Dragon Musings

Flash Game Friday

2011-12-23T10:10:00.000+11:00

Christmas Defence

The now traditional holiday post.

Flash Game Friday

2011-12-16T10:44:00.000+11:00

Run from the Zombies!

Run from zombies in Google Street View. Slightly buggy, but totally awesome.

Puppet head list, progress report

2011-02-25T22:27:00.004+11:00

1. hide 43 treasures - 33/43
~~2. milk a cow~~
3. bungee jump
4. Send a message in a bottle
5. Record a song
6. visit a planetarium
7. Swim with dolphins
8. Tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue
9. Throw a dart into a map and travel to where it lands
10. Get a tattoo
11. take a moonlit walk on a beach
12. finish crocheting my tetris blanket
~~13. Send in a postsecret~~
~~14. try sushi~~
15. learn the thriller dance
16. write a screenplay
17. go on a road trip with friends
~~18. Have glamour photos taken of me~~
19. bake a Croquembouche
~~20. crochet a hat~~
21. Take a pole dancing class
~~22. Go to a strip club~~
23. get a professional massage
~~24. dye my hair purple~~
25. go on a pub crawl
26. have brunch with friends
~~27. Give blood~~ (well, I tried, but they wouldn't take it!)
28. spend a day taking photos of my city
29. visit all the Australian states and territories - 5/7
30. eat at a teppanyaki style restaurant

Clearly at this point I can tell not all of these are going to happen, so I'll be writing a new list in August, giving myself until I am 35 to finish those that are impractical, and some new goals. I mean, I know I can't afford to go to WA or Tassie in the next few months, so that's that.

Not dead, just missing.

2011-02-18T11:41:00.001+11:00

Not how I wanted to celebrate this blog's third birthday.

Well, I'm not really missing, I'm still here. I'm just finding it hard to keep this blog up. It's hard to have cooking as a hobby when cash is tight. And while I am still cooking (we've still got to eat), surely no one wants to see me post the same things over and over again.

I'm going to take a break from posting here for a while. Things have been hectic with Miss Five starting school, and Master Six going back to school, and the next few months are going to tight money wise. I might still pop in with posts from time to time, and of course, the craft blog is still going strong, (Never Mind the Claw Marks) because that is set at two posts a week, and I have a heap of things still yet to share. Plus, people keep giving me free yarn (I heart enablers) so it's not an expensive hobby like creative cookery is.

While I'm on break I'll be thinking hard about what I want the future of this blog to be, and hopefully I can come back with some sort of more regular schedule to posting, because I can not keep up with 7 days a week posting and three children (and all my new yarn babies! lol).

Over the three years I've been writing this blog, a lot has changed. I've got from having a toddler and a little boy just starting kinder, to two children at school and a very active almost three year old. We've moved twice, and now live in our own home, with all the extra everything that entails. I've had big breaks before, when I've had to adjust to children growing up and new situations in our life, and I have no doubts I will be back. I just want to move the focus away from solely food and recipes, and start sharing other content, but in a more predictable, organised way than I have been in the past. I'll be using this break to amass a bunch of that content too, so I can have a bigger buffer of posts, so that I can be more flexible with when I actually need to sit down and write.

So, this is not goodbye, just a holiday. Here's where RSS feed readers and being a fan on Facebook come into their own, so you'll know when I come back, whether for one post or back properly.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-07T08:17:00.008+11:00

Monday

Sausages & Mash

Tuesday

Pasta Bake

Wednesday
Supermarket Pizza

Thursday

Chicken Curry Pasta Salad

Friday

Chips and Nuggets

Saturday
Freezer Suprise

Sunday
Big lunch at ILs

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-31T08:29:00.006+11:00

Monday

Sausage Penne

Tuesday

Pies & Garlic Bread

Wednesday
Too Hot to Cook Pizza night

Thursday
Freezer Suprise

Friday

Mince & Spuds

Saturday

Dinner out @ Hog's Breath Cafe

Sunday

Pancakes

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Apple, Mango & Cinnamon Muffins.

(It really will happen this week I swear!)

Flash Game Friday

2011-01-28T10:04:00.001+11:00

Launch game.

Sorry. You'll hate me I know. But I just couldn't resist.

Creamy French Onion Spaghetti

2011-01-27T19:03:00.003+11:00

Another spur-of-the-moment recipe. I made this with a whole pack of soup mix, but it was way too salty, and half a pack would have been just right. It was nicer cold late that night though.

Creamy French Onion Spaghetti
500g dry spaghetti
300ml cream
1/2 40g pkt French Onion Soup mix
1/2 cup crumbled parmesan cheese

Cook spaghetti in plenty of salted, boiling water, as per packet instructions.
When cooked, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.
Mix water and dry soup mix together, add cream and cheese. Toss through pasta and serve topped with more shaved parmesan.

Savoury Mince and Potatoes

2011-01-26T19:03:00.003+11:00

1 onion, chopped finely
100g mushrooms, chopped roughly
500g mince
1/4 cup teriyaki marinade
gravy powder to taste
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
steamed potatoes, to serve

Lightly brown the onion and mushrooms in a large pan, add the mince, and cook until browned. Add in all the other ingredients. If the gravy powder makes it too thick, thin it down a little with some water - I like to use the water from the steamed potatoes. Cook until everything is cooked through, and thick and goopy and yum. Serve over potatoes, or rice, or toast. Mmmm, big, thick, hot, buttered toast with mince...

Great, now I want toast.

Caramel Fohli

2011-01-24T20:11:00.003+11:00

It's sad that even with two months for Taste & Create due to the holidays, I'm still pushing the very limits of my time. I was paired with Nammi from Chillies and Lime and while it didn't take long to narrow it down to a choice of two, of course I left it to the last minute to actually cook something. Every time I see Chocolate Fondant (or Molten Choc Cake, or Choc Lava Cake, as they can be called) I swear that this is the time I'm going to make them. But I have no ramekins, and the thought of trying to turn two at once out of a muffin tin scares me. So I made these instead.

Caramel Folhi is a delicious recipe for slightly sweet pancakes - crepes really, as you need to spread the batter really thin. This is a non-flip recipe, you roll them up and serve after cooking only on one side, so they need to be thin to fully cook, and also to be able to roll without breaking.

I had to make a double batch, to feed our horde of 5, but it was worth it, and I'll be bookmarking the recipe to use again.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-24T08:01:00.010+11:00

Monday

Mushroom and Xmas ham Risotto

Tuesday

Supermarket Pizza

Wednesday

Savoury Mince and Potatoes

Thursday

Creamy French Onion Spaghetti

Friday

Chicken Parmagiana & Chips

Saturday

Xmas Ham Pizza Sandwiches

Sunday

Cheese Toasties

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Mango cupcakes!

Flash Game Friday

2011-01-21T10:03:00.002+11:00

Z Type

Space Invaders style typing game.

It's always the simple ones that get you hooked for hours...

Kids Cooking Thursday: Pocky!

2011-01-20T09:33:00.004+11:00

This was a simple, but fun, snack to make, and it's so delicious, the kids will be lucky if I don't eat them all myself!

Homemade Pocky
200g chocolate, melted
150g pretzel sticks

Dip pretzel sticks in melted chocolate, shake off excess. Place on trays lined with baking paper. Chill until set. Then eat. Or store, if uneaten, in a covered box in the fridge. You can use dark or milk chocolate for this. We grabbed two marked down 100g blocks - one 60c Xmas themed wrapped milk block, and one end of line dark chocolate with sea salt. I mixed the two together and it was heaven. Chocolatey heaven on a stick. And then I ate the stick. Om nom nom!

Master Two did have a go, but the photos were all blurry because he was jumping so much.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-17T08:49:00.005+11:00

Monday

Chicken Schnitzel and Vegetables

Tuesday

Spinach and Bacon Risotto

Wednesday

Lemon Chicken Caeser Salad Wrap

Thursday

Turkish Bread Hot Dogs

Friday

Salt and Vinegar Chicken Strips, chips and garlic bread

Saturday
Xmas lunch leftovers

Sunday
Sandwichs after big Boxing Day BBQ at my folks.

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make homemade Pocky.

Flash Game Friday

2011-01-14T10:01:00.001+11:00

Mario Stich

All the tedium of cross stitch, without having a ~~cool~~ geekily awesome picture at the end of your toil.

Seriously, who makes cross stitch flash games? There's a knitting one in there too, if you can be bothered wading through the gender biased rubbishy listings.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Rocky Road Fudge

2011-01-13T10:34:00.007+11:00

A combination of three different variations of this recipe, the kids and I made this for DP's birthday. Normally I make him Rocky Road Ice cream for his birthday, but with the the heat of the kitchen in this sudden Summer swelter, I thought I'd try something different for a change.

Rocky Road Fudge
3 cups chopped chocolate (we used 1 cup chopped Tobelerone, 1 cup 70% dark and the other 50% dark)
1 cup chopped (or mini) marshmallows
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 Choc Ripple biscuits, crushed roughly (any creamless chocolate biscuit would do)
1/4 cup chopped glace cherries
1/4 cup extra chopped marshmallows

Place the chocolate, 1st cup masrhmallows and condensed milk in a large, microwave proof bowl. Heat for 2 minutes on MED. Line a jelly roll pan with baking paper.
Remove bowl from microwave and stir. Continue heating on HIGH for 30 second bursts until the chocolate is all melted and the marshmallow has mostly mixed in. Add the rest of the ingredients (marshmallows last) and stir through thoroughly. Pour into lined tin, and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Remove from pan and place on a chopping board. Peel the paper off and cut into small squares. Store covered in the fridge. If the fudge is sticky and hard to cut store in freezer for 30 mins and try again ;)

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-10T18:43:00.008+11:00

Monday

Super Veg'd Pasta

Tuesday
Omelette sandwiches

Wednesday

Vegiful Mac N Cheese

Thursday

Spinach, Colby & Chicken Melt Subs

Friday

Spring Rolls & Chips

Saturday

Penne with lazy sauce

Sunday
Pizza

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Rocky Road Fudge.

Everything starts with an 'E'

2011-01-07T14:13:00.005+11:00

Saw this walking to the shops this morning and instantly got the song below stuck in my head. I took a photo because it's cool to see what you can find if you keep your eyes open.

Flash Game Friday

2011-01-07T10:02:00.002+11:00

Tetris

I can't believe that I, of all people, have not linked to a free flash Tetris here yet. After all, I learned to crochet just to make a Tetris blanket and I can spend hours playing it. Better late than never I guess.

Aeroplanes

2011-01-06T19:40:00.001+11:00

Kids Cooking Thursday: Aztec Truffle Cupcakes

2011-01-06T11:29:00.004+11:00

Using the leftover mixture from the Aztec Truffles, we whipped up an .87c chocolate cake mix into cupcakes, and placed a tiny ball of truffle inside each one before baking. This is not a recipe to make with children if you are messphobic, or want photos of the process. They tasted great though!

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Story Time

2011-01-05T20:54:00.002+11:00

I'm beginning to think that promising to post my 365project photos here on the blog every night might have been a silly idea. I'll finish this week out, but after that I think you'll have to follow along there. It's not really what this blog is about after all. (plus, I have a feeling my foood photography is going to end up there as last resort type photos sooner rather than later, and I don't want to triple post them here, especially not two to three weeks in advance!)

Static

2011-01-04T20:00:00.002+11:00

Dream

2011-01-03T23:44:00.003+11:00

Dream from The Sandman, one of a series of dragons I'm making myself. I want all of The Endless in dragon form. I'm especially looking forward to making Delirium. You are getting a sneak peek here only because this is my 365project photo for today. Normally my dragons only get posted to my craft blog, and I am saving The Endless dragons up for one post, so this is well ahead of posting schedule for this little guy. I just didn't take any other photos today.

It was this or risotto - which would you rather? Ok, silly question, but I don't have enough faith in my food porn abilities to pit myself up against the big players yet :)

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-03T08:18:00.007+11:00

Monday
Pizza

Tuesday

Risotto Carbonara

Wednesday

Penne Bolognese

Thursday
Spaghetti on Toast

Friday

Vegetable & Chicken Noodle Risotto

Saturday

Sausages and Chips

Sunday
Sandwiches

DP was away this week, hence the overabundance of rice. That's also why I forgot to take photos a lot.Check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

It's a Bug's Life

2011-01-02T20:30:00.003+11:00

My favourite thing about this photo is that Miss Five set up the pose herself - she's not nearly as suprised as she looks. Another actress in the family perhaps?

Robot Parade

2011-01-01T19:13:00.004+11:00

This year I'm participating in 365project - a photo every day for a year. In an effort to provide more regular content here on Dragon Musings, I'm going to share them here as well.

This is Master Two pretending to be a robot. ;)

This is his favourite song:

Flash Game Friday

2010-12-31T10:10:00.001+11:00

SpongeBob Boat o Cross

I heard of this through Know Your Meme, who named it as possible the hardest game around...

You know you need to try it now.

Yep, that's what I said too.

My top score was 380 by the way.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles

2010-12-30T10:18:00.004+11:00

Just in time for your NYE parties...

These were snaffled up too quickly for me to get a photo of the finished product, and of course, were too chocolatey in the making of, so you'll have to use your imagination for these. Or alternatively, look back at the time we made these in strawberry flavour or regular flavour. The only difference in these were that I bought Chocolate Creme Oreos instead of the other flavours. I have to try these with the peanut butter and chocolate flavoured ones next I think...

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-12-27T08:05:00.008+11:00

Monday

Veg Overload Bolognese Penne

Tuesday
Party Pies (I'm not lazy, just had a craving, that's all!)

Wednesday

Hawaiian Pizza

Thursday

Sausages, Fried Potatoes and Veg

Friday
Freezer Suprise

Saturday
BBQ

Sunday
Fried BBQ leftovers :)

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles. (Last truffle post for a while I promise!)

Flash Game Friday

2010-12-24T11:04:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas

You're going to hate me for this one. I mean, it's Christmas Eve, and if you aren't organised like I am, you have presents left to wrap (or buy) and food to prepare... and here I am giving you another flash game.

Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is this feverish clicking game comes from the 5 Minute (in a hurry) category on Miniclip, and requires only one action from you - a mouse click, over and over.

The bad news is that even though the game only lasts about 10 seconds, you'll be playing over and over to try and beat your score. Yes, I'm evil. I'm not bothered. With the way the economy is these days, coal is probably worth more than presents anyway. Take that Saint Nick!

Kids Cooking Thursday: Choc Mint Truffles

2010-12-23T11:29:00.006+11:00

There's a friend in my Facebook feed who has a secret recipe for Choc Mint Balls. Every time she makes them my feed goes a flutter, with everyone talking about them, and making excuses to go visit her. I thought perhaps she made Cheesecake Truffles with Mint Slice biscuits instead of Oreos, but she told me she doesn't use cream cheese, she uses Sweetened Condensed Milk. That was all the information I needed to hit up Google. I came up with this site, where if you scroll down six recipes you'll find Aileen's Peppermint Xmas Roll. I don't know if this is the recipe my friend uses, but it sounded so good I had to give it a try. I messed around with it a little, to make it easier for KCT, so what follows is what we did.

As Good as Sai's (?) Choc Mint Balls
2 pk chocolate ripple biscuits
2 blocks peppermint chocolate (the flowing middle type)
can sweetened condensed milk
choc pareils

Blitz biscuits, chocolate and milk in a food processor to get coarse lumps. You may need to do this in two batches, unless your food processor is huge. Roll into balls and then coat with pareils or coconut and refrigerate on foil tray. That's it!

I started ours a few days before, and had trouble getting the pareils to stick because the biscuit crumbs had absorbed the sticky milk, so we coated ours in chocolate. (Hence the lateness of this post, sorry!) I had trouble restraining myself from eating the mix while it was sitting in the fridge waiting for us to roll into balls too. Like I said, I'm not sure if this is my friend's recipe, but it's soo good you won't care!

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-12-20T08:13:00.010+11:00

Monday

Teriyaki Hamburgers on fresh home made Tarragon Rolls

Tuesday

Tuna Salad Wraps

Wednesday
Freezer Suprise

Thursday
Hot Dogs and Chips

Friday
Leftovers

Saturday
Sandwiches

Sunday

Burrito seasoned Chops, Spuds and Broccoli

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Choc Mint Truffles.

Flash Game Friday

2010-12-17T11:29:00.001+11:00

Kettle

Trap those filthy protesters! Don't they have jobs to go to?
An cynical little puzzle game, where you control the fuzz with arrow keys, to box in pixelated protesters.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Aztec Truffles

2010-12-16T10:10:00.008+11:00

Adapted from Allrecipes.

Aztec Truffles
200g Chilli Dark Chocolate (we used Lindt)
100g Maya Gold 55% solids chocolate (use regular semi dark if you can't get this exotic Green & Blacks flavour)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
good pinch Dutch cinnamon
cocoa (or pareils or coconut) to roll

Melt chocolate with sweetened condensed milk on lowest microwave setting in a heatproof bowl. Try 1 minute on LOW and then 30sec bursts. When melted and smooth, stir in cinnamon. Cover and chill 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
Shape mixture into small balls and roll in cocoa.
Refrigerate in a tightly covered dish.

Sorry for no in process pictures today again, but rolling sticky balls of chocolate goop between one's palms is not conductive to responsible camera handling. If your truffles are destined for the family cookie plate, or you have slightly older kids home from school already, you might want to pass that job to them. Master Two was quite adept at shaking the dish with the truffles and cocoa in it, and Miss Five was quick to point out any that weren't fully coated. Both had a good stir of the mixture, and enjoyed the tasty job of breaking the blocks of chocolate down into pieces. So even though our truffles were destined to be a gift, and needed to be adult rolled for the slightly improved shape and size uniformity, there was still lots to be done for little fingers.

It goes to show, never judge a recipe as too complex before giving it a try. Odds are, even the youngest child will find a step or two they can help with.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-12-13T09:33:00.006+11:00

Monday

Sausage and Broccoli Noodles

Tuesday

Penne Bolognese w/ Turkish Garlic Bread

Wednesday

Teriyaki Beef, Sugar Snap Peas & Chips

Thursday
Pizza

Friday
Pies

Saturday
BBQ

Sunday
Sandwiches

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make truffles for Christmas presents.

Another Hidden Treasure

2010-12-11T18:58:00.003+11:00

Because I'd started to forget about them, but I only had eleven left, so it's high time I finished this goal.

A little noisemaker from a party favour bag, 'planted' in the fork of a tree.

Status: 33/43

Flash Game Friday

2010-12-10T11:29:00.001+11:00

via BoingBoing

It doesn't take long to get the hang of this politically incorrect, yet addictive, little flash game. On my second round I got a score of 220650. You play an escaped mental patient trying to avoid sadistic nurses and thug like interns (who you have to hit twice, but then they explode). All you need to do is left click to flail your straightjacket sleeves, either directly at the enemy, or into a laudry trolley for a distance attack.

So tell me, what was your high score?

Kids Cooking Thursday: The Rainbow Connection

2010-12-09T10:34:00.010+11:00

Another birthday round up, this time for Miss Five. I can't believe she is going to school next year already!

Rainbow Cake

Rainbow Clouds (just add food dye)

Rainbow Butterflies

Rainbow Jellies

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-12-06T08:05:00.008+11:00

Monday
Freezer Suprise

Tuesday

Sausages & Potatoes, with onion gravy

Wednesday

Tomato & Cheese Penne

Thursday

Onion Burgers

Friday
Homemade Pizza so good I didn't get a photo before it was all gone

Saturday
Takeaway (at the Birthday Girl's request)

Sunday
Sandwiches after lunch at the ILs

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we round up Miss Five's Rainbow Birthday Party.

Flash Game Friday

2010-12-03T11:04:00.001+11:00

Gateway II

The sequel to last week's short but sweet game - this time a little harder. One from Master Six's repertoire.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Anzac Bars

2010-12-02T10:34:00.006+11:00

Anzac Bars (not biscuits) from the Coles Recipe website - so simple a two year old can make them!

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

My Monthly Reads - November

2010-12-01T10:17:00.001+11:00

Bloodthirsty - Flynn Meaney
The Passage - Justin Cronin

Menu Plan Monday

2010-11-29T08:51:00.009+11:00

Monday

Penne Bolognese

Tuesday

Broccoli Spaghetti in cheese sauce

Wednesday

Rissoles with veg and spuds

Thursday

Beef Satay Rice

Friday

Homemade Capricosa Pizza

Saturday

Lamb Chops, spuds & veg

Sunday

Chicken Parmagiana & Spaghetti

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Anzac Bars.

Flash Game Friday

2010-11-26T11:04:00.001+11:00

Gateway

One of Miss Five favourite's, although she can only get through a few levels on her own until she gets stuck and needs help. Much better for a five year old's brain than a barbie dress up game though. Or for a twenty nine year old's brain too for that matter.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Strawberry Coconut Cake

2010-11-25T10:10:00.006+11:00

Just a little something we whipped up for afternoon tea. I saw this recipe in 4 Ingredients 2, which I had borrowed from the library, and couldn't resist giving it a try.

Strawberry Coconut Cake (adapted from the 1,1,1,1 cake in 4 Ingredients 2)
1 cup coconut
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup SR flour
a few drops each strawberry essence and pink food dye

Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Sneak a handful of batter while Mum is distracted with the camera.

Insist on adding strawberry essence and pink food dye because everything is better pink, and with strawberries. Mix through.

Pour into a paper lined loaf tin and bake at 180°C for 40 mins. Allow to cool slightly in the pan, then slice and serve warm spread with butter.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-11-22T08:15:00.006+11:00

Monday

Mince, tomatoes & Onions with potatoes

Tuesday

Broccoli Pasta

Wednesday

BBQ Vegetable risotto

Thursday
Freezer Suprise

Friday

Mushroom Omelettes

Saturday
Chicken Fried Rice

Sunday
BBQ at the ILs

It is great to be back online and posting again. I've managed to build up a bit of a buffer with photos I took while offline, but hopefully my computer is not going to need replacing for another five odd years! No recipes coming for a bit, because I can't remember how I made all the meals for the last month, but I will be posting all the regular features including Kids Cooking Thursday again.
Check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please do come back for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Strawberry Coconut Cake.

More Rainbow Cake!

2010-11-21T19:47:00.003+11:00

This is the first of a few rainbow themed posts I had planned for the lead up to Miss Five's birthday. Instead, I'll be posting them in the next couple of weeks. After the enormous success of the rainbow cake I made for my brother-in-law's birthday party, Miss Then-Four wanted to have a rainbow party, so she could have one of those cakes.

Of course, since she had separate parties for kinder friends and family, that meant I had to make two of those cakes. Meaning 14 bowls to wash up. And way too much food dye consumption. But everyone was thrilled by the suprise colours inside again, even those who were expecting it. I decorated the "fluffy white cloud" icing with a sour strap rainbow to throw people off the scent. You can never have too many rainbows.

See, it's all deceptively plain and sneaky

Rainbows make me happy. And they do the same to Miss Five and Master Two as well. (Master Six is ambivalent). I didn't take photos of the process like I did back in January because I was racing the clock to get cake in the oven before Kinder pick up time, and before I needed the oven for dinner. But I used the same method as last time so I guess that will have to do.

This was an entry for Sugar High Friday, started in 2004 by Jennifer, the Domestic Goddess, and hosted this month by Soufflé Days with the theme “Desserts with a Hidden Surprise.”

My Monthly Reads: October

2010-11-01T14:16:00.007+11:00

The Princess Bride - William Goldman
Firestorm - Mark Robson
Shadow - Mark Robson
The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie
Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
Crossing Over - Anna Kendall
Rainbow High - Alex Sanchez
Billy Thunder and the Night Gate - Isobelle Carmody
Needle in the Groove - Jeff Noon
Automated Alice - Jeff Noon
The Winter Gate - Isobelle Carmody
Longfang - Mark Robson
Aurora - Mark Robson

Virtual Girls Night In: The Indulgence Edition - Round Up

2010-10-29T19:20:00.002+11:00

Sadly, this year was a bit of a bust. Nobody turned up to join me to raise money for the Cancer Council, which is very disappointing after the great turn out last year. With my computer out of commission I wasn't able to do the promoting as much as I would have liked, but it is still sad. Next year we'll go back to pink things, that seems to be a much more popular theme.

Of course I made something for this event, Chocolate Risotto topped with more chocolate (and rainbow sprinkles for the kids) so you can feast your eyes on this, if nothing else.

I hope you think about joining me next year, and remember, it's not too late to donate at least!

Flash Game Friday

2010-10-29T11:32:00.001+11:00

The Wiki Game

Not quite so much a 'flash' game, but a great way to waste your Friday regardless :D

Kids Cooking Thursday: Choc Honeycomb muffins

2010-10-28T10:33:00.002+11:00

We were running short of after school snacks, so in very little time we whipped up these Honeycomb Muffins. Only change I made was to skip the choc chips in favour of more crushed honeycomb.

Sadly there is a shortage of photos today, because it was hard to co ordinate scooping with a four year old and a two year old, and have a hand for the camera as well.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

A moment of silence please...

2010-10-25T18:52:00.000+11:00

For my dear departed computer. All the fans stopped working and it no longer boots. I've been struggling on with uploading photos from my phone and copying across the image code, but it's a very long tedious process, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a break from Dragon Musings until I have a new computer. Hopefully we can source a cheap one and I won't be out of commission for too long. The Virtual Girls Night In will still post as promised, although at this point, I'm the only attendee, so if you want to join in, the deadline for sending in posts in tomorrow!

It's your last chance to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Entries due in tomorrow!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-10-25T09:21:00.009+11:00

Monday
Freezer Suprise

Tuesday

Pie, with Potato & Prosciutto Salad

Wednesday

Tuna Spinach & Garlic Tortellini Bake

Thursday

Vegetable Risotto

Friday
Chips and Dims sims and Scooby Doo movie :)

Saturday

Mushroom mornay Pasta

Sunday
KFC

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Choc Honeycomb Muffins.

It's your last chance to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Entries due in tomorrow!

Flash Game Friday

2010-10-22T10:33:00.003+11:00

Fork It

Stab the sugar toast. Stabby, stabby, stabby!

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Kids Cooking Thursday

2010-10-21T10:40:00.003+11:00

Regular KCT has been interrupted by the fact that my computer died, and I can't upload pictures. Please bear with me as I get this sorted out.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Spirit Day.

2010-10-20T10:34:00.000+11:00

We will wear PURPLE in honour of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks due to homophobic abuse in their homes, at their schools. Purple represents spirit on the lgbtq flag and that's exactly what we'd like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbours and schools.
RIP
Tyler
Seth
Justin
Raymond
Asher
Billy

Menu Plan Monday

2010-10-18T08:45:00.010+11:00

Monday

Steamed Dim Sims & Oven Fries

Tuesday

Pizza Scroll Pull Apart

Wednesday
Freezer Suprise

Thursday

French Onion & Garlic Cheesy Pasta Bake

Friday
Spaghetti Napoletana

Saturday
Maccas - because I was busy all day

Sunday
Sandwiches after lunch at La Porchetta with the ILs

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Puppet Head List: #18

2010-10-17T19:03:00.004+11:00

Have glamour photos taken of me

I didn't quite get glamour shots, as such, done. I got something much more fun. I had a shoot with Matchless Snapshots, the brainchild of a fabulous photographer who specialises in conceptual portraits. I'm not going to post a whole bunch of photos here, because I don't want to violate her copyright, but also because I think she is awesome, and you should go and check out all her work, not just my shoot.

Seriously, if you are in Victoria (Australia) and can get to the Geelong area, and are considering having fun photos done, check her out. I've been a fan of her work for ages, she does great things with zombies and roller derby chicks!

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Puppet Head List: #24

2010-10-16T18:54:00.000+11:00

Dye my hair Purple

I bleached it and used Fudge Purple Haze. When I have finished all the Fudge I will get some Manic Panic, but I'll have to order that online. Fudge gives very vibrant colours, but it fades quickly.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Flash Game Friday

2010-10-15T10:40:00.003+11:00

Super Mario Crossover

One suggested by a reader - keep them coming in, I'm always happy to find new games to feature here!

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Puffy Butterflies

2010-10-14T10:44:00.009+11:00

A really simple snack that can be whipped up in time for afternoon tea. Miss Four and Master Two helped me make these between the end of Mister Maker and when Master Six got home. Master Six helped us eat them!

Puffy Butterflies
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
2-3 Tbsp jam (we used strawberry)
Sugar, and butter to top

Spread one sheet of pastry with jam. Top with second sheet.

Spread butter over the top sheet. (We used butter creamed with sugar because I had some in the fridge, otherwise I would have melted it before spreading) Sprinkle sugar over the top.

Cut out with a butterfly shaped biscuit cutter, or whatever shape you prefer. Place on a paper lined baking tray.

Bake for about 20 minutes at 180°C, or until golden.

Cool for as long as hungry tummies can stand. The aim is to serve fairly warm, but not so anyone burns themselves on hot jam.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-10-11T08:15:00.012+11:00

Monday

Pumpkin Risotto

Tuesday

Kangaroo Sausages braised with onions and red wine, mashed potatoes

Wednesday

Garden vegetable Penne

Thursday

Baked Beans

Friday

Garlicky Scrambled Eggs

Saturday
Sandwiches after my epic fail at making fritters from mashed potatoes

Sunday

Spaghetti Carbonara

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Puffy Butterflies.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

10/10/10 10:10am!

2010-10-10T10:10:00.003+11:00

It is now 10 past 10am, on the 10th of the 10th, 2010. That's a lot of tens.

It is also World Lose The Game Day, so...

You just lost the Game.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Chocolate Risotto

2010-10-09T18:48:00.006+11:00

It's been a while since I managed to take part in the Cookbook Challenge, but this week I managed to pull something out of my hat, and kill two birds with one stone, while only spending $1.55 on buying ingredients I didn't already have in the house. Risotto is a pretty indulgent dish to make at the best of times, with all that stirring and ladling, especially in this house, where DP doesn't eat rice. But making a risotto purely for dessert purposes, and then filling it with chocolate makes it doubly decadent, and that's why I'm using this as my own entry for my Virtual Girls Night In later this month, the theme of which is Indulgence.

Chocolate Risotto(from 30 Minute Italian - Fran Warde)
600ml milk
25g sugar
50g butter
125g arborio rice
50g hazelnuts, toasted and chopped (I subbed in 1 Tbsp choc hazelnut spread, so I could serve this to young children)
50g sultanas
125g good quality dark chocolate, grated
splash of brandy (optional)
grated chocolate to decorate

Put the milk and sugar in to a saucepan and heat to simmering point.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the rice and stir well to coat the grains.
Add a ladleful of hot milk and stir well. When the rice has absorbed the milk, add another ladleful. Continue to stir and add the milk until it is all absorbed. The rice should be slightly al dente and with a creamy sauce.
Finally add the hazelnuts, sultanas and grated chocolate and mix quickly. Serve decorated with a little grated chocolate. Try not to over-mix the chocolate as the marbled effect looks good. For a special treat add a splash of brandy just before serving. Decorate with grated chocolate.

This was an entry for
The Cookbook Challenge: Week 47 - Italian.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Flash Game Friday

2010-10-08T11:29:00.003+11:00

Wooden Path

This kinda reminds me of a Dora the Explorer episode. Don't get me wrong though, some of the harder levels will really make you think hard!

And if that doesn't capture your fleeting Friday attention span, how about going and checking out The Food Blog Diary, a monthly listing of food blog events for you to participate in, or just drool over.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Lunch

2010-10-07T11:04:00.008+11:00

To be more specific, lots of lunches! I had a bulk pack of 20 rolls, a kilo of luncheon meat roll, and a bunch of zip lock bags. Oh, and a six year old. Perfect ingredients for a production line... just in time for the end of school holidays!

Buttering...

Hamming...

Bagging...

Then Miss Four woke up from the sleep she fell into on the hour long trip home in the hot car, and wanted to help too, so she helped by counting out 7 dried apricots, and bagging them up for playlunches.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-10-04T09:33:00.009+11:00

Monday

Creamy Garlic Penne

Tuesday

Pumpkin & Vegetable Penne

Wednesday

Vegetable Risotto

Thursday
Freezer Suprise

Friday
Party Pies & Scooby Doo movie on the couch!

Saturday
Pizza and movie (they were really sucking up for the end of school holidays - two couch meals in a row!)

Sunday
Sandwiches after Grandma's big roast birthday lunch!

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make lunch(es).

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

More hidden treasures

2010-10-03T19:33:00.009+11:00

Firstly, a hopping origami frog, made from the instructions on how to make a hopping origami frog, that were on the side of a McDonalds cookie box.

Then, three more chocolate soccer balls, two in the playground, and one on a stack of books at an Angus & Robertson stand in the centre court.

Status: 32/43

Don't forget to indulge yourself for the Virtual Girls Night In, our annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Virtual Girls Night In: The Indulgence Edition.

2010-10-02T15:08:00.002+10:00

After all the fun we had last year, cooking pink food for the Virtual Girls Night In, I had to bring it back again this year.

This year, after a request that we not go with a pink theme, I thought we'd aim for Indulgence. A lot of Girls Night In events work on the theme of day spas, with at-home mud packs and giving each other pedicures. Now, I'm not about to break out the emery board, but we can still have an indulgent virtual event.

What I want you to do is cook yourself something indulgent. This could be that super complicated, triple chocolate, coffee, caramel, mousse monstrosity you always want to try cooking but couldn't justify, or something simple, like a risotto, when you are the only person in the house who eats rice, or maybe try your hand at making bath salts or a mud mask! However you choose to interpret the theme, I want you to treat yourself. Too many times we get caught up in being mothers, sisters, best friends, wives, and lovers, and forget to be just ourselves. So take a moment, and appreciate you for you.

Then after you've been dragged back to reality, write up your indulgence and drop me a line about it. Donating money to the Cancer Council is not required to enter this event, although it is kind of the point, but if I can reach my $50 goal, then I will give away a secret pack of goodies to a random participant.

The obligatories:

Cook something on the theme of "indulgence", and take a photo.

Write a blog post about it.

Posts need to include a link to this page and to the donation page. Feel free to use either of the above buttons to link back.

Then email it to me at silvermoon[AT]tmbg[DOT]org including:

your name

the name of your blog

the permalink of your dish

the name of your dish

any other info about why you made what you made

a jpg of your dish. It should be no bigger than 300 pixels square, and named either with your blog name or the name of the dish.

If you don't have a blog, feel free to send your photos and recipes directly to me, and I'll put them in the round up for you.

Deadline is Tuesday 26th October (the day after Pink Ribbon Day) and round up will be posted late in the week.

Remember, you don't need to be in Australia to be able to donate!

Flash Game Friday

2010-10-01T11:32:00.001+10:00

Cupcake Frenzy

With a name like that, how could I resist?

My monthly reads - September

2010-10-01T11:04:00.008+10:00

The Southern Vampire Mysteries - Charlaine Harris
(Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse, Dead and Gone, Dead in the Family)
Although I read all ten of these books, I'm not holding my breath for the next one due out next year. These were better written than the Twilight novels, if only slightly, in that the amount of killing and violence was a lot more realistic when you consider that vampires are ruthless killers. As usual, long dead vampires are misogynistic sods who treat the heroine barely better than chattel, and view her independent streak as baffling and mostly amusing or just plain inconvenient. If you were a fan of these books, or just like your Mills & Boon with a little fang, you'd love the Anita Blake series, which is much like these, only slightly better written. I'm yet to find a vampire series with a female heroine who wasn't really named Mary Sue though.

So You Want to be a Wizard - Diane Duane
The first in the Young Wizard series. After trying to start two different books, and not being to get more than a third of the way through (Runemarks - Jonanne Harris, and The Alchemyst: the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel - Michael Scott) it was a relief to pick up this book and get hooked straight away. Two twelve year olds independently find a "how to" book on wizardry and much magical adventures ensue. Fairly standard YA fantasy stuff here - thwart the bullies, find the treasure, save the world, that kind of thing. Despite the very basic formula, and the fact that this was obviously written for the preteen market (who else would want to read about 12 year olds?) I quite enjoyed this book. I picked it up because it reminded me of a book I'd read a preview for many years ago, but never got around to finding/reading, but this wasn't it. Never the less, it made a nice relaxing evening's read, and if the rest of the series is around at the library, I might even pick them up too.

Skulduggery Pleasant: Dark Days - Derek Landy
The next instalment in the Skulduggery Pleasant series. It moves along at a good pace, though I felt more time could have been spent on the effort spent to bring Skulduggery back, allowing Valkyrie more time to develop as a character on her own without her mentor present. Book five is due out sometime this month, so that something to look forward to.

Heat Wave - Richard Castle
This is a tie-in to the tv crime show Castle, starring Nathan Fillion. The tv show's premise is that an award winning author starts following around a cop for research into his new series of books. This is the first book of that series. It is all done with strict attention to detail, down to the page numbers the tv characters are referencing when talking about the book. Reading the book gives new insight into both of the shows lead characters, and while I didn't think the reporter in the book was as much like Castle in the tv show, it was like a mini episode to tide me over until the new season of the show comes out. Read it if you are a fan, otherwise the clever in-jokes will go over your head, but otherwise, if you like slightly trashy crime novels you'll still enjoy this.

Nylon angel - Marianne de Pierres
Code Noir - Marianne de Pierres
Gutsy, gritty, post-apocalyptic speculative/sci-fi from a Western Australian author. More like Neuromancer than The Matrix, this is Isobelle Carmody for grown ups.

For the Win - Cory Doctorow
A passable story about unionism and rpg goldfarming. Not sure how much of it goes on, but the games are there, and goldfarming certainly is, so it's plausible. Perhaps if the writer had spent more time on the story and less time trying to teach his YA audience about world economics, it might have been compelling. Not nearly up to the standard of Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom or even Little Brother, but still an alright way to pass an afternoon.

Deep Secret - Diana Wynne Jones
The prequel to The Merlin Conspiracy, this book sets up background information that is compatible with lots of her books/worlds. A delightful romp through magic, politic, book conventions, and dabbles a toe in computer games while it's there. A great introduction to DWJ's work, or to flesh out the worldview of anyone who has already read her stuff.

The Merlin Conspiracy - Diana Wynne Jones

Kids Cooking Thursday: Sultana Spice Cookies

2010-09-30T10:40:00.006+10:00

A variant on the $4 Biscuits we made last year, which didn't cost me anything, because I had all the ingredients either in the freezer or pantry. Nothing like knocking up a quick batch of biscuits to keep them quiet during the school holidays! As usual, if you don't have speculaas kruiden, you can substitute Dutch cinnamon, but do try your local international deli, because it makes a world of difference!

Sultana Spice Cookies
500g butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 can condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
4 cups SR flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp speculaas kruiden (or cinnamon)
1 1/2 cup sultanas

Beat butter + sugar 'til creamy.
Beat in condensed milk.
Add in essence.
Mix in flour, spice and sultanas until all doughy and combined.
Shape into Tbsp sized balls
Bake for 12 mins @ 180°C. Cool on a wire rack.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Product Review: Longlife cream

2010-09-28T18:51:00.001+10:00

This is an unpaid review, more like a recommendation really. I love this stuff so much I just had to share.

I never buy regular cream on a weekly basis, as it tends to go off before I get around to using it. But once I found this, I had a solution. At only $1.19 for 200ml, I can afford to buy a couple of cartons, and leave them in the cupboard for whenever the urge for creamy pastas or rich sauces takes me. Like whenever I spend too long reading The Pioneer Woman's site.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-27T07:38:00.008+10:00

Monday

Spinach & Parmesan Spaghetti

Tuesday

Sweet & Sour Hokkien Noodles

Wednesday

Creamy Lemon Pasta, with Parmesan Garlic Panini

Thursday
Chicken, Chips & Coleslaw

Friday

Quesadillas

Saturday
Homemade Pizza

Sunday
Spaghetti Napoli

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday

Strawberry Cheesecake

2010-09-24T19:25:00.003+10:00

I had a bit of a flop this month with the Strawberry Cheesecake from Everybunny Loves Food. Most likely because I used ricotta instead of paneer because ~~I am lazy~~ I ran out of time. It may have looked a little ugly, and it may have been a little sloppy, but oh my goodness was it tasty! I only had enough biscuits for a half sized base, so I froze the rest of the topping, and it made such a great ice cream! Fresh, and light, full of strawberry flavour without being over powering - definitely a recipe I will use again!

Flash Game Friday

2010-09-24T11:29:00.001+10:00

Tic Tac Toe

Sure, it's an oldie, and a kids game to boot, but can you beat the computer every go? Even when you don't start?

Kids Cooking Thursday: Fudge O' Plenty

2010-09-23T10:33:00.009+10:00

Based on the Cherry Ripe Fudge we made a little while back, and the new Cadbury Bar of Plenty Berry Fruit & Vanilla Shortcake flavour, Master Two and I proudly present: Fudge O' Plenty!

Cranberry Shortbread Fudge
375g milk chocolate melts
375g can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup broken shortbread chunks (ours was butterscotch flavoured)
1 cup Crasins (dried cranberries)

Cook milk and chocolate in microwave on HIGH for one minute. Stir to combine. Heat for 30 seconds more, or until melted and smooth.

Mix in the berries and biscuit pieces.

Spoon mixture out onto a long piece of baking paper.

Fold paper over, and smooth the fudge into an even log.

Tightly cover the paper with glad wrap and hold it by the overhanging ends

Spin the log around until the glad wrap makes a tight sausage, and fold the ends under.
Chill for 4 hours or until set. Cut into slices to serve.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Sushi

2010-09-22T19:20:00.005+10:00

I wanted to try sushi, and today while in town for school holiday activites, we all had some for lunch. Then I remembered why I had yet to try sushi. I don't like fish. I might have been able to handle the crab in my California Roll, only I don't like avocado either. And the smell of the nori killed any chance I had of eating more than a few bites.

Miss Four had a similar problem with the nori, but ate her crispy chicken and rice once I opened it for her. But Master Six had no problems with his Avocado Roll, and Master Two not only wolfed down his Beef Teriyaki Roll (I tried a bite, it was delicious), but the remaining 3/4 of my California Roll as well.

13% of the list done now.

Free chocolate balls!

2010-09-21T19:31:00.002+10:00

I got sick of trying to find tiny treasures to hide, so I bought a big bag of chocolate soccer balls, and left a bunch of them everywhere.

Mostly on those $2 ride things, because Master Two kept dragging me over to them, and also, it kept him occupied while I hid them and took a photo.

Status: 28/43

Sexy Carbonara

2010-09-20T18:55:00.002+10:00

This would have to be the easiest sauce I have ever made for pasta. Ever. And it was so good I almost ate the lot straight from the pan with a wooden spoon. I seriously did contemplate giving the kids jarred sauce, but then I thought of what I put into the sauce, and decided to share after all.

Yes, it's one of those sorts of recipes, something you'd expect to see on P-Dub's site, not mine. But it's super easy to whip up, done in the time it takes the pasta to boil, and everyone needs at least one awesome "I don't care about the calories this is damn good" recipe in their repertoire!

Sexy Carbonara Sauce
175g short cut rindless bacon, chopped finely
4 heaped teaspoons of minced garlic
200ml cream
50g butter
sprinkle of smoked paprika (optional)

Fry the bacon and garlic gently, over medium heat. When the garlic is starting to brown, add the cream. Reduce for however long it takes to get your pasta cooked, and add the butter in an attempt to thicken the sauce slightly. Fail in that regard, but taste sauce, and completely stop caring. Season to taste, with S&P and a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika, then toss your drained pasta straight into the frying pan. Mix it all around, then serve, if you are feeling indulgent, with shaved parmesan, or just a grind of fresh black pepper.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-20T07:37:00.010+10:00

Monday

Spaghetti Carbonara so good I almost made love to the sauce

Tuesday
Freezer Suprise

Wednesday

Spaghetti with red sauce, pesto & veg

Thursday

Frozen BBQ Chicken pizza, with added baby spinach & pineapple

Friday

Pies and Chips (Go PIES!)

Saturday

Pizza Hut

Sunday

Sandwiches after a trip to a farm

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday when we make Cranberry and Shortbread Fudge.

Yarrr!

2010-09-19T15:46:00.003+10:00

I milked a cow me hearties! That be one more thing off me list, bringin' me to 10%, so a very merry International Talk Like A Pirate Day to ye!

Flash Game Friday

2010-09-17T11:04:00.003+10:00

Talk Like A Pirate Day Official Game!

In honour of International Talk Like A Pirate Day on Sunday, here is a simple little flash game made by a pirate-y fan for the occasion, to help be gettin ye in thar mood. Yarr!

Kids Cooking Thursday: Popcorn

2010-09-16T11:32:00.007+10:00

The tightness of money again this week meant no elaborate cooking, but I decided to post this weeks cookery anyway, just to remind you that kids will love the simple things just as much, if not more, than the elaborate and expensive cooking favoured by their parents. I'm sure I don't need to give a recipe for this ;)

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

Food Preservation with the Daring Cooks

2010-09-14T18:38:00.007+10:00

The September 2010 Daring Cooks’ challenge was hosted by John of Eat4Fun. John chose to challenge The Daring Cooks to learn about food preservation, mainly in the form of canning and freezing. He challenged everyone to make a recipe and preserve it. John’s source for food preservation information was from The National Center for Home Food Preservation.

I started this month thinking that I'd make the recipe John gave us for Oven Roasted Tomatoes. Just halved or thirded tomatoes, sprinkled with salt, olive oil, minced garlic and basil (which I skipped because I was out of it). Slowly roasted at a low temp. They were fabulous, and although I had intended on preserving them, in the spirit of the challenge (freezing), they were so good, I ate a third of them before they'd finished cooling, and then used the rest in a pasta sauce for dinner that night.

While that would have fulfilled the challenge technically, I decided I could do a bit better.

I was looking at the recipe given for Apple Butter, thinking it would be great in the slow cooker, when I came home with a discounted 1kg tub of strawberries. Bingo. This was the easiest thing in the world to make. I halved or quartered what was left of the strawberries, after the kids had some for afternoon tea, and in their lunchboxes - it came to 5 cups of pieces.

Then I put them in the crockpot and cooked them on slow for 19 hours, mashing after 3 hours, and stirring occasionally.

It could have definitely done with a shorter cooking time, as parts of it did scorch a little, and made the overall product a little bitter, but it wasn't yet done when I went to bed after 11 hours cooking, so I had to make do. Quite possibly I'd have had better results if I'd pureed the strawberries first. Ah well, live and learn. May be I should try with apples....

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-13T07:36:00.010+10:00

Monday
Freezer Suprise

Tuesday

Pies

Wednesday

Spaghetti with Pesto & Cream

Thursday

Puff pastry Pizzas

Friday

Chips and Dims Sims while watching old school Yogi Bear :)

Saturday
Takeaway, while I was at a 30th Birthday Party

Sunday

Vegetable & Ham Pasta

Less of a lazy week, and more just taking advantage of the warmer weather. At least, that's my excuse. Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

Flash Game Friday

2010-09-10T11:29:00.001+10:00

Red Bugs

Another puzzle game, because I love them so much, and because your brain should still be getting a workout, even though it's almost the weekend.

Kids Cooking Thursday: Shake and Bake Muffins

2010-09-09T10:44:00.004+10:00

We were running short of money and time this week, and I saw this jug of Just add Milk Betty Crocker Chocolate Muffins discounted to under two dollars, so I got it as a fun treat. See how much they both enjoyed it?

Master Two having a shake.

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.

One man's trash...

2010-09-08T19:31:00.002+10:00

...is another's arty photo :P

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-06T08:15:00.004+10:00

Monday
Freezer Suprise

Tuesday

Roast Capsicum & Broccoli Pasta

Wednesday

Lasagna & Chips

Thursday
Scrambled Eggs with Pumpkin Damper

Friday

Indoor Picnic while watchingThe Little Prince

Saturday
Dinner @ my parents for Father's Day eve.

Sunday
Sandwiches after a big Father's Day lunch @ the ILs

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

More hidden treasures

2010-09-04T13:21:00.003+10:00

It's going very slowly on the hiding of treasures. I'd say that I'd go faster if I had more treasures ready to hide, and in my backpack, but I don't want to hide my things all in the same places every time, and I don't go to different places much. The school holidays are coming up soon though, and I hope to be going out and about getting more puppet head things done, and of course, entertaining the children.

Skateboarding Elmo on the brick letterbox outside a kinder/daycare centre.

Gingerbread man eraser in the hollow of a tree.

Club Penguin Fuzzhead keyring on a coin operated claw game, at my local shopping centre.

Purple crochet flower in one of the family change rooms at the pool where the kids have swimming lessons. Last one at the pool I promise!
Unfortunately, my phone ate this photo, so there is no evidence. :(

Status: 8/43

Flash Game Friday

2010-09-03T11:44:00.001+10:00

Mr Men Pinball

It's pinball, and it's Mr Men themed. What more could you ask for? Well, actually, I could ask for letter key controls for the flippers as well as arrow keys, so I could use both hands, like I would on a real machine, but it'll still give you a giggle or two.

My monthly reads - August

2010-09-01T11:04:00.002+10:00

Hell to Heaven - Kylie Chan
I blazed through this in less than 24 hours, and am now left hoping that the next book won't take more than 6 months to be released. This was book five, the second book of the second trilogy, from a very talented Brisbane author and you should all go check her out. These books are awesome. I'd say more about this book in detail, but I know my sister hasn't read it yet, and she reads this blog, and she's already told me off for giving spoilers out on Facebook. :P

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-30T09:33:00.010+10:00

Monday

Oven Roasted Tomato Spaghetti

Tuesday
Freezer Suprise

Wednesday

Roast Capsicum & Garlic Spinach Pizza

Thursday

Creamy Lemon Mac n Cheese

Friday

Moroccan Chicken & Pumpkin Soup (slow cooker)

Saturday

Pies and Chips

Sunday
Burgers from the Fish 'n' Chips shop

Check back during the week for the recipes, and as usual, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for literally hundreds of other menu plan blog posts, and please come back here for Kids Cooking Thursday.

Another tiny hidden treasure.

2010-08-29T14:44:00.000+10:00

A little unicorn statue, on the windowsill, next to a No Diving sign, at the pool where Miss Four and Master Six have swimming lessons.

And then when we were leaving, Master Six found the ring from a keyring next to the back tyre. I'll repurpose it in some way, and leave it elsewhere to be refound.

Dulce De Leche Flourless Chocolate Cake

2010-08-28T19:07:00.010+10:00

This past week was my sister's birthday, so it was fitting that this week's theme for the cookbook challenge was Celebration. I love that she is only four houses down from me, so I can always make baked goods, and then hand them off onto her. With this cake though, I'm not sure that will happen. But I had to make it, regardless of the imminent danger to my hips and thighs, because, well, after all, I promised you, didn't I?

Dulce De Leche Flourless Chocolate Cake (from Viva la Vida - Rafael Palomino)
450g (1 pound) semisweet chocolate, chopped
6 eggs, separated
2 Tbsp Dulce de Leche
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter a 9-inch springform pan.

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate over barely simmering water. Remove from heat, pour into a large bowl, and set aside.

In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until well blended. Fold the yolks into the melted chocolate,
then fold in the whites. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan. Spoon the dulce de leche into the center of the chocolate mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Place on a serving plate and remove the sides of the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream if you like.

This was an entry for
The Cookbook Challenge: Week 41 - Celebration.

Bombe Alaska

2010-08-27T19:11:00.015+10:00

The August 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Elissa of 17 and Baking. For the first time, The Daring Bakers partnered with Sugar High Fridays for a co-event and Elissa was the gracious hostess of both. Using the theme of beurre noisette, or browned butter, Elissa chose to challenge Daring Bakers to make a pound cake to be used in either a Baked Alaska or in Ice Cream Petit Fours. The sources for Elissa’s challenge were Gourmet magazine and David Lebovitz’s “The Perfect Scoop”.

Brown Butter Pound Cake
275g butter
200g sifted cake flour (sift before measuring) (2 Tbsp cornflour in the bottom of 1 cup measure then fill as normal with plain flour works as a substitution)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C and put a rack in the center. Butter and flour a 9”x9” (23cmx23cm) square pan.(I just used a round tin, because that's what I had)

2. Place the butter in a 10” (25cm) skillet over medium heat. Brown the butter until the milk solids are a dark chocolate brown and the butter smells nutty. (Don’t take your eyes off the butter in case it burns.) Pour into a shallow bowl and chill in the freezer until just congealed, 15-30 minutes.

3. Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Beat the brown butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well, and then the vanilla extract.

5. Stir in the flour mixture at low speed until just combined.

6. Scrape the batter into the greased and floured 9”x9” (23cmx23cm) square pan. Smooth the top with a rubber spatula and rap the pan on the counter. Bake until golden brown on top and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes.

7. Cool in the pan 10 minutes. Run a knife along the edge and invert right-side-up onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

I sliced the round cake in half, because it was too thick for my liking, and then topped it with a generous amount of the Dulce de Leche ice cream I made the other day, and set it into the freezer.

Then I realised I had no more eggs, so the next part had to wait till the next day so I could buy more eggs.

Meringue (for Baked Alaska)
4 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar

Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on high speed in an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Beat in the sugar gradually in a slow stream until stiff peaks form.

Pipe, or spread with a spatula, all over the cake and ice cream, and return to the freezer for an hour, or up to one day.

Bake the Alaskas on a rimmed baking sheet in a 260°C oven for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Serve immediately.

It was delicious - the unique flavour of the dulce de leche ice cream really married well with the nutty cake, even though the cake wasn't so nice either texturally or taste wise once frozen. This cake is really at it's best when eaten hot, or at the very least, room temperature straight after cooking. The kids loved it though. The meringue was very ahh-worthy, perhaps I should make it more often? Miss Four informed me that she knew how to make meringue: "You take the sticky white part of the egg, and then you do something with it... and then you cook it and it's meringue."

Cooking lessons from Postman Pat - It does happen!

Flash Game Friday

2010-08-27T10:44:00.001+10:00

Zuma's Revenge

Another free Pop Gap game, this week the sequel to the wildly successful Zuma. All new, harder levels, twistier mazes, with more tunnels. I made it as far as level 13. This time...

Kids Cooking Thursday: Giant Birthday Freckle

2010-08-26T10:33:00.006+10:00

Inspired by this post over at Planning with Kids, I thought I had to give this a go. Since I had already gotten my sister a Jumbo Cupcake cake shaped cake pan, and was in the midst of crocheting her a oversized d20 (check Never Mind the Claw Marks tonight for more on that), the logical thing to do would be to make a giant freckle. You see these in shops for up to $15 or $20, but this cost under $5 in ingredients.

You'll need chocolate. We used a 200g block of plain Cadbury Milk Chocolate, but you could use any chocolate. And you also need (half) a packet of 100s & 1000s - little coloured balls of sugar that is sold with the cake decorating supplies at the supermarket. These come in a range of colours, and even shapes these days, but we went for a traditional look.

Line a round cake pan with cling wrap, and smooth out as many wrinkles as you can.
Melt the chocolate, in the microwave, or in a double boiler for you purists, and pour slowly into the lined pan. Tilt the pan gently to spread the chocolate out evenly across the bottom.

Slowly pour the 100s & 1000s into the pan. If you pour too hard or fast, you will make dints into the chocolate. Be very generous - any that don't stick can be tipped out once the chocolate has set, and used for something else.

Allow to set, then tip out the excess sprinkles, before wrapping the edges of the cling wrap over the top to seal.

BIG things for a BIG birthday

If you'd like to join in with Kids Cooking Thursday please leave a permalink to your own Kids Cooking Thursday post, as per the rules.