31 January 2011
30 January 2011
nacho night
I think the pile of peels, skins, seeds, ends, and stems that are left at the end of food prep is usually the most beautiful part of being in the kitchen.
worth a listen
And my favorite... Technically a Christmas song, but one that is worth a permanent spot in the playlist year round I say.
Listen to more here.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Another favorite from Jamie's Food Revolution.
We leave out the chili and it still has a pleasant, slightly hot taste - perfect for the one whose eyes water at the smell of cinnamon gum.
That would be me.
Ingredients (Serves 4 to 6)
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 fresh red chile, thinly sliced
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, leaves removed, stems finely chopped
1/2 cup masala paste (I use Patak's mild curry paste)
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch strips
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk
1 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- Heat peanut oil and butter in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, chile, ginger, and chopped cilantro stems. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and golden, about 10 minutes.
- Add curry paste and chicken; stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and coconut milk. Fill one empty can with water and add to skillet; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, checking curry occasionally to make sure it does not begin to dry out and adding water, if necessary, until chicken is tender and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Top curry with yogurt and sprinkle with almonds and cilantro leaves. Serve with rice and lemon wedges.
29 January 2011
robot valentine tags
Ephram's class valentine's are slowly nearing completion.
Tonight we made some simple tags to tie on the gift boxes. I decided to scrap the idea of putting a 'To:' spot on the tag, because that is just cruel to ask a 5 year old to spell 26 names on 26 2"x2" cards. Depending on how he feels over the coming days, I may or may not get him to sign his name on the backs. We'll see.
I should probably getback to started packing...
*I just noticed these 'cute' little robots look like creepy skulls and cross bones from far away... too late now I guess.
Tonight we made some simple tags to tie on the gift boxes. I decided to scrap the idea of putting a 'To:' spot on the tag, because that is just cruel to ask a 5 year old to spell 26 names on 26 2"x2" cards. Depending on how he feels over the coming days, I may or may not get him to sign his name on the backs. We'll see.
I should probably get
*I just noticed these 'cute' little robots look like creepy skulls and cross bones from far away... too late now I guess.
28 January 2011
thrifting//the wall hanging
The Salvation Army here is nothing to write home about but they usually have a decent 'practical' furniture selection (i.e: t.v stands, dressers, coffee tables) so yesterday we went in search of a new tv stand for the playroom at our new house. PLAYROOM! Yes, I said PLAYROOM!
We found something suitable that I'll share once it gets a new coat of paint but the real find was this mid-century (inspired only perhaps - there's no markings anywhere) wall hanging.
LOVE.
We found something suitable that I'll share once it gets a new coat of paint but the real find was this mid-century (inspired only perhaps - there's no markings anywhere) wall hanging.
LOVE.
thrifting//Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Just before Christmas I was thrifting and found one of the things I had been keeping on my mental list of things to watch for.
I've been wanting this book (or any of them really) for awhile for the kids. I knew I could just buy them new but what fun would there be in that?
Now that I know how much the kids love them, I may make a new purchase or two to round out the collection. Is there anything that compares to the thrill of finding something you've long searched for though? Thumbing through shelf after shelf of barbie, goosebumps, and disney - to find something like this, ahh!
I've been wanting this book (or any of them really) for awhile for the kids. I knew I could just buy them new but what fun would there be in that?
Now that I know how much the kids love them, I may make a new purchase or two to round out the collection. Is there anything that compares to the thrill of finding something you've long searched for though? Thumbing through shelf after shelf of barbie, goosebumps, and disney - to find something like this, ahh!
It is 7:40 in the morning and the cries for the Wii, and movies, and snacks have already begun.
But I don't mind...
...because in three days we are blowing this joint and finally getting ourselves into a house. Still a rental. And a pretty dated one at that.
But a house. With rooms for everyone! A yard! Counter AND cupboard space! Laundry we don't have to pay for per use!
Things are looking up.
But I don't mind...
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...because in three days we are blowing this joint and finally getting ourselves into a house. Still a rental. And a pretty dated one at that.
But a house. With rooms for everyone! A yard! Counter AND cupboard space! Laundry we don't have to pay for per use!
Things are looking up.
23 January 2011
yogurt cheese
natural yogurt (no gelatin) + a dishcloth in a sieve + 1 night covered in the fridge = mmm
Better than sour cream. For reals.
22 January 2011
ellie
This week I took the kids to the library. Our first foray into the shelves since before I got pregnant...
Elin hasn't spent any time in a library, that she can remember anyway, opposed to Eph who would have been content to live on the alphabet rug in the children's section at our old local library. She wasn't a fan and spent most of our time there whining to leave.
Finally her wish was granted and we checked our books and movies out. It was at this point in the visit she decided to let everyone know how she felt and let out a hearty, 'This place sucks!'
Ugh. So much for her being a reader.
Elin hasn't spent any time in a library, that she can remember anyway, opposed to Eph who would have been content to live on the alphabet rug in the children's section at our old local library. She wasn't a fan and spent most of our time there whining to leave.
Finally her wish was granted and we checked our books and movies out. It was at this point in the visit she decided to let everyone know how she felt and let out a hearty, 'This place sucks!'
Ugh. So much for her being a reader.
20 January 2011
19 January 2011
valentine's day
I know we're WAY early on this little project but a sick daddy yesterday meant a tired mommy today which meant school was skipped and that left a whole day that needed filling.
A jumpstart on E's class valentines it was.
I have loved Martha's little matchbox gifts since I first saw them and our first school Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to pass them out. Forgoing pieces of paper with princesses and jedi's holding hearts and waxing poetic sounded pretty good too.
We set to work emptying matchboxes, cutting paper, taping, trimming and filling the boxes with chocolate hearts and stickers. We may have enjoyed a taste or two ourselves.
They aren't done quite yet, hand written tags need attached and we'll tie them up with string to keep them together for passing out, but good progress has been made and a good chunk of time filled so I'm all together pleased. I'll be sure to share the completed goodies soon!
recovering
Grandma's quilt.
Movies.
Tylenol.
And Advil.
More movies.
Sleep.
Finally done.
A sigh of relief.
18 January 2011
a glimmer of hope
despite all the fighting/whining/yelling/hitting/screaming these two regularly exchange...
... I think they may actually like each other.
... I think they may actually like each other.
17 January 2011
16 January 2011
15 January 2011
tink, revisted
We have a birthday party today for a sweet little four year old and when we got the invitation I knew immediately this little costume would be perfect. A Mad Hatter Tea Party and to attend one MUST come costumed.
Perfect for my little pretenders and inspiration to revisit this little tutorial.
Perfect for my little pretenders and inspiration to revisit this little tutorial.
14 January 2011
cheerio dust
My life is covered in cheerio dust. Literally. ALL THE TIME. You know, the annoying dust at the bottom of the bag of cereal? Yeah that. That and dried drips of milk... and cracker crumbs... and tiny fingerprints... and drool... you get the idea.
I've struggled in life to feel content. To be happy with the now. To enjoy the messiness of life and all it's unknowns. I have spent the years since Elin's birth feeling a pervasive sadness and have allowed myself to see only the bad and rarely the good and I've wondered why I feel so miserable.
I've loathed the fact that my house doesn't look like the magazines I drool over. I've yelled because I can't take the kids chaos anymore. I've not been able to relax. My family has suffered under this.
During this last pregnancy things in our family hit their breaking point and it was apparent that some things in my heart needed healing. With my trust and faith so damaged though it was difficult to think that this was even possible.
Slowly though my heart has been changing and it started with quite a simple revelation; things aren't really that bad. Where my default thought was always a negative before it's changing to see so many positives. So I don't have a house with paint I picked and flooring I love, I have a warm place to sleep. So I was sick for a year, I have a beautiful baby NOW and I never have to do it again. So I don't live close to my family and friends anymore, we are going home eventually. So our apartment building is slightly... mmm, shall we say, ghetto?, last night we watched eight deer in the park just off the coulees that we are lucky enough to be just across the street from. So I haven't lost all the baby weight yet, I am changing that in a slow and healthy way. And at an even deeper level, and likely at the heart of all of this, so I don't feel worthy or good enough... it doesn't mean that it's true.
Exposing the lie, rejecting it as such and simply choosing to believe Christ's truth. Could it really be that easy?
I've been playing around with it and turns out it can.
I wasted a lot of time wishing the cheerio dust was fairy dust (I told you, we're heavily into Peter Pan at the moment) but all along it was better. And I'm only starting to see that. I can't wait to see where this ends up.
I've struggled in life to feel content. To be happy with the now. To enjoy the messiness of life and all it's unknowns. I have spent the years since Elin's birth feeling a pervasive sadness and have allowed myself to see only the bad and rarely the good and I've wondered why I feel so miserable.
I've loathed the fact that my house doesn't look like the magazines I drool over. I've yelled because I can't take the kids chaos anymore. I've not been able to relax. My family has suffered under this.
During this last pregnancy things in our family hit their breaking point and it was apparent that some things in my heart needed healing. With my trust and faith so damaged though it was difficult to think that this was even possible.
Slowly though my heart has been changing and it started with quite a simple revelation; things aren't really that bad. Where my default thought was always a negative before it's changing to see so many positives. So I don't have a house with paint I picked and flooring I love, I have a warm place to sleep. So I was sick for a year, I have a beautiful baby NOW and I never have to do it again. So I don't live close to my family and friends anymore, we are going home eventually. So our apartment building is slightly... mmm, shall we say, ghetto?, last night we watched eight deer in the park just off the coulees that we are lucky enough to be just across the street from. So I haven't lost all the baby weight yet, I am changing that in a slow and healthy way. And at an even deeper level, and likely at the heart of all of this, so I don't feel worthy or good enough... it doesn't mean that it's true.
Exposing the lie, rejecting it as such and simply choosing to believe Christ's truth. Could it really be that easy?
I've been playing around with it and turns out it can.
I wasted a lot of time wishing the cheerio dust was fairy dust (I told you, we're heavily into Peter Pan at the moment) but all along it was better. And I'm only starting to see that. I can't wait to see where this ends up.
13 January 2011
meatloaf
...but not just any meatloaf. All kinds of delicious meatloaf.
Jamie's Food Revolution cookbook is fast becoming my go-to cookbook for easy, quick, and healthy meals for our family.
With our kids enthusiastic love for chickpeas lately and a pound of beef sitting in the freezer (along with not much else) this recipe fit tonight's bill. And ended up meeting everyone's approval.
RECIPE:
taken from here
serves 4-6
ingredients
• 2 medium onions
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 level teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander
• 12 cream or plain crackers, such as Jacob’s
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 pound good-quality ground beef
• 1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ½ - 1 fresh chile, to your taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, such as Lea & Perrins (I substituted soy sauce, as I was out)
• 1 x 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans, drained
• 2 x14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 12 slices of smoked bacon, preferably free range or organic (I used slices of double smoked farmer's sausage)
• 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 level teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander
• 12 cream or plain crackers, such as Jacob’s
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 pound good-quality ground beef
• 1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ½ - 1 fresh chile, to your taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, such as Lea & Perrins (I substituted soy sauce, as I was out)
• 1 x 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans, drained
• 2 x14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 12 slices of smoked bacon, preferably free range or organic (I used slices of double smoked farmer's sausage)
• 1 lemon
A good meatloaf with freshly made tomato sauce is great comfort food. I think this also makes a tasty change from the British Sunday lunch and I flavor it and treat it as if I’m roasting a big joint of meat. I used to make this a lot for staff dinners at the restaurant. It’s made along similar lines to meatballs and burgers, and trust me – people love this just as much.
To make your meatloaf
Preheat the oven to full whack (475 degrees). Peel and finely chop one of the onions—don’t worry about technique, just chop away until fine. Place in a large frying pan on a medium high heat with 2 lugs of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the ground cumin and coriander. Fry and stir ever 30 seconds for around 7 minutes or until softened and lightly golden, then put into a large bowl to cool. Wrap the crackers in a kitchen towel and smash until fine, breaking up any big bits with your hands. Add to the other bowl of cooled onions with oregano, mustard and ground beef. Crack in the egg, and add another good pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, scrunch and mix up well. Move the meat mixture to a board, then pat and mold into a large football shape. Rub it with a little oil. You can either cook it straight away or put it on a plate, cover and place in the refrigerator until needed. Place the meatloaf in a Dutch oven-type pan or baking dish, put into the preheated oven, and turn down the temperature immediately to 400 degrees. Bake for a half an hour.
To make your meatloaf sauce
Peel the other onion and chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and slice the garlic. Finely slice the red chile. Place the onion, garlic and chile in a large pan on a medium high heat with 2 lugs of olive oil, the paprika, and a pinch of the salt and pepper. Cook for around 7 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until softened and lightly golden. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down and let it slowly simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed.
To finish off and serve your meatloaf
Pick the rosemary leaves off the woody stalks and put them into a little bowl. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour all the fat from the pan over the rosemary leaves and mix up well. Spoon your sauce around the meatloaf. Lay the slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf and sauce. Scatter over the rosemary leaves. Put the pan back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon turns golden and the sauce is bubbling and delicious. Serve with a mixed leaf salad and some wedges of lemon for squeezing over—this will add a nice sharp twang.
To make your meatloaf
Preheat the oven to full whack (475 degrees). Peel and finely chop one of the onions—don’t worry about technique, just chop away until fine. Place in a large frying pan on a medium high heat with 2 lugs of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the ground cumin and coriander. Fry and stir ever 30 seconds for around 7 minutes or until softened and lightly golden, then put into a large bowl to cool. Wrap the crackers in a kitchen towel and smash until fine, breaking up any big bits with your hands. Add to the other bowl of cooled onions with oregano, mustard and ground beef. Crack in the egg, and add another good pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, scrunch and mix up well. Move the meat mixture to a board, then pat and mold into a large football shape. Rub it with a little oil. You can either cook it straight away or put it on a plate, cover and place in the refrigerator until needed. Place the meatloaf in a Dutch oven-type pan or baking dish, put into the preheated oven, and turn down the temperature immediately to 400 degrees. Bake for a half an hour.
To make your meatloaf sauce
Peel the other onion and chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and slice the garlic. Finely slice the red chile. Place the onion, garlic and chile in a large pan on a medium high heat with 2 lugs of olive oil, the paprika, and a pinch of the salt and pepper. Cook for around 7 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until softened and lightly golden. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down and let it slowly simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed.
To finish off and serve your meatloaf
Pick the rosemary leaves off the woody stalks and put them into a little bowl. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour all the fat from the pan over the rosemary leaves and mix up well. Spoon your sauce around the meatloaf. Lay the slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf and sauce. Scatter over the rosemary leaves. Put the pan back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon turns golden and the sauce is bubbling and delicious. Serve with a mixed leaf salad and some wedges of lemon for squeezing over—this will add a nice sharp twang.
homemade laundry soap
Thanks to Missy for giving me the nudge I needed to finally try making our own laundry soap. I made a batch up after this post back in August. Eight weeks before Wren was born! Here we are now, twelve weeks after Wren's birth, and we still have an ice cream pail full. I can hear the savings adding up in my head.
I knew that pail won't last much longer (the piles of laundry in this house are of mountainous proportions) so in a preemptive move I set to work mixing up another few gallons (!) today.
I knew that pail won't last much longer (the piles of laundry in this house are of mountainous proportions) so in a preemptive move I set to work mixing up another few gallons (!) today.
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