Still trying to find enough time to get back to proper blogging, but until then, please enjoy these fabulous posts by other talented bloggers :)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fennel, pear & pecorino salad
The breeze kissed the back of my neck with its briny breath; its hum filled with the azure depth's secrets of sunken treasures and ships long lost.
I buried my toes into the hot sand, each granule pressing its warmth into the soles of my feet. The sounds of children's joyous shrieks and the banter of friends faded and roared between each swell of the ocean's waves. This was baby V's first trip to the beach, and although I found it calming, the array of sights, sounds, smells and textures was too much all at once and she decided that she would rather head home to rest her head on her familiar bed. Even though our beachside sojourn was shortlived, that breath of salty air was enough to rejuvenate my mind and spirit.
Once home I felt the familiar pangs of hunger begin to gnaw away, but with the oppressive heat I wanted something refreshing, clean and crisp to bring a coolness to palate. And thus, a salad was chosen.
ease: 5/5.
prep time: 8mins.
total: 8mins.
taste: 4/5. Fresh and light with a bit of crunch.
I am always a fan of salads with character. Fruits, nuts and cheeses can add a ton of flavour and interest and this salad has all three. The crunch and licorcie hint of the fennel plays wonderfully against the sweet, juicy pear, tangy lemon dressing and salty cheese. The walnuts add an extra chunk and 'meatiness' to the dish. It's a simple and light side dish that's not too powerful on the tastebuds.
would I make it again: Yes.
recipe: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/26447/fennel+pear+parmesan+salad
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Nigella's chocolate cherry trifle
We stood in the darkness, the cool blades of grass peeking up from between our toes, our eyes fixed upon the city-skyline as we counted down this year's final heartbeats.
The sound of our captured breaths filled the spaces between us until the sky was painted in dancing lights and flickering fire. The park became filled with the cheers of strangers and friends as we hugged and kissed those close to us, babes in arms, dogs panting happily at our feet. As we made the journey back to a friend's house for final toasts and warm goodbyes we held each other close, excited by the thoughts of what wonderful possibilities this year new year may hold for us and our new family of three.
Along with the traditional resolutions of health and happiness, I have assigned myself two core resolutions that I hope I can achieve by the year's end. The first;
listen more, say less
I find that I do not listen very well when I am eager to speak. This year I want to allow others to tell me their thoughts without needing to add my own. My-two-cents are getting in the way of me really knowing those I speak to.
and the second, well probably the one I want to achieve most is;
be present
Too often I am reminiscing about moments past, or planning and imagining things to come that I end up missing the moment I am in. For instance, when I am breastfeeding my daughter I drift away to thoughts of chores needing to be done or ideas needing to be transcribed instead of allowing myself to hear the softness of her breath, or feel the featherlight touch of her fingers as they flutter along my chest as if stroking the keys of a piano. Before long she will no longer be at my bosom and I know it will be something I will miss, so I am endeavoring to savor each nuance as much as possible, in all aspects of my life. NO MORE AUTOPILOT - I am plugging into the present.
What are some things you wish to accomplish or change this year?
And now I shall leave you with the dish I served up on Christmas (please excuse the photo, it was snapped in a flash and therefore less-than-sharp).
Happy New Year!
ease: 5/5.
prep time: 2hours (I used store-bought cake as suggested but you could also make your own).
cooking time: 2hours to overnight to soak. This was even the day after Xmas.
total: 4hours - 12hours, depending on how long you let it sit before eating.
taste: 4/5. Loved by many.
This was a surprising hit for me. I actually thought the simplicity of the chocolate, cherry and cream would be too simple for my guests but every single one of them thoroughly enjoyed it. My brother, who is beyond picky, proclaimed it to be his favourite dessert I have made.
The scrumptious cake doused in liqueur and smothered in syrupy dark cherry jam is a beautiful base for the tart cerise tang of the Morello cherries which soften the sweetness of the creamy chocolate pudding and fluffy whipped cream sprinkled with shaved, bitterly kissed chocolate. If you want to make it alcohol-free I would recommend soaking the cakes in the juice of the bottled cherries instead.
To make it even easier you could also use store-bought chocolate custard, or vanilla custard with some good quality melted chocolate mixed in - that way there is zero cooking and all you need to do is layer!
To make it even easier you could also use store-bought chocolate custard, or vanilla custard with some good quality melted chocolate mixed in - that way there is zero cooking and all you need to do is layer!
would I make it again: Yes - for it's ease (and you can make it the night before!) and appeal.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 Top 5
As we reflect back on the year that has passed, I thought it would be sweet to cap off the year with my pick of the Top 5 recipes of 2011. Have a great new year everyone!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pork with strawberry balsamic sauce
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
Christmas is almost upon us; it is at this time of year that I am scurrying around trying to ensure everything is organised for the big day, well two days for us (with both of our parents divorced we celebrate twice over the eve and on the day with the parents separated). As my tiny cherub is not too fond of long car trips we will be hosting both days here, with very, and I stress the word very, casual lunches and suppers. Meals that require little hands on time, such as sweet layered trifles for dessert or roast lamb and potatoes to tuck into, are the picks of the day for me. With two days to spare I have dressed the tree in her finest jewels and tied each of the presents with silken bows. The fridge is stocked and pantry full, with very little else to do.
In the lead up to the big days I am also opting for quick and easy dinners so as to 'save' my energy for the packed weekend. Meals like this are heaven-sent, and when they turn out to be finger-licking good as well, it's just the icing on the cake.
ease: 5/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 10mins.
total: 25mins.
taste: 4/5. Hit with the hubby.
Unfortunately I cannot tell you what it tasted like, as I didn't eat it, but hubby loved it.
I added and extra handful of strawberries.
would I make it again: Yes.
recipe: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/3654/pork+with+strawberry+balsamic+sauce
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday Salivations
Inspired by other blogger's recipe roundups of other blogger's posts I thought it would be grand to join the fun. Starting today I will be linking FIVE tempting creations you may have missed from them, every Sunday. Enjoy!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sweet potato pancakes with spiced pecans & peach butter
Short and sweet today as my little one is teething and finds solace only within my warm embrace.
ease: 4/5.
prep time: 2hours to overnight.
cooking time: 10mins.
total: 2hours & 10mins.
taste: 4/5. Razzle dazzle pancakes.
I won't lie, these pancakes take a lot of preparation, but if you are organised enough you can do it all the night before for an easy peasy morning that's worth the work. I was a touch worried these would be too sweet for me but alas they were just the right level of sweetness. The potato makes the pancakes deliciously moist with pizazz from the warming spices. The pecans add crunch and kick with the peach butter bringing a blast of summer tang. I would definitely recommend serving the pancakes with the peach butter as they make the dish.
I halved the amount of butter and subtracted a tablespoon of sugar as I wanted more peach, and I would do the same the next time around.
would I make it again: Yes.
recipe: http://www.ezrapoundcake.com/archives/15698
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