Comparisons

Comparison's

We wouldn’t enjoy the sunshine

If we didn’t have the rain .

We wouldn’t appreciate good health

If we never experienced pain.

If we never shed a teardrop

And always wore a smile,

We’d all get tired of laughing

After we had grinned a while.

Every thing is by comparison

both the bitter and the sweet.

And it takes a bit of both of them,

To make our lives complete.

Coconut Macaroons ! My Weekly Biscuit Recipe !

Coconut Macaroons !
Here is my weekly biscuit recipe !
These biscuits are gluten & dairy free !
I made these biscuits with the 2 egg whites I had left over from making my mayonnaise. It only made 12 biscuits but they were so yummy.
2 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
2/3 dessicated coconut .
whisk the eggs whites until stiff peaks add sugar a little at a time them stir in the coconut then cook in a preheat oven 160 degrees for about 15 minutes or until lovely golden brown I put 12 blobs on the tray in circle shapes.Note: because they have no fat in them they will stick to the tray. I used glad bake sheets that I just use over and over again when I'm  finished with them I roll them up and put them inside the glad bake cardboard tube for next time. After making these I got the egg slice and scraped  the paper clean  for next time, if you make them you will know what I mean . Happy cooking ! Or should I say happy eating !

Our First Harvest Of Broad Beans !

Our First Harvest Of Broad Beans !
This was our first harvest of broad beans, We've never grown them before and DP loves them. I lightly steamed them for about 2 minutes then drizzled a little bit on my home made salad dressing which is made from extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and a little honey . They were delicious and so quick and easy to prepare, I love dishes that taste great with so little effort. I've never cooked them any other way. I read a recipe from another Simple Saver Mimi who makes a broad bean dip, I may try that one if we get excess beans! If any one has any great recipes using broad beans please post them .
Here is another recipe I came across I haven't tried it yet, I don't usually put recipes on my blog that I haven't tried but it sounds nice I may make it this weekend and report back with the results.

Broad Bean Patties

2 cups fresh young broad beans

1/3 cup onions

1 garlic clove

1/3 cup Italian parsley

1/3 cup fresh coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

pinch hot chili flakes

1 tsp sea salt

oil for shallow frying

Just process all ingredients together,

make patties and shallow fry.

Moroccan Salad ! Made With Chickpeas !

Moroccan Salad ! Made With Chickpeas !
This recipe is really simple and really tasty !
I hope you all give it a try, great for a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner by it self.
Here is the recipe ! And my version in brackets !
1/2 red onion, finely diced ( I used a spring onion)
1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
(I used a cup of dried chickpeas that I soaked over night and then cooked)
2 tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 handful of herbs such as mint or parsley, chopped ( I used both)
pinch of paprika ( I used 1 teaspoon).
pinch of ground cumin ( I used 1 teaspoon).
salt and pepper to taste.( I used celtic salt only).
Simply mix together all the ingredients in a non-metallic bowl and set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse, then serve. This recipe comes from a low GI diet cook book. Thank you very much Lesley for sharing the recipe, it was so nice I felt it needed to be shared with others !

My Hessian & Rose Bag !

My Hessian & Rose Bag !
Here is just another one of my bags ! I love making bags !
This one is shabby chic rustic and feminine which really describes me. It's not a lot different from my tote bag tutorial other then handles are longer and it is lined and I have added a ruffle near the top . So I just thought I would show you some of my bag collection what's that saying a girl can't have too many bags ! Well I guess they can, just makes some feel better about having too many. They are all hand made so not expensive. And I love coming up with new creations when I'm in a creative mood !

Magnet Faces ! Made From Plastic Bottle Tops !

Magnet Faces !
Made From Plastic Bottle Tops !
These are really cute and easy to make, made from recycled bottle tops and tops from jars !
Just another one of my recycled projects as I said once before my brain is always swimming with ideas that's why I'm so glad I'm blogging to document it all and free up some free space in my brain !
All you need is some tops, a packet of googly eyes ( cheap from the $2 store) some glue and some magnets, if you are like me and people keep giving you magnets that advertise their companies then you will have plenty free of charge. Cut the magnets a little smaller then the top so you cannot see it from the front, some of them you will need to fit another top inside so it will fill the gap so the magnet will sit flush with the back. Then stick on the googly eyes  and draw a smile using a permanent black texta.
How simple is that and I think they look really cute . If could also use old buttons for the eyes , you could also add other bits and pieces like some hair or fur or feathers , you could add some cotton wool to make the red one look like Santa. So get the kids around the table and have fun creating all sorts of cute and wonderful faces ! I f you don't have any tops around the house, when you go out walking get the kids to collect them from the ground that's also a great way of helping keep Australia beautiful , A win win for ever one ! Don't forget to wash them and their hands as well, of course !Happy crafting and recycling !

Mayonnaise Gluten free & dairy free !

Mayonnaise Gluten free & dairy free !
Make Your Own Mayonnaise ! So much healthier then anything you could buy sitting on a super market shelf ! Fresh is always way better, I love making most of our own food because I know its fresh and exactly what we are eating ! So here is my recipe for creamy yummy mayo !
I remember the first time I tried to make mayonnaise about 20 years ago but it didn't turn out because I put the oil in too fast . So the secret to good creamy mayo is pouring in the oil very very slowly a steady drizzle and keep blending while pouring here is my recipe !
2 egg yolks ( I used free range).
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
1/3 teaspoon celtic salt.
1/2-1 tablespoon lemon juice.
1/2-1 tablespoon honey.
1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder (optional)
Note: Some people may find extra virgin olive oil tastes to strong if so use another vegetable oil. I use extra virgin olive oil for lots of recipes, I even use it in cake and muffin recipes.
Separate the eggs and put the yolks into blender or food processor with salt, honey and lemon juice and mix to creamy then add the oil very slowly a steady trickle while still blending it emulsifies and becomes thick and creamy store in a glass jar in the fridge. The colour will depend on the colour of the egg yolks my were really deep yellow. I never eat mayo from the shop most have gluten, dairy and soy ! So today to eat fresh home made mayo was lovely we had ours with free range chicken and quinoa salad, I'm looking forward to making my curried egg with mayo for lunch during the week.
On Saturday I will post my weekly biscuit recipe using the 2 egg whites that are left from making the mayo!

Recycle Water When Showering !

Recycle Water When Showering !
As we have a shortage of water because lightning hit our rain water tank earlier this year, as our whole house is reliant on that water, we need to be very careful. So a few weeks ago I remembered we had a big plastic tub in the shed that we used to bath Kev's dogs in when they were alive. I cleaned it really well and put it under the shower to catch all the rain water and then bucket it out and use it to water our garden, mostly all my potted herbs. You could also use it to flush your toilets. We usually use bore water for the toilets. A great way to recycle your shower water, when it's filled it holds about 30 litres another way to save water is to get out before it's filled up !  My son Jack loves it he will sit in it and have a shower come bath. Just another way to save our precious water !

Macadamia & Oat Biscuits !

Macadamia & Oat Biscuits !
Here is my weekly biscuit recipe !
I had some macadamia nuts in a jar in my pantry that I wanted to use up as I only buy ones in the shell now as they don't go rancid. Here is my recipe!
250 grams butter.
2 eggs.
1 cup raw sugar.
1 cup crushed macadamia nuts.
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups wholemeal SR flour.
Method: Melt butter and mix dry ingredients together add melted butter, then egg stir until well mixed , I roll into balls a bit larger then walnut size then when on tray I flatten with my egg slice cook in a preheated oven 180 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown I made 46 biscuits . Cool well before storing in air tight container. Note: if the mixture is a little dry add a few tablespoons of water .
Another note: To people who have a problem with wheat you can use rice flour.

Glass Bottles/Jars Make Great Flower Vases !

 Glass Bottles/Jars Make Great Flower Vases !
Just another use for glass bottles and jars this one is a tomato puree bottle ! So today I was cleaning the bottom of my pantry and after seeing all my bottles, jars and tins I thought this will make a lovely vase filled with some lovely fresh lavender, looks lovely and smells lovely and free so even more lovely. I have seen pictures in magazines where they have covered them with lace fabric I tried that today but after all of that I thought it looked much nicer just as it is ! One less thing that needs to go into the recycle bin .

Glass Jars With My Herbs & Spices !

Glass Jars With My Herbs & Spices !
I just printed some labels on paper and stuck them with sticky tape, free and recycled herb & spice jars ! I have been buying most of my herbs and spices in bulk, usually 250 grams at a time for the spices I use regularly.But I have nearly always brought my spices in packets then when I get them home I transfer them into a jar. I hate buying the spices in those little glass bottles you get hardly any and the cost is way to expensive. If you read any of my blog you will know my passion for keeping glass jars and bottles , it's probably border line obsession ! Who cares what can I say" I love glass". I buy most of my herbs&spices on line from a company called The Angry Almond. They have an online mail service W.A. only and postage is a flate rate of only $3.50. Way cheaper then using the car and paying petrol, here is their web site. http://www.angryalmond.com/

Patchwork Quilt ! (Made from my scraps of fabric)

Patchwork Quilt !
(Made from my scraps of fabric)
What's that saying if life gives you scraps make a quilt ! I love sewing. I decided to make a quilt using scraps of fabric in my sewing room I could probably make 100 more with all the fabric I have in my sewing room ! But that would take a lot of time, they can be very time consuming , but very rewarding when they are completed, This one is always on the end of my bed in case I have a nap during the day or get a little cold during the night. I think it looks right at home on our old bed, This bed used to belong to my great grand parents, so well over 100 years old. Its a log cabin, very easy to make its just made from 2 inch or 5 cm strips and you will need to make 36 blocks at finished size 12 inch or 30.5cm.and add a 4 &1/2 inch border or 11.5 cm and the finished size of this quilt is 81 inches or 206cm square. And the wadding is 100%cotton. It's a great way to use up all your fabric scraps. It gives me so much pleasure it truly warms my heart seeing it every day, it reminds me of other projects I've sewn from those fabrics. Its like a memory quilt to me ! I'm in the process of another scrap quilt made using strips sewn together to make a square I will post when more has been done. Just a thought perhaps I should post up dates every week or so, that might also motivate me to completing it sooner. I have only made all the blocks need to join them together now! I love making scrap quilts they are my favourite. I have made others using only a few colours and patterns they feel too structured to me,I like the more rustic feel of the scrap quilts ! Happy sewing every one !

This is what it looks like spread out. I hung it on the line so you can see the whole quilt !

Mint Sauce !

Mint Sauce !
I have always made my own mint sauce.
Here is my recipe !
1 cup mint (firmly packed).
1&1/2 cups boiling water.
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.
2 tablespoons honey.
Finely chop up mint put into a heatpoof bowl then pour boiling water over stir well add vinegar and honey stir well . when cool bottle and keep in the fridge, great on roast lamb and can use it as a salad dressing or drizzle over roast or steamed vegetables (lovely on peas).This amount makes about 550 mls, half or quarter the recipe to make less, keeps ages in the fridge.

Plastic Man! Made From An Assortment Of Plastics !

Plastic Man! Made From An Assortment Of  Plastics !
On Friday after Jack got home from school we made a plastic man from milk caps and other plastics that I had been collecting from our long life milk and a supplement bottle and a plastic golf ball and his hat is made from a black plastic bottle cap and the brim is made from the black plastic insert from the woollies green bags and string to hold him together . Jack and I punched holes in each cap with a nail and a little hammer (my meat tenderizer) and I used a large sewing needle to push the string through the holes and some googly eyes that I purchased some years back from the $2 store. It's very easy and again a great fun activity to do with your children, so start saving those milk caps ! It's way better if we don't get more plastics but if you do its better to find other uses for it . When we went shopping on Saturday I said to Kev and Jack lets not get any thing with plastic , it was impossible , toilet rolls, long life milk, 2 green coconuts, natural sultanas,leg of lamb and they were all wrapped in plastic, easier said then done ,we use our green bags and our mesh bags for fruit & vegetables so we don't get any extra plastic. I Wonder how others avoid plastic ,please post and tell us all your great tips for reducing plastic.

Corn Flake Biscuits !

Corn Flake Biscuits !
Here is my weekly biscuit recipe!
Kev and Jack loved the biscuits and they are very quick and easy to make.
125 grams butter.
1/3 cup raw sugar.
1 egg.
1/3 cup sultanas.
1 cup wholemeal S.R flour.
1&1/2 cups lightly crushed cornflakes.

Cream butter and sugar ,then add egg, beat well fold in flour add sultanas mix well .Put teaspoonfuls of mixture into cornflakes roll lightly to coat well. place on either lightly grease oven tray or like me I use a sheet of glad bake that I reuse over and over again. Leave room between each biscuit to allow for a little spreading .Bake in pre-heated oven 160 degrees (I use fan forced) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, When cool store in an air tight container, makes about 30 biscuits .

Tin Man ! Made From Recycled Tins !

Tin Man ! Made From Recycled Tins !

Today I sat outside in the sunshine and made my tin man.

Just a fun way of recycling used tins from food we have eaten.I did a post some time back called my latest missions finding ways of using tins and I mentioned making a tin man. As I had to save enough tins for the project,I made him today and it was really enjoyable and fun making him. When Jack gets home from school I will show it to him, he will love it I'm sure and I had a thought. Jack with my help can make one for his gran and his pop for Christmas that they can hang in their garden, I'm sure they will love that ! He is currently hanging in the gazebo out the back , he would be great to hang in the vegetable garden like a scare crow and when there is a little breeze he may make a tingling sound , not sure yet its not windy . So how to make him , Well I used 10 small tuna tins 5 each for each of his legs, 4 each for his arms one for his neck and hat . A large beetroot tin for his body and a coconut cream tin for his head .Firstly I punched a tiny hole in the middle of all the tins then I used fishing line threaded through the holes to hold him together . The body tin I punched a hole on either side for the arms and three on the top, two for the legs. I also used an old ice cream container cut into a circle for the brim of his hat. Then I used my glue glue gun to stick eyes,nose and mouth and ears using long life milk tops and another red cap from some thing and cut it in half to use for the mouth . and two buttons on his body with used little batteries for decoration. I think he looks lovely and almost free to make ! A great activity for the kids to make one each . So start collecting tins and milk tops etc ! We don't eat a lot of tinned food but after whats in the pantry I'm going to try not to purchase any more ! I've been reading a book called  "Slow death  by rubber duck" It's about how the toxic chemistry of everyday life affects our health . It's a real eye opener I  can tell you that ! I may do a blog about it soon ! Very interesting reading. I try to buy mostly fresh produce and when I cannot I try to purchase in glass, that's why I have so many jars in my collection. that's another story. I did an earlier post on uses for glass jars and bottles !

Head Bands ! Made from scraps of fabric !

Head Bands !
Made from scraps of fabrics !
I made these lovely headbands from scraps of fabrics. They would make lovely gifts for Christmas and birthdays, They are very easy to make and they are reversible so flowers and spots one day and just spots the next day ! I don't have any girls but I made these for 2 lovely little girls for a going away gift, they are heading back to Sydney on Saturday .
You will need some fabric scraps and some elastic and sewing thread of course . The back fabric is 9 cm wide and the middle fabric is 3cm wide join them together then at the back add some elastic like in the photo below. I have made mine 48cm long + the elastic 7cm but allow a bit extra to sew into the headband a little so it will be strong to with stand stretching on and off !(best to measure head to get correct size)

Buckwheat Pancakes !

Buckwheat Pancakes !
I made buckwheat pancakes for my lunch today !These are great to make if you have a problem with wheat or gluten.I filled mine with,tomato,avocado
snow pea sprouts,spring onion, left over roast pork and I grated some fresh apple and a sprinkle of celtic salt it was delicious.I don't have these very often but when I do I always thoroughly enjoy them ! I hope you give them a try !they are quick easy and delicious !

Here is my recipe
1 cup buckwheat flour.
1 1/3 cups of water.(I use rain water)
1 egg. (free range of course)
Mix well so there is no lumps. Then put a little bit of oil (I use extra virgin olive oil) In a fry pan medium heat then pour a thin layer of the mix wait a few minutes turn over a cook other side. This mixture makes 3-4 large pancakes . Then fill with what ever you like either savory or sweet . I used to make these for my sons many years ago as my middle son had a problem with wheat and dairy products . I used to make them for when they got home from school some times I would slice a banana in half lengthwise half for each pancake add a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice and roll up! I hope you try them as they are delicious, stewed apple is nice with them also with a sprinkle of cinnamon ! You could also make small ones and use them like pikelets. Happy Cooking !

Solar panels 30 of them !

Solar panels 30 of them !
Last Wednesday we had 24 more solar panels installed , We had 6 already after the government rebate last year and we wanted to add more but because the ones we had installed last year were different then these new ones we had 30 installed and the electrician wanted the ones we had as they matched his 6 panels so every one was happy ! Well in that area every one was happy . The next day we spent most of the day at the beach I said to kev it will be exciting to see how many units of power we make today,I thought it should be a least 30 units(Kwh).When we got home the inverter was reading only 9 units, that's a bit strange we thought, Kev rang the installer to tell him something was wrong ,he wasn't sure what the problem could be.So at this stage we aren't sure if the problem is our end or Western powers end that's the energy provider here in the West. So its been a week and its still not working as it should. There is a fault some where we are not sure where it is at this stage. When the inverter's production reaches 3,000 watts it trips out because it reaches the over voltage trigger point (264V)! So far it has been disappointing , hope the problem gets solved soon , Kev went back to work today after 2 weeks holiday and he will speak to his work colleague who is an electrical engineer so we hope he can shed some light on helping solve our solar problem ! I will keep you all updated, I wonder has any one else had a similar problem !If so please post and tell us your story ! Kev has returned home from work and 3 people at his work all said it could be 3 different things causing the problem. One being because we have 200 metres of 3 phase cabling from our metre to our house switch board . Another reason is that western powers voltage is too high.We are waiting to hear back from the intaller ! So fingers crossed it will be simple to correct !

Tote Bag Tutorial !

Tote Bag Tutorial !
To make the tote bag you will need half a metre of  fabric 112cms wide. I have used 100% cotton fabric as it washes up well and especially if you are using the bag often for shopping etc. finished bag size is 46cm width x 45.5 cm depth. Sizes can vary a little because if I buy one metre of fabric it will make two bags it will depend on how generous they were at the shop some will allow a little more in case its not straight , So instead of cutting it off I will cut it in half so may get a slightly bigger bag rather then wasting a strip of fabric or unless you want to use it for something else like a matching headband or mobile phone pocket sewn into the bag !

                                     

Step 1.
Cut 16 cms off the selvage (that's the edge of the fabric woven so that it won't fray) edge then cut in half lengthwise for the handles of the bag .

Step 2.

Fold fabric in half wrong sides of the fabric together as we are going to sew a french seam as it will make the bag a lot stronger sew quarter inch seam down each side.

Step 3.
Fold bag so right sides are together now sew a quarter inch seam down each side then turn fabric so right sides are on the outside. I use a chop stick for pushing into the corners .

Step 4.
To hem the top of the bag fold over 1.5 cm then another 1.5 and sew around the top .Now the body of the bag is completed .
I rarely ever iron as I go along I usually just finger press by running the fabric between my fingers to flatten the seams or edges

Step 5.
Now to make the handles. get the two strips that we first cut ,fold each one in half length wise with right sides together sew a quarter inch seam around one end and the whole length leave the end open so you can turn the fabric the right way.

Step 6 .
Now get the chop stick and push into the strap end that has been sewn

Step 7.
keep pushing until the right side appears take out chop stick and complete the process on the other strap then finger press flat.





Step 8.
Sew very closely around the edges of the handles so they sit nice and flat and they will look nicer on the finished bag .

Step 9.
Finished look of bag handles .

Step 10.
measure 5 inches from each side of the bag make a mark with a pencil you can pin if you like make sure the handle edge is 5 inches from edge of bag .

Step 11.
I fold over the ends of the handle strips so it looks neater then I sew it to the bag .I sew a square then I sew it in a cross to make it stronger, and it looks nicer but that's up to you .

Step 12.
This step is optional it gives the bag a nicer finish to the bottom corners instead of pointy corners its up to you what you like best .
Fold bag inside out lay bag so it looks like the photo then sew across the bottom on both of the bottom corners . Fold back the right way your bag is completed ! I hope that was easy to understand so I hope you all make one for yourself or for a lovely gift .
 

My Religious Undies !(Holy that is ) Well they were, but not anymore !

My Religious Undies! (holy that is) well they were, but not any more ! 
I'm nearly 48 years old and I have never ever in my life put a patch over holes in my under wear before ! Well as they say there is a first time for every thing ! "And this is my first " Since I have really become aware of how much stuff goes into landfill I'am determined I don't want to add to it, if I can help it ! So today I put a patch over a hole in each pair of my bonds cotton red undies and I thought long and hard will I share that with every one and I thought why not ! So here I'm bearing all about my undies some people will think that's a little extreme and some will think that's another great way to recycle.I must admit I fluctuate between the two! If I can make then last another 6 months why not . I plan to use them for when its the time of the month! Well in saying that, that time has just finished and I'm wearing them at this very moment . I put them on to see how they looked , I may call them my designer undies they are original one of a kind no one in the world has a pair like them ! I love being different , its not about the money because I have plenty of money to buy more its about being green and I have a draw full of other pairs ! I said to Kev today am I being mean or green ! Well I can honestly say I'm being green and very honest at the same time ! So I challenge others to do the same and make then last as long as possible . Every one knows that most men will wear their undies until they disintegrate My DP would ! I often say I think these are ready for the bin and Kev will say something like plenty more years in them ! I think this post should be titled how low can you go !If I told my mother she would say you have plenty of undies in your draw why would you bother just throw them out in the past I would have ." I did". So I wonder who out there is game to post and say they do the same or will do the same. This will be interesting !This post is longer then I thought it would be about 2 pairs of undies with holes in them ! Some would say "get a life".
Maybe that's my problem I don't have a life , lets be honest any one who posts on their blog about undies I'm starting to wonder about myself now ! will I post this one ? I will sleep on it and decide tomorrow if you see it in my blog then you'll know what I decided ! lol

Rice Bubble Slice !

Rice Bubble Slice !
This is a very easy recipe for the days you want some thing really quick and simple for the kids lunch boxes or a quick after school snack !
Recipe !
4 cups rice bubbles (I used home brand rice pops).
1/3 cup of sugar (I used raw sugar ).
90 grams butter.
1 Tablespoon honey.
Method : Melt butter ,sugar and honey in a sauce pan until all melted and sugar dissolved then pour over the rice bubbles mix well and press into a tray lined with glad bake .Then bake in pre heated oven 160 degrees Celsius (I use a fan forced oven) for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown in colour ! Let them cool and cut into squares. I use my 9 inch or 23 cm square cake tin. Keep the glad bake and use over and over ! You could also make them in patty pans if you like.Next time I make these I'm going to add some maccadamia nuts .At my sons school they have a ''No nuts policy " So I wouldn't give them to him to take to school, if I added the nuts. I remember when I was about 8 years old my mum made these for me when I needed to take a plate to my Sunday School Christmas party and I remember being quite disappointed that they weren't on the table I was sitting at . I still remember that and that was nearly 40 years ago ! I plan to a make a different biscuit recipe every week so stay tuned for the next one ! I'm looking forward to seeing what next weeks recipe will be also ! It will be a surprise for me as well !

Pikelets !

Pikelets ! Not just for the kids !
Great for the adult parties or get togethers or lunch or a light dinner ! They can be topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon and a thin slice of cucumber and a sprig of dill . They can also be made with gluten free flour for the gluten intolerant people ! Would be nice for morning tea with jam and fresh cream , way easier and quicker then making scones .If any one has some great toppings please post and tell us all.
Recipe !
1 cup S.R flour.(I use wholemeal)
1/2 cup milk.
1/2 cup water
1 egg.
1 dessertspoon sugar
Mixture should be a little thicker then pancake mixture if too thick add a little more water or milk .
Mix ingredients well and put tablespoons into a hot pan with a little butter/oil cook until bubbles appear on top the turn over about a minute each side. I usually make a double batch put into a wide mouth glass bottle or jar will keep for a few days in the fridge and just pour out into pan the desired amount ! These are great to make if short on time and money or need to take a plate in a hurry or without much notice or just plain forgot , if for kids just put butter or jam or both. How many of you out there have taken a note from childs school bag to find they need to take a plate the next day !"I haven't been shopping yet ! Oh my what will I make " .Got lots of children coming for a play date make a batch of pikelets and cut up some fresh fruit should keep them all happy until dinner time !

Make Your Own Salad Dressing !

Make Your Own Salad Dressing ! So easy and delicious !

Why did the tomato blush ? Because he saw the salad dressing !
Here is my recipe or you can adjust it to your own taste.
1/3 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice. (You could use apple cider vinegar)
3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil .
1or 2  teaspoons of honey .
Put into screw top jar and give a good shake until it turns a milky colour ! Stores well in the fridge for a 3-4  weeks, then add a splash to your salads. I use this dressing for my quiona salad, use it on rice salad, potato salad I also love a little drizzled over my lightly steamed broccoli and over steamed vegetables is nice also ! You can add a clove of crushed garlic or some fresh chilli to add an extra zing to your salads !

Home Made Muesli !

Home Made Muesli !
I haven't made muesli for a while !
I decided I would make some up today here is my recipe !
This recipe is gluten free, if you add oats it won't be.
1 cup pepitas.
1 cup sunflower seeds.
1 cup coconut.
1 cup sesame seeds.
1 cup linseeds.
1 cup natural sultanas.
1 cup psyllium.
1 cup almonds.
1cup chia seeds
I grind up all the seeds and nuts except the chia seeds,I mixed it up well and put into a large jar.I had a scoop of it that Isoaked with rain water for about 30 minutes then add chopped up fresh strawberries it was delicious !You can add what ever you like eg rolled oats other dried fruits. Soaking the nuts and seeds make it easier to digest and helps absorb more nutrients . Serve with fresh fruit or add a sprinkle to your yoghurt.Kev my DP will usually put a few spoon fulls over his vita brits in the morning.

 

Make Hankies ! From Old Cotton Cot Sheets!

Make Hankies ! From Old Cotton Cot Sheets!
Well my youngest is eight now so won't be needing cot sheets any more. They used to be single bed sheets for my oldest two boys then I cut them in half eight years ago to make cot sheets . They have been in the linen cupboard for long enough now and the other day I thought I can use them to make some hankies. I'm not really a huge fan of hankies I usually buy boxes of tissues but they are not good for the environment so I'm trying to do with out them .If you've ever had a cold and just used tissues you'll know they can be a little harsh on the skin under your nose I remember about  ten years ago I had a cold and used tissues and the skin under my nose from wiping continuously it left a mark I looked like Hitler. So to use cotton hankies so much softer on the nose and surrounding skin, so there's another great reason to use hankies ! So today I got 12 hankies out of one cot sheet , In total I made 36 hankies from 3 cot sheets. I'm getting greener by the minute ! So if your out shopping one day and see a lady who is literally the colour green it may be me so say hi !I haven't sewn around the edges I have just ripped them and hope they don't fray too much . It depends on the weave as to how much they will fray, I'll wash them gently !

Fresh Fruit Platter With Chocolate Dipping Sauce !

Fresh Fruit Platter With Chocolate Dipping Sauce ! (Dairy free and Sugar free )
This is a great dessert to serve when entertaining, very quick and easy to make and no cooking involved great for the warmer months ahead . Use the same recipe posted earlier for chocolate coated bananas but add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to make it a little easier for dipping fruit in !Mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder(woolies home brand) or a healthier option use raw cocoa powder, two tablespoons of raw honey or agave syrup to taste and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil together over a bowl of hot water until lovely and creamy Use what ever fruit you have available, for adults you could add a splash of alcohol (if you do then don't add the extra tablespoon of coconut oil ) A splash of Cointreau would be yummy !
Your guests will be impressed ,but  I say why wait for guests, make it tonight for yourselves !