By Ellen Hill
An exhilarating chill to the air, occasional dusting of snow, the warmth of friends and rich comfort food. Yulefest in the Blue Mountains tugs at Mate Herceg’s European heritage.
He shares it with visitors and locals at Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath, where he is general manager and executive chef.
“Yulefest is a joyous time to be up in the Blue Mountains as the region is full of energy and there’s always great events taking place,” he says.
“I love the European feel of it, plus it’s a time for gathering, eating and catching up with friends. “For me it’s the simple things I love during Winter in the Blue Mountains: a roaring fireplace and some good wine are the perfect solace to cold weather. And I love a bit of snow – who doesn’t?”
Mate, whose heritage is Croatian with many fond memories of baking with his mother, says a rich traditional fruitcake epitomises Yulefest.
“I love a good fruit cake and I think it’s sometimes lost with the younger generation.
“Fruit cakes have a place at any time of year in my opinion, but I think they’re particularly enjoyable during Yulefest. The combination of fruits steeped in rum plus spices such as nutmeg, ground ginger and cinnamon make it feel like a hearty, cosy treat.”
Create your own slice of Yulefest magic with Mate’s rich fruitcake, then post pics of your cake to our Instagram page, @visitbluemountains, #visitbluemountains
FOR MATE'S RECIPE, CLICK HERE
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