Pizza Chicken Melts

I had this recipe, a photocopy taken from one of those small BBC Good Food, 101 Recipes, that my mother had.  This was really nice and will make again soon.  A nice alternative to plain chicken.  

 

Ingredients

2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

50g cheddar cheese, grated

4 cherry tomatoes, quartered

2 tsp pesto sauce

green salad, to serve

Method

Preheat the grill to high.  Sandwich the chicken between cling film or 2 plastic food bags and beat firmly with a rolling pin or the bottom of a saucepan to flatten.  Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan, add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden.

While the chicken cooks, mix the cheese and tomatoes together.  Take the chicken out of the pan and wipe out the with with kitchen paper.  Return the chicken to the pan, spread each breast with a teaspoon of pesto, then pile the cheese and tomatoes on top.

Put under the hot grill for a minute or so (protect the handle with foil if you think it is likely to burn), until the cheese has melted.  Serve with a green salad.

Serves 2 (easily doubled or halved)

Curried Lamb Casserole

My blog friend, Kikimiss, passed on this recipe for me which we did enjoy.  Next time I would opt for four-quarter lamb chops instead of the neck chops.  I served mine with simple steamed rice.

*Taken from Family Circle's 'Casseroles and Pies, Step-By-Step', page 34*

Ingredients

1 kg lamb neck chops

1/4 cup oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tbs grated fresh ginger

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp ground chilli powder

2 tbs Madras curry powder

2 cups chicken or lamb stock

1 tbs soft brown sugar

1 tbs tomato paste

3 whole cloves

1 large apples, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup sultanas

Method

Heat 2 tbs oil in heavy based pan.  Cook meat quickly in small batches over medium heat until well browned.  Drain on paper towels.

heat remaining oil in pan.  Add garlic, ginger and onion, stir over medium heat for 3 minutes or until soft.  Add garam masala, chilli and curry powder.  Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 2 minutes.

Return meat to pan, add stock, sugar, tomato paste, and cloves.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer.  Cook covered for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.  Add sultanas and apple.  Cook covered for a further 30 minutes.  Serve with pilaf rice.

(Can add 400ml coconut cream to make a rich creamy curry.) 

Serves 4

One Day You're In. The Next, You're Out.

I'm not ashamed to admit it, but we're big Project Runway fans in this household.  Love.  It.  

First we were addicted to the US version with host Heidi Klum, with her gorgeous American/German accent which always made us smile, and now we're addicted to the local Aussie version, which is surprisingly, really good!  

It took me a while to warm to the host Kristy Hinze but I think she does a cracking job.  I so prefer US 'mentor', Tim Gunn, over the Aussie Henry Roth, but we can't have everything can we? *heehee*

And I'm not the only one in this household who likes this show.  Lyndon is a fan along with Miss Monet.  (Typical!)  

Imagine the surprise/horror Monet and I got when we visited the Cairns' Spotlight store this morning and saw this stand... (Double click to enlarge)

I'm not sure if you can figure it out (I snuck the photos with my mobile) but it is 'Project Runway' merchandise, aimed at the youngungs to design and create fashion for Models (like paper dolls).   For a fleeting moment I wondered if I was too old to be playing with that merchandise (I didn't buy any) because it looks like a hell of a lot of fun - especially for aspiring Fashion Designers.  

And if you feel like a giggle and know the US Version well, then check out this spoof - it is a classic.  Well, I think so anyway.

I wonder if they'll release any merchandise when 'Celebrity Rehab' hits our screens next month?  (We actually watched that when in the UK and Lyndon and I became glued to the telly when it was on! Oh the shame!!)

The Weather Makes A Difference To One's Thoughts...

Far Northern Queensland was at its spectacular best today.  It seems like ages when there hasn't been a breath of wind, pure blue skies and sapphire coloured water up here.  

July the 27th to me, always meant cold, blustery, wintery days, dinner at the local Chinese restaurant in the country town I grew up in, EJ (Teddy) Whitten's birthday (don't ask) and my sister's birthday.  Yeah, it is my big sister's birthday today.  Happy birthday Kimbofo!

But today, we woke to this glorious day and needed to do something.  We needed to get out and soak up this lovely weather and so we did.  We drove the 45-odd minutes up to Port Douglas.

It was just what we needed to gather our thoughts and appreciate where we live and the track we've driven to get to where we are today...(Can you tell we are in the middle of a dilemma?)  

And then you see the unexpected to make you rethink things again.

Happy Birthday Kimbofo once again.  Enjoy your day.  (I know our gift arrived but did our card?)

Playing...

I'm suffering here from Blogger's Block.  

However, today I have been fooling around with this program.  With thanks to H&B.  And to quote her,  "Addictive.  Don't stay up all night." 

In other news here, Monet hasn't been too good over the past few weeks, with a nagging night cough.  We've been to the doctor a few times now trying to cure it.  She's currently on antibiotics and not her usual self.  I'm thankful she's asleep in bed, but I'm expecting the usual midnight coughing attack.  

*sigh*

Baby Don't Cry

...I still miss him.



Here is one of my favourite INXS tunes and filmclips for your enjoyment. Baby Don't Cry.  (But sometimes it feels better when you do!)

Blue Skies, Nothin' But Blue Skies...

Because I know it has been cool in parts of this great country of ours, I thought I would show off with the Far North Queensland, gorgeous weather we had over the weekend.  

Saturday was a pearler of a day.

Monet and I spent a while at our local park.  She was desperate to ride her bike after a week of rainy weather...

Nothing like keeping your child happy.  (And letting her wear what she wants from her wardrobe.  I hope you like what she was wearing as she wears similar clothing each day.  As soon as she gets up she's in her wardrobe choosing clothes and dressing herself.  Sometimes I just have to smile at her - she says she likes being colourful.  You're telling me!)

We spent a good while feeding the fish in the pond in the park.  There are some huge suckers in that water and hundreds of tiny little fish who enjoy the bread we break up and throw in the water.  Obviously this was to the displeasure of the group of four teenagers (two couples) who were probably wishing we'd disappear so they could snuggle up to each other!  *snigger snigger*  They left the pond before we did, after being rather destructive by throwing loose cobblestones into the water.  *Urgh*

With the clear blue skies and sun shining it made me grateful that the day was like it was.  Sometimes you tend to forget that the weather up here in Cairns CAN be gorgeous as you tend to forget when all you can see is grey.

Scrambled Thanks.

Oh how we enjoy a good breakfast here on a Sunday.  Bacon and eggs is usually always on the menu and I am hoping that tomorrow's breakfast looks (and tastes like) the meal I made last Sunday...

How would you like your eggs??

A French Parcel from the USA...

I love getting surprises in the mail.  Not surprises as an unexpected bill (hate those!), but parcels or cards or letters.  

Imagine my surprise when I collected from the post office a parcel, especially for me, from the lovely Katherine over at Kitten's Lost Her Mittens.  It just happened that I posted a comment on her blog and ended up being the lucky recipient of a prize she was giving away.  It arrived on Monday.

It is a gorgeous French (oh to be french!) Marie Claire magazine full of ideas on making, sewing and decorating for little kids.  Katherine was also kind enough to include a pack of (much appreciated) 10 Claude Monet postcards from his Waterlilies collection.  

My Monet recognised the Claude Monet paintings straight away saying they were paintings from her garden! (So she says!)  I guess she can say that, after all, I did make her stand on the famous Japanese bridge that goes over the waterlily pond!  

It really made my day, so thank you Katherine.  I felt very lucky.

Speaking of parcels, Auntie Kimbofo, there should be something heading your way in the next week or two!  (I just bought it on the net and is getting delivered straight to your place.)

When was the last time you got a nice surprise in the mail?

Urgh...

Two words for you.  Bloody.  Optus.

This morning I was without a mobile phone, a home phone and (God-forbid) INTERNET.  With Lyndon down in South-East Queensland on business, I was worried that he wouldn't hear from me and wonder if I was okay.  Lucky I could make local calls on the home phone as I needed to make a doctor's appointment for my 'night-coughing' daughter.  

Apparently a major 'Optus' fiber optic cable had been cut on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, cutting our state off from the rest of Australia, those who use the Optus systems.  You can read the whole story here.  

It just made me wonder what did we do in the days before we communicated via phone and computers.  Did I actually go and buy a paper to read the headlines?  Probably.  Did I write letters to family back home and friends around the corner?  Probably.  

My phone isn't accepting phone calls, but I can text now, after five hours of No Service.  The Internet has only just come back on line (lucky I already knew The Pope had hit Sydney *snigger snigger*) and Lyndon rang the home phone about an hour ago to see how we were.  

Bloody Optus.  But at least they've given me something to blog about after a week of blogger's block.

Love Comfortable Shoes...

Don't you?

When we were in London recently I was on the hunt for a new pair of Mary Janes.  My KMart ones just weren't 'doing' it for me and my old Wittner shoes had given up the ghost about 18 months ago.  Just by chance, when browsing in a Camper Shoe store I saw a pair of shoes I loved.  Exactly what I was after, but with a hefty price tag (typical!)  

After consideration of forking out such dosh and knowing in Australia they were nearly a third more expensive I handed over my KMart numbers in the Knightsbridge Campers store for a pair of these comfortable Camper shoes.  

I regretted that evening throwing out my KMart numbers because my left foot rubbed something shocking when I wore my new Mary Janes.  *Oh the pain!*  But after a week of healing (yes, it was pretty bad) I didn't look back.  They put my comfortable Birkenstocks to shame, comfort wise.  If you have never worn a pair of these brand shoes I recommend you consider them for your next purchase.  You won't look back.

Love good shoes.  Especially comfortable ones.  

Hype

It may be hype, but I still want to see this...



You coming with me?

Because She's Beautiful In My Eyes...

Even when she annoys the crap out of me somedays, I will always love her.  How could we not?

(Minnie Mouse-like dress has been worn practically everyday since we bought it!)

I Got The Baker In Me...

I've done a bit of baking over the last few days.   

I enjoy spending time in the kitchen and eating the fruits of my labour.  I must thank my mother for teaching and encouraging me to bake on cold, wet, wintery Saturday afternoons when I was much (much) younger.   I have myself a little helper here who helps sift, pour and lick the bowl...  For a bit of cross promotion I do have a recipe blog where I share 'successful' recipes.

I really love fresh bread, especially when I have baked it myself.  I know how to make crispy baguettes and Turkish Bread but had never tackled 'normal' bread, until last week.  I used to think making bread was a scary thought, but it can be quick and simple, once you find the right recipe.  I think I might have found it.  (The recipe can be found here.)

I have even made it early one morning last week and was baked in time to enjoy for lunch.  Gotta love that.  

One of my favourite desserts would have to be Pavlova.  Love it.  Meringue, a touch of marshmallow, freshly whipped cream, fresh strawberries - what's not to love?  I never made Pav until about 18 months ago when I thought I'd give one a go.  My mother always had me convinced that Pavs were always hit or miss.  She claims they aren't easy to make and blames her oven!  Hmm.  I've promised to make one for my parents next time we are down their way (whenever that should be!)

Yesterday afternoon, feeling the need for Pav for dessert, I whipped one up.   For a twist, I used Balsamic vinegar instead of White Vinegar and the result was tasty indeed.  It looked so irresistible, even my 'I-don't-do-desserts' husband even helped himself to a slice.

Can you blame him?

I used this recipe, remembering I did the 4 egg method and replacing the balsamic vinegar.  Try it.  

I think mini cupcakes are on the menu sometimes this weekend.  Expect photographs.

Basic White Bread

Oh this bread is lovely - trust me.  Mine turned out great, so much so I am making it again as I type.  I use my mix master with the kneading attachments to do the kneading - takes about 8 mins or so.  I usually cover, first the yeast, then the dough with cling film and leave it on the floor in our spare room which is always warm.  (On hot humid days here in Cairns I tend to leave the yeast/dough to do its thing outside.)

*Taken from the Women's Weekly publication, 'Cook', published 2006, page 480*

Ingredients 

3 tsp dried yeast (7g packet)

1/2 cup (125ml) warm water

2 tsp caster sugar

2 1/2 cups (375g) plain flour (I use 00 flour)

1 tsp salt

30g butter, melted

1/2 cup (125ml) warm milk

Method

Whisk yeast, the water and sugar in a small bowl until yeast dissolves, cover; stand in warm place for about 10 minutes or until mixture is frothy.

Sift flour and salt into large bowl; stir in butter, milk and yeast mixture.  Turn dough onto floured surface; knead about 10 minutes or until dough is elastic.  Place dough into greased bowl, cover; stand in warm place for 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to moderately hot (200C/180C fan-forced).  Grease oven tray.

Turn dough onto floured surface; knead until smooth.  Roll dough to 18cm x 35cm rectangle; roll up from short side like a swiss roll

  Place on tray; cut four diagonal slashes across the top.  Cover; stand in warm place for about 20 minutes or until risen.  Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes.  Turn onto wire rack to cool.

Where Were Zig and Zag?

In 1982, when my family was holidaying in Coffs Harbour, we visited the Circus.  I can't remember too much about it bar the clowns who *freaked* me out a little, but I am sure I enjoyed it.  

Yesterday I took Monet to the Circus which hit town on the weekend.  

I wasn't too keen on going myself but when a child sees the Big Top and bangs on (& on & on) about it, my best bet was to take her.  She had a choice of seeing Kung Fu Panda at the cinema (which I would love to see), the Cairns Tropical Zoo or the Circus.  We all know what she chose.  

We went to a morning show and actually pretty much enjoyed all the performances.  

I always find it cruel to see performing animals *sob* and a part of me felt terribly guilty paying to see performing Lions, Ponies and Monkeys.  *guilt, guilt*  The lions, I have to admit, were absolutely gorgeous and Monet thought it was hilarious to see a monkey riding a bike *oh the guilt*.

Monet loved the two clowns and I agree, they were pretty funny.  Since when have clowns been in their 20s?  I must be getting old.

About 45 minutes into the show Monet declared that she wanted to leave.  Typical.  I wasn't leaving after forking out about $40 to go.  Was she kidding?  

It got so terribly hot under the Big Top.  Because Cairns is a naturally humid place to begin with, the heat inside was unbearable at one stage.  I'm glad I took with us a one litre of water because we both kept drinking from it.  I was also grateful for the break at half time where I swear everyone flaked out on the grass saying they needed fresh air.  

So that was our Circus experience.  It was nice to see Monet's face light up at certain points in the show and it was nice for us two to do something like that together. At least I know when the Circus hits town next time we won't have to go.  

:-)