aromas: Savoring Autumn Black Tea and New Zealand Lamb Shank in The Catlins

Imagine a place where the crisp autumn air fills your lungs, where the golden hues of the season paint the landscape with an artist's brush. Welcome to The Catlins, a hidden gem in the South Island of New Zealand, where nature whispers secrets of serenity and time seems to slow down. In this tranquil haven, we invite you to indulge in a culinary journey that marries the robust flavours of Autumn Black tea with the succulent tenderness of a New Zealand Lamb Shank, each ingredient and sip reflecting the quiet beauty of The Catlins in autumn.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills, dense native forests, and rugged coastline, The Catlins offers an escape. It's a place where the natural world reigns supreme, where the whispers of the wind and the songs of the birds compose a melody of peace and contemplation. As the leaves turn and the air grows more relaxed, there's no better setting to embrace the comforting warmth of a cup of Autumn Black tea, its rich, full-bodied flavours a perfect companion to the region's untouched beauty.

The culinary pairing we present is not just a meal; it's an experience. Slow-cooked with rosemary and thyme, the New Zealand Lamb Shank brings flavours as deep and rich as The Catlins' story. When paired with the spiced and aromatic Autumn Black tea, each bite and sip celebrates the season, a moment to savour the harmony between land, sea, and sky.

So, let us take you on a journey to The Catlins, where the magic of autumn comes alive in every cup and every plate. Ready your senses for a cosy culinary retreat that promises nourishment for the body and solace for the soul. Welcome to our autumn escape, where the beauty of The Catlins and the allure of Autumn Black tea intertwine to create an experience that's as unforgettable as it is serene.

Delving into Autumn Black Tea 

Autumn Black Tea, a blend that captures the very essence of the season, is a symphony of flavours crafted to warm the heart and soothe the spirit. This tea, with its rich, malty undertones and hints of spice, is a tribute to the season of transformation. Each sip is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cosy blanket, making it the perfect companion for The Catlins' crisp, cool autumn days.

The tea's robust profile comes from the carefully selected Assam tea leaves, known for their deep, rich flavours. When these leaves are blended with the subtle sweetness of cinnamon and the nutty richness of almonds, the result is a cup of tea that is both comforting and refreshing. Vanilla adds a smooth, creamy luxury layer, turning each cup into indulgent relaxation.

But Autumn Black Tea is more than just a delight for the senses. It's a ritual, a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe in the changing season's beauty. As the leaves of The Catlins' forests turn from green to brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red, this tea mirrors nature's palette, a celebration of the cycle of life and the fleeting beauty of autumn.

So, as you venture through the serene landscapes of The Catlins, let Autumn Black Tea be your companion. Let it warm your hands, delight your palate, and remind you of the season's simple joys. It's not just a tea; it's an experience, a way to connect with the rhythm of nature and embrace the quiet beauty of autumn in one of New Zealand's most picturesque regions.

Culinary Highlight: New Zealand Lamb Shank with Rosemary and Thyme Recipe 

In the heart of The Catlins, where the natural world offers a retreat from the hustle of daily life, the New Zealand Lamb Shank emerges as a culinary symbol of comfort and heartiness. This recipe, infused with the earthy tones of rosemary and thyme, is a tribute to the simple yet profound pleasures of a meal prepared with care and savoured with appreciation.

Ingredients:

• 4 New Zealand Lamb Shanks
• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• Four cloves garlic, minced
• One large onion, finely chopped
• Two carrots diced
• Two stalks of celery, diced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
• Two tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Two tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). In a large ovenproof dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the dish until they are browned on all sides. Remove the shanks and set them aside.
2. Add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery to the same dish. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the dish to release any bits stuck to it. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half.
4. Return the lamb shanks to the dish. Add the beef or chicken stock, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover the dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
6. Carefully remove the lamb shanks from the dish. Strain the cooking liquid and serve it as a sauce alongside the lamb.

As the lamb slowly cooks, its flavours deepen and mingle with the herbs, creating a comforting and profoundly satisfying dish. The rich, savoury aroma of the lamb, paired with the earthy notes of rosemary and thyme, makes a sensory experience that complements The Catlins' natural beauty and tranquillity.

Serving this dish with a cup of Autumn Black tea adds a layer of warmth and spice, making the meal a celebration of autumn's bounty. The robust flavours of the tea, combined with the succulent, herb-infused lamb, create a grounding and uplifting pairing, a true reflection of The Catlins' peaceful and refreshing spirit.

Exploring The Catlins: A Natural Haven 

The Catlins, a hidden jewel in the South Island of New Zealand, is a haven where nature's artistry is displayed in full splendour. With its rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests, this region invites visitors to step into a world where the beauty of the untamed wilderness reigns supreme.

In autumn, The Catlins transforms into a palette of warm colours. The forests are adorned with shades of gold, amber, and crimson, each leaf telling a life cycle story. The crisp air and the gentle rustling of the leaves create a symphony that resonates with the soul, urging one to pause and embrace the serenity that envelops this magical place.

The Catlins is not just a feast for the eyes; it's an adventure waiting to be explored. The region offers a plethora of experiences for nature enthusiasts. You can witness the majestic Purakaunui Falls, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush native bush, creating a spectacle that captures the essence of The Catlins' natural beauty. For those drawn to the sea, the Nugget Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast ocean, where the horizon stretches infinitely, merging sky and sea.

In this setting, the pairing of Autumn Black tea and the New Zealand Lamb Shank finds its perfect backdrop. The Catlins, with its tranquil beauty and untouched landscapes, complements the warmth and richness of the meal. The act of savouring the lamb shank, slow-cooked with care and infused with aromatic herbs, becomes a homage to the slow-paced, contemplative life that The Catlins inspires. The tea's robust flavours and comforting warmth reflect the region's raw, natural beauty.

As you explore The Catlins, each step is an invitation to connect with the earth, to listen to the stories whispered by the wind, and to lose yourself in the embrace of nature. It's a place where time slows down, allowing you to savour each moment, each flavour, and each breathtaking view. In The Catlins, you're not just a visitor; you're a part of the landscape, a participant in the symphony of nature, creating memories that, like autumn leaves, will be treasured forever.

Embracing The Catlins' Autumn Embrace 

In the heart of The Catlins, as the autumn leaves gently fall and the landscape whispers tales of timeless beauty, the experience of pairing Autumn Black tea with a succulent New Zealand Lamb Shank reaches its crescendo. This is not just a culinary journey; it's a celebration of the season, a deep connection with the land, and an embrace of the tranquil beauty only The Catlins can offer.

As you reflect on the moments spent savouring each flavour and basking in the serene vistas, it becomes evident that The Catlins is more than a destination; it's a feeling, a state of being. The rich, spiced notes of the tea and the tender, herb-infused lamb are not just parts of a meal but integral elements of an autumnal rhapsody played out in the most picturesque of settings.

So, let the memories of this experience linger like the subtle aftertaste of a fine tea. Let them inspire you to seek beauty in the simple things, to find harmony in nature's rhythm, and to appreciate the art of savouring moments. In The Catlins, every leaf tells a story, every breeze sings a song, and every cup of tea is an invitation to embrace the quiet splendour of life.

We invite you to share your stories of autumn indulgence, explorations of The Catlins, or experiences with our Autumn Black tea and New Zealand Lamb Shank. Let's celebrate the beauty of this season together, one story, one cup, and one plate at a time.