Lots of photos (and a recipe or 2) to share :-)

Hi! Hope all is well! Not much to report from here....I have been editing, editing and editing CUT OUT THE CRAP FOR KIDS.....I have my final meeting with Bec my fantastic Graphic Designer next week and then off to print we go! I have been happy plodding around the house playing with the kids, cooking, going for walks and trying to market my book and doing "odd jobs" around the house too....I wanted to share some photos with you and also 2 meal ideas.......Hope this finds you all well.......

Take Care Of You,

Coll x

Lime Fish! This was a "throw together" quick and easy dinner for us the other night....it was DELICIOUS! Recipe to follow at the bottom of this blog :-)

Beautiful fresh Basil from my sisters garden. I plan on making a huge batch of pesto out of it tomorrow and putting it in the freezer. Pesto is brilliant to have on hand, for a quick, easy and healthy dinner throw it into rice pasta, or throw a little into some chicken breast fillets and stir fry veg or you can even use it as a dip! YUM!

My wall feature - I have no idea why the old owners put a Lions head water feature with blue and green seahorse tiles!!!???

tifu

After! The seahorses are still there if you look closely, but now they are not as noticable in white! I painted over them in some stupidly expensive tile paint. It was worth it though as the feature is at the front door and one of the first things you see!

My new favourite tea - oh so yummy! Chammomile, Lemon Balm and Spearmint :-)

Tonights dinner - one HUGE Zucchini Fritter! The original recipe in CUT OUT THE CRAP is for small individual ones and I changed it slightly tonight for this huge one! Was great, it took 5 minutes to make and I threw it in the oven, served it with Smoked Salmon and Salad and the result was a tasty, quick and healthy NO CRAP dinner!

 

 

 

LIME FISH

1kg firm white fish
4 tblspns sesame seeds
2 tblspns dried oregano
pinch of salt and pepper
 2 limes - thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 180c
Line a large lasagne dish with baking paper. 
Place the fish down on top of the paper in a single even layer.
Prinkle with sesame seeds, oregano, salt and pepper.
Place limes on top. 

Cook in prehated oven for 20-30 minutes or until fish is cooked. 

For hubby and myself I served this with a huge salad. For Miss 9 and Miss 7 I served this with "frozen chips" and salad. This is the kind of meal we have for a "throw together" dinner. It takes no time at all to prepare and the result is a healthy tasty meal. So much better for you than "drive thru" dinners.

HUGE ZUCCHINI FRITTER

2 large zucchini - grated
1 large onion - thinly sliced 
4 eggs
1tblspn rice milk
pinch salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 180c

Grate the zucchini straight into a non stick frypan (one that can go in the oven). Spread it out evenly. Place the sliced onions on top. 
In a small bowl place the eggs, rice milk, salt and pepper and whisk well. 
Pour egg mixture over the zucchini and onion. 

Cook on a hot plate on medium heat for approx 10 minutes or until it is 3/4 cooked. 
Place in preheated oven (still in the frypan) and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until golden.

I served this with Smoked Salmon on top and a huge salad.

As I had a busy day today and wasnt home until 3pm, then had to help with homework etc. I had planned on making the Zucchini Fritters from COTC (page 100) but didnt feel like standing there flipping them (ha ha!) and the twins were grizzly and wanted to be held and didnt want them near the hotplates, so decided to see if I could vary it slightly so I could throw it in the oven and walk away...and it worked....yay!

Hope you enjoy these when you try them xxx 

My week....

Good Evening everyone! Just thought I would touch base, say HI and hope that your week has been great!

Mine has been quietish, lots of cuddles for unsettled bubbas and thankfully (at the moment) I only had Miss 9 with lots of spots and Mr 15months with a few. It was actually nice to not be out and about this week as I am normally at the Gym 3 mornings a week which makes things a little rushed. This week I caught up on lots of little things including laying on the lounge with Miss 9 whilst the twins were asleep! It was relaxing and lovely to have a week like this.

In saying that, come friday I was ready to escape these walls and I managed an escape from all 4 kids on friday night as my sister had a Tupperware Party. It was a lot of fun catching up with friends and was nice to have a 2 minute walk home.

Josh and I had a productive day today, he was working on our front yard again, which is looking wonderful, and I was trying to be useful and do things that I would normally ask him to do....(anything that involves using the drill!) I managed with a few things, but in the end I was all a bit too girly with it and couldn't change the drill bit, then after 2 trips to the hardware store the drill ran out of charge, I couldn't drill into what I wanted to and my moment of trying to be this woman who can do anything turned to mush, so I went and did what I know best.....I cooked......and what is better then a Roast Lamb!!!!

Had some exciting news that my Cousin had her first baby today....a little Boy :-) Congrats to Kirsty and Sundren.....can't wait to meet your little man.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and an even better week ahead. Have you been cooking out of COTC? Would love for you to post some photos on FB if you have! I love seeing them!

My "creation" today....finally I will be able to find 2 earrings instead of 1!

My other "creation" a place to put my necklaces so hopefully no more knots!

A large pot and plant! Ha ha! Saw it, fell in love and had to take a photo and share it! Would love one like this....one day!

Another thing I fell in love with today....this Clock....I'm going back tomorrow to buy it ;-)

Josh's dinner 2 nights ago. Lemon and Coriander Chicken (page 178 in COTC) Roast Sweet Potato, Salad and a "throw together" savoury rice with a heap of veg in it! YUMMO!

Joshs lunch. He does not have any allergies at all so I made him this sandwich. It had Cos Lettuce, boiled egg mixed with mayo and curry powder and leftover Paprika Chicken Drumsticks (page 190 in COTC) - he said it was GREAT!

Take Care Of You,
Coll x

Chicken Pox!

There are many firsts as a Mum.....Monday was a first for me with Chicken Pox.....with 4 children it was bound to happen soon!
Miss 9 and Miss 7 have both been vaccinated for them and the twins 15months have not, as it doesn't happen until 18months.
Miss 9 has them and quite a lot the poor Princess. She is well within herself which is good, she is reasonably happy to have the week off school, although she still has work to do, but she is quite tired and seems happy to be lazing around.
Miss 7 is funny....checking every 30 seconds to see if she has spots.....and I think she is disappointed when she sees none! Im sure its the time off school she is hoping for!
Master 15months has about 20 spots and is a little unsettled, although they are such good bubbas, their biggest demands are extra cuddles, which I am more than happy to give. Miss 15months is a little unsettled also, but thankfully no spots. I guess its a matter of waiting to see if they will all get them or not.
Part of me is hoping that they all get it now at the same time and get it over and done with.....I'm sure if they all have it though I may change my mind on that thought!

Our afternoon tea! I love passionfruit season! I was once told by a Green Grocer to buy them wrinkly and at least 60g if possible. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or the bench for 1 week - not that they last that long in our house! I think I may need to try and grow a Passionfruit vine when I get around to doing up a Vegie Patch.

My Secretary! Isn't she adorbale!

My new best friend at the moment!

COTC2 is going well with is being a matter of weeks before it is being sent off to print.......getting closer and more exciting each day!

My month of no "added sugar" is going ok......I missed it the first 2 weeks quite bad, and not so much now which is good! I remember reading once that it takes 9 days without food to get rid of the craving for it.....I wonder if thats true......

I hope this finds you all well, happy, healthy and SPOT free!

Take Care Of You xxx

Just what my body felt like.....

I thought I would share with you this dinner I cooked the other night....it was just what I felt like....so fresh and healthy AND of course delicious! So good for my insides, my body loves food like this. I was thrilled to have leftovers - it's typical of me to cook enough for a crowd!

Stir fry veg:
Shallots, purple cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, snow peas, asparagus and brussel sprouts. All stir fried in a large wok with 1 tspn olive oil and a pinch of salt. I love vegies like this still slightly crunchy!

Parsley Crumbed Fish:
Fresh firm white fish cut into "one person" size portions. (I only ever buy Australian Fish)
On a large plate place rice flour, a pinch of salt and a generous amount of dried parsley flakes.  Press fish into this flour mixture.
Cook in a large pan on a medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook until fish is thoroughly cooked and golden.

Serve fish on top of vegies.

The next day with my "left overs" I found some Mango Chutney from CUT OUT THE CRAP (page 32) in my freezer, so I piled that on top also! YYYYYUUUUUMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My "leftovers" for lunch the next day!

What I also loved about this meal is that it was QUICK! In the time that it took Josh to bath the twins I had the groceries unpacked and this gorgeous meal on the table!

Take Care Of You,
xxx

food...food....and more food.....

Some of the beautiful, tasty, healthy and easy meals we have had recently from my book CUT OUT THE CRAP!
Remember that ALL recipes are Gluten, Dairy AND Preservative Free! Books can still be purchased via my website www.cutoutthecrap.com.au or through good book stores - if they don't have it in stock, ask them to order it for you!

PAPRIKA CHICKEN - PAGE 190

CORIANDER AND PISTACHIO PASTA - PAGE 108

GARLIC AND HONEY PRAWNS - PAGE 126

PUMPKIN SOUP - PAGE 52

Hope you have all been having a good weekend,

Chat again soon,

Take Care Of You
xxx

Chickpea and Rice Balls

We had an Indian themed dinner party the other night......it was so much fun and as always a feast! There was us and one other family. We both made one entree, one main meal and one dessert.

This was my entree.....Chickpea and Rice Balls


Cook 1/2 cup of white rice, cool and set aside.


1 brown onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic - grated
1 small red Chilli - finely diced
1 400g can of chickpeas
Approximately 1/2 cup of fresh finely shredded coriander
1 egg
1 tspn paprika
1 good pinch of salt and pepper


Preheat oven to 190c


In a small frypan, fry onion, garlic and Chilli and allow to cool.


Process or mash well the drained chickpeas.


Place all the ingredients, including the cooked rice into a large bowl and mix throughly.


Line a leave baking tray with non stick baking paper. Make balls out of chickpea mixture (approximately 15)


Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, turn and bake for another 15 minutes.
YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM.....


These are slightly crunchy as the rice hardens a little during the baking...... They are still so good.....I made a sauce to serve.....as follows....


1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup water
1 large red Chilli
1 long cucumber - deseeded and sliced 1/2 cm thick
1/4 cup finely shredded coriander


In a small saucepan place the rice vinegar, castor sugar, water and Chilli. Bring the the boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Lower heat to a simmer for 7-8 minutes until sauce starts to thicken. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and mix in cucumber and coriander.


You could also serve these with the Mango Chutney from CUT OUT THE CRAP PAGE 32


XXXXXXOOOOOO

Dessert #1 Nothing Gluten free or CRAPLESS!!!!!!!

Gateau de chocolat avec les derides


Chocolate Mud Cake topped with alcoholic cherries, macadamias and white chocolate sauce.


There is NOTHING GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE OR PRESERVATIVE FREE ABOUT THIS RECIPE. I throughly enjoyed making it, my dinner guests thoroughly enjoyed eating it and I hope if your diet allows you do too......

In a small saucepan place 1 x 400g tin of pitted cherries, add 4 tblspns white sugar and 1/4 cup cherry liqueur. Simmer until mixture starts to thicken and get syrupy. Cool and set aside.


Pre made Chocolate Mud Cake - place pieces in a bowl


Pour some cherries and syrup over mud cake, sprinkle with toasted macadamias and pour over some melted white chocolate.

If you can enjoy....of not, it's ok.....it really isn't good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Main - Lamb Cutlets

Cotelettes d'agneau AVEC Chou-Fleur et Basil


Lamb Cutlets with Cauliflower Puree, Asparagus and Basil Sauce


Cauliflower puree- steam cauliflower, mix with a dash of rice milk and a pinch on nutmeg


asparagus - blanch - do not overcook ---- you want them to be slightly crunchy still!


Lamb Cutlets - no preparation needed - cook on the BBQ when ready to serve


Basil Sauce - puree fresh basil (1 bunch) 2 cloves garlic, good pinch of salt and pepper, juice of 1/4 fresh lemon. Add sunflower oil in the processor until a sauce consistency. (Just like Pesto!)


Once again serve as layers, cauliflower puree, lamb, asparagus and sauce either on the side or drizzles over.......

Oh my....... I have just had dinner, yet I could eat this now.....mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Scotch Fillet Main

étouffée Filet AVEC sauce Bernaise


Scotch Fillet on a bed of Mask Kumera with Avocado and Bernaise Sauce


This is basically as it sounds......


Mash sweet potato - place a good size "dollop" at the bottom of the plate
Top with BBQ cooked scotch fillet
Top with Sliced Avocado
top with Bernaise Sauce (sorry I bought this!)

This takes me back to a gorgeous restaurant I went to almost 10 years ago in the Hunter Valley. This was on the menu for $50 and it was the smallest serving ever! It was so incredibly delicious though and it has even more special memories because we were dining with Trevor Drayton who has since sadly passed away.


It's a pity I can't have this bought Bernaise Sauce anymore as it really is yummy for a jar! I am going to attempt to make it one day ---- maybe for COTC#3 !!!!!!???????


A delicious combo.... You wont be disappointed xxx

Entree - Lamb Backstrap

As promised from January (whoops!) here is the Entree from our dinner Party......


Agneau des PyRenees Blance Backstrap avec Yaourt A la menthe


White Pyrenees Lamb Backstrap with Rocket Salad and Mint Yoghurt

Place rocket and thinly sliced yellow capsicum at the bottom of the plate


Marinate lamb Backstrap in a little olive oil, rosemary, fresh grated garlic, salt and pepper. Marinate for at least a few hours and cook on BBQ when ready to serve. Cook medium - rare and slice finely and place on top of rocket salad.


Sauce: (sorry not dairy free! Although depending on your allergies you could find a suitable yoghurt alternative)
1 cup plain yoghurt, juice of 1 lime, 3 cloves garlic. Puree well. Add 1 cup fresh mint, 1 tspn cumin, 1 tspn paprika, 1/4 tspn cayene pepper and a pinch of salt. Puree again.


yum yum yum yum xxxxxx

Hello! I'm back to chat and offer recipes!

Hey! Well I am back blogging after my little break since finishing the main part of the next book. I have had a wonderful productive week with finding a graphic designer, deciding on a front cover and full layout of my book. I have done a fair bit of marketing and even more exciting in the last 10 minutes my little boy is starting to walk!

My gorgeous little man

I realize that I have a few recipes I owe you so I will take the time over the next few days to get these to you.....


Hope you have all been well,


Take Care Of You
Coll x