Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Today, hubby and I cooked BBQ and cheesy potato baked for dinner. So hubby being the man that he is, he did the BBQ and I went on cooking the cheesy potato bake. I've cooked this dish before but it did take me a while to perfect the bechamel sauce or some people might call it white sauce but I just love saying bechamel! Now I know bechamel sauce is usually used for lasagne or sformati but I thought why not use it with a potato bake. Plus it would have been a good compliment to the meat and lamb hubby was cooking up. So here is the recipe for the meat marinate, lamb marinate and the cheesy potato bake.

Beef marinate :

• Garlic salt
• Pepper

Yes I know. It's as simple as that! Make sure that you coat the meat and marinate for about 2 hours before you cook it. Its better if you marinate it the night before so that the flavors will be infused with the meat.


Lamb marinate :

• Honey
• Rosemary

Again, its that simple! And again, marinate for about 2 hours or marinate the night before.


Cheesy Potato Bake :
Ingredients :

• 60g butter
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 2 1/3 cups milk
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups parmesan cheese
• 1.2kg Sebago potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced

1. Preheat the oven to 180"C. Grease 6cm deep, 24 cm square baking dish.
2. Cook sliced potatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes or until potatoes are a little soft. Drain potatoes.
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan. Add extra flour; cook, stirring, until mixture thickens and bubbles. ( To be safe, do this on low heat first ) Gradually stir in milk; stir until mixture boils and thickens. ( Increase heat to medium while stirring mixture ) Remove sauce from heat; stir in one-third of the Parmesan. ( Sauce should be creamy and thick. If your sauce is still water-like, before stirring in Parmesan, put back on heat and keep stirring until thick )
4. Arrange one-third of potatoes, overlapping slightly, over base of baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon one-third of the cheese sauce over potatoes. Repeat twice. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. Put in oven at bottom grill. Bake for 30 minutes to an hour, or until top is golden. If top begins to brown too much, cover with foil.

Just follow these tips in making this dish and making the béchamel sauce/white sauce and you will NOT fail in impressing your guests, family or your loved ones. It has taken me a while to perfect this sauce and not to toot my own horn, but I am quite proud of this sauce. Once you have gotten the method down to pat, you will be able to use this sauce for your lasagne, potato bake, sformati or to compliment your meat dish. I hope you enjoy this dish and good luck! Don't forget, have fun, enjoy cooking, enjoy food and spread the love! I hope to hear from you soon!

xoxo

Minestrone Recipe

Today, hubby and I woke up to a very affectionate Moe who just had to sneak in our morning snuggle. He was VERY keen! So we got up and went on with our morning routine and as I walked out to the living room and opened the blinds, I realized, its quite a cold muggy day! Hmmm if autumn is going to be this bad, I better prepare myself for a very cold winter. My sinus doesn't do well in cold weather. Love it!...but my nose doesn't.

So as hubby and I sat down and watched the news, I decided, on this cold day why not pick ourselves and our bodies up with a little homemade, hot minestrone soup. No doubt hubby cracked a huge smile and agreed so off we go to the supermarket to get ingredients. Of course before that, I did my research for recipes and found a great one! The soup is simmering so I thought why not share the recipes for all minestrone lovers out there.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients :

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 celery sticks, trimmed, finely chopped Compose
• 2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped
• 1.5L (6 cups) chicken stock
• 700ml btl passata (tomato pasta sauce)
• 150g green round beans, trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces
• 400g can borlotti beans, rinsed, drained
• 2 zucchini, quartered lengthways,cut into 5mm pieces
• 115g (1 cup) small pasta shells
• Shaved parmesan, to serve

1. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the onion and garlic, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft.
2. Add the celery and carrot. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until soft. Stir in the stock and passata. Increase heat to medium and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add the green beans, borlotti beans and zucchini, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the pasta and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Season with pepper. (To freeze, see note)
4. Ladle the minestrone among serving bowls and top with parmesan.

Notes :

To freeze: At the end of step 3, set the soup aside for 30 minutes to cool. Transfer to a large airtight container or divide among 6 airtight containers. Place in the fridge to chill. Label, date and freeze for up to 3 months.To thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge.To reheat: Reheat the soup in a large saucepan over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Continue from step 4.

So enjoy this beautiful recipe. I know hubby and I will! And don't forget, have fun, share the love and enjoy everything around you.

xoxo

Lest We Forget

Today, Australians and New Zealanders all over the world pay tribute to their past and present diggers who fought at Gallipoli in World War 1. These diggers were named ANZAC, an acronym of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Today an estimate 8,709 Australians and 2,721 New Zealanders died in honor for their respective countries. It is quite humbling for me to celebrate this day for the first time and its even more learning about it. It just goes to show how proud one can be of their country and how they would give up their lives to protect and serve.


On this day, in Australia and New Zealand, everyone commemorates this day by attending Dawn Service, a tradition held at the war memorials accompanied by thoughts of those who lost at war. Some travel all the way to Gallipoli to remember and some travel the footsteps of the diggers to see what they experienced on their travel from Australia to Gallipoli. Gives me goosebumps every time I think of all the diggers setting out on an adventure and it saddens me to think of how they felt leaving their loved ones behind, not knowing whether they will ever see them again.


So, lets raise our glass, put our heads down and remember those who have bravely fought and died for their countries. Lest we forget.

xoxo

What a day!

WOW! What a day! Started off the day by walking to Victoria's Basement to do a little kitchen shopping with hubby. Bought some great stuff! I think I can say for everyone that when you go shopping for kitchen utensils and products, you just have that nagging feeling that you want to redecorate your kitchen and just buy everything! Well that was what I felt when I went into the shop. I just saw everything I thought I needed. But good thing hubby was there and not just me alone....hehe. I would have bought the whole store!

So we did a walk through and hubby being the sensible guy, he kept asking do we really need this, do we really need that and true enough, we really didn't! So we ended up getting stuff we actually needed like spatulas, containers, a loaf pan, garlic crusher, measuring cup and a small bake ware. So here's an advice to everyone.

• Figure out what you actually need and would actually use when you're cooking in the kitchen
• When you know what you want, always look for packages. Its cheaper and you can get more than if you buy separately.
• Always try to look for 2 or more in 1 products.
• Restrain yourself from buying big bulky products if you have a small kitchen because you can buy another product that serves the same purpose at half the size. Saves you space to store them!
• When in doubt, don't compulsively buy, but try to do your research on the products you want. You might find it elsewhere with a cheaper price!

We found a box of containers and it was cheap. So we stopped and had a look and saw that its airtight containers! Ooooo....interesting. Now how do I do this? The containers are here, wheres the pump? Oh there it is. Lets try. Pump Pump Pump Pump....hunni, this looks very rude...and a kid walks by with his mum. Ooopppsss.....not something you want to do while your back is facing people or in front of your kids! DEFINITELY not in front of your friends who are dirty minded! LOL......

So once we were done, we walked back home. FYI, we thought it would be easy, but carrying big bulky stuff back home is NOT easy! Especially when you have to walk uphill! Phew...we made it home. Hubby and I just couldn't wait to open up our goodies. So we sat down, took a breather and ripped into our new kitchen addition. It was satisfying knowing we bought everything we needed!

We had to rush to the bank to pick up my new debit card and walking in the bank, I smelled something pastry like and it smelled delicious and mouth watering. Mind you, hubby and I haven't had anything to eat. Once we were done, we walked out and true enough, there was a bakery next to the bank. Yuuummmm! Oh well, we went to Mexican takeaway and had a snack. We didn't want to fill ourselves too much as we had dinner later.

It was THE dinner hubby and I have been waiting for. Its this Lebanese restaurant our friend has been raving about. It would be quite a drive but she and her fiance said it was worth it. After Mexican, my sinus started acting up real bad so we had to make a short stop to the chemist to get some sinus medicine. Off back home and I popped 2 pills. It did help but made me sleepy. Oh oh...not good!

Oh well...as soon as my head hit the couch....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Before I knew it, I had to get up and get ready. My sinus was better and I was ready to hit the Lebanese challenge! It was quite a drive and by the time we got there, my tummy was a-rumbling! So was hubby! I have to say, it was worth the trip and cheap! I would DEFINITELY recommend Jasmin's in Punchbowl, NSW. Yes, yes it is quite a drive but I wouldn't say its worth it but if it's not worth it! Especially when you are accompanied by great friends!

As usual, after dinner, we had to have something sweet so off we go to Abla's, Granville. Hmmm....never tried Lebanese dessert before.YYYUUUMMMMM!!!!!! Back home now and snuggled a bit with hubby and our loving cat, Moe before I thought, you know what, I need to blog about this day. It was a sunny autumn day and we had such a GREAT day! I will end this blog with a word of advice, be sensible when shopping because you will end up with stuff you KNOW you will use and enjoy, enjoy food no matter how far it would be, always surround yourself with great, positive, fun friends and always love, love, LOVE those around you for no matter what happens in your life, they are the ones who will be there for you!

Have to go! Time for more snugglies with hubby and Moe. Sighhhhh.........

xoxo

Kiki aka Vagina?

The vagina travelogue: RTA bristles at number plate's Tagalog translation


It had been a term of endearment which had cemented links with her Greek heritage and first adorned her cars more than five years ago following a loving gift from her husband.
But the nickname Kiki, given to lawyer Kristen Perry before she could even walk, has now put her in hot water with the Roads and Traffic Authority because her number plate also translates into a term for female genitals in the Filipino language of Tagalog.
''I rang my father last night and said: 'Do you know you have been calling me vagina all my life?','' she said.
''He just said 'What?' He was appalled.''
Mrs Perry has been left flabbergasted after being sent a ''please explain'', the RTA threatening to confiscate the number plate if she did not ''show cause'' within a fortnight.
An RTA spokeswoman said one person had complained that the plates were insulting to the Filipino language so Mrs Perry and another motorist, who also had ''Kiki'' featured, were issued notices.
''I have always been called Kiki by my family, many of my friends call me that,'' Mrs Perry said.
''I think it is just so funny.''
Mrs Perry said Kiki was a shortening of her name in the Greek language and the number plates were given to her by her husband, Steven, five years ago – first on a Mini before she upgraded to a Porsche.
And she did not take long to reply to the RTA.
''I have never been advised by anyone who speaks the Tagalog language that my name or number plate offends them,'' she wrote.
''... it has been my name since birth and your letter calling my name 'offensive' is disturbing.''
Mrs Perry said although some parts of the complaint were ''hilarious'' it was also ''really sad'' it had reached a stage where her plates could be taken.
The RTA spokeswoman said that ''by law, the content of personalized plates must not carry offensive language, religious or sexual content''.


Hmmmm.....Note to self : Never nickname your child Kiki!

xoxo

Amatriciana Recipe

Amatriciana Dish

A pasta dish is always an easy and fast dish to serve up for your family. Me and hubby cooked this one night but with our own little twist. Here is the recipe if you feel like making Amatriciana dish without the complications of having too many ingredients.


Ingredients :

• 1 medium brown onion (diced).
• 3 cloves of garlic (diced).
• 400 gram mince meat (the usual recipe calls for bacon but the halal version you can put in mince meat).
• 1 red chilli (diced).
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (810 grams) or to your liking.
• 500 grams;pasta of your choice.

1. Boil water to cook the pasta. Cook according to the instructions on the packet.
2. While waiting for the water to boil,heat up pan with oil. Once heated up,cook the onions till they soften.
3. Then add the mince meat and cook till brown. Once brown,add the chilli and garlic. Cook for a minute or two.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir. Add more crushed tomatoes if you like it saucier. Leave to boil and reduce.
5. Cook the pasta in the boiling water and once done, add the pasta to the sauce and stir.

Serves: 4

This is a dish that you can dish up for your family that is no fuss and not time consuming. Again, you can add ingredients that you think will go good with this dish. I am enjoying this dish and I hope you do to when you decide to cook this dish! So good luck and have fun!

xoxo

Pop Art on Canvas

You will need:

• 2-3 photos of high contrast
• 4 Reeves clean edge canvas 10” x 10”
• Reeves acrylics 75ml (Medium Yellow,Bright Red,Cobalt Blue,Grass Green & Mars Black)
• Reeves Acrylic Brush Pack
• Photographs (select a few to experiment with)
• Carbon Paper
• Reeves Sketching Set

- Take your photos on CD (preferably saved as JPEG files) or on a digital camera memory card into a digital photo processing center and select your images on the photo terminal (or ask for assistance if required).

- Select the ‘black & white’ option, then increase the contrast and reduce the brightness levels until you reach the desired effect. Ensure that the print outs of your photo are at least A4 in size.Place a sheet of carbon paper between the canvas and your now black and white image. Trace around the image with pencil. Remove the carbon paper to reveal an outline of your image.

- Use the black paint to fill in the main image. Fill in the background with another color. Repeat this process another three times on the remaining canvases using different colored backgrounds. Now you have your own personalized set of images! Hang canvas from hooks in a 2 x 2 layout as shown.

You don't have to buy the exact brand as I have stated. This is just more of a guide on how to start! You can use different colors or different pictures on each canvas. You can use whatever paint brand you are comfortable with. Just use your imagination with this project and most importantly, just have fun! Good luck and I expect to hear and see your finished project!

xoxo

Picture Perfect

DO:
Go for bright, solid color pieces in a shade that’s flattering against your skin tone. Prints may be hot property this season but it’s the block color trend that will shine in your special occasion snaps.
“Solid colors look best in photographs, especially vivid or bright blues,” said Kerr. “Jewel tones are always a good idea (particularly sapphire and emerald). Just be sure to stay away from white, cream or even light beige, as these pale colors can make you look washed out in photos."

DO:
Stay away from high-cut necklines, especially turtlenecks.
Beware of the perils of the poloneck. Cutting off your decolletage may look Parisian chic in the flesh but high necklines can have a funny effect in photographs, particularly if you have a short neck.
“No matter how svelte you may be, a collarbone-covering blouse or dress will never look as flattering as something with a slightly lower neckline,” Kerr said.“A V-neck is an excellent choice for most people.”

DO:
Make sure your outfit is crinkle-free by choosing wrinkle-resistant materials. Steer clear of easily creased fabrics unless you’re happy to carry a travel iron in your handbag.
“While linen is lovely, it will make you look like a crumpled dinner napkin on camera,” Kerr said. “Instead, look for sturdier fabrics like crepe, tweed or wool blends, as they don’t show wrinkles so easily.”

DO:
Opt for tailored pieces or show your silhouette with a belt.
This season’s ’70s fever has had the fashion world obsessing over floaty maxi frocks and palazzo pants, but you need to keep your silhouette in mind: “Billowy, relaxed pieces are often very chic, but unless you’re a six-foot (1.83m) tall supermodel, they rarely look amazing in photographs,” Kerr said.
“Instead of trapeze tops or slouchy, shapeless frocks, look for structured pieces like a well-cut blazer, ideally in a dark neutral hue (like black, navy, or charcoal) worn over a colorful blouse or dress.”

DO:
Wear slightly more make-up than usual.
Once you’ve got the camera-friendly fashion sussed, don’t forget the big picture. Make sure you’ve got your make-up wardrobe at the ready too.
“You don’t need to go for an over-the-top runway look, but be sure to do a little extra grooming when you know your picture will be taken,” Kerr said.
“A bright lip gloss and lots of mascara are definite musts - and don’t forget the blush for extra radiance.”

xoxo

A quote not to miss....

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, covered in scars, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, ‘Yahoo! what a ride’”

- Bear Grylls”

When I read this quote, it was an eye opening moment for me. Every time I go on a roller coaster, I tend to close my eyes and just scream! But then I remembered this quote and I made myself open my eyes, look at what is coming in front of me and let me say, it was an eye opener…literally!

Then i thought to myself, have I been through life with my eyes closed? The answer was YES! What was I thinking??? I have been avoiding a lot of things right in front of me by just ignoring them or closing one eye, as they would say. From then on, I have gone though life with an open attitude.Live life, love those around you and embrace life as it is.

So with that, I am starting this blog with my eyes wide open, on the look out for things that I love, that makes me laugh and things that just give me that butterfly feeling in my stomach. I wish to share everything with you in hopes that you will be inspired to be positive, love, laugh with me as I go through a gift called life.

xoxo