Todays Creation

During the day I was deciding what to cook for tonight's dinner. I had several ideas but as usual my recipe evolved as I begun cooking. The end result this very tasty little dish was born. Quick and simple perfect for those can't be bothered evenings.

4 Garlic cloves

x1 large onion diced

500g Minced Beef

x1 400g Can Chickpeas

x1 Cup Basmati rice

x1 Jar Raguletto Red Wine Pasta Sauce

x3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

x1 Large Lemon Juiced

x2 tbsp fresh / mixed herbs

x1 Bunch flat leaf parsley

1. Spray pan with a little oil, add onion, garlic and mince and cook until mince is browned.

2. Stir in rice cook for 5 minutes.

3. Add chickpeas, lemon juice, herbs, pasta sauce and tomato paste. Bring to the boil reduce the heat to a slow simmer and add 1/4 cup water.

4. Simmer until rice is cooked and tender keeping an eye that it does not dry out. As it becomes dry add a little about 1/4 cup at a time.

5.When cooked remove from heat and add parsley stirring through mix keeping a little for garnish.

6. Plate up meal and serve with crusty bread and sour cream, top with a little left over parsley.

Note: A little crumbled feta on the top would also go well with this dish or served with a simple green salad.

This mixture would also go well in stuffed capsicum's - just make sure you keep a little more moisture in it to prevent drying out and add to the capsicum after step 3 as rest of cooking will take place in the oven.

ENJOY♥

A new take on an Old Game

I have recently acquired an old scrabble board game from our op shop. The one with the wooden tiles. It is all in tact and my husband would like me to keep it that way but I have so many ideas for it's use.

1. I recently seen a child's bedroom that had old game boards randomly placed on one wall as decoration. This looked really effective and I thought the same could be done in an older child's room using Scrabble, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Ludo, Checkers and the like...

2. Try gluing the tiles to heads of push pins this simple little idea will help dress up any notice board and hold your notes in place in style.

3. By adding magnets to the back of each letter you have an alternative to those plastic letters children use on the fridge, I used double sided magnetic strip available from craft shops for about $6.00 for 3 metres.

They also make a lovely gift for friends as fridge magnets eg: Roberts Family. These then could be packaged in a small drawstring bag.

4. Use the wooden Stands & Letters as place setting's for guests at a dinner party you are hosting.

5. The ideas are endless, Use them on cards & gift tags. I plan to make some rings using the letters and some cuff links as well.

I would love to hear your ideas as well. Caroline ♥

Mosaic Monday - Pumpkins

1. Pumpkins, 2. roasted pumpkin seeds..., 3. Patterns on pumpkins, 4. pumpkin celeriac soup Since I spent Friday night cooking with pumpkins I thought I would make this my theme for this week.

One Pumpkin - Three Ways

I was given a lovely home grown pumpkin and decided to use it in a few different recipes. So here they are - one pumpkin cooked three ways.

Pumpkin and Rosemary Loaf

500g Pumpkin, chopped
2 Cups SR Flour
2 Tblsp fresh chopped rosemary
1/4 Cup Polenta
2 Tblsp grated parmesan cheese
2 Tsp salt
1 Cup milk
2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

Cook pumpkin in boiling water 10 - 12mins. until soft.
Drain off water, return to pan and mash (you will need 1 1/3 cups mashed pumpkin.
Preheat oven to 180oC / 160oC, grease a loaf pan.
Sift flour into a large bowl, stir in rosemary, polenta, parmesan, salt.
Make well in middle then add pumpkin and milk, stir until well combined.
Spoon into loaf tin and top with pumpkin seeds.
Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when tapped on.

Lovely served with pesto.

Roasted Pumpkin and Cumin Hummus

500g Pumpkin. peeled, seeded and cut into 3cm pieces
Olive oil spray
400g Can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove crushed
1 Tbsp ground cumin
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
Fresh parsley to serve

Preheat oven to 200oC / 180oC and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place pumpkin on tray in a single layer, spray with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 30mins. or until tender, set aside and cool.
Process pumpkin, chick peas, garlic and cumin in a food processor until smooth. Add lemon juice and process until well combined. With the motor running add the oil in a steady stream until smooth (if seems a little dry add a little more oil). Transfer to serving dish.

Note: If storing in fridge or freezer place a thin layer of oil over the top to stop drying out.

I think sweet potato would work really well instead of pumpkin

Pumpkin Soup

1kg Pumpkin, seeded, chopped 40ml olive oil 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped 3 Cups chicken stock Tsp mild paprika 1Tsp cummin 1/2 Tsp turmeric 1/2 Tsp ground coriander 1/2tsp ground nutmeg

Place pumpkin on a roasting tray with baking paper, lightly spray with oil and roast for 30 -45 minutes until soft.

Heat oil in saucepan, add onion, carrots and cook for 5mins. on a medium heat until softened.

Add pumpkin, stock, spices and seasoning. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool slightly and then blend soup in batches. Return to the pan and stir through creme fraiche or cream then gently reheat.

Note: Soup can be frozen but leave out creme friache or cream, add when reheating and serving.

ENJOY♥

Jelly Beans This Easter

In a previous post I wanted to find some Easter Crafts that talk more about Jesus and less about bunnies and eggs. So here is what I have come up with "JELLY BEANS".

This Easter I plan to give a jar filled with jelly beans each a reinder of the Bibles Story.

Green is for creations story
Purple is for the King of Glory
Black is for the sins we have made

Red is for the price He paid
White is for the grace He gave
Yellow is for the Son of light
Orange is for Heaven bright
Pink is for new life in Him
A reminder this Easter a story to share
of Jesus the Saviour and the Cross he did bear

The back of the card has the words above on it and I have designed it so it can be used as a
bookmark.

Mosaic Monday - Carvings

Wood Carving 2, 2. Wood carving, 3. 282/365 - Wood art, 4. wood carving

Begining the winter stockpile

Tonight my kitchen is filled with the aroma of minestrone soup cooking away of the stove. Time to start my winter stockpile and fill that new freezer I got last weekend.

Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
250g diced bacon
3 litres Beef stock
2x 400g Tins chopped tomatoes
1x 400g Tin tomato puree
1x 400g Tin 4 bean mix
3 large Carrots diced
3 sticks of celery sliced
1 zucchini sliced
2 cup frozen beans
3 large potatoes diced
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
½ cup angel hair pasta
Garlic to taste
Italian herbs to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
1. Brown bacon in pan set aside
2. Place all ingredients in saucepan (except paste) and bring to the boil then reduce to a steady simmer for about 45minutes.
3.Add pasta and cook for a further 15mins until just tender

Minestrone can be served as a meal on its own with the addition of some delicious crusty bread, garlic bread or a cheese toastie on the side.

You can vary the vegetables you use, I like to look in my fridge and see what needs to be used up and include.

ENJOY♥

Todays Pondering

“I declare today a season of letting go of what could have been and taking hold of what is”… Me.

Holding on to the what could have been only holds us back form experiencing the what is to it's full. It's time for another clean out of things I have been holding on to for the what could have been but is not. I want to experience the what is without the constant pulling back to the what could have been and is not... Moving on and moving up...

Barbie vs Sindy

Growing up in Scotland in the mid 1970's Sindy was more popular than Barbie... So I never had a Barbie doll but I sure did have Sindy (jut like the one above) and we used to play together for hours. My collection (that I recall) consisted of Sindy Doll, Bedroom Set, Sofa & Arm Chairs, Some Kitchen pieces, lots of clothes and of course Sindy's Horse. My Sindy never had a Ken she prefered men in uniform and used to hang out with my brothers Action Man.

Mosaic Monday - Labour day holiday

Today is a public holiday here in Victoria, Australia.. Labour day holiday always reminds me of picnic's so todays theme is just that, even though unlike most I still have to work.


1. Cheese plate lunch, 2. A Friday on the Grass, 3. Bread Spread, 4. picnic basket

More Potting and Some Pizza

First project for the morning - a trip to Bunnings to buy some herbs and a pot to create a wee herb garden... As we live in a unit with only a courtyard anything else is out of the question. I found this lovely little Barrel and decided it was perfect - I have potted some Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Italian Parsley, Mint and Basil... I am not much of a green thumb so hope they all survive.

In addition to the herb pot I have planted some bulbs Daffodils, Red Hyacinths and Triteleia or Spring Star so fingers crossed. These remind me of Easter in Scotland there was always Daffodils, Hyacinths and Crocus growing in a piece of land that was on the way to my School.

Tonight was home made pizza night ... One meat Lovers and One Antipasto

Ingredients

Pitta breads

Tomato Paste

Ricotta Cheese]

Various cured meats, salami, prosciutto, chorizo etc.

Olives, Sun dried tomatoes

Marinated Mushrooms, Artichokes, Eggplant, Peppers

Shaved Zucchini

Baby Bocconcini Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

To make

Base for both Pizza's - Pitta Bread

Spread with Tomato Paste then Ricotta

Pizza One

Mozzarella followed by various cured meats as above

Pizza Two

Olives, Sun dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms, artichokes, Eggplant, Pepper and Zucchini

Baby Bocconcini and Mozzarella

Bake in oven at 180oC until golden and base is crisp

The little girl in me

Tonight I have been looking at Easter Crafts for some Inspiration...

I came across this stunning little Easter Basket by Betz White http://blog.betzwhite.com/

This one appeals to the little girl in me...

It is just the sort of thing that I would have run around with as a little girl.

I am not much of a sewer but loved this so much that I wanted to share the link with you.

Click on this link for tutorial Girls Spring Mini Tote - tutorial

Sticky Pork and Asian Stir-fried Vegetables

Tonight's Dinner -Sticky Pork Fillets (serves four)

Ingredients

2 450 - 500g pork fillets

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)

Preheat oven to 200oC.

Lin tray with baking paper

Coat pork with honey

Combine spice and seasoning sprinkle over pork fillets

Bake pork in pr heated oven for 35 - 45mins

To serve cut pork diagonally into 1cm thick slices and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds

Asian Greens (serves four)

Ingredients

1 medium zucchini cut into strips 5sm long

3 bok choy chopped

1 medium red pepper sliced into strips

2tsp olive oil

1tsp sesame oil

1tbsp soy sauce

1tbsp oyster sauce

Heat oil in wok, add garlic and Cook for I min

Add vegetables toss in the oil for 1min until bok choy starts to wilt

Add sesame oil, soy sauce and oyster sauce toss for 1min

Serve

ENJOY♥

Flippin Pancakes

Today is Shrove Tuesday (sometimes known as pancake Tuesday).. I wonder how many people know the significance of the day or is it just, maple syrup, lemon and sugar or as one young girl said today ice-cream and sprinkles.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before the start of Lent known itself as Ash Wednesday...

Ash Wednesday gets it's name form placing ash on ones forehead as a sign of repentance...

Lent is the time leading up to Easter a time of fasting and praying and preparing onself for the commemoration of Christ's Death and Resurrection...

A time of making a sacrifice, people usually will give up something for the period of Lent. Lent will last 40 days ( a significant biblical number ).

The word Shrove or Shrive referes to obtaining absolution for one's sins by confession and penance.

So why pancakes??

The pancakes represent that last indulgence before the start of Lent.. Some say that the ingredients in the pancakes are forbidden during Lent!

So here is my pancake recipe given to me years ago by a friend who got it from another friend..

1 Cup S/R Flour

Pinch Salt

2 Tbsp Castor Sugar

1 Egg

Milk

sift together dry ingredients

make well in center and break in egg, mix slightly

add milk for required consistency

cook in greased pan

Serve with what ever takes your fancy...

This is a great recipe base to add or subtract. I have used for both sweet and savory...

ENJOY♥

Pottering and Potting

Rob is on shift tonight so I have decided to potter and pot.

Stopped off on the way home at K-Mart and I picked up some potting mix for my plants that I purchased last Friday. I was given another bag of lemons so I purchased an Electric Squeezer - I know... I know... SLACK I hear you say. But with so little time and the desire to make ... make ... make ... I thought it was worth it. I bought a funnel as I had to improvise last time I made cordial in addition few Items for the bathroom that are long overdue, a shower caddy and waste bin.

Next I dropped into the butcher for some Inspiration .... the butcher started apologizing for the cost of the meat and the fact I got s little for my money… Funny thing for him to do I thought!
Was annoyed though when I filled up my car it cost about $9.00 more than usual…

Have not potted the Geranium as they suggested I wait until they form some more roots so - soon I hope and some herbs as well.

Well time to pot and potter ♥

Tally-Ho Facts about Australia

I found these Aussie facts on packets of Tally-Ho papers....
Thought I would post them for a bit of fun...

Have a go at pronouncing the last one - good luck...

1. The Great Ocean Road was built by men who served in World War 1

2. The "dingo fence" in Australia is the longest fence in the world and is about twice as long as the Great Wall of China

3. The average Australian will consume half a tone of cheese, eight tones of fruit and ten tones of vegetables

4. There are more than two Kangaroos for every person in Australia

5. Australia has the greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species

6. Australia's coastline stretches almost 50,000 kilometers

7. Mamungkukumpuragkuntjunya Hill is the longest place name in Australia

Recycled Treasure

I worked at our Op Shop on Saturday and came home with two treasures. The first being a Maire Brennan Cd - whisper to the wild water for $1.00... The second was this little pin board somewhat boring for $2.00. What captured my eye was the glass section at the top (almost like a photo frame).. So I decided to give it a makeover.. The beauty is if i get bored I can change it again..

-Before-

-After -

I just need to add some letters - "To Do"- and a new wire on the back to hang it up with.. I used the left over paper from my last project. In all I have a new pin board for about $3.00 - not bad.

Mosaic Monday - Autumn

1. Autum Leafs, 2. Umbrella Fever, 3. Clumber Park plant pots, 4. The Wood Pile

Words of Encouragement

Tonight I have been working on my 2nd pay it forward gift for 2011...

I have made this little word of encouragement book and it's being sent a long way..

To make it required

10 Bazil sheets (scrapbook card) 15cm L x 10c W (I used deep red & fawn)

I sheet of scrap-booking paper to contrast cut to various lengths all 10c W

Bostik blue stick

Stick on pearls by Kaiser Craft

Ribbon

Buckle

Rub on quotes

I used one red & one fawn sheet stuck together back to back

I decorated the front page with pearls, paper, ribbon & buckle

Each page included paper and rub on phrase

Lastly I punched two holes and threaded with ribbon

This makes a lovely little gift to encourage a special friend

A day for me followed by dinner for two - make that one!

9am - I have today off work (Yeh!) and after a busy week and feeling a bit run down (head cold) decided I was going to have a “ME DAY”… So I plan to do some shopping, treat myself to lunch out somewhere and then I thought I would cook Rob & I a lovely dinner. Inspired by watching the Movie Julie & Julia and the somewhat colder days setting in I thought maybe Beef Bourguignon. So I searched some recipes and decided on one to cook. Then as Rob was about to leave for work this morning he reminded me (for the first time) that he was on shift tonight and would not be home. Beef Bourguignon for two has become Beef Bourguignon for one…. Oh well Bon Appetite.

4.30pm - Well what a day I have had, nothing planned just took it as it came. Firstly I headed to Belmont for a little window shopping. Okay Yes - I did make a purchase this stunning Elk Brooch. I then bumped into Helen whom I have worked with on and off over the years, she was also having a "ME DAY" so we decided coffee and cake together was a good idea at CBD (Coffee by design) and I could not resist a lemon citrus tart (my favourite). On returning to the car I met Anna the most gentle spirited woman I have ever met so a chat with her brightened up my already lovely morning even more.

Next stop was Spotlight, I decided some craft projects were on the agenda so I went looking for some inspiration. Here is what I bought.

1st Picture - second pay it forward on it's way... 2nd Picture Inspired by my friend Kath...

I headed over to Whittington to our Op Shop to say hello to the ladies and gentlemen who were on shift. Then after a lovely Chat dropped in to see my mum and ask if she would like to go for lunch at Fig and Hoe, a lovely little tea room and gift shop in the Wombat Gully plant nursery.

We had a browse in the shop followed by some lunch, a lovely pumpkin and feta quiche with Chutney. Next a wander around the nursery and a few purchases to put in pots in our courtyard.

A Winter Lace Lavender plant, some old fashioned red Geranium Plants (they remind me of a dear old auntie) and some Blue Marguerite.

On the way home I stopped off at Waurn Ponds shopping village where I bumped into Karen & Seth. This dear little boy who is 2 1/2 and has the cutest smile and biggest eyes was born with a kidney problem and has been in an out of hospital since birth. He is so placid and loves to give cuddles and Hi 5's. Thanks for my cuddle Seth ♥. Finally I stopped off at Safeway to purchase the ingredients for my Beef Bourguignon.

All in all a lovely day indeed... Now for some cooking.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Olive oil

750g Gravy beef (trim & cut into cubes / 3cm)

8 Eschalots, peeled

2 Fresh cloves of garlic, crushed

4 lean middle bacon rashers, trimmed & chopped

200g Small button mushrooms

2 Medium Carrots, peeled halved and sliced

2tbsp plain flour

2 Cups red wine

1 cup beef stock

1 bouquet garni

Method

Preheat your oven to 180oC or 160oC for fan forced.

Heat 1tbsp oil in a large, heavy based (oven & flameproof) casserole dish over a medium heat.

Cook beef in batches until browned 5-6 mins then transfer to a bowl.

Heat remaining oil in dish, add eschalots, garlic, bacon, mushrooms & carrot. Cook for 5minutes or until eschalots begin to soften.

Return beef to the dish, add flour and cook stirring for 1min.

Sir in wine, stock and bouquet garni.

Cover with lid, bring to the boil then transfer to oven and bale for 2hours or until beef is tender.

Remove from oven and discard bouquet garni.

Serve with your favourite mash.

ENJOY♥