A Lesson.

Speaking of food, it is not good manners when the children in the house complain about the lovely food that is put before them.

I don't mind individual foods that are not appealing, I have still not come around to brussel sprouts, but when faced with a plate, that has been prepared with thought and care, thankfulness and appreciation would be appropriate. So..........

this week, we are having bread and apples for dinner. The same day in and day out. A can of tuna may appear or a slice of cheese (as I monitor growing children's energy levels), but the aim is to not offer too much variety and to keep it basic.

Before you think I am being cruel, I am 'feeding them up' throughout the day. I just want them to appreciate the variety and taste of different meals that are cooked for them. I am grabbing the last week of the holidays to do this, before brains and bodies are exerted at school.

Breaking Bread.

Some lovely New Zealand friends have sent me this link:
http://steamykitchen.com/168-no-knead-bread-revisited.html

Looks good and easy.

Happy Australia Day.

26th January, 2010.

William Morris.

I had forgotten that I wanted to talk about this.....but my few days away with a friend whose eye for lovely things makes her home a joy; reminded me of William Morris.

Husband E's Aunt who died in July, introduced me to William Morris. His designs are so beautiful. We found some gift wrap and made bookmarks for our children and their cousins as Christmas gifts.

Mothers in the Metropolis.

Last week, husband E gave me the gift of time away from home (overnight) and a great friend was my companion, sharing food, enjoyment of the city, chat and rest.


Here is a display in the city for the Festival of Sydney. There were birdcalls piped in this alleyway.

Our view of Sydney.

This is a street below us. Note the terrace houses. Did I dream it or is it a fact that when the Harbour Bridge was built, many people were displaced from terrace houses and not compensated or relocated?

A lovely cruise ship enjoying our port.

My 8 year old daughter and I love this building. We call it the rocket building.

Watsons Bay. Friday was so hot and a ferry ride from the city the most appealing option. Beers with this in front of us was lovely.

Watsons Bay felt quite removed from everything.

First Day At Preschool.

3 year old daughter took my face, kissed me and said "Bye, see you later." She has waited a long time to come to preschool!

Bill Granger's Chicken and Homemade BBQ Sauce.

Two Recipes;

Firstly

Bill Granger's Chicken:

1/3 cup fish sauce
crushed garlic
1 1/2 t tumeric
2T lime juice
2t brown sugar

Marinate chicken for one hour or overnight and bake at 180 degrees till very brown. A winner in our family.

Secondly, as I don't like the additives to store bought BBQ Sauce:

BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup worc. sauce
2t paprika
1/4 cup tomato sauce (additives here?)
2T brown sugar
2T treacle
salt and pepper.

Cook sugar till caramelises, add cider vinegar and worc. sauce. Cook till reduced by half. Stir in paprika, tomato sauce, brown sugar, treacle...Simmer till thick. The recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens.

I have not tried this yet, but don't wait for me.....