Daisy Chains and Picnics

There is nothing more comforting in winter than a steamy bowl of homemade soup. This soup has extra warmth to a wintertime favourite with the addition of ginger, curry powder, cumin and coriander with a subtle hint of cinnamon giving it a delicious flavour and aroma of spices. Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated 2 tsp curry powder 3/4 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp ground coriander small pinch cinnamon 1 tsp salt 3 carrots, roughly chopped 500 g potatoes, peeled, roughly chopped 1 litre chicken or veg stock Method 1.  Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Saute onion until just soft, 5-6 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, cook for 1 minute. 2.  Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and salt. Cook for a further 2 minutes. Add potatoes and carrots, stir through. Cover, reduce heat to low, cook for 6-7 minutes, or until just golden. 3....

I love soup season and there is something really comforting and homely about a bowl of homemade soup. This soup is quick and easy to make with delicious warming tones from the cumin and paprika combined with the zingy lime yoghurt makes this a delicious tasty soup.  Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 onion, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, diced 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 1.5 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground turmeric 800 g sweet potato, peeled 1 litre water 1 tsp salt coarsely chopped 400 g chickpeas, rinsed, drained 1 tbsp pepitas 1/2 cup Greek-style yoghurt 1.5   tsp lime juice Method 1.  Heat oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. Cook onion, garlic and carrot, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric and 1 tsp paprika. Cook, stirring for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2.  Add potato, half of the chickpeas, 1 litre water and salt and bri...

Scott came home the other day with a bagful of freshly picked eating apples. After consuming some over a couple of days, I was still left with quite a lot. The kids enjoy a dessert for Sunday dinner so I decided to use the apples to make an apple sponge pudding but had unfortunately ran out of flour. As I didn't have the time to go buy more I thought I would try it with a cupcake box mix, it turned out delicious and the sponge was really thick and moist. All I did was follow the packet directions using the ingredients shown and pour it on top of the cooked apples. I used Green's cupcake box mix and made it up with the ingredients and instructions that were on the back of the packet. Ingredients 8 apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1 cinnamon stick 1-2 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp water 1 pkt cupcake mix 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 60 g softened butter Method 1.  Preheat oven to 160°C, (Fan forced). Grease an ovenproof dish 2.  C...

These make a delicious healthier alternative to store bought cookies when you or the kids are craving a sweet treat, great for lunch box snacks as they contain the goodness of oats, Chia and sesame seeds, coconut and dried fruit perfect to give kids and adults alike that mid afternoon boost. A tasty source of protein and fibre Feel free to add up to 1 cup of coconut, I only used 1/4 cup as Cerys doesn't like coconut so it went undetected!! They don't have to be perfectly shaped, I personally prefer the rustic look. Ingredients 1 cup untoasted muesli 1/4 cup fine desiccated coconut 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup S.R flour 1/4 cup raw sugar 1/4 cup chia seeds 1/4 cup sesame seeds 90 g melted butter 2 eggs 2-3 tbsp maple syrup Method 1.  Preheat oven to 170°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2.  In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and make a well in the centre. 3.  Add butter, eggs and maple syrup, mi...

I attempted to make a pot roast in the pressure cooker using brisket...bad idea!!, while the vegetables turned out tasty and tender the brisket was tough and tasteless (note to self.. DON'T do that again!!). Anyway, I wasn't about to give up on this rubbery slab of meat, I cut it into thin slices and slow cooked it with some veggies. It turned out delicious, the meat was tender and tasty, I was just glad I didn't have to give it to the dog!! the offending piece of meat! Ingredients 800 g cooked brisket 1 onion, thinly sliced 3-4 small potatoes 2 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, chopped 80 g round beans, halved 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 600 ml beef broth 2/3 cup red wine 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp Worcester sauce Method 1.  Preheat oven to 160°C (fan forced). 2.  Place sliced beef in an oven proof lidded casserole dish. Layer the vegetables and garlic on top. 3. Combine together the broth, puree, Worcest...

Goji berries are full of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and amino acids which make for a super healthy snack that improves depression, anxiety and sleep among others.  Dates are high in potassium and fibre. A delicious healthy snack the whole family will enjoy. Bliss balls are a great way to get kids eating nutritious seeds and grains, they are also delicious and kids love the sweetness. Ideal for lunch boxes and after school treats. Let the kids get involved in making these easy peasy snacks, they always enjoy helping mum in the kitchen. Ingredients 1 cup pitted dates 2/3 cup raw cashews 1/2 cup Goji berries 1 tbsp Chia seeds 1/3 cup cacao powder 2 tbsp honey  Method 1.  Soak dates in warm water for 20 minutes to soften. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid. This can be used in smoothies or desserts. 2.  Place dates, cashews, goji berries into a food processor, process until mixture resembles crumbs...

It was a lovely weekend, Scott and I went for a stroll along Bellerive beach on Sunday. where we shared some chips. Oh and Dan Murphy's opened their Newtown store on Friday so we went for a look around.