One thing I miss about Sydney......

is taking a trip to the fish markets and picking out the plumpest and juiciest big prawns and then coming home and cooking them on the 'barbie' to be served warm and simply with some good sourdough bread, a rocket salad and a dish of aioli to dip them in.....yum....
Shop bought mayo just doesn't work as the secret to success here (sorry to be bossy!) is simplicity but excellent quality ingredients....if the thought of making mayonnaise is terrifying, a good substitute can be whipped up in the processor using egg yolks, lots of garlic, a tsp of salt (it has to be really well seasoned) and dribbling in a bland oil, preferably groundnut, (or light olive oil at a push) whilst the motor is running......voila!!
I was really excited whilst out shopping to find these babies (Madagascan black tiger prawns, apparently) & as it was about 4 degrees outside and not exactly what you would call 'putting a prawn on the barbie' weather, I did the next best thing & put them on a shallow tray, scattered a good amount of garlic, chilli & parsley over them, drizzled with good olive oil and some ciabatta breadcrumbs, gave it all a good mix and into the oven for about 15 mins.....

Hey presto.....

Prawn heaven - every delectable, sweet, salty. garlicky, chilli flecked mouthful......The only thing we were missing was this:

Ah, well.........s