Two wonderful friends of mine came over today.
One I don't see nearly enough of, I wish she was closer so that I could just pop over for a visit without having to plan it out. Even though an hour really isn't that long, it turns into a BIG day for both me & Lauren.
The other I wish I had more time to spend with as she is moving away! *woe*
Stacey & Mer and their lovely children came over today to visit with us. The kids had a ball (mostly) playing together and sharing picnic lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed just hanging out with two wonderful women, it just felt so *easy* never a stilted conversation, it was like we met every thursday for a catchup.
I'm bloody exhausted now lol, but it was a lovely lovely day, hopefully my girl is worn out enough to go to sleep easily tonight! I don't fancy picking up after the trio though lol, I think that might wait until tomorrow.
SO thank you Mer & Stacey for a wonderful day :) Wish we could do it more often and regularly.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Pizza Scones
Just made these for lunch, they are quite scrummy.
I omitted a few things, and added others instead.
I reckon you could just add whatever you wanted.
1 small onion
6 slices salami
1/4 chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
25g butter
3/4 cup milk
Peel & finely chop onion. Chop salami. In a bowl combine onion, salami, green pepper and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Sift flour & baking powder into the bowl. Add cheese, oregano and basil. Stir to combine.
Melt butter. Combine butter & milk.
Add to salami mixture and mix quickly to a soft dough with a knife. Knead lightly.
Roll or pat dough out on to a lightly floured surface to 2.5cm thickness.
Cut into 12 even sized pieces. Place on an oven tray. For a soft scone, place scones close together. For a crisper scone, set them apart.
Bake at 220c for 10-15minutes or until pale golden.
Ok so my variations were.
I didn't use any onion or salami. I used some ham and sundried tomatos. I used a red pepper (capsicum). I used wholemeal self raising flour. Ended up with 1/2 cup tasty, 1/2 cup mozarella (approx). Used a teaspoon of Italian Herbs (instead of 1/2 oregano 1/2 basil)
I put the oven (fanforced) at 200c, after 10 min turned it down to about 170c and put back in for 4min. They were slightly almost burned, ie dark brown on the edges of the outer ones. But cooked well in the middle where it counts. I ate mine with nuttlex/cheese & tomato on top, I reckon you could just have plain (or with marg) or treat them like bread and have a sandwich type thing.
I omitted a few things, and added others instead.
I reckon you could just add whatever you wanted.
1 small onion
6 slices salami
1/4 chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
25g butter
3/4 cup milk
Peel & finely chop onion. Chop salami. In a bowl combine onion, salami, green pepper and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Sift flour & baking powder into the bowl. Add cheese, oregano and basil. Stir to combine.
Melt butter. Combine butter & milk.
Add to salami mixture and mix quickly to a soft dough with a knife. Knead lightly.
Roll or pat dough out on to a lightly floured surface to 2.5cm thickness.
Cut into 12 even sized pieces. Place on an oven tray. For a soft scone, place scones close together. For a crisper scone, set them apart.
Bake at 220c for 10-15minutes or until pale golden.
Ok so my variations were.
I didn't use any onion or salami. I used some ham and sundried tomatos. I used a red pepper (capsicum). I used wholemeal self raising flour. Ended up with 1/2 cup tasty, 1/2 cup mozarella (approx). Used a teaspoon of Italian Herbs (instead of 1/2 oregano 1/2 basil)
I put the oven (fanforced) at 200c, after 10 min turned it down to about 170c and put back in for 4min. They were slightly almost burned, ie dark brown on the edges of the outer ones. But cooked well in the middle where it counts. I ate mine with nuttlex/cheese & tomato on top, I reckon you could just have plain (or with marg) or treat them like bread and have a sandwich type thing.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Birthing Dream
Its kind of blurry but the parts I can remember.
Baby girl, looked kind of like lauren but more hair I think.
born in water.
We were thinking she had taken a breath underwater (not sure why) but the clearest part of the dream was me scooping her up out of the water and cradling her to me, and she took a big gasping breath, her first, was very cool.
Oh I also just remembered that her foot was tangled in the membranes (im guessing the placenta came out with her lol)
Ah lovely.
Baby girl, looked kind of like lauren but more hair I think.
born in water.
We were thinking she had taken a breath underwater (not sure why) but the clearest part of the dream was me scooping her up out of the water and cradling her to me, and she took a big gasping breath, her first, was very cool.
Oh I also just remembered that her foot was tangled in the membranes (im guessing the placenta came out with her lol)
Ah lovely.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Super Easy Self-Saucing Caramel Pudding
MMM just made this tonight, probably would go wonderfully with some vanilla icecream .. but we have none ;)
Caramel Sponge Pud
1 cup self-raising flour (i used wholemeal)
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup raisins/sultanas, coarsely chopped (harded past of this entire recipe i reckon, they stick to the knife!)
25g butter melted
1/2 cup milk
Caramel Sauce
40g butter melted
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup cold water
Heat oven to 180C. Grease an ovenproof dish.
Combine flour, sugar & sultanas in a bowl and make a well in the centre.
Pour butter & milk into the well and stir to combine into a batter.
Spread this into the prepared dish.
To make the caramel sauce, place butter in a saucepan over a low heat to melt. Add sugar and water and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour sauce slowly and carefully (over the back of a spoon) over the batter in the dish.
Bake for 40minutes (I only put it in for 30min in a fanforced oven @ 180 and think it could have done ok at 25min) or until the mixture is firm in the centre.
Mmm warm caramel pud .. YUMMY and so easy, and hardly any ingredients!
Caramel Sponge Pud
1 cup self-raising flour (i used wholemeal)
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup raisins/sultanas, coarsely chopped (harded past of this entire recipe i reckon, they stick to the knife!)
25g butter melted
1/2 cup milk
Caramel Sauce
40g butter melted
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup cold water
Heat oven to 180C. Grease an ovenproof dish.
Combine flour, sugar & sultanas in a bowl and make a well in the centre.
Pour butter & milk into the well and stir to combine into a batter.
Spread this into the prepared dish.
To make the caramel sauce, place butter in a saucepan over a low heat to melt. Add sugar and water and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour sauce slowly and carefully (over the back of a spoon) over the batter in the dish.
Bake for 40minutes (I only put it in for 30min in a fanforced oven @ 180 and think it could have done ok at 25min) or until the mixture is firm in the centre.
Mmm warm caramel pud .. YUMMY and so easy, and hardly any ingredients!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Baking up a Storm
So I made the Austrian Jam Cookies from Stacey's blog and then I made these delights .. mmmmm goood!! Found them in my folder of 'things ripped out of magazines'
Choc-coconut roughs
3/4 cup self-raising flour (i used wholemeal)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cups desiccated coconut
1 cup brown sugar
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
150g chocolate, melted (I used dark choc buttons)
Sift flour & cocoa together into a large bowl. Stir in coconut and brown sugar, blend well.
Melt butter. Blend in golden syrup and egg. Add mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Drop tablespoons of mixture onto baking paper-lined baking trays
Bake in a moderate oven (180) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown (how you can tell a chocolate biscuit is 'golden brown' I don't know) . Remove from oven. (now this always cracks me up)
Spread each biscuit with a teaspoon of melted chocolate. Top with a nut or piece of chocolate if desired (I didnt desire). Allow to cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
I have already eaten too many lol
Choc-coconut roughs
3/4 cup self-raising flour (i used wholemeal)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cups desiccated coconut
1 cup brown sugar
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
150g chocolate, melted (I used dark choc buttons)
Sift flour & cocoa together into a large bowl. Stir in coconut and brown sugar, blend well.
Melt butter. Blend in golden syrup and egg. Add mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Drop tablespoons of mixture onto baking paper-lined baking trays
Bake in a moderate oven (180) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown (how you can tell a chocolate biscuit is 'golden brown' I don't know) . Remove from oven. (now this always cracks me up)
Spread each biscuit with a teaspoon of melted chocolate. Top with a nut or piece of chocolate if desired (I didnt desire). Allow to cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
I have already eaten too many lol
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Easier Cinnamon Scrolls
So Stacey found an easier recipe ;)
Click here for recipe
I'm sure there was something else I was going to blog about .... can't remember what it was though! Maybe later :)
Click here for recipe
I'm sure there was something else I was going to blog about .... can't remember what it was though! Maybe later :)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Chelsea Buns
Here you go Kate & Stacey ;)
Chelsea Buns
4 teaspoons (14g) dry yeast
1 teaspoon caster sugar
3 3/4 cups (560g) plain flour
1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 tablespoons caster sugar, extra
1 egg, lightly beaten
45g butter, melted
15g butter, melted, extra
2 tablespoons rasberry jam
1/2 cup (75g) dried currants
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted (I didnt have any so substituted with sultanas, I also added in 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon)
3 teaspoons honey
1- Combine yeast, caster sugar, 1 tablespoon of the flour and milk in small bowl, whisk until yeast is dissolved. Cover, stand in warm place about 10minutes or until mixture is frothy. Combined remaining sifted flour, spices, rind & extra caster sugar in large bowl, stir in egg, butter and yeast mixture; mix to a soft dough. Turn dough onto floured surface, knead about 10 minutes or until elastic. Place dough in large greased bowl, cover, stand in warm place about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2- Turn dough onto floured surface, knead 1 minute. Roll to a 23 x 36cm rectangle (like I measured this). Brush dough with extra butter, spread with jam. Sprinkle with combined currants, brown sugar & nuts, leaving a 2cm border.
3- Roll up dough from long side, like a swiss roll. Cut into 12 slices. Place slices, cut side up, in 2 greased 22cm round cake pans. Cover, stand in warm place about 30minutes or until dough has risen slightly. Bake in moderately hot oven 30 minutes. Cool buns in pan 10minutes, transfer to wire rack. Brush hot buns with honey, drizzle with icing.
Chelsea Buns
4 teaspoons (14g) dry yeast
1 teaspoon caster sugar
3 3/4 cups (560g) plain flour
1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 tablespoons caster sugar, extra
1 egg, lightly beaten
45g butter, melted
15g butter, melted, extra
2 tablespoons rasberry jam
1/2 cup (75g) dried currants
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted (I didnt have any so substituted with sultanas, I also added in 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon)
3 teaspoons honey
1- Combine yeast, caster sugar, 1 tablespoon of the flour and milk in small bowl, whisk until yeast is dissolved. Cover, stand in warm place about 10minutes or until mixture is frothy. Combined remaining sifted flour, spices, rind & extra caster sugar in large bowl, stir in egg, butter and yeast mixture; mix to a soft dough. Turn dough onto floured surface, knead about 10 minutes or until elastic. Place dough in large greased bowl, cover, stand in warm place about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2- Turn dough onto floured surface, knead 1 minute. Roll to a 23 x 36cm rectangle (like I measured this). Brush dough with extra butter, spread with jam. Sprinkle with combined currants, brown sugar & nuts, leaving a 2cm border.
3- Roll up dough from long side, like a swiss roll. Cut into 12 slices. Place slices, cut side up, in 2 greased 22cm round cake pans. Cover, stand in warm place about 30minutes or until dough has risen slightly. Bake in moderately hot oven 30 minutes. Cool buns in pan 10minutes, transfer to wire rack. Brush hot buns with honey, drizzle with icing.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
'Forest' across the road
We are fortunate enough to have a massive lot of parkland across the road from our house, part of that is a 'forest' its so tranquil and lovely in there.
Its so sad though, this stupid drought has dried up the creek that used to run through it, all that is left is a few puddles :(
From where I am standing up to where Lauren is used to be all water a few months ago.
Used to be water all around here.
Its so sad though, this stupid drought has dried up the creek that used to run through it, all that is left is a few puddles :(
From where I am standing up to where Lauren is used to be all water a few months ago.
Used to be water all around here.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Saturday
Gee I am so inventive with the titles aren't I!
Im tiiiiiired, bought some Thompsons Organic Iron today so fingers crossed that will help.
Did the groceries blissfully alone today, I'm liking this new thing of doing it by myself on the weekends, although muscles were hurting in my belly (im thinking round ligament) from walking around *sigh* As I was leaving noticed I had only been there for about 45min .. DAMMIT lol
So it kind of sucks sharing Betty with Damien, means that at night I don't get to spend any uninterrupted time on her. During the day sure I get moments here & there, but its never uninterrupted, so scrapping is impossible, so is playing sims or watching TV episodes really! I used to do that stuff at night time! Once we get homeloan organised, we can get damiens new PC AND my DSLR *drool* Cannot wait!!
ok wet girl just out of the bath, time to get her dried, in pjs, teeth done, story time ... and sleeeeep
I do have a book or three to read, so thats something :)
Im tiiiiiired, bought some Thompsons Organic Iron today so fingers crossed that will help.
Did the groceries blissfully alone today, I'm liking this new thing of doing it by myself on the weekends, although muscles were hurting in my belly (im thinking round ligament) from walking around *sigh* As I was leaving noticed I had only been there for about 45min .. DAMMIT lol
So it kind of sucks sharing Betty with Damien, means that at night I don't get to spend any uninterrupted time on her. During the day sure I get moments here & there, but its never uninterrupted, so scrapping is impossible, so is playing sims or watching TV episodes really! I used to do that stuff at night time! Once we get homeloan organised, we can get damiens new PC AND my DSLR *drool* Cannot wait!!
ok wet girl just out of the bath, time to get her dried, in pjs, teeth done, story time ... and sleeeeep
I do have a book or three to read, so thats something :)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
WOre myself out!
Ok so I didn't get it all done lol
I was too worn out & sore after the vacumning/mopping/cleaning track thingys
Had midwife visit this afternoon, all is good and boring hehe
I was too worn out & sore after the vacumning/mopping/cleaning track thingys
Had midwife visit this afternoon, all is good and boring hehe
Housework To-do List
So to help clear my head a little I am doing a few routine houseworky tasks, as well as one not so routiney, more like nesting lol
Hoping to get a bit TCC and have Lauren just pottering around with me helping.
Vacumn carpets & tiles9.56amMop tiles9.56am- Do dishes & wipe down kitchen
- Put away clean laundry, put on & hang out
21 loads of laundry - Tidy Laurens room & playroom
Wipe down sliding door & window tracks in lounge, computer room, bedroom, laurens room, playroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining10.40
Hoping to get a bit TCC and have Lauren just pottering around with me helping.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday!
Had a sucky mothers day but meh over it.
Lauren's cough has pretty much disappeared, she still sounds a little snotty but is on the road to recovery. I am tired but not sick, need to get that iron supplement!
Damien had yesterday off because he was starting to feel unwell, seems ok this morning though so is off to work.
I was spoilt by a group of friends yesterday, I run a forum for them and the sent me some gorgeous flowers and pressies to show their appreciation. Came at the perfect time as I was feeling very unappreciated, so *mwah* if you are reading this, thank you so much.
Lauren & I are off to mums today to give her mothers day present and just catch up. Hoping she likes the album :)
I have about 3 or 4 LOs that are work in progress at the moment. Having trouble finishing them! Possibly because the time that I would usually spend on them (at night when I am uninterupted) Damien is now using my PC as his is kaput. Oh well.
I have been a bit slack with the housework, things aren't too bad, but the kitchen needs doing over.
Ok need to take Damien to the train station, have a great week!
Lauren's cough has pretty much disappeared, she still sounds a little snotty but is on the road to recovery. I am tired but not sick, need to get that iron supplement!
Damien had yesterday off because he was starting to feel unwell, seems ok this morning though so is off to work.
I was spoilt by a group of friends yesterday, I run a forum for them and the sent me some gorgeous flowers and pressies to show their appreciation. Came at the perfect time as I was feeling very unappreciated, so *mwah* if you are reading this, thank you so much.
Lauren & I are off to mums today to give her mothers day present and just catch up. Hoping she likes the album :)I have about 3 or 4 LOs that are work in progress at the moment. Having trouble finishing them! Possibly because the time that I would usually spend on them (at night when I am uninterupted) Damien is now using my PC as his is kaput. Oh well.
I have been a bit slack with the housework, things aren't too bad, but the kitchen needs doing over.
Ok need to take Damien to the train station, have a great week!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday
Am heading up to Harvey Norman to get mothers day presents printed. Will pop into the library and return unsuitable books, and get new ones, this time I will read them first.
Damien took Lauren to the library on Sunday, she picked out two books, Damien didn't read them and just got them out.. Now Lauren obviously cannot pick books for their story content, so yeah they are going back!
The slice was YUMMMMMY, I ate way too much lol
Lauren's cough still sounded icky, but it sounds like it might be breaking up a bit, so hopefully the cough syrup is doing its work :)
Must off and get ready!
Damien took Lauren to the library on Sunday, she picked out two books, Damien didn't read them and just got them out.. Now Lauren obviously cannot pick books for their story content, so yeah they are going back!
The slice was YUMMMMMY, I ate way too much lol
Lauren's cough still sounded icky, but it sounds like it might be breaking up a bit, so hopefully the cough syrup is doing its work :)
Must off and get ready!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Wednesday - Feels like Monday
What with Monday being a public holiday, and Tuesday Damien taking as a flex day, it feels like a Monday today!
Got a few things accomplished this morning :) Just popped a Seed Slice Thingy in the oven, see Stacey's Blog for the recipe :) Will let you know how that tastes later. But it sure looks good!
I appear to be winnign the fight against the cold! WOOT!
Lauren has a nasty sounding cough, she isn't coughing much, but when she does it sounds horrid, but she is in good spirits and doesn't 'seem' sick, so I am just sticking to dosing her with Vit C and getting as much of this natural herbal cough syrup into her that I can (helps to heal not suppress)
She slept well last night, I put the vapouriser on, so that is good. The cough doesn't' seem to affect how she sleeps etc
Neither of us have snotty noses thank goodness.
Having to share my Mac with Damien at the moment as his PC died in the ass, not in a financial position to get him a new one just yet either. Kinda sucks lol
Got a few things accomplished this morning :) Just popped a Seed Slice Thingy in the oven, see Stacey's Blog for the recipe :) Will let you know how that tastes later. But it sure looks good!
I appear to be winnign the fight against the cold! WOOT!
Lauren has a nasty sounding cough, she isn't coughing much, but when she does it sounds horrid, but she is in good spirits and doesn't 'seem' sick, so I am just sticking to dosing her with Vit C and getting as much of this natural herbal cough syrup into her that I can (helps to heal not suppress)
She slept well last night, I put the vapouriser on, so that is good. The cough doesn't' seem to affect how she sleeps etc
Neither of us have snotty noses thank goodness.
Having to share my Mac with Damien at the moment as his PC died in the ass, not in a financial position to get him a new one just yet either. Kinda sucks lol
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Meh
Sore throat, feel crappy meh
Not really surprising though, have been so tired & run down for over a week now.
Am chugging back the VitC to hopefully knock it on the head. Lauren has developed a cough today so have dosed her up with VitC too.
Done a heap of baking today!
Orange & Poppyseed Muffins
Honey Snap Biscuits
English Muffins (these would have been a lot better if i had the corn/maize meal stuff)
and Flour Tortillas to go with our chicken wraps for dinner!
The tortillas were SO easy, I don't think I will ever buy them again!
Flour Tortillas
3 cups of flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
50gish butter
1 1/4 cup warm water
Mix dry ingredients. Cut butter in either with fingers or pastry thingy.
Slowly add warm water, mixing till you get a soft dough (I didn't use quite 1 1/4 cups) break/cut into 12 pieces, roll into little balls. ( i used less balls as I wanted big ones)
Leave to sit for 10ish minutes.
Roll out till they are quite thin and look like tortillas lol
Fry in a med-heat frying pan till it sort of bubbles, and flip, you can tell when they are done, have browned spots, once the pan is hot enough they don't take very long at all.
YUMMY! I reckon you could add herbs and yummy stuff too.
Not really surprising though, have been so tired & run down for over a week now.
Am chugging back the VitC to hopefully knock it on the head. Lauren has developed a cough today so have dosed her up with VitC too.
Done a heap of baking today!
Orange & Poppyseed Muffins
Honey Snap Biscuits
English Muffins (these would have been a lot better if i had the corn/maize meal stuff)
and Flour Tortillas to go with our chicken wraps for dinner!
The tortillas were SO easy, I don't think I will ever buy them again!
Flour Tortillas
3 cups of flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
50gish butter
1 1/4 cup warm water
Mix dry ingredients. Cut butter in either with fingers or pastry thingy.
Slowly add warm water, mixing till you get a soft dough (I didn't use quite 1 1/4 cups) break/cut into 12 pieces, roll into little balls. ( i used less balls as I wanted big ones)
Leave to sit for 10ish minutes.
Roll out till they are quite thin and look like tortillas lol
Fry in a med-heat frying pan till it sort of bubbles, and flip, you can tell when they are done, have browned spots, once the pan is hot enough they don't take very long at all.
YUMMY! I reckon you could add herbs and yummy stuff too.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Lauren says the funniest things
So she is watching Cinderella this morning.
Damien decides to goof around and is dancing around the lounge room with the blanket she has kicked off .. she says to him
"No Daddy you only dance with GIRLS!!!"
*giggle*
Damien decides to goof around and is dancing around the lounge room with the blanket she has kicked off .. she says to him
"No Daddy you only dance with GIRLS!!!"
*giggle*
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