A bread plate is always a hit. This afternoon we baked and buttered this loaf to slice and share with friends. A savory carb kick after school is just enough to get the whole crew through to dinner.
Just Hummus on the side is perfect for smearing and adds just that bit of protein.
Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Here's a teaser from this year's big festivities. It just so happened to fall on Taco Tuesday.
How do you like that? Double yum.
After school time is special. It's the short moment of peace before the chaos. A few times a week we break it up with sugar for all at the local coffee shop. Here are our latest indulgences.
It's that time of year. Fall. First thought? Pumpkin. On the heels of our garden obsession, we have tasted one of the most beautiful pumpkins organically grown in the garden of a friend. Purely unfiltered photo that only hints at what was in store for our palettes. Bread, soup, muffins and lasagna are just a few of what this squash can yield. Don't be intimidated by the size or segmented exterior. Slice it open and get creative. Pumpkin is one of the most versatile foods out there so embrace the season and enjoy.
Every Tuesday is now Taco Tuesday in our house. We've always loved tacos but The Lego Movie solidified the day. Here is a sampling of our mighty feast. Wouldn't you like to be our guest next Tuesday? Get inspired to host your own with friends and family. The only requirement is tacos must be present and enjoyed.
This is why snack crackers are such a great nibble for big families. They are surprisingly convenient and as you can see, fit anywhere.
We love eggs. Any way you fix them. They are delicious, an amazing source of protein and the cage-free variety are becoming more accessible. Today's Special: scrambled eggs with additions. We usually play it safe like we did here with spinach and champagne ham. Just a little something to take our breakfast to the next level. Others may include bell pepper, mushrooms, green onion, tomatoes or sausage. If you want to be cooking with sophistication, go ahead and make yourself an omelet.
What are your egg additions?
There is something to be said about the home-cooked gourmet burger. Is it the endless options of condiments and fixings? This one features: sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, aoili, tomato, spinach and cheddar cheese. Perhaps it's the essential hefty side of chips which if you are in New Zealand has the requisite tomato sauce? Or maybe that delicious aroma that permeates throughout the house beckoning diners bellies to the table? Whatever the case, here is our latest meal enjoyed with good friends which always makes a meal that much more enjoyable. We mostly take credit for eating this massive creation, and also for providing the takeaway chips, but enjoying a good burger is like buying a good pair of shoes: you have to indulge sometimes.
Grilled cheese is a go to food in our house especially during the colder months. We continue to stay busy with real life activities but the menu definitely changes with the seasons. We need a warm belly and fast as the temperatures drop. I remember days of yore where white bread, margarine and the key ingredient which I recently heard being referred to as "plastic cheese". Times have changed and we've made an easy alternative that will keep the entire family healthfully and quickly fed all winter long.
Here are our 3 ingredient alternatives to the traditional grilled cheese:
White bread for Soy & Linseed Bread
Margarine for coconut oil
Plastic cheese for organic cheddar
Want to amp up the healthy points?
Add fresh spinach or grated carrots
Pair with a dipping sauce of greek yogurt & herbs
Have fresh soup as a main and offer grilled cheese on the side cut into triangles (preferably without crusts for serving)
This afternoon we were advised on how to create the perfect frittata. La cucina povera or "humble cuisine" is aptly applied to this famous dish especially since it came to me while seeking the family's afternoon meal with seemingly no ingredients in the house. A friend gave the inspiration and guidance on my first frittata. Though it was my first attempt it was a success according to the entire team and I must say that the dish was delish.
It is New Year's Eve and we are in full family and friends festive food prep. There are quite a few nibbles on the menu and I overheard, "Let's do this 'Gatsby Style'", by a visiting professor in regards to the night's food spread.
Our favorite little delights are the chocolate covered pretzels. We have been unable to find this salty-sweet delicacy since moving to the southern hemisphere so my better half, fed up with our savory/sweet situation, took to the cook.
What you need:
1 bag of pretzel sticks
1 bar of really good chocolate (see our organic selection below)
Small bowl for melting chocolate (heat resistant)
Pot of boiling water
Wax paper for hardening
Bring pot of water to boil then turn to medium heat. (Leave enough room to place bowl of chocolate in.)
Place a small amount of chocolate in the bowl.
Simply melt the organic chocolate selection below and then dip the pretzel sticks in one by one.
Place them on wax paper with plenty of space in between for cooling & setting.
Note: We are in full summer here so the hardening process took a long time (~8-12 hours). We suggest prepping them the night before a celebration to make sure they fully set.
Decoration options: sprinkle with dots, cinnamon, or hail for festive flare.
These mixed palette treats go fast and a smart cook will prep plenty for sharing. We found ourselves being quite the gluttons and snacking despite having a full belly. It's a quick, easy and delicious little recipe so try it for your celebration today. Happy New Year...snacking!
Here are a few of our festive food treats from this year's Christmas celebration. It's a feast for the eyes so enjoy and savor the moment.
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| Grilled Bananas from Salt on the Pier in New Zealand. |
After eating our family dinner together at home, we will often times head out for just dessert. We love to have a place to enjoy a sweet treat or two after dinnertime but few have had sticking power. We've been looking for something really delicious to keep us coming back and, last night, I think we found it. We went out to commemorate the first birthday of Black Betty Cafe, an urban eatery I'd been introduced to where organic coffee, delicious meals, and indulgent sweets are served up daily. I usually go just for a latte or chai but tonight it was special for the cafe & for us.
We always allow the children to chose their desserts and in the car, they mentioned how they each had dreamed about and now wanted a big sundae tonight. Not being at all familiar with their dessert menu, we told them to please refrain from shedding any tears of disappointment for not getting their dream pick. Actually our last few dining experiences had drawn up that emotion in us as we sought to find a good spot for dinner & dessert in a new town. We'd been in places like Seattle, New York, San Francisco and San Antonio where sometimes children are expected to do some fine dining out with the big kids and hopefully the restaurant will have something suitable for them to eat. We don't do it often but the perks are endless for dining with your kids: learning table manners, fine dining experience with the family and on this particular occasion, this sweet treat here.
How thrilled were they when the sundaes of the aforementioned dreams were on the menu? The night was set for us because in addition to the great open atmosphere, the little ones were happy as clams leaving us time to sip on our drinks and actually conversate in peace. Deemed the best sundae in the world by our children, the balanced mixture of strawberry puree and cold vanilla ice cream was the perfect indulgence for a hot day. Fresh whipped cream & a bit of crumble topped it off. A sprig of mint was there less to cleanse the palate and more to entertain the senses as our trio continuously smelled and rolled them on their fingers. We did have a taste so are able to confirm that they were delicious and we will definitely be back for more.
Happy birthday Black Betty and thanks for making little dreams come true!
This weekend was a family affair as we headed to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spas in New Zealand which I have written all about right here. But after we took in the scenery & all-natural relaxation with a day at the pools, two families dined in first-class style at Monteith's Brewery Bar where between the almost dozen of us, we had everything from chicken kabobs to steamed vegetables. My choice today was also my own personal choice in the snapshot seen here of some of the most delicious seafood chowder that I have had. It was rich broth with full-on mussels, clams, fish and scallops. It was drizzled beautifully & seasoned to perfection and the last ladles-full were being fought over by my husband and youngest child. They did manage to share, however.
