Clean eating (and french toast recipe)

For some time now I have been dabbling in the whole clean eating thing.  To me it just sounds so good.  I Love the whole idea of not eating processed foods, sugary foods and fatty foods.

The whole idea behind eating 'clean' is just that...foods that are fresh, healthy, tastey and CLEAN.  The less ingredients your food has, the closer it is to its natural state is the way I want me and my family to eat.

Also, Ive never been one to label read...but Im learning.  The reason Ive never really been a label reader is because Ive never really understood what it all says entirely.
The beauty with clean eating is that if there is somthing on the label I dont understand, cant say or has numbers...ditch it!

Usually good food has normal, naturally grown ingredients.

Also, Im a shocker for calorie counting...yep, Ill admit it.  Ive always hated "dieting" and hate that you need to deprive yourself.

I love food and I think that everyone should have a good relationship with it.  Its our fuel.  What we eat REALLY is what we are.  Im such a believer in this!!

With my family having several health problems I decided that I would look into the whole clean eating way.
 None of us have ever been diagnosed with any food allergies or intolerances however the more i read about food and additives etc I firmly believe that food contributes heavily on our moods, emotions, energy levels, headaches, body aches and general funtioning of our day to day life.  Obviouse, I know but it took me a while to fully 'get it'.

My son tends to get very Hyper.  He has also been diagnosed with severe dust mite allergy.  He also suffers with asthma.  He also wasnt sleeping due to all this which I think then contributed to the hyper.  I realised that although we had to get the dust under control...I thought I would also try food elimination to see if it made any difference.
I cut sugar (replaced it with natural alternative such as as coconut palm sugar, xylotol and agave) cut back wheat and dairy (replaced with almond milk and with the exception of Natural greek yoghurt) and started usuing alot of healthier alternatives to most foods.
  For example cooking air popped popcorn instead of buying the rubbishy packet ones in the super market. (just pop a handful of kernals in a brown lunch bag, place in the microwave for 2.5 mins, spinkle lightly with celtic sea salt...done!)

I noticed after 2 weeks of this way of eating his allergies settled down, he was sleeping and he was so calm and happy.

After the 2 weeks I let he and his sister get macdonalds as a treat.  Within 1 hour he had headaches, felt sick and slept all afternoon.

My point has been made!  I need no more convincing.

My daughter very simular.  Although she doesnt suffer from the allergy side of things she is an extreemly emotional child.  Cries at the drop of a hat and cant controll herself.
After 2 weeks...I noticed improvements.

Now, with my husband its kind of a different story.  He has stomach ulcers.  He seems to have a sensitive stomach so I have had to be carefull with foods in general anyway. 

Again, I cut back all the dairy, wheat, sugar processed crap. 
I made sure I sent my hubby to work with a proper healthy protien filled morning snack, a healthy clean, protein filled lunch and again another afternoon tea that was healthy and clean.

He too has been noticing more energy, less lethargy and honestly...he just looks better in his skin, eyes, hair and also moods (hehe...dont tell him though)

As for myself...well I also suffer with allergies, asthma, sleeplessness, chronic tiredness (contradiction...I know, but its true) Ive also had chronic adrenal fatigue, depression blah, blah, blah...

Anyway, along with a load of other things (natropath, acupuncture, vitamins etc) I have found that eating, food, lifestyle exercise has really played a huge role in helping me feel better.

Although Im not 100% Ive come so, so far. 
Honestly, food CAN be used as medicine.  I used to be a little scepticle and thought yeah ...too hard.  Even though I knew it to be true it was always a bit hard to 'change' a lifestyle.

Ive never been a bad eater, big (alcahol) drinker and Ive always like to keep fit.  But I wasnt educated!!  What I thought was right in fact wasnt...well, I was on the right track but not hitting the mark.
Web sites such as www.sarahwilson.com.au have been kept in my favorites for super quick reference. 
Im not wanting to be a super waif super model with abs of steel, however I do want to be a 'fun' mum with loads of energy, happy and take pride in myself...to look AND feel great!!  I want shiny hair, good skin and nails, bright eyes and healthy weight...with energy to match.  I dont want to be depressed and miserable...which food CAN do!
 I want my kids and husband to be proud of me but most of all I want to feel happy within myself...which Im getting there.

Dont get me wrong.  My kids are still kids.  And unfortunalty have a sweet tooth. I still let my kids have chocolate on occation and let them go to parties...BUT in each and everyday at home we eat well balanced, healthy CLEAN, unprocessed foods.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks I strive to eat clean.


With that in mind...I would like to share what I made for my family this morning...

Clean French Toast...
Soak gluten free or sour dough bread in egg whites till soaked through.  Then fry you bread in coconut oil (which is very, very healthy) untill golden brown on each side.

Once cooked top with natural greek yoghurt, berries, goji berries, chia seeds and agave...sooooooo YUM!

 

 

One thing I want my kids to know is that you dont have to sit down to a plate of mung beans to be healthy...you can still have your sweet, savory, snacks, dips, burgers all that kids love but made with a healthy alternative...They too are getting it and I love that.  My kids Love to eat healthy and they do eat most of what I give them...high 5's to them!!

The benifits of coconut oil!

 About three weeks ago i caught up with a friend I hadnt seen in a while.  I noticed her skin was so super soft and silky.  So much so I had to comment on it.

She mentioned to me that she has just started using 'organic coconut oil' the cooking kind, lol.
I was like "wha...really?!"  she told me that it is such amazing stuff.  She uses it all over her body as well as her face.  She even told me she puts a handful in her hair at night and then washes it out the next morning...excellent hair treatment.

Im so glad she told me.

Well...I had to find out more!  So, I googled the stuff!  WOW, WOW, WOW!!
It really is amazing!  It does SOOO MUCH!
Today I purchased a one kilo bottle and already Ive slathered it onto my body, wiped it through my hair as well as swollowed a spoonful.

As time passes I'll let you know how it goes.

I found some info on this website here...www.organicbuenosaires.com that I would love to share with you on the amazing benifits...

Use Coconut Oil as a Body Lotion, Beauty Treatment or for Personal Hygiene

1. Age Spots: Apply coconut oil directly to help age spots fade.
2. After Shave: Coconut oil will help heal the skin and is great for razor burn.
3. Baldness: Apply coconut oil three times a day to hair loss areas to support cell regeneration.
4. Birth Marks: Coconut oil will help with healing after laser removal or after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help the fading process.
5. Body Scrub: Mix coconut oil with sugar, rub all over your body and rinse off.
6. Bruises: Coconut oil helps reduce swelling and redness when applied directly to the bruise.
7. Bug Bites: Apply coconut oil directly to stop itchiness and burning and speed up healing.
8. Burns: May help with healing and reduce permanent scarring.
9. Chapstick: Rub a little bit onto lips. Also contains SPF of about 4.
10. Cradle Cap: Rub a teaspoon of coconut oil onto baby’s scalp daily to help eliminate cradle cap.
11. Dandruff: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm coconut oil on the scalp before showering, preferably the night before, covering your head with a shower cap so you don’t stain your sheets.
12. Deodorant: Check out our natural coconut deodorant recipe.
13. Diaper Rash
14. Exfoliater: Mix coconut oil with sugar or sea salt and use all over your body.
15. Eye Cream: Apply coconut oil under eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles.
16. Face Wash or Soap: Mix one teaspoon each of coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil. Wet face, rub oil in and leave for two minutes, rinse and pat dry.
17. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment: Coconut oil makes a great leave-in hair conditioner. Use about a teaspoon starting from the ends of your hair or from the scalp for a deeper treatment and leave on overnight.
18. Hair Gel/Defrizzer: Rub a little bit of coconut oil between palms and scrunch into hair for curly hair or finger comb for wavy or straight hair.
19. Healing: Apply to scrapes and cuts to protect the wound from dust, bacteria and viruses.
20. Lubricant: Very safe personal lubricant but not to be used with latex.
21. Makeup Remover: Remove with cotton bud dabbed with coconut oil.
22. Massage Oil
23. Moisturizer: Can be used all over the body, neck and face.
24. Mole Remover: Apply after apple cider vinegar compress over several weeks.
25. Nipple Cream: For cracked, sore or dry nipples. Can apply coconut oil to cotton ball and leave in bra between breastfeeds.
26. Oily Skin: Apply a pea sized amount of coconut oil underneath makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil.
27. Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Great to use on scalp and hair before shampooing. Find out more here.
28. Pre-Shave: Apply coconut oil before shaving.
29. Skin Problems: Coconut oil is great for psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.
30. Stretch Marks: Coconut oil will help prevent and reduce stretch marks.
31. Sunburn: Rub coconut oil on affected area.
32. Sunscreen: Coconut oil contains SPF 4 and may be used as a sunscreen by people with dark skin.
33. Swimmers Ear: Mix coconut oil with garlic oil and apply a few drops in the affected ear for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day for one or two days.
34. Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer: Coconut oil can help with healing, prevent infection and stop the pigment from fading when used over a long time.
35. Toothpaste: One recipe you can use is mixing coconut oil and baking soda together and dabbing a little onto the toothbrush.
36. Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer: Apply coconut oil directly to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Apply Coconut Oil Topically for Health Problems

37. Acne
38. Allergies/Hay Fever: Rub inside the nostrils for quick relief.
39. Athlete’s Foot
40. Back Pain/Sore Muscles
41. Canker Sores
42. Cellulite
43. Circumcision Healing
44. Decongestant: Rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose for cold or allergies.
45. Ear Infection: Put a few drops of coconut oil inside the ear twice a day for pain relief and to fight the infection.
46. Genital Warts: Topical application for 6 weeks combined with coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location.
47. Gum Disease and Gingivitis: Use coconut oil as toothpaste or rub directly onto gums.
48. Head Lice: Use coconut oil to remove lice after an apple cider vinegar treatment.
49. Herpes: You can apply coconut oil topically and take internally.
50. Hives: Use coconut oil to reduce itch and swelling.
51. Nausea: Rub coconut oil on the inside of the wrist and forearm for upset stomach.
52. Nose Bleeds: Coat your fingers in coconut oil, lie down and put your fingers inside your nose.
53. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Apply coconut oil around and in the eye.
54. Ringworm
55. Toothache
56. Warts, Boils and Cysts

Consume Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness

57. Breastfeeding: Mums can consume 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil per day to enrich the milk supply.
58. Bones and Teeth: Coconut oil helps you absorb calcium and magnesium.
59. Digestion: The natural saturated fats in coconut oil are great for controlling parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and digestion-related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. It also helps absorb vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
60. Energy Boost: Coconut oil boosts energy and endurance and is great for athletes and those in need of a quick pick-me-up.
61. Fitness: Coconut oil stimulates the metabolism, improves thyroid function, and boosts energy levels.
62. Insulin Secretion and Blood Glucose Utilization: This makes coconut oil great for both diabetics and non-diabetics.
63. Lung Function: Coconut oil increases fluidity of cell surfaces.
64. Vitamin and Nutrient Absorption
65. Weight Loss: The saturated fats in coconut oil control cravings and increase metabolism.

Consume Coconut Oil for Health Problems

66. Acid Reflux/Indigestion: Take coconut oil after a meal.
67. Adrenal Fatigue
68. Allergies/Hay Fever
69. Alzheimer’s/Dementia
70. Asthma
71. Autism
72. Bowel Function
73. Bronchial Infections
74. Cancer: Coconut oil has been proven to prevent colon and breast cancer.
75. Candida Albicans
76. Cholesterol
77. Chronic Fatigue
78. Crohn’s Disease and Inflammation
79. Circulation
80. Cold and Flu
81. Constipation
82. Cystic Fibrosis
83. Depression
84. Diabetes: Coconut oil helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
85. Dysentery
86. Eczema
87. Edema
88. Energy boost
89. Epilepsy: Coconut oil has been found to reduce epileptic seizures.
90. Fever Support
91. Flaky, Dry Skin
92. Gallbladder Disease and Pain
93. Gas
94. H. pylori
95. Head Lice
96. Heart Disease: Coconut oil protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis.
97. Haemorrhoids: Apply coconut oil externally or internally twice a day.
98. HIV
99. Hot Flashes
100. Hyperthyroidism
101. Immune System Builder
102. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
103. Jaundice
104. Kidney Disease
105. Kidney Stones: Coconut oil helps dissolve kidney stones
106. Liver Disease
107. Lung Disease
108. Malnutrition
109. Mental Clarity
110. Menstruation Pain and Cramps and Heavy Flow
111. Migraines: Use coconut oil regularly to help prevent migraines.
112. Mononucleosis
113. Osteoporosis
114. Pancreatitis
115. Parasites
116. Periodontal Disease and Tooth Decay
117. Prostate Enlargement
118. Rickets
119. Skin Problems
120. Scurvy
121. Stomach Ulcers
123. Toenail Fungus
124. Thrush
125. Thyroid Function: Coconut oil can help regulate an overactive or underactive thyroid.
126. Ulcerative Colitis
127. Urinary Tract Infections

Coconut Oil Can Help Pets Too

128. Allergic Reactions
129. Arthritis or Ligament Problems
130. Bad Breath in Dogs
131. Cuts, Wounds, Hot Spots, Dry Skin and Hair, Bites and Stings: Apply coconut oil topically.
132. Diabetes
133. Digestive Disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome and Colitis
134. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
135. Eczema, Flea Allergies, Dermatitis, Itchy Skin
136. Energy
137. General Wellness: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your pet’s water bowl or in their food.
138. Hairballs and Coughing
139. Improve Brain Energy Metabolism: Coconut oil will also help decrease amyloid protein build-up that results in brain lesions in older dogs.
140. Regulates and Balances Insulin
141. Sleek and Glossy Coats: Coconut oil also helps deodorize dog odour.
142. Thyroid Function
143. Weight loss
144. Yeast and Fungal Infections, including Candida

Other Uses for Coconut Oil

145. Chewing Gum Remover: Rub coconut oil over chewing gum stuck in hair, leave for 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertips.
146. Goo Remover: Form a paste from equal parts coconut oil and baking soda and apply to the sticky area, let it set for a minute then scrub it off with an old toothbrush or scrubby side of a sponge.
147. Insect repellent: Mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub over exposed skin.
148. Moisturize and Clean Leather
149. Oil Wood Cutting Boards and Wood Bowls
150. Polish Wood Furniture: Use coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. Make sure you do a test first.









 

Ahhhh...its that time of year again!

We are in the process of getting ourselves organised for another caravan trip.  Yay! So excited and well and truly overdue.
This time we are heading to Ballina.  I cannot wait. We are heading off for 5 nights and 6 days.  We are heading off with my brother and his wife and their 5 year old daughter.
It's the start of spring and I hope the weather stays as perfect as it has.  Ive been making list {as you can see in the pic} planning and packing.  Today we aired out the caravan and washed all the curtains.  Its been closed up a little too long over winter so its nice to get in and get it ready.
Im in the process of planning meals.  Ive visted many websites for inspiration for example applevalleygirl and taste.com.au.
Even though we are caravaning I still enjoy my cooking and having a nice meal with a glass of wine after a long day reading and at the beach.  Im honestly not one for baked beans on toast or sausages on stale white bread for dinner. (although the odd sausage for lunch is good) Even on a budget we can still cook wholesome, tastey, yummy, gourmet meals.  Once ive decided on the final list I will post what Ive come up with. hehe.
Anyhoo...i will update with pics as time goes on...happy spring, all xoxo

Im so excited!!  Ahhhh....just thinking about it makes my body relax.

Pizza Capers {part two}

Ok so, Last week I did a blog post on my homemade pizza's.  I said as I made different ones I would post about it.  Well, Sunday night we had friends over for a Lazy, fun catch up.  We actually originally planned to go to the beach and watch the sun set over wine and nibbles but as it turned out it was freeeeeezing, wet and miserable out so I told them to come here, to our home instead where it was warm and cosy.  They still brought their nibblies {cheeses, shaved hams, olives, etc, etc} but I thought seeing we were staying home I would cook sum pizza's for us all.  So along with the ones I posted about last, I also made these two...

1) My take on an Italian favorite...
I have on it...
*Pizza sauce
*Proccuitto
*cherry tomatoes
*Kalamata olives
*Philedelphia cream cheese
* Fresh  Rocket Leaves (to top)

It is a very simple, basic pizza that ALWAYS seems to cook up so lovely and tastey. Its always a winner. The cream cheese, although a little unusual for pizza is devine. A bit like fetta once cooked.

Next is "pizza roma with rocket & Parmesan...

This has *Red onion

*2 cloves of garlic

*450g minced beef

*6 thin slices of salami, chopped

*140g tomato paste

2 teaspoons of smoked Paprika

* 2 Tblsp chopped fresh oregano leaves

*4 tbspn water

* 2-3 tbspn pinenuts

*Fresh rocket leaves

* freshly shaved Parmesan cheese

Heat Olive oil in a non-stick frying pan.  Add sliced red onion and cook for about 2 mins untill tender. Stiring continually.  Add Garlic, minced beef and salami..  Cook untill beef has changed colour, making sure to break up any large peieces.

Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chopped oregano and water and cook for 2-3 mins. Stirring occationally.  Set aside to cool.

Spoon cooled meat mixture onto the dough evenly and sprinkle with pinenuts.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180*C for 15-20 mins.

Serve topped with fresh rocket leaves and parmesan.

*Also nice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil combined with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar...drzzled ove the top...yum!

  To be totaly honest...this was lovely but not my favorite, however my husband couldnt get enough of this one.  I think its a great "man" pizza...LOL.

All these were made, of course on my homemade pizza bases that I gave the recipe for in my last post.

 All ent down very well with good friends and red wine and was topped off with dessert....

Can't forget dessert!

End of year class cupcakes.

The last week of school and that means break up parties YAY!!  The kids and I decided to make cupcakes for their classes....yum!

In the oven...

Cooked and ready to decorate.  Miss mimi helping so beautifully.

The boys ones...

...and the girls ones!

Chicken, tomato & lemon with pearl {Israeli} couscous

Oh my!!!  If you havnt tried Pearl couscous, {or Israeli couscous as its also called} you have to.  It is devine!  The small balls pop in your mouth and the deliciouse flavours that go with it are just to die for.  I found this recipe on 'the bitten word' here at this web site.  It is so yummy and here is my version of it.  I make it on a saturday night and it goes down well with a glass of vino, a great dvd and a wonderful man.heehee.

{Ingredients}

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup Israeli couscous

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 Roma or plum tomatoes, cut lengthwise into 6 slices

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 strips lemon peel

Pinch of saffron

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc

1-1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock {I use massel brand as there is no msg and its gluten free}

1/2 tsp coarse salt

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

{Directions}

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add couscous, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, and return skillet to heat.

2. Cook chicken, smooth side down, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip, and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate, reserving drippings in skillet.

3. Reduce heat to medium, add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, lemon peel, and saffron, and cook, stirring frequently, until tomatoes begin to break down, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Return chicken to skillet. Add wine, and cook for 4 minutes. Add stock, salt, and couscous, and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until couscous is tender and chicken is cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in peas, and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Serve immediately with lemon.

Soooo ho gooooood! Do yourself a favor and try it.

~Bon apetite.

Princess Aurora Cake

Last Sunday My lil' neice Charlie had a fun little tea party. Of course my sister in law asked me to do the cake which I was delighted to do as I LURVE experementing with food. I have never made a 'doll' cake before and I couldn't wait to try.

Charlie specifically aske for "Princess Aurora" Cake from Disney...

So I tried. I purchased a Dolly Varden {heehee funny name} cake tin and baked a simple chocolate cake. Once it cooled I placed 'Aurora' in place...first I had to remove her legs {which seems a little gruesem for a little girls party LOL} I had to do this so she could fit properly. Once in place I decorated the naked doll and cake to look like she was dressed. Here is the final outcome...

I know she isnt professionally made, so any cake conessiours out there, dont laugh! {yes, I know she looks pregnant, heehee} But little 5 year old Charlie thought it was just wonderful. I must admit I was pretty impressed with my efforts considering it was a first time attempt at a cake like this. I enjoyed making this cake and my kids did too. I think there will be alot more fun cakes in this shape now I have the mould...Little T thought a volcano cake would be pretty cool, me too.

High Protein/ low carb eating.

Last week when I went to visit Trina my natropath, she told me that next visit I would start a diet of high protien & low carbs.  I have done a bit of research on this and think it sounds great.  It actually makes a lot of sense.

Trina told me that I need to incorparate protien into EVERY SINGLE MEAL. Including snacks.

Often, when people think of protein, the image of a steak comes to mind, which in all honesty...DOES NOT APPEAL TO ME!  While red meat is a quality protein source, I have reserched that there is much more to protien then consuming a steak for breakfast.  Along with red meat, add poultry, fish, eggs, pork and vegetable sources to your meals. To keep meals high protein, arrange your plate so that 2/3 are protein and 1/3 carbohydrate. I have also found using protein powders in a smoothie as a meal replacement when you are in a hurry is another simple way to get that protien fix.
Appently, eggs are the purest and highest form of protien.
Also almonds are a great sorce of protien, so for a quick easy snack when out This is an ideal option.


Protein plays a vital role in building and maintaining muscle tissue, bones and skin. Protein is also a major factor in overall growth and the healing of wounds. Protein is found in virtually every part of your body, including hemoglobin, hormones, antibodies, enzymes, bone and muscles, says Georgetown University.

Anyway, to make it simpler I have made up  a one-day simple high protien, low carb menu...

Breakfast) 2 Poached eggs, grilled tomato, grilled low fat ham.
or
Baked beans and grilled tomato with steamed spinach.

Morning Tea) A handful of almonds mixed with dates.

Lunch) Steamed or poached chicken on a garden salad, hard boiled egg and a homemade salad dressing.

Afternoon Tea) a protien milkshake

Dinner)  a beef and vegetable stirfry with loads of garlic and honey and mixed herbs.
Dessert) cooked apple with yoghurt.


Some fabulouse tips I found were from this web site here.  I have included these tips below...
•Look to your meals where the protein is fairly plainly cooked, such as grilled or pan-fried meats, broiled fish, etc. Include more vegetables instead of potatoes or rice, including substitutes such as "Cauli-Rice". If the plate seems puny, add a green salad with an olive oil-based dressing, or a soup. Also, don't be afraid of including more healthy fat than you are used to -- it will help satisfy you until the next meal.

•Skillet meals consisting of meat and veggies are often naturally low-carb, or you can just leave out a starchy or sugary ingredient or two. Top Skillet Chicken Meals

•Make your favorite quiche without the crust

Trina also mentioned a great recipe for 'bliss balls' for a quick protien packed snack.  When I make these I will post the recipe on here.

This week I am just looking at getting sorted and next week we get started.  Will keep you posted on how it goes.
Please feel free to comment if you have a high protien/low carb way of eating.

Jool's Favorite beef stew

The days here are slowly getting shorter, the evenings have a slight chill in the air, I can smell the scent of wood burning in the distance and the trees are dropping their leaves...yep, autumn is in full swing here and I can detect slight hints of winter in the air.

This weather makes me want to pull out all my cook books and start cooking comfort foods...bah!  Bad for the waist line but oh so yummy.

A dear friend of mine lent me a couple of cookbooks over the weekend and I have been drooling over them for the past two days.  The books are Jamie Olivers "Jamie's dinners" and Nigella Lawson's "feast".

So today, being first day of school holidays we decided to stay in as, yet again (like every school hoiday is seems) it was dark and rainy and quite cold. 
I got cooking.

I made the recipe from Jamie Olivers book on page 238.  Its a stew called "Jool's favourite beef stew" named after his beautiful wife Jools.
Here is what it looks like ...

It smells DEEEVVVVIIINE!!!  Let me tell you.  Its is bubbling away as we speak.  In the book it says "Jools goes mad for this stew in the colder months of the year..." and let me tell you I get what she's on about.Mmmmmm....

Serves 4
Olive Oil
A Knob of butter
1 onion peeled and chopped
a handful of sage leaves
800g of stewing steak
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
flour to dust
2 parsnips
4 carrots
1/2 butternut squash
500g small potatos
2 tablespoons of tomato puree
1/2 bottle of red wine (yum)
285ml of beef stock
zest of 1 lemon
a handfull of rosemary, Leaves picked
1 clove of garlic.

Preheat oven to 160 degrees.  Put a little oil and butter into a caserole pan.  Add onion and all the sage leaves.  Fry for 3-4 mins.  Toss the eat in a little seasoned flour then add it to the pan with all the vegetables, tomato puree, stock and wine.  Gently stir together.  Gently season together with the salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil and place the lid on top, then cook in a preheated oven untill the meat is tender. (about 3-4 hours)
Once it is cooked you can turn the oven down to about 110 degrees then just hold it there till your ready to eat.

The best way to serve this is by ladeling big spoonfulls into bowls, accompanied by a glass of french red wine an some realy fresh, warm bread.
{Along with this stew, I made some yummy fresh focaccia bread in my breadoven....yummo!}

Mix the lemon Zest, chopped rosemary, and garlic together & spinkle over the stew just before eating.  Just the smallest amount will make the world of difference~as soon s it hits the hot stew it will release an amazing fragrance.
                                                                      ~Bon Appétit !

The very cute Jamie Oliver himself.

Happy anniversary to you...♥

A couple of week ago my sister and her husband celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.  They went away for a week down to Byron Bay...Lucky things.  We looked after their kids for 3 nights so they could have some alone time...which they absolutly enjoyed.  They went out for dinner, beached it and even spent a day at the Blues festival there at Byron....very cool, wish I was with them LOL.  Anyway, Im so happy they enjoyed themselves.
The weekend after they got back My sister-in-law and I organised a beach picnic.  We had sushi, cheese, crackers, pear, brushetta, antipasto platter, fruit, wine, beer and cake.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Just the family, kids and all.  The weather was P.E.R.F.E.C.T.  The surf was gloriouse and all in all it was a fabulouse afternoon...Gosh it was nice.
One thing it made us relise is that we MUST do it more often.

Here I have included some pics of the afternoon, plus a pic of the chocolate cheesecake that I made for the feast...

Our little Picnic...

The remnants of our food...it looked sooooo much nicer an hour or so earlier, trust me.....

The breathtaking afternoon view from Burleigh Mtn, You can see surfers Paradise in the horizon...

My next Blog post I will try to update the awesome dinner party, that may I add was a TOTAL sucess, from Friday night.

You all will be proud!

Mwah!

Dinner Party countdown...

Im not sure if you remember or not but a few weeks back I was inspired to host a dinner party, so.....(drum roll....) This friday night, I am!  WhoopWhoop!
So excited.  There is so much involved to organise.  Im not talking about a get together or just having some over for dinner or a bbq. No,  Im talking, 3 course, a la carte, champagne menus...the lot.
My hubby is excited too.  Last night I was up menu planning, prepping shopping list, making sure I had enough candles....well, you can NEVER have too many candles. LOL.
Anyhoo, this is what I came up with...

MENU

Entrée

Garlic Prawns

Tender, juicy prawns in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, served next to a bed of rice.

Main

Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast with Sage and Port Sauce

Served with seasonal vegetables.

Dessert

Cherry yoghurt cheesecake with Berry Compote

Tea/coffee

Also, the little bird and cage you see at the top of this blog post will be setting the scene.  All the invites have this on them, and so will all the menus that will go on all the plate setting.

Im having it outside (providing the wind doesnt get worse) and there will be lots and lots (talking hundreds) of candles.

OOOOh, Im a little excited.  Im having 7 of my beautiful friends/family and I am sure (hoping) it will be an unforgettable night....I will post pics after the event.

I made SUSHI...and it was good!

Yesterday I attempted sushi as my kids and huband just devour the stuff.  I must say, I think I did all right.  Mayby not Japanese quality LOL but it worked.  It smelt, tasted and looked liked sushi, the family was happy so I gotta be chuffed with that.
It is quite a fiddly thing, but like anything, I think the more you do it the easier it becomes.
In this Blog post I am going to give a step by step guide to making sushi...the simple mums way...

1.I placed 2 cups of rice (Jasmine) in a sieve and rinsed it untill the water ran clear....For some reason this makes the rice stickier.  Next I put the rice in my  rice cooker with 2 cups of water.  I let it do its thing.  The rice needs to be cooked through the absorb method and I find a rice cooker does this to perfection.  When the rice is done try not to 'squash' or flatten the grains of rice.


2.Once the rice i cooked, I placed it in a glass dish...My trusty ol' Pirex dih worked perfect.  I spred it out evenly.

3. Next once done, I used 1/2 cup of sushi seasoning which I purchased form an asian store.  This adds the right amount of flavour to the rice...Not to vinigary, not too sweet...Just right.  It also adds the rice stick together which i the key to sushi.  Please remember that when you are mixing the seasoning through to use a Plastic or sillican spatula as metal tends to alter the taste.  Also, be careful once again not to flatten the grains of rice.  Be VERY gentle and sort of 'fluff' the rice till the seasoning is mixed through.  Let sit untill fully cool.

4. Once the rice is cool your ready to start putting your sushi together.  I gathered my ingredients...

*Nori (seaweed)  sheets

* Kewpie - Japanese mayonaise

*Tin of tuna

*Cucumber slices

*Sweet chili sauce

You can baisicaly put ANYTHING in your sushi...I just know my kids WILL eat tuna.  For my husband I also put avocado and/or garlic chives just for extra flavour.

OH, and I almost forgot...

* a bamboo sushi rolling mat.

Most of these items can be found in the supermarket OR for more choice an asian supermarket.

Mix the tuna, mayo and sweet chili together in a bowl.

5.  Now this can be the tricky part...which way to lay it all.   Ok, Lay your Nori out shiny side up (yes...there is a shiny side believe it or not).  Lay a handfull of rice(use your hands...get em' dirty...its the best way so as not to squish the rice) on the nori.  Gently ped it out right to the edges, leaving the top part bare, as in the picture.  Make sure it isnt too much rice or it will get messy. LOL

Next Lay the tuna (or what ever filling you choose in a thin layer on top of the rice.

6.  This is where it gets fiddly.  Gently roll away from you, but at the same time firm grip so it all sticks together.  Then ever so gently, wrap the end strip, without the rice up to seal the sushi roll.  Hold it firm for a minuit.  It should also have a slight square shape to it.

7.  Now once your roll is made gently pull away the bamboo mat.  Get yourelf  a REALY, REALY sharp, non seratted knife.  Wipe a little of the sushi seasoning on it as it will prevent the Nori sticking to it.

Slice the roll in half.  Then in half again. Then again.

You hould be left with 8 small rounds.  Wipe the knife blade regulary.

8.  Now all you have to do is plate it up and eat up.  I served mine with Soy sauce and strips of Garlic chives.  Wasabi as delicouse too.

Not bad for a first attempt, I must say. 

A great plate to take to someones house, lunch for when the girls come over, or even as a snack.

 My kids took it to school today for lunch as well as my husband.  All came home raving about their scrummy lunch.  And, the best part....its healthy too! 

WOOPWOOP!

Our totaly awesome wonky chocolate cupcakes!

So, This weekend my sister and her husband moved house *sigh* I dont envy them.  Moving is such a headache. 

 Anyway, while my husband went to help with the physical move...I stayed home and babysat or should I say,  played with all the kids.  We had a ball.  After we danced, did the slip n slide in the backyard and after lunch, we cooked.  And might I add the kids did a fabulouse job!  I really just supervised and let them take over.  We cracked, poured, tipped and mixed...and at the end of it all the kids got to lick their spoons and the bowl (the best part).  It was alot of fun.

I was very proud of their patience while they cooked and cooled.

They were itching to ice and decorate......The end results were awesome.  You go kids!