The first was these frozen fruit pops. Cool. Refreshing. Delicious.
The second was these chocolate brownie covered ice cream sandwiches. Ohmystars.
Which do you think I will make this weekend?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Summer treats
Today when I opened my Blogger dashboard I found two posts featuring yummy frozen treats for summertime. (Yes it is winter in Australia. I am experiencing summer vicariously through my Northern Hemisphere friends).
The first was these frozen fruit pops. Cool. Refreshing. Delicious.
The second was these chocolate brownie covered ice cream sandwiches. Ohmystars.
Which do you think I will make this weekend?
The first was these frozen fruit pops. Cool. Refreshing. Delicious.
The second was these chocolate brownie covered ice cream sandwiches. Ohmystars.
Which do you think I will make this weekend?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Taco Pizza Triumph
You know those meals that, when you are cooking, could go either way? Touch and go? Could be a dazzling triumph or could mean emergency take out?
I have been a fan of Pioneer Woman pizzas for ages. We actually prefer home made pizza now to take away! I love the potato and leek. We both adore the tomato and pesto. Hubs is quite partial to the BBQ chicken.
This weekend I tried the taco pizza, with a few alterations. I am not sure what possessed me to presume that I could alter the tried and true magic of the Pioneer Woman. I mean, she is.... the Pioneer Woman. I am a lawyer from Sydney with a KitcheAid mixer and a crazy oven possessed by demons.
Anyhoo - I had a momentary lapse of reason and decided I could do better.
The ingredients were the same:
1 x PW pizza base
1 x can of black beans (I had the seasoned ones - which I had to order online because you cannot get them in supermarkets in Australia. This is a different story.)
Grated cheese that takes your fancy
diced tomatoes
shredded lettuce
hot sauce
sour cream
Things started going wrong from the minute I opened the can of black beans. I love me some Mexican food. Love bean burritos and cheese enchiladas. However, those beans smelled funky. I have never cooked with black beans. They smelled kind of like dog food and made me gag a little.
I put them in a pan with seasoning and tried to mash them like PW told me too. All I did was release more of the odor into my kitchen. It was gagoriffic. The darned beans would not mush or mash.
It was here I deviated. I enlisted the aid of my trusty Kenwood tri-blade mixer and gave the beans a good shoosh up. To mitigate against the funky smell I added some raw chopped onion, some cilantro and cheese to the mix. That made the texture waaay to dry and chunky to spread on the pizza base so I added some olive oil. Finally I had a paste that I could spread on the pizza.
I baked the bean pizza just as PW told me too and it started to dry out again, so I added some more onion and cilantro and the shredded cheese and tomato and baked it that way. All of a sudden a miracle happened in my kitchen.
Wonderful aromas began to waft from my demented oven. Spicey cheesey wonderfulness. When the pizza came out I added the rest of the tomato, the lettuce and the cilantro.
I drizzled on the hot sauce mixed with sour cream ( which I also whizzed up in the Kenwood). The finished product looked amazing! I was still worried and as I set the table I made sure the take away menus were close by!
I should have trusted P-dub. The subtle flavors of the beans combined well with the. Punch of fresh cilantro. The pizza was a revelation and tasted like something from a gourmet pizza bar.
We have added this to the list!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I have been a fan of Pioneer Woman pizzas for ages. We actually prefer home made pizza now to take away! I love the potato and leek. We both adore the tomato and pesto. Hubs is quite partial to the BBQ chicken.
This weekend I tried the taco pizza, with a few alterations. I am not sure what possessed me to presume that I could alter the tried and true magic of the Pioneer Woman. I mean, she is.... the Pioneer Woman. I am a lawyer from Sydney with a KitcheAid mixer and a crazy oven possessed by demons.
Anyhoo - I had a momentary lapse of reason and decided I could do better.
The ingredients were the same:
1 x PW pizza base
1 x can of black beans (I had the seasoned ones - which I had to order online because you cannot get them in supermarkets in Australia. This is a different story.)
Grated cheese that takes your fancy
diced tomatoes
shredded lettuce
hot sauce
sour cream
Things started going wrong from the minute I opened the can of black beans. I love me some Mexican food. Love bean burritos and cheese enchiladas. However, those beans smelled funky. I have never cooked with black beans. They smelled kind of like dog food and made me gag a little.
I put them in a pan with seasoning and tried to mash them like PW told me too. All I did was release more of the odor into my kitchen. It was gagoriffic. The darned beans would not mush or mash.
It was here I deviated. I enlisted the aid of my trusty Kenwood tri-blade mixer and gave the beans a good shoosh up. To mitigate against the funky smell I added some raw chopped onion, some cilantro and cheese to the mix. That made the texture waaay to dry and chunky to spread on the pizza base so I added some olive oil. Finally I had a paste that I could spread on the pizza.
I baked the bean pizza just as PW told me too and it started to dry out again, so I added some more onion and cilantro and the shredded cheese and tomato and baked it that way. All of a sudden a miracle happened in my kitchen.
Wonderful aromas began to waft from my demented oven. Spicey cheesey wonderfulness. When the pizza came out I added the rest of the tomato, the lettuce and the cilantro.
I drizzled on the hot sauce mixed with sour cream ( which I also whizzed up in the Kenwood). The finished product looked amazing! I was still worried and as I set the table I made sure the take away menus were close by!
I should have trusted P-dub. The subtle flavors of the beans combined well with the. Punch of fresh cilantro. The pizza was a revelation and tasted like something from a gourmet pizza bar.
We have added this to the list!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Love Story - New chapter
Chapter 5
I kicked up my heels as only a girl jilted by an imimaginary potential husband can! After that I washed that man right out of my hair and gave up on the dating game once again.
I was reassured by my friends that the girl in question was a family friend and there was nothing going on. She had come out to support G's mother. I found out later on (on our first real date) that G's aunt Pat was sick and the telephone call was notifying them that she had passed away.
My pesky persistent friends kept at me to attempt another fix-up with G. This time I took my sister's advice and kept my expectations to a minimum.
My girlfriend Tanya's band had a gig in Monavale (waaayy away from where we live). I always went to her gigs. Since it was so far we carpooled. The gang picked me up after work so I was still dressed in lady lawyer attire. Yes, I wore my tighter stretchy suit (loving known as my Charlies Angels suit). Yes, I changed out my work top for something tighter and redder. Yes, I fixed my hair and makeup a little. I wanted to present the image "I am a firey glamorous career woman. I came from work and this is how I always dress. I made no effort for you tonight."
The night got off to a terrible start. We got hopelessly lost. Desperately lost. Stuck in the Kurringai National Park in the pitch dark with no GPS or map and little petrol in the car. I imagined how the TV movie of our deaths would portray us: foolish girls stray off the main road in the dead of night.....
We FINALLY made our way to Monavale (without encountering any serial killers, wild animals or running out of fuel!) and found the bar where the gig was.
The room was PACKED! I hung with friends while Tanya warmed up and began to play. No sign of Glenn.
The horror night continued. Turns out the huge crowd was not there to see the band, but rather to watch a football match being televised in the bar, on screens right behind where the band was positioned.
To make things worse, other band members set up Tanya's drum kit as we were so late. They did not assemble it correctly and one of her stands collapsed. It was a nightmare!
My nightmare, however, was just beginning. Midway through the band's first set G arrived, WITH THE WOMAN. The same woman from the piano bar.
I was beyond furious. Friends actually introduced us that night, but I was so angry that I was quite sharp and rude.
I instantly ruled a line under this man. I was not going to be treated this way. Twice.
Also, there was now another contender for my heart. It had been made discreetly obvious to me that the guitar payer in Tanya's band was interested. I decided to close Door Number 1 and consider Door Number 2!
I kicked up my heels as only a girl jilted by an imimaginary potential husband can! After that I washed that man right out of my hair and gave up on the dating game once again.
I was reassured by my friends that the girl in question was a family friend and there was nothing going on. She had come out to support G's mother. I found out later on (on our first real date) that G's aunt Pat was sick and the telephone call was notifying them that she had passed away.
My pesky persistent friends kept at me to attempt another fix-up with G. This time I took my sister's advice and kept my expectations to a minimum.
My girlfriend Tanya's band had a gig in Monavale (waaayy away from where we live). I always went to her gigs. Since it was so far we carpooled. The gang picked me up after work so I was still dressed in lady lawyer attire. Yes, I wore my tighter stretchy suit (loving known as my Charlies Angels suit). Yes, I changed out my work top for something tighter and redder. Yes, I fixed my hair and makeup a little. I wanted to present the image "I am a firey glamorous career woman. I came from work and this is how I always dress. I made no effort for you tonight."
The night got off to a terrible start. We got hopelessly lost. Desperately lost. Stuck in the Kurringai National Park in the pitch dark with no GPS or map and little petrol in the car. I imagined how the TV movie of our deaths would portray us: foolish girls stray off the main road in the dead of night.....
We FINALLY made our way to Monavale (without encountering any serial killers, wild animals or running out of fuel!) and found the bar where the gig was.
The room was PACKED! I hung with friends while Tanya warmed up and began to play. No sign of Glenn.
The horror night continued. Turns out the huge crowd was not there to see the band, but rather to watch a football match being televised in the bar, on screens right behind where the band was positioned.
To make things worse, other band members set up Tanya's drum kit as we were so late. They did not assemble it correctly and one of her stands collapsed. It was a nightmare!
My nightmare, however, was just beginning. Midway through the band's first set G arrived, WITH THE WOMAN. The same woman from the piano bar.
I was beyond furious. Friends actually introduced us that night, but I was so angry that I was quite sharp and rude.
I instantly ruled a line under this man. I was not going to be treated this way. Twice.
Also, there was now another contender for my heart. It had been made discreetly obvious to me that the guitar payer in Tanya's band was interested. I decided to close Door Number 1 and consider Door Number 2!
Monday, June 6, 2011
OB/GYN visit
Today was the day. I ventured forth to the lair of the dreaded lady parts doctor.
I had a good idea of what was going on as my GP (general practitioner, primary health doctor) was very informative and supportive.
When we arrived at the doctor's office we found a beautifully restored old home. The building houses a number of different OBs and a pediatrician. When we entered the waiting room we were confronted with a bunch of lovely pregnant ladies and gorgeous children running around.
The children- from teeny babes in their mother's arms to crazy-wild toddlers - were a good advertisement for the doctors' services!
We had a short wait for out appointment. Hubs and I engaged in our usual game of people watching and attempting to guess / create back stories for all the people we saw.
My doctor called my name and we were in her room in a flash. To say I was nervous today was an understatement! The doctor immediately put me at ease. Hubs and I instantly connected with her. She was funny and engaging and very sensitive.
The doctor reviewed my scans and blood work and did an internal exam.
Her conclusion.....
da da daaaahh....
PCOS.
The doctor thinks that my blood work and symptoms are consistent with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. She thinks that the doctor and technician who did my scans may have overlooked the PCOS because of the other things going on with my ovaries.
I am booked in to have surgery in the first week of July. The doctor initially suggested tomorrow (HEART ATTACK! Is it that urgent?? No, she just has a vacancy tomorrow!) The following fortnight I am in Court in a matter that I can not get adjourned (we are up to day 7 and I cannot get out of it). Therefore, early July it is.
It will hopefully be laproscopic surgery and she will only do a laparotomy if she has too. During the surgery she will have a look around for the evidence of PCOS and sort out whatever she finds. I won't know until then if it is actually PCOS or some other problem.
The best news? The doctor has ordered me off all the herbal wacky things the natropath prescribed! No more evil tonic. Sorry Kate!
We have officially been trying for a baby for one year. It has been an incredibly difficult year, with lots of hopes and lots of disappointments. It has been an incredibly isolating experience. Only you and my sister know this chapter of my Secret Wife Life.
From here on in we take a different path and we will have a funny, sensitive doctor to guide us.
xx elle
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I had a good idea of what was going on as my GP (general practitioner, primary health doctor) was very informative and supportive.
When we arrived at the doctor's office we found a beautifully restored old home. The building houses a number of different OBs and a pediatrician. When we entered the waiting room we were confronted with a bunch of lovely pregnant ladies and gorgeous children running around.
The children- from teeny babes in their mother's arms to crazy-wild toddlers - were a good advertisement for the doctors' services!
We had a short wait for out appointment. Hubs and I engaged in our usual game of people watching and attempting to guess / create back stories for all the people we saw.
My doctor called my name and we were in her room in a flash. To say I was nervous today was an understatement! The doctor immediately put me at ease. Hubs and I instantly connected with her. She was funny and engaging and very sensitive.
The doctor reviewed my scans and blood work and did an internal exam.
Her conclusion.....
da da daaaahh....
PCOS.
The doctor thinks that my blood work and symptoms are consistent with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. She thinks that the doctor and technician who did my scans may have overlooked the PCOS because of the other things going on with my ovaries.
I am booked in to have surgery in the first week of July. The doctor initially suggested tomorrow (HEART ATTACK! Is it that urgent?? No, she just has a vacancy tomorrow!) The following fortnight I am in Court in a matter that I can not get adjourned (we are up to day 7 and I cannot get out of it). Therefore, early July it is.
It will hopefully be laproscopic surgery and she will only do a laparotomy if she has too. During the surgery she will have a look around for the evidence of PCOS and sort out whatever she finds. I won't know until then if it is actually PCOS or some other problem.
The best news? The doctor has ordered me off all the herbal wacky things the natropath prescribed! No more evil tonic. Sorry Kate!
We have officially been trying for a baby for one year. It has been an incredibly difficult year, with lots of hopes and lots of disappointments. It has been an incredibly isolating experience. Only you and my sister know this chapter of my Secret Wife Life.
From here on in we take a different path and we will have a funny, sensitive doctor to guide us.
xx elle
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A practically perfect date night
The Hubs and I recently stepped out in the City for a midweek date night.
We glammed up, ate a yummy dinner (in a real restaurant!) and headed to the theatre.
What do you think we saw? Here is a clue....
We knew we were getting close to the theatre when we saw this blazing up on a wall. (please forgive the Blackberry photos.)
The majestic old Capitol Theatre was beautifully decorated. The old girl seemed very glad that Mary Poppins has come home to Australia. Did you know that the author, PL Travers was Australian?
The beauty of the theatre was only the beginning of the magic that night. The show was AMAZING.
The songs were engaging and fun and adults and children alike were mesmerized.
The dancing was....
SUPERCALAFRAGILISTICEXPIALADOCIOUS!!
I am a lover of musical theatre. I have sang in the rain, dined at Sardis, hung out with the Jets and gone riding with Curly through the corn. I have fled with the Von Trapps and auditioned with Val and Cassie. I wept with Roger and Mimi (both versions). I have tapped down 42nd Street and dreamed with Roxy. I love musicals.
Mary Poppins was the best show I have ever seen.
There it is! A big call.
The scenery, the children, the costumes, songs we all know and a heart warning story. What more does a girl need?
Hubs loved it too and we will definitely go again. To think, Hubs used to play in metal bands. Now he does musicals!
A touch of Broadway is a magical thing.
We glammed up, ate a yummy dinner (in a real restaurant!) and headed to the theatre.
What do you think we saw? Here is a clue....
We knew we were getting close to the theatre when we saw this blazing up on a wall. (please forgive the Blackberry photos.)
The majestic old Capitol Theatre was beautifully decorated. The old girl seemed very glad that Mary Poppins has come home to Australia. Did you know that the author, PL Travers was Australian?
The beauty of the theatre was only the beginning of the magic that night. The show was AMAZING.
The songs were engaging and fun and adults and children alike were mesmerized.
The dancing was....
SUPERCALAFRAGILISTICEXPIALADOCIOUS!!
I am a lover of musical theatre. I have sang in the rain, dined at Sardis, hung out with the Jets and gone riding with Curly through the corn. I have fled with the Von Trapps and auditioned with Val and Cassie. I wept with Roger and Mimi (both versions). I have tapped down 42nd Street and dreamed with Roxy. I love musicals.
Mary Poppins was the best show I have ever seen.
There it is! A big call.
The scenery, the children, the costumes, songs we all know and a heart warning story. What more does a girl need?
Hubs loved it too and we will definitely go again. To think, Hubs used to play in metal bands. Now he does musicals!
A touch of Broadway is a magical thing.
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