tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75691422024-03-24T05:03:31.959+11:00Darkside of KnittingSuzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.comBlogger683125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-79914079148824222802018-03-02T00:52:00.001+11:002018-03-02T00:52:24.500+11:00The one where I find happiness.Whoever said money can't buy happiness clearly wasn't into Lego.<br />
I started with some mini builds of "Seasonal" sets. Very cute and very, very, very quick to put together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDDpOvgBCMfPsXZTusafvJeRajMjz7Llz-yjuRobHscYCe_fCQ0LlTZBAJejr7hhxjZXydBdfL9TTRDGqgHyQmVC9J1tSyBbuocBBRq9XFJlI-f7VzK49vl1fSlS45zN3vsWH/s1600/Halloween+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDDpOvgBCMfPsXZTusafvJeRajMjz7Llz-yjuRobHscYCe_fCQ0LlTZBAJejr7hhxjZXydBdfL9TTRDGqgHyQmVC9J1tSyBbuocBBRq9XFJlI-f7VzK49vl1fSlS45zN3vsWH/s320/Halloween+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2017 Set</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween Set 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween Set 2015 - Trick or Treat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween Set 2015 - Trick or Treat!</td></tr>
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Then there was the big build, there are three floors, so I did a floor at a time. It took me a few weeks to finish it entirely as I had to make time on my rare days off to sit and build.<br />
First floor comprises a barber shop and pool hall, with the detectives agency complete with dame on the second floor. The second and third floor on the right are a toilet and kitchen.<br />
Inspired by Prohibition in America, the Lego equivalent is contraband cookies. Which are being made in secret in the top floor kitchen, and smuggled into the pool hall through a secret tunnel from the barber shop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detective's Agency - Front View</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detectives Agency - Back View</td></tr>
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The next big but not so big build. The Vampyre Castle from the (now sadly retired) Monster Fighters series.<br />
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<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-12046710475236019462018-02-16T15:15:00.002+11:002018-02-16T15:15:37.615+11:00What's new with you?I have been having an episode, a moment, a, dare I say it, midlife crisis? When I decided to take the leap of faith and do what I'd always wanted to do and went back to study cookery, I knew trying to get into hospitality would be hard. Actually it turned out to be harder than I thought.<br />
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There's been some bewilderment at why <i>I</i> would want to start at the bottom doing what one chef referred to, if I'd excuse his language, all the shit jobs.<br />
Because I told him, I know that's where I need to start to get to where I want to be.<br />
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I can't be the first person who has made a complete career change later on in their life. Lots of people do it surely?<br />
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Work is, well, I like it, I do. But it has made me very restless and anti-social which has led me to be generally unhappy. <br />I've neglected a lot of things I loved to do, haven't gone out of the house anywhere much but to work. My rare days off seem to revolve around doing laundry and buying cat litter. And checking the job ads.<br />
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I've been compiling a list of my skills and past experience that relate to hospitality and looking at what I'm doing now, which is a kitchen job that's not a kitchen job. <br />If I'm not happy, the only way that's going to change is if I do something about it. No luck so far, but as the slogan goes, you've gotta be in it to win it.<br />
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I miss cooking, now that I've gone from consecutive days off to split days off, I don't do it as much. I'd usually shop one day. Running around the supermarket, Asian grocer and heath food stores and the next day, cook.<br />
Despite that I have bought new cookbooks, I've even branched out into gluten free territory to try and teach myself something new. Fortunately cook books never expire, so they can all sit there waiting.<br />
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With the Lunar New year, maybe it's finally time I had a go at making dumplings. It's something that's been on my list of things to do for awhile.<br />
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I moved house, downsized on space, much of my life still feels to be in boxes. On the upside of the move, I had a long over due clear out. While it was nice to let some of it go, somethings were harder to let go of, letting go of parts of my life I wasn't really ready to let go of and it feels a little like defeat.<br />
Like the current job search, I'm still hopeful, that I'll move again, into a bigger space, that I'll actually own and can renovate the kitchen - lots of work bench space!<br />
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Now I just wait and see what happens.<br />
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<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-7911715909095931962017-10-01T17:45:00.000+11:002017-10-01T17:45:10.873+11:00Cooking the Books Not much to report, this was my great amount of effort dish the other week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW5eMEQCym0I0eQU-cr9XzonqMByS6s2JZZr5EK5Z4P95oXr56goIOXmg_pyeoxInaxeMNnxFymc7xnLa3os08f8TeuSNh5QU_d7Z2Ry9EVXOxHA1vPXYtc1D_2JJJWQLQDA1/s1600/Tofu+Short+Ribs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW5eMEQCym0I0eQU-cr9XzonqMByS6s2JZZr5EK5Z4P95oXr56goIOXmg_pyeoxInaxeMNnxFymc7xnLa3os08f8TeuSNh5QU_d7Z2Ry9EVXOxHA1vPXYtc1D_2JJJWQLQDA1/s320/Tofu+Short+Ribs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu Shortribs with Gingery Mashed Root Vegetables and Seared Dragon Green Beans from The Superfun Tines Vegan Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.</td></tr>
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I start my new job this week! And they offered me extra shifts which is exciting, so rather than looking for a second job to fit in with this one, I don't need to look for a second job at all. Stress levels lowered.<br />
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Although I'm now looking at my list of things to make, and I'm down to the more labour intensive recipes. I'm going to pull some more books out and look for some more quick ideas to make on the days I'm working.<br />
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I'm buying myself a treat to celebrate the new job, I have my eye on a Le Creuset French Oven, fortunately my favourite kitchenware store still does lay-by so I can pay it off over time rather than spend all the money up front.<br />
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In other news, I have spent a lot of the time waiting to commence the new job by having a bit of a clear out. I must admit I was surprised at just how much stuff I had accumulated in my cupboards. The process of parting with it has been painless though.<br />
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It's also raised some questions of how to best store things, I acquired extra knives when I went to cookery school, I've acquired unique knives (Japanese style vegetable/light weight Chinese Cook's knives) to try out at home.<br />
While a universal knife block solves the problem of the wider bladed knives, finding a block that holds knives over 20cm in length is more problematic. Maybe it can live in my knife case, along with my boning knife which I have no use for at home what so ever. I'm not ready to give that dream up yet, my knife case is still packed, my uniforms are washed and ready to wear, just in case. Never know when opportunity might knock.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-12806293935700609742017-09-10T21:12:00.001+10:002017-09-15T11:33:32.648+10:00Cooking the BooksHere's this week's round up of what I cooked. A lot of time went into cooking this weekend, did a quite time consuming dish for dinner Saturday night and then prepped stuff ready for Sunday brunch.<br />
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Let's start with the first dish, I loved garlic prawns, was it about the prawns or about the garlic sauce? Possibly more about the garlic sauce they were in than the prawns themselves.<br />
Here are the vegan prawns in a spicy garlic sauce, so spicy, and the prawns? Texture wise it certainly seemed familiar to a cooked prawn but taste wise not really like a prawn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCrepgCf-iBtFEZaQA_Z9X7r9UabDRT7SNtmIMEeWAThKFZCIDSs4RfXaAbfhyphenhyphenSN94obNk-nIYsT9-APj2lpGrrYRDcdVwCySocAbvoM7Xe7xU2-uVu-9jzkYPANlow3jpQEW/s1600/Gambas+Al+Ajillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCrepgCf-iBtFEZaQA_Z9X7r9UabDRT7SNtmIMEeWAThKFZCIDSs4RfXaAbfhyphenhyphenSN94obNk-nIYsT9-APj2lpGrrYRDcdVwCySocAbvoM7Xe7xU2-uVu-9jzkYPANlow3jpQEW/s320/Gambas+Al+Ajillo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gambas Al Ajillo from Smith & Daughters A Cookbook</td></tr>
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And back to the smoothies! I can't get away from them, I have become a smoothie person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL_bwwW0NLan8vfa3ndctzGepB8ZiAGeVPwI0u4Qr8mgLJ6xAq0P4kEIyYsXEO5VLYJj6LjilkdHs0SvPrNgnaSRHqbzFEg-RhpjynYJuTgBUBGRA7_AfeoE7akyDE8enw4wt/s1600/Candy+Bar+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL_bwwW0NLan8vfa3ndctzGepB8ZiAGeVPwI0u4Qr8mgLJ6xAq0P4kEIyYsXEO5VLYJj6LjilkdHs0SvPrNgnaSRHqbzFEg-RhpjynYJuTgBUBGRA7_AfeoE7akyDE8enw4wt/s320/Candy+Bar+Smoothie.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy Bar Smoothie from Bake and Destroy: Bad Food for Good Vegans</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCnOTr4B6WhfMqd2q4ql-SXrivtj4ocoz4d0HOvahbAL-BG5Dee3vyFdkZahUi9oYcnKSHpr4z8rSBs8-Tty72-1RvwNtTY4fF04hl-5zUb_bftmDtKwHlMhTef2jR79E7w_P/s1600/Yeah%252C+It%2527s+A+Green+Smoothie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCnOTr4B6WhfMqd2q4ql-SXrivtj4ocoz4d0HOvahbAL-BG5Dee3vyFdkZahUi9oYcnKSHpr4z8rSBs8-Tty72-1RvwNtTY4fF04hl-5zUb_bftmDtKwHlMhTef2jR79E7w_P/s320/Yeah%252C+It%2527s+A+Green+Smoothie.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Yeah, It's A Green Smoothie from Bake and Destroy: Bad Food for Good Vegans</div>
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I went the hint of not using kale as a green smoothie noob, also omitted the optional additions of wheat grass powder and spirulina powder. It was way better than I expected.<br />
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And as for this weekend's delicacy's...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyP05cFtdQLHWSrGkpjn6xs0HNc92pswAaUsMWrZ9Vh0Jkjl6fMm2Fc8Bh2B6MIK21hmU7qOsKdEVeQFqCdeoAWeSK2MJxnBOyGeggLSLF19D4q7L-BlaopR1HZsV6eTAT1yK/s1600/Chandra+Malai+Kofta+%2526+Chapatti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyP05cFtdQLHWSrGkpjn6xs0HNc92pswAaUsMWrZ9Vh0Jkjl6fMm2Fc8Bh2B6MIK21hmU7qOsKdEVeQFqCdeoAWeSK2MJxnBOyGeggLSLF19D4q7L-BlaopR1HZsV6eTAT1yK/s320/Chandra+Malai+Kofta+%2526+Chapatti.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandra Malai Kofta from Isa Does It with a bonus book recipe - Chapatti from Vegan Eats World</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1QjAzItSgivw6_U0snF7efgOFQtpeUCjcGEd48auRIoQRT0VjGbTmfhzT57qwwn9SPg_Z6lbaFnzjqJLhMuGc-BoNVNe9P_gLooO00tGDuo39ArXw49vYNf_ybUAMCQeZxfo/s1600/Overnight+Thai+Tofu+Scramble+%2526+Almond+Palmer+Granita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1QjAzItSgivw6_U0snF7efgOFQtpeUCjcGEd48auRIoQRT0VjGbTmfhzT57qwwn9SPg_Z6lbaFnzjqJLhMuGc-BoNVNe9P_gLooO00tGDuo39ArXw49vYNf_ybUAMCQeZxfo/s320/Overnight+Thai+Tofu+Scramble+%2526+Almond+Palmer+Granita.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch - Overnight Thai Tofu Scramble from Isa Does It and Arnold Palmer Granita from Bake and Destroy. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tofu hater has requested the tofu scramble again, the tofu hater seems to love all the tofu dishes I've cooked lately. The granita has received rave reviews all round, I've had requests to make it with other types of tea. We drink a lot of fruit infusions and herbals in our family.<br />
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Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-77889200288185010362017-09-04T19:28:00.000+10:002017-09-04T19:28:09.921+10:00Cooking the Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQW0fprnBBhi7ydmXTCdAls0KRqM7VmfANGM74Z3ZADY6M-RfJU3XxYlK993XS2rPfgfMyCwoePmFlQUjT8wwrx-3ICK3AhTfjIEjgvTJgm2jqeN2Nu750cWy_Pf9Nxex_ELg/s1600/Corn+Tortillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQW0fprnBBhi7ydmXTCdAls0KRqM7VmfANGM74Z3ZADY6M-RfJU3XxYlK993XS2rPfgfMyCwoePmFlQUjT8wwrx-3ICK3AhTfjIEjgvTJgm2jqeN2Nu750cWy_Pf9Nxex_ELg/s1600/Corn+Tortillas.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus Cookbook! Made Corn Tortillas from Viva Vegan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAvfKXOiaymdu5qCsYMLs9gOrHABQGjZ4IKZ4VyGepx-5AYrq7lAX-QqPDA1rrTkz3xQSkkKiXNTKWaW6JoEjISQcQwpL1dvtb2B3SynZnoc-4X_y3s_ct1v7jz0-OwrSiGx-/s1600/Ancho+Lentil+%2526+Orange+Granita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAvfKXOiaymdu5qCsYMLs9gOrHABQGjZ4IKZ4VyGepx-5AYrq7lAX-QqPDA1rrTkz3xQSkkKiXNTKWaW6JoEjISQcQwpL1dvtb2B3SynZnoc-4X_y3s_ct1v7jz0-OwrSiGx-/s1600/Ancho+Lentil+%2526+Orange+Granita.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancho Lentil Tacos from Isa Does It with fresh Corn Tortillas from Viva Vegan! and the Orange Granita (Slushy) from Bake and Destroy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMT88wnBkGVPu88fXAbp6IMxzOsTKJR-1-qIEg9fwUsKXaQXGgJzqeLzzOgjQ0KnfjMC4BxNr9HqhSe2sX9UAkoYlrIqNRw1784e27yQua7Hd2Js1HXe74OO04B8d3lyoIDUy/s1600/Chocolate+Chia+Pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMT88wnBkGVPu88fXAbp6IMxzOsTKJR-1-qIEg9fwUsKXaQXGgJzqeLzzOgjQ0KnfjMC4BxNr9HqhSe2sX9UAkoYlrIqNRw1784e27yQua7Hd2Js1HXe74OO04B8d3lyoIDUy/s320/Chocolate+Chia+Pudding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Chia Pudding from Hippie Lane The Cookbook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7_oR90BME_eUDs6-_y0oMcsylYFGs8ynmah0XhwEzH3wFIvneuFDTfTKkJRX3ralcyxpdibPLVJsoVr5cNpiusFF01IsRSy8z884RnliGQzYYNptW1j0ARDztn6fYZWeJdnt/s1600/Spiced+Ginger%252C+Pecan+%2526+Pear+Granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7_oR90BME_eUDs6-_y0oMcsylYFGs8ynmah0XhwEzH3wFIvneuFDTfTKkJRX3ralcyxpdibPLVJsoVr5cNpiusFF01IsRSy8z884RnliGQzYYNptW1j0ARDztn6fYZWeJdnt/s320/Spiced+Ginger%252C+Pecan+%2526+Pear+Granola.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiced Ginger, Pecan and Pear Granola from Hippie Lane The Cookbook. I had this for breakfast this morning with coconut yogurt and fresh berries, very yummy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And it was with great excitement that I got a price drop notification from Book Depository the other week to say <a href="https://www.bedandbroccoli.com.au/">Bed & Broccoli</a>: the food, the lifestyle was 50% off! It would also ship apparently in 2 business days from Australia, it actually took a week for it to ship but it did arrive within 3 days of it being sent.<br />
It was waiting for me when I got home from orientation today, for my new job which starts in <strike>2</strike> 3 weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvbxsbSRKZ2P9J6WuDX8dfajcspE8bOUFMm3x-hRawxZbKNoeXz2Ud7WPTJ-VFsJopP4Zrm2-eCdX-UD05QWZqtuFc1B09O2uukv2s-FP20LFmHVwo7AWy3dMHEKAi2plrGHM/s1600/Bed+%2526+Broccoli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvbxsbSRKZ2P9J6WuDX8dfajcspE8bOUFMm3x-hRawxZbKNoeXz2Ud7WPTJ-VFsJopP4Zrm2-eCdX-UD05QWZqtuFc1B09O2uukv2s-FP20LFmHVwo7AWy3dMHEKAi2plrGHM/s320/Bed+%2526+Broccoli.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's a beautiful book and full of photographs of the bed & broccoli residents, some very nice looking recipes. I've already made a mental list of things I want to make, but it'll have to wait till I've cooked from the other current books I've picked out. :(Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-33936423420645767342017-08-31T12:31:00.000+10:002017-09-10T11:13:39.402+10:00Notes from the DarksidePicked two new books to add to the rotation, I've also menu planned for the next three weeks while I await the start date for my new job. I'm waiting to see what my hours are like before I plan anything then.<br />
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The books I picked are Vegan Street Food: Foodie Travels from India to Indonesia by Jackie Kearney and Bake and Destroy: Good Food For Bad Vegans by Natalie Slater. Two very different books from each other.<br />
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<b><u>Vegan Street Food</u></b><br />
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Jackie Kearney was a finalist on the UK Masterchef in 2011, I don't watch Australian Masterchef so what can I tell you about Masterchef? Basicially that it exists, that's the extent of my knowledge on it.<br />
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I picked this because a) this is the regions my favourite foods come from, b) I've always wanted to try more from this book, c) Jackie Kearney has a second book coming out later this year on world cuisine which I'm excited to see and d) when you talk comfort food for me this is it, foods inspired from Indian and South East Asian cuisine are what I want. My new job is in a brand new just been built building so there's been some stressors involved with the whole waiting to start and impending start processes.<br />
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The recipes I picked are things I've been trying to find a version of that I like, I struggle with Dals. Things I've seen on cooking shows, like the hoppers. Things I hoped to try while I was traveling and never got a chance to like the Banh Mi. Or things that involve a new cooking skill, like the steamed buns.<br />
And with the curries, because I have eaten versions of them out and really want to have a go at recreating them at home.<br />
<ul>
<li>The Hungry Gecko's Dal Masala - Yellow Dal with Eggplant</li>
<li>Green Jackfruit Vindaloo</li>
<li>Banana & Date Lassi</li>
<li>Wedding Hoppers - Fermented Coconut Pancakes</li>
<li>Gaeng Keow Wan - Traditional Thai Green Curry</li>
<li>Banh Mi Buddha - Vietnamese Stuffed Baguette with Gochujang Tofu, Roasted Mushroom Pate and Pickled Vegetables</li>
<li>Nam Rom Kho To - Mushroom Claypot</li>
<li>Buddha's Tapas - Hoisin Mock Duck & Chilli-Bean Tofu Lettuce Cups with Steamed Flower Buns</li>
<li>Vegetarian Mee Rebus - Sweet Potato & Soy Bean Noodle Curry</li>
<li>Hungry Gecko Jungle Curry - Country Vegetable Curry with Tempeh (This version is based on the Indonesian style rather than the Thai one, so might be slightly different to what I've had.)</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Bake and Destroy</u></b><br />
<br />
Quite a lot of vegan cook books are written by American authors, no matter how many American cook books I read I still find American food <strike>foreign</strike> <strike>exotic</strike> <strike>unusual</strike> <strike>different</strike> unfamiliar. Where Asian food feels familiar in a way as if I grew up eating it, American food is as alien to me as the cuisines of a European or Middle Eastern country.<br />
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Bake and Destroy certainly covers the quirky aspects of American food that I'm intrigued by, it also has fun little cartoon drawings through out the book which makes me love flicking through it. I delved a lot into the breakfast chapter, most days I have a smoothie for breakfast, I will admit to being a rabid convert these. I decided one day a week to have a breakfast that required a bit more time and effort, something a bit fancier than a glass of liquid.<br />
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A huge influence on my food is things I see on television or read in books, like that episode of Seinfeld about the muffins. And the struggle to get rid of the muffin stumps after they cut the tops off to sell by themselves. One day while strolling through the supermarket I saw they had muffin top tins, I bought the tin. I had no idea how I would make muffins in it at the time but knew I would eventually find a recipe. (I did courtesy of another American vegan cook book.)<br />
Another food item that always peaked my interest was a story Bill Bryson wrote about going to the supermarket with his wife shortly after they moved back to America. He was talking about the odd food products he found in the supermarket and the ones that found the way into the trolley for him to try. The most memorable for me was a breakfast pizza. What? I mean I've eaten leftover pizza for breakfast...<br />
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<ul>
<li><strike>Orange Juice Granita</strike></li>
<li><strike>Arnold Palmer Granita</strike></li>
<li>Double Soy Latte Granita (I no longer drink caffeinated coffee, so this will be decaf.)</li>
<li>Breakfast Pizza (I suspect Bill Bryson's one didn't have scrambled tofu on it.)</li>
<li><strike>Candy Bar Smoothie</strike></li>
<li><strike>Yeah, It's a Green Smoothie</strike></li>
<li>Whole Wheat Choco-Coconut Donuts</li>
<li>You Don't Know Jack Hash</li>
<li>Taco Lasagna</li>
<li>Samosa Potpie</li>
<li>Baked Potato Spring Rolls</li>
</ul>
And because I'm making soup to Feed the Freezer* with, I wanted something stashed in there to pull out and have with the soups.<br />
<ul>
<li>Stuffin' Muffins</li>
<li>Crouching Cornbread, Hidden Broccoli </li>
</ul>
*Feed the Freezer, I'm trying to build up a stash of meals that I can just pull out, reheat and eat on busy days. Soup is excellent for this as a single serving thaws/reheats super quick, essential when you come home late and are slightly feral.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-78672510379724763372017-08-30T18:42:00.000+10:002017-08-30T18:42:05.842+10:00Cooking the Books - Midweek Special<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZVXA-u6CjDXGgzn7NhqclGoaefH3xLyBwi_G7ebthDbLc_nOxHC4fJaaQS4psWvKnwASGDfN-23EhN08Ox6RjdybmWvGbLbn-jl93-AW3JuHoREnFazPdT6la1CWVpXVzBY6/s1600/Chickpea+Bolognese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZVXA-u6CjDXGgzn7NhqclGoaefH3xLyBwi_G7ebthDbLc_nOxHC4fJaaQS4psWvKnwASGDfN-23EhN08Ox6RjdybmWvGbLbn-jl93-AW3JuHoREnFazPdT6la1CWVpXVzBY6/s320/Chickpea+Bolognese.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickpea Bolognese from Thug Kitchen 101</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Hq1TtajRC1hxWE4OJi-vfxD2XhuF0B0HmvwfiRB5SBuJrg6a06iWLx2_bRnx0XFK1MRJj_HZDEVZUnIcbn10v1WBykJQ67rhCs4KdOjXUZ6VfNAQMOx9knZmOpguXtGZhWZ/s1600/Present+Glow+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Hq1TtajRC1hxWE4OJi-vfxD2XhuF0B0HmvwfiRB5SBuJrg6a06iWLx2_bRnx0XFK1MRJj_HZDEVZUnIcbn10v1WBykJQ67rhCs4KdOjXUZ6VfNAQMOx9knZmOpguXtGZhWZ/s320/Present+Glow+Bars.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Present Glow Bars, before chilling and cutting from Oh She Glows Cookbook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquk3ysK50VN6jTdDu7wK2lG59MP8xyjx28pX8gNyPbdU6v9WBlYovGnKESFV9hV-xrby3wKtcOXmX9f3zGozn5QH56E-APZ2NiB3tdDniohBSUMhTlGkUGRaf9Zuqxwmb_sHD/s1600/Pureed+Split+Pea+%2526+Swede+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="960" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquk3ysK50VN6jTdDu7wK2lG59MP8xyjx28pX8gNyPbdU6v9WBlYovGnKESFV9hV-xrby3wKtcOXmX9f3zGozn5QH56E-APZ2NiB3tdDniohBSUMhTlGkUGRaf9Zuqxwmb_sHD/s320/Pureed+Split+Pea+%2526+Swede+Soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pureed Split Pea & Rutabaga (Swede) Soup from Isa Does It</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've finished the current selections from two of my chosen books, so back on the bookshelf they shall go and I will get to pick another two books to choose recipes to make. What to choose? Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-9043910731649453792017-08-27T12:56:00.002+10:002017-08-27T12:56:54.164+10:00Cooking the BooksAlternative title - Some of the things I ate this week. Turns out it's breakfast week this week. No failures, the Oatmeal Smoothie needed a bit of something else, which I'll remember the next time I make it. Pretty much a week of delicious breakfasts.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgajlVZm43WIg57_KfgQj_g7jel_vydeWNZ7YSUbbpV2qFqj3Nfixns85hFXXs87ycxoVSLNkoFAj-oBtL9c3VHYDEdOf3wY5atwgtHiw8ATMZCn79ZmQaA_YAirgPOPXhv-e/s1600/Instant+Oatmeal+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgajlVZm43WIg57_KfgQj_g7jel_vydeWNZ7YSUbbpV2qFqj3Nfixns85hFXXs87ycxoVSLNkoFAj-oBtL9c3VHYDEdOf3wY5atwgtHiw8ATMZCn79ZmQaA_YAirgPOPXhv-e/s320/Instant+Oatmeal+Smoothie.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instant Oatmeal Smoothie from Thug Kitchen 101</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslb_0lhekoaPwaROY83sJTMgDjRWTMkyAGg1mB8sv8-qyOPB_Be9Mnwhba-578Gwsh12YJO55Ai4Dc9dlXvU56HYIAuIZPlHwxKbPSBDRouB24lXaPgdr08JhS3Dc-d-aduq3/s1600/Morning+Glory+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="795" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslb_0lhekoaPwaROY83sJTMgDjRWTMkyAGg1mB8sv8-qyOPB_Be9Mnwhba-578Gwsh12YJO55Ai4Dc9dlXvU56HYIAuIZPlHwxKbPSBDRouB24lXaPgdr08JhS3Dc-d-aduq3/s320/Morning+Glory+Smoothie.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory Smoothie from Oh She Glows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitghHCOH_33nxDQJVtQVipsVsBA-eg40GzHwQK25NHc9h_sEDUHKQYh_n2ts3SI3qqjjSG_0EtRldnE0kJN9y06-6nw8EPQS2fFNfl6KqMFR-z-Ci777rO_CQvfQuFXv9IEUUF/s1600/Banana+Cinnamon+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitghHCOH_33nxDQJVtQVipsVsBA-eg40GzHwQK25NHc9h_sEDUHKQYh_n2ts3SI3qqjjSG_0EtRldnE0kJN9y06-6nw8EPQS2fFNfl6KqMFR-z-Ci777rO_CQvfQuFXv9IEUUF/s320/Banana+Cinnamon+Smoothie.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Cinamon Smoothie from Hippie Lane The Cookbook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr align="right"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1jYZGPkS3WeFXjjmO-P1X47-lFer_A7w_MbKGoJBWZLYaxkCtQQZVG0xYVboBTNesJInpjLDT-yd3d70mgLUPwH3VFVZf9nF4BLGmrkWEX1q-7vXdV7fQAMq-Q-StkVnHOFA/s1600/Strawberry+Lovers+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="727" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1jYZGPkS3WeFXjjmO-P1X47-lFer_A7w_MbKGoJBWZLYaxkCtQQZVG0xYVboBTNesJInpjLDT-yd3d70mgLUPwH3VFVZf9nF4BLGmrkWEX1q-7vXdV7fQAMq-Q-StkVnHOFA/s320/Strawberry+Lovers+Smoothie.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Strawberry Lover's Smoothie from Hippie Lane The Cookbook</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1O9nF31OCfKd4P5CBxsCZD73MRCT82U-CsjT3bRKY07cRp9cfILqX1JGZ1wRzKWxNJJg6xo233A4n-TDin-bCWDrt2Nsz8l2AgLMBL7qzjihGwuDbhNLpOozTwoCM0fxVJKg/s1600/Strawberry+Chia+Pudding.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1O9nF31OCfKd4P5CBxsCZD73MRCT82U-CsjT3bRKY07cRp9cfILqX1JGZ1wRzKWxNJJg6xo233A4n-TDin-bCWDrt2Nsz8l2AgLMBL7qzjihGwuDbhNLpOozTwoCM0fxVJKg/s320/Strawberry+Chia+Pudding.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neapolitan Chia Pudding from Hippie Lane The Cookbook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-10614014739075240302017-08-20T13:07:00.000+10:002017-09-10T11:13:13.167+10:00Thoughts from the DarksideI've been working my way around the web making smoothies for my breakfasts, how did I get by before Pinterest? I know with a never ending and unwieldy book mark list.<br />
<br />
Speaking of unwieldy things, I organised my vegan cookbooks. This was a time consuming process because I kept pausing in the process to read them. <br />
I got it all done in the end and they are now grouped into rough categories, sweet & savoury baking, sweet baking & desserts, world cuisine, etc.<br />
<br />
Six cookbooks have been chosen, from which I made a <strike>short</strike> medium list of things to make, which was really really hard because I want to cook all the things from all the books!<br />
Details are below, along with some brief thoughts on the books. Peruse at your leisure!<br />
<u></u><br />
<u><b>Thug Kitchen 101</b></u><br />
<br />
Ah, Thug Kitchen, this is the third book and like the first two and their website contains strong language. Know your audience, my mother is not that audience. Which means when I make the Bolognese she can see the recipe but only under close supervision.<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Chickpea Bolognese</strike></li>
<li><strike>Instant Oatmeal Smoothie</strike></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Isa Does It</u></b><br />
<br />
Isa Chandra Moskowitz, I love all her books! Out of the many of Isa's recipes I've made I have had only one fail. Can't recommend her enough.<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Chandra Malai Kofta</strike></li>
<li><strike>Thai Overnight Scramble</strike></li>
<li>Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Seared Brussels Sprouts & Tarragon Cream</li>
<li>Mushroom Hot Pot</li>
<li><strike>Ancho Lentil Tacos</strike></li>
<li><strike>Pureed Split Pea & Rutabaga (Swede) Soup</strike></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Smith & Daughters </u></b><br />
<br />
I was so excited for this as it was an Australian vegan cookbook, I've become fluent in North American cookbook language but still. I love this book, it has beautiful kitschy photos, black pages and very yummy sounding recipes. It has a very Latin vibe to a lot of the food, think Spanish and Mexican. <br />
<ul>
<li>Oyster Mushroom & White Bean Ceviche</li>
<li>Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)</li>
<li><strike>Gambas Al Ajillo (Spanish Prawns)</strike></li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>Oh She Glows Cookbook</b></u><br />
<u><br /></u>Oh She Glows, it's a healthful cookbook, which does make it one I wouldn't dip into often. Contrary to many of the current health trends I still cook with oil, eat sugar and carbs and I don't think eating the occasional food made with white flour is really all that bad. <br />
The saying which I believe is attributed to the French "Everything in moderation, including moderation", is my motto and to back this up I've lost 30kgs and counting. While this is obviously working, I'm still happy to make room on my bookshelf and in my stomach for the more healthful offerings out there.<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Present Glow Bars</strike></li>
<li><strike>Morning Glory Smoothie</strike></li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>Hippie Lane The Cookbook</b></u><br />
<u></u><br />
Hippie Lane, is another healthful cookbook and an Australian author! When I read about it, off I went in search of it. After looking at it, I decided to buy it for two reasons. Firstly, it was an Australian author and secondly despite being healthful, I knew I would eventually make everything in the breakfast section. While the other sections are not unappealing, it's not likely to be the first book I reach for when planning dinner.<br />
I was also quite intrigued by the Sweet chapter, a lot of the recipes in it are Raw recipes. I've always been a bit skeptical about the whole Raw food movement, I must admit a couple of Raw food cookbooks do grace my bookshelves and I often look at them and think in the summer when it's hot...<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Neapolitan Chia Puddings - Strawberry and Chocolate Flavours</strike></li>
<li><u> </u>Roasted Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup</li>
<li><strike>Banana Cinnamon Smoothie</strike></li>
<li><strike>Strawberry Lovers Smoothie </strike></li>
<li>Chai Tea Lattes</li>
<li><strike>Spiced Ginger, Pecan & Pear Granola</strike></li>
</ul>
Stretch goals:<br />
<ul>
<li>Veggie Brunch Board</li>
<li>Fruit Platter with Orange Lime Dressing & Strawberry Yoghurt</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook</u></b><br />
<br />
This was the latest book Isa Chandra Moskowitz released and it's a lovely book, but...You could all see that coming. It's interesting to read about the occasions each chapter is on, most of those aren't really celebrated in my corner of the world and if they are the book is written with a Northern Hemisphere climate in mind. I think to get the most use out of it I will need to think of it as seasonal rather than event cooking. The food in the Thanksgiving and Christmas chapters looks delicious but would be better served in winter rather than December here.<br />
<ul>
<li>Arancini with Almond Cheese</li>
<li>Tofu Short Ribs with Gingery Mashed Root Vegetables</li>
<li>Seared Dragon Green Beans with Almonds<u><br /></u></li>
</ul>
Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-11727539618778232742014-04-11T19:41:00.001+10:002014-04-11T19:41:39.103+10:00Good things to comeI still have to write about Christmas, there are pictures and well it was eventful, things got burned, not everthing was ready at the same time. But I've come out of it a little wiser I hope.<br />
<br />
Anyway on with the rest of the blog...<br />
<br />
My name is Suzi and I'm a shameless cookbook addict, even before I started cooking vegan I collected cookbooks. Where ever I went I was always on the look out for cookbooks, secondhand cookbooks are a wonderful glimpse into cooking of the past. The photos in 80's cookbooks! Wonderful, just wonderful.<br />
<br />
I read cookbooks like novels, in an effort to manage the collection I have set myself a personal challenge to cook one thing from four different cookbooks each month. I'm hoping in about 6 months I can look the collection over and see what doesn't have many sticky notes or worse has none, suss out why these books have been neglected and maybe pare the collection back a bit if need be.<br />
<br />
For the month of April I've picked Isa Does It and Vegan Brunch both by Isa Chandra Moskowitz (and well used), Cheers to Vegan Sweets by Kelly Peloza (cooked from it once) and one of the newest additions to the collection and not cooked from yet More Quick-Fix Vegan by Robin Robertson.<br />
<br />
I was really hoping to cook with Kohl Rabi, I saw it at the supermarket, I've been scouring my books for where I saw the recipe using this vegetable, no luck so far. I have two theories 1.) I saw it in a book I've had from the library, 2.) I've merely imagined ever seeing a recipe for this vegetable and have maybe seen it somewhere and further imagined I had seen a recipe for it.<br />
<br />
Other things In my imagination, I have fallen in love with a new piece of kitchen hardware, maybe as a Christmas present for myself, in blue!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hXGaAW79MG8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
I have been watching videos on You Tube of people making stuff with the food processor, while shouting "Yeah baby! Slice all the vegetables! Oh yeah!".<br />
Porn wishes it were this exciting. :)Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-11889558820461420322013-12-21T13:18:00.002+11:002013-12-21T13:18:39.339+11:00What my Christmas might look like.The old adage you can't please everybody so you may as well please yourself? I did actually have a Christmas once all to myself. It was the best Christmas ever, the family rang up and tried to pretend they were having a jolly holly time. I wasn't buying it for one minute.<br />
<br />
Despite what my mother thinks, there is nothing remotly awful about having Christmas on your own. To bust out another quote - Poor is the man who depends on another for his happiness. See? We're back to pleasing yourself basically.<br />
<br />
And being a grown up, is about living your life, and making your own traditions, so I've been rapidly trying to shape some of my own. And possibly misquoting my History lecturer, traditions are only ever one generation old. I think it's one anyway. It was an incredibly small number.<br />
<br />
I think we've established two clear facts to help us navigate Christmas.<br />
1. Whatever you choose to do, someone will be unhappy, there are 364 other days to make other people happy, make this day yours.<br />
2. Tradition is only one generation old, so basically "it's tradition" is a nonsensical statement and really only applies to that one generation. Therefore you in your own generation can have your own tradition, acknowledge other people's traditions like you would their religions.<br />
<br />
This year is a bit weird, both my maternal grandparents have passed away so there is no gathering of my mother's family. In previous years all her siblings came home and it was hell on earth. We had to be at my grandparents house by 9am to open presents, so we can be at the uncle's by 12 noon, we're expected at noon, lunch won't actually be served for another 2 hours at least, or round about the time your ready to eat their furniture.<br />
By 2pm the only thing I've eaten is a piece of toast at 8am, if I was lucky, depending on how cantankerous I was about getting dressed and hoping the immediate family would just leave without me - no such luck ever. I may not have had breakfast at all, and your not allowed to eat anything pre-lunch because were "going for lunch soon". Soon applies even if it's 9:30am.<br />
<br />
The one saving grace is you might have got chocolates for Xmas, which you stash in your handbag, and find an opportune hiding place and eat them.<br />
<b>Tip #3:</b> Be prepared by your own chocolate/snack in advance to be sure you will have something to stash in your bag.<br /><b>Tip #4:</b> Something I read about in Nigella Christmas and wish I had thought of myself years before. In the notes for her recipe for Lychee Martini, Nigella talks about taking some of the lychee liqueur in a small water bottle to tide you over during the school Christmas concert. I don't have to attend school Christmas concerts, but I can imagine a hip flask of something (not necessarily lychee liqueur, pick your favourite) would have been a boon to the chocolates.<br />
<br />
Back to the problem at hand, new "traditions" or what to do with your immediate family. My mother has been telling people how weird it'll be this year, there won't be anybody to have Christmas with and since she won't see the family she won't get presents. She saw them last year and they didn't give her presents then either. And having Christmas with us the immediate family? Suppose it is a bit of a come down.<br />
<br />
And then there's my Dad, initial plan is my sister and I were going to do a special breakfast, sit around eating, unwrapping presents, eating some more, breakfast rolls onto lunch. More like morning grazing than any meals. My Mum was talking about making the turkey roll the day before, and then just having it cold with salad and people help themselves when their ready. What's Susan going to eat asks my Dad? So I tell him all about what I'm making and my Dad's complaining about the room in the kitchen for everyone to make things. I was oh no, I'm having dinner, I won't be cooking till the evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />My Dad got in a huff because "surely we can all eat lunch together on Christmas", I was regaling my sister with this tale. She scoffed at this, doesn't he realise were spending all day together?<br />
<br />
The current incarnation of the Christmas day menu looks like this:<br />
<b>Breakfast </b>(A long breakfast that kind of heads into lunch territory):<br />Bagels from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Vegan-Brunch-Isa-Chandra-Moskowitz/9780738212722">Isa's Vegan Brunch</a> - my sister's special request.<br />Individual Panettones from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Vegan-Desserts-Hannah-Kaminsky/9781626361348">Hannah Kaminsky's Vegan Desserts</a><br /><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2013/12/banana-eggnog-pancakes/">Banana Eggnog Pancakes</a> (No cranberries, but it is raspberry season here so probably fresh berries!)<br /><br />
Skipping lunch, no time to prep that as it will be all eating a long breakfast and opening presents and staying in my pajamas. <br /><br /><b>Dinner:</b><br /><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2013/11/stuffed-t%20...%20ng-burger/">Stuffed Thanksgiving Burgers</a><br />Whiskey Sweet Potato Mash - <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/500-Vegan-Recipes-Celine-Steen/9781592334032">500 Vegan Recipes by Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman</a><br />
Green Bean Almondine (with a Twist) - Also from 500 Vegan Recipes or Roasted Broccoli<br />
and Gravy, most likely made from good ole' <a href="http://www.massel.com.au/">Massel</a> Supreme Gravy Powder. Actually this is my parents new favourite for making gravy, apparetnly it's not as salty as some of the other ones they've tried.<br />
<br />
And I may yet make a fruitcake, will post an update later if it gets off the ground.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-89857151987967559882013-11-13T21:48:00.000+11:002013-11-13T21:48:45.356+11:00Isa Does It and now so do I!<div style="text-align: left;">
Isa Does It has been the most anticipated cook book I think ever for me.I've made a couple of things since it's arrived but I have made a couple of things from Isa's blog the PPK which have made their way into the book. I've included links were they are available.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v1gdTsPFL-J6LVPftzzM3tmHVC1Ejrnf5Jw8RmjCsdH6fWbh5Ezk2OnPoSG1wqvaJpWghh-kgwK2FOTufR0-hFTofEt9h6lGwPlAZ-KvPldvd-IR-S3tyHda0uLVI_ZG6Ofa/s1600/Chai+Spice+Snickerdoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v1gdTsPFL-J6LVPftzzM3tmHVC1Ejrnf5Jw8RmjCsdH6fWbh5Ezk2OnPoSG1wqvaJpWghh-kgwK2FOTufR0-hFTofEt9h6lGwPlAZ-KvPldvd-IR-S3tyHda0uLVI_ZG6Ofa/s320/Chai+Spice+Snickerdoodles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2012/09/chaispicesnickerdoodles/">Chai Spice Snickerdoodles</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3fs0QwotKzVCfuST8FdScfHu2yAzJD1UGSVQxo3oddKgypo6FvrGlEnBwURd2EkHxhqCJ4C8KhHRUx2PJd0BFMZ1sVFWCaQS-40UjhYj-5759672ex8SqlKJ1TNIDCogmNr3/s1600/Marbled+Banana+Bread+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3fs0QwotKzVCfuST8FdScfHu2yAzJD1UGSVQxo3oddKgypo6FvrGlEnBwURd2EkHxhqCJ4C8KhHRUx2PJd0BFMZ1sVFWCaQS-40UjhYj-5759672ex8SqlKJ1TNIDCogmNr3/s320/Marbled+Banana+Bread+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/11/marbled-banana-bread/">Marbled Banana Bread</a> #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94FGjLE_l4ZIyFskL_gcU466amvfUYqMue7ytEuZWLaIdLkNnFYW2BK5Sdhtosq-4y0kTZkCB1BHIB6xBflLYCCmcgfWHI4zroSDsy6mWAoQt5fjZznU9IWnPoGaP40R3sFLq/s1600/Marbled+Banana+Bread+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94FGjLE_l4ZIyFskL_gcU466amvfUYqMue7ytEuZWLaIdLkNnFYW2BK5Sdhtosq-4y0kTZkCB1BHIB6xBflLYCCmcgfWHI4zroSDsy6mWAoQt5fjZznU9IWnPoGaP40R3sFLq/s320/Marbled+Banana+Bread+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/11/marbled-banana-bread/">Marbled Banana Bread</a> #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TtaLppXiJu5E7dB4fozvtvDMv6UJzNzRPC09odxqJISC9PXO0mKzN74lJ3MwT-8VdxjIigts4wqIBe_b2WfBPo5Bm8fApP4K_zdOc1twAMV9spfNoENiYiSG-WJf3c4QU0oP/s1600/Puffy+Pillow+Pancakes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TtaLppXiJu5E7dB4fozvtvDMv6UJzNzRPC09odxqJISC9PXO0mKzN74lJ3MwT-8VdxjIigts4wqIBe_b2WfBPo5Bm8fApP4K_zdOc1twAMV9spfNoENiYiSG-WJf3c4QU0oP/s320/Puffy+Pillow+Pancakes+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/12/puffy-pillow-pancakes/">Puffy Pillow Pancakes</a> #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYBXRDhb56uvNdLT95glVrI8tvrFD9E-tC3RZYiO8mL1usRllor2T-p7DJn4QDsFj52loea89h18NJhNfh38IqKAPSmEkX5xXVEkgiqIoorqcB7V1fqc7K6CqdRN6FDMCRPfl/s1600/Puffy+Pillow+Pancakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYBXRDhb56uvNdLT95glVrI8tvrFD9E-tC3RZYiO8mL1usRllor2T-p7DJn4QDsFj52loea89h18NJhNfh38IqKAPSmEkX5xXVEkgiqIoorqcB7V1fqc7K6CqdRN6FDMCRPfl/s320/Puffy+Pillow+Pancakes+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/12/puffy-pillow-pancakes/">Puffy Pillow Pancakes</a> #2<br />
(Everyone's a fan of pancakes.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjYVEWsqDjit_MMGfORE0MF0M9w5n_f6W6ghVdCCykxK7J81ILFBwOnjxGOsoGIrFH46MkIDhquQX2g94sVG0znYaeCpIHxNqI16oMgK8nau5Nei_7GfgmXzFvXz1wH7clWyv/s1600/Tempeh+Orzilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjYVEWsqDjit_MMGfORE0MF0M9w5n_f6W6ghVdCCykxK7J81ILFBwOnjxGOsoGIrFH46MkIDhquQX2g94sVG0znYaeCpIHxNqI16oMgK8nau5Nei_7GfgmXzFvXz1wH7clWyv/s320/Tempeh+Orzilla.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/10/tempeh-orzilla/">Tempeh Orzilla</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISLcsouu702VzYB_wn843l9ezFKt8zRkemwl2U_9xGgoYLk4KwSKRHbcAZEFqMAk9ZjYtRXNkUzxTIJfLvtjCWFwmqackBavGFtm4xHz3917PeTzOySKIZDZ01Jrr3cd02gLL/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISLcsouu702VzYB_wn843l9ezFKt8zRkemwl2U_9xGgoYLk4KwSKRHbcAZEFqMAk9ZjYtRXNkUzxTIJfLvtjCWFwmqackBavGFtm4xHz3917PeTzOySKIZDZ01Jrr3cd02gLL/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentil-A-Roni</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrludLRm9Kp2b3IXWTwzA0nM1hGjxSKUmmLG3bIPS95BURzUddyhd9n6b7AX1k7J0FvnqpRDI2hcHU7KpGgTAsOuZF1oUgXQGIGZLWCjHlpIx6qHIXQnbgFcVXNWtvKGSSGAmD/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrludLRm9Kp2b3IXWTwzA0nM1hGjxSKUmmLG3bIPS95BURzUddyhd9n6b7AX1k7J0FvnqpRDI2hcHU7KpGgTAsOuZF1oUgXQGIGZLWCjHlpIx6qHIXQnbgFcVXNWtvKGSSGAmD/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2013/10/new-england-glam-chowder-video/">New England Glam Chowder</a><br />
Make this! A wonderfully creamy soup. So good!</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-29111878925350042332013-11-10T16:12:00.000+11:002013-11-10T16:12:00.785+11:00Wait it's that time of year already?Apparently it is and it started in September. I know what we're all thinking surely we can have Halloween before you break out the Christmas stock giant retailers!<br />
That's another story for another day.<br />
<br />
Today's story is indeed about Christmas, last year I talked my sister into doing an Asian Christmas this year. Especially now we've discovered she <i>likes</i> firm tofu.<br />
Now we've acquired my parents home for this year, so we've shifted the Asian inspired menu to New Year. Which I might add looks currently like this:- <b>Marinated Baked Asian Tofu</b> (Veganomicon), <b>Crispy Stir-Fry Greens with Veggie Oyster Sauce & Steamed Long-Grain White Rice</b> (both from Vegan Eats World).<br />
<br />
<br />
My sister's plan for Christmas is we should do a special breakfast, which tentatively stands as Bagels (Vegan Brunch), Chocolate Croissants (Nigella Express) and my Mum's all time favourite Gingerbread Muffins (Feast by Nigella). Currently I'm dissatisfied with this line up, it needs something.<br />
<br />
Mum was all like we should just do cold things on the day, cook the turkey roll the day before and serve it cold with salad.<br />
I don't eat turkey and I'm allergic to that S word. That idea is getting no enthusiasm from me whatsoever.<br />
As for my Dad, he's just excited he doesn't have to drive anywhere and gets to stay home.<br />
<br />
I was perusing the Habitat Christmas catalog, not a lot of actual Christmas stuff this year and what there is seems to mainly consist of unattractive super expensive decorations. A tad disappointing. <br />
But, they were advertising a creme brulee set, 4 ramekins, the blow torch and the butane gas. The sale runs till the 24th December, so if I save my pennies between now and then I may just be able to treat myself to a set for Christmas.<br />
<br />
Since Christmas is shaping up to be a bit anti climatic food and cooking wise, I've devised my own menu for dinner. Have breakfast with the family, then I've go the rest of the day while there eating cold stuff ot faff about the kitchen making something awesome for myself.<br />
The line up is:- <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2013/11/stuffed-thanksgiving-burger/">Stuffed Thanksgiving Burger</a> (minus the roll), <a href="http://chefchloe.com/on-the-side/sweet-potato-mac-n-cheese.html">Sweet Potato Mac n' Cheese</a>, and some yet to be decided upon vegetables. Although I was thinking I'd really like gravy with those burgers and I thought I might make this <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6006161">gravy</a> again, I really liked it the first time. And for dessert possibly, inspired by the Habitat catalog, <a href="http://chefchloe.com/sweets/holiday-spiced-creme-brulee.html">Holiday Spiced Creme Brulee</a>.<br />
<br />
I love creme brulee, one of those kits has been on my birthday and Christmas lists for years. Sadly no one ever has gotten me one. <br />Of course the current alternative is a frozen dessert called a Winter Wonderland Peppermint Pie, white chocolate and peppermint. Sounds delicious. Or possibly in homage to the fact it's summer, another frozen dessert known as a Watermelon Bombe, a bit tricky to put together maybe but it would be a spectacular dessert to look at. And hopefully eat.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-48659124275753690022012-12-14T19:48:00.002+11:002012-12-14T19:48:48.202+11:00Christmas Inspiration**Warning** - This is very photo heavy, also I talk through my hat quite a bit and well it's all about Christmas, curmudgeons look away now!
I have a box, a box of Christmassy goodness. Something I can delve into for ideas, it's all in there gifts, decorations and food.
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<b><br /></b>
I've tried to include years where possible, so you can get some context of when these became popular.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>The Tree!</b>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4vo0cP0tqwZva03lQMooUdmMYFTwfvqh_1iBzyrkVIUntInxkjJ69FjPBLBaSDaJ5CqA38sRasNvjA5B2qFpoKBY5IthEiUDDJOGIga7S7imcW4t0nl_rhaQ2OGFyOnDUZlL/s1600/006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4vo0cP0tqwZva03lQMooUdmMYFTwfvqh_1iBzyrkVIUntInxkjJ69FjPBLBaSDaJ5CqA38sRasNvjA5B2qFpoKBY5IthEiUDDJOGIga7S7imcW4t0nl_rhaQ2OGFyOnDUZlL/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is an actual Christmas tree! More impressive than the twig tree or the length of paper stuck on your wall with a tree shape drawn on it, believe me. (2004)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfOxXe18xRMgXj-nCwt86IC8AfmSIQFkJNLRbFbTdI7Rir8kX3IQ2jPfm7_x-BBpmGL5_J5a7eiiuryG0kTogXrhCKe8axTGSNT5_vIQ72fzuPH5HKL14rSMI0QESUNQBqShJ/s1600/010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfOxXe18xRMgXj-nCwt86IC8AfmSIQFkJNLRbFbTdI7Rir8kX3IQ2jPfm7_x-BBpmGL5_J5a7eiiuryG0kTogXrhCKe8axTGSNT5_vIQ72fzuPH5HKL14rSMI0QESUNQBqShJ/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love purple! My sister describes these matching trees as "soulless", I don't know I quite like a matching tree myself. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9WNE6ZUUjYXuP9jABJyeNL81JoVPj6fPSkx0DOv6q-dmtQUcsfhfGTRUwMKGfte5H-MLOn67Qfrcq9OLR7aouPEEmlUaiA7KQYXDrIMlTRI1GLda0lP-AfExy9S-1y7YPRLW/s1600/026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9WNE6ZUUjYXuP9jABJyeNL81JoVPj6fPSkx0DOv6q-dmtQUcsfhfGTRUwMKGfte5H-MLOn67Qfrcq9OLR7aouPEEmlUaiA7KQYXDrIMlTRI1GLda0lP-AfExy9S-1y7YPRLW/s320/026.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue, my other colour choice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispmMqMBgVXsOLhyphenhyphenSI7eeNJgD441o9fiJEwaNJUhLxlp9fmeeT4D2laFGQD40pQuXzbltPbDkdfvyRfVWcXEAvtniWwpTSgQAsrJcQl3T0M7G37nq_celrVGvPrWZiD1yAoT99/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispmMqMBgVXsOLhyphenhyphenSI7eeNJgD441o9fiJEwaNJUhLxlp9fmeeT4D2laFGQD40pQuXzbltPbDkdfvyRfVWcXEAvtniWwpTSgQAsrJcQl3T0M7G37nq_celrVGvPrWZiD1yAoT99/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More blue...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXsfASqSxXg6foPm698BC8n0x2PtGD6sxKBvYlxywGMmKjOwUTeN8AsgKEKVeKdRcDQMrNKg0G2e3BwKzKq7cZ-6jcgLn00XEKwT-ChQz6PWBFSlJ1XJjNr_E7L-2DpZ2gwqu/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXsfASqSxXg6foPm698BC8n0x2PtGD6sxKBvYlxywGMmKjOwUTeN8AsgKEKVeKdRcDQMrNKg0G2e3BwKzKq7cZ-6jcgLn00XEKwT-ChQz6PWBFSlJ1XJjNr_E7L-2DpZ2gwqu/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yet more blue....can't just be me who likes it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRJyfc-QTGTSGvbFLiDaIEow0LOtQgG0M_3T2prx8bQXSrw8p2TdrPC7Ju0fo9JPtZY2ip-zCNgf04hVe0qQ1NhftB04A7xmthiTE6lysdua65Ni726dj5iECAFbl9smsr5FB/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRJyfc-QTGTSGvbFLiDaIEow0LOtQgG0M_3T2prx8bQXSrw8p2TdrPC7Ju0fo9JPtZY2ip-zCNgf04hVe0qQ1NhftB04A7xmthiTE6lysdua65Ni726dj5iECAFbl9smsr5FB/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might have noticed the God's Eyes decorations on the tree above, the one on the left in this picture is one I made well over 20 years ago, actually longer I think. So they can't be hard to make can they?</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Other Decorations...</b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9bY_NoTtrzENSdVnxKqvHJFTyWD7b0lTY3vZzMTtcOCFeIBniBRV65v-1n0oRrxdCAkvD0Q9EHNdfh57mwroLsldw4yUXLPdfxHL6M27QP0cJrW0AFCe-CxV5ieI3P9A8GBJ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9bY_NoTtrzENSdVnxKqvHJFTyWD7b0lTY3vZzMTtcOCFeIBniBRV65v-1n0oRrxdCAkvD0Q9EHNdfh57mwroLsldw4yUXLPdfxHL6M27QP0cJrW0AFCe-CxV5ieI3P9A8GBJ/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a knitter, this instantly appealed to me, I do have a wreath shape floating about and no shortage of yarn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd_AsfXtE0x5Wi1UU9oioPk49ei1VhwpGxh3YCgSCSBA_bCmCSqCTSGyAWI-tHtlOjOVkBo1zw5W30ZqRVnRz5EhNm07Zu0A4Q7sxkqyimTnMTuoY54RTnXisXGQdPAYY55YN/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd_AsfXtE0x5Wi1UU9oioPk49ei1VhwpGxh3YCgSCSBA_bCmCSqCTSGyAWI-tHtlOjOVkBo1zw5W30ZqRVnRz5EhNm07Zu0A4Q7sxkqyimTnMTuoY54RTnXisXGQdPAYY55YN/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fell in love with this at first sight, a little bit naff perhaps. (2001)</td></tr>
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<span class="hasCaption">When
planning this Christmas (2012) we debated about simply making foods we
really, really like or going with a theme, the themes mooted were Indian
or Asian. It's been officially decided that 2013 will be Asian or more
precisely a Very Westernised Asian theme.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
I knew before Asian Studies that fortune cookies were a Western idea.
Having done a unit in Asian Studies and History unit looking at some of
early European forays and communication around the world I came away
feeling prior to all this I had been very ignorant and also a tiny bit
racist. <br /> <br /> Also I am beginning to suspect that Asian look or style
I have coveted and admired my whole life is perhaps more of a Western
construct than something truly Asian.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I
can think of two things that were probably the points of ignition for
this and they both happened about the same time. One was Monkey Magic,
the second was one of the girl's in my class, her family were hosting a
Japanese girl.<br /> The Japanese girl was coming into class a couple of
times, she wore the kimono and the sash (an obi?), we made paper cherry
blossoms and learned a cherry blossom dance which we performed at school
assembly. I'm sure there may have been more, but that was Grade 2, some
of the other information has been lost in the mists of time or in the
alcohol I've drunk in the intervening years.</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span> </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaBvDBymMg1G8_Ozrd75-q0QodTPXrZJHBmC7peuOJDkcTbOwEyV3XtnpWLV2e3UjNpuHzMda7gGDpRRuxZSYRFuJ44HSycK7LzlDV7CB0gT6XuqeYF_dZiGWSDazkAlkiOll/s1600/025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaBvDBymMg1G8_Ozrd75-q0QodTPXrZJHBmC7peuOJDkcTbOwEyV3XtnpWLV2e3UjNpuHzMda7gGDpRRuxZSYRFuJ44HSycK7LzlDV7CB0gT6XuqeYF_dZiGWSDazkAlkiOll/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red and white candy canes = Christmas for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQ5v-x8y1yi9y3ILesy8B_C-LZYDRb_lspETWuTuW_rQZr7r2kqqCjhgT1WdWFQ-UpSVWhGWfu1ZUN1HndKZhfstm2ytBOLaC1U8UT69292i5o0tTL9JD22isPdQWW-fQM65/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQ5v-x8y1yi9y3ILesy8B_C-LZYDRb_lspETWuTuW_rQZr7r2kqqCjhgT1WdWFQ-UpSVWhGWfu1ZUN1HndKZhfstm2ytBOLaC1U8UT69292i5o0tTL9JD22isPdQWW-fQM65/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity set with Vietnamese hats - As an nonreligious woman I feel a bit of a charlatan even contemplating religious decorations, but I just love this! (Oxfam 2012)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iP9qHplYeaXaqzW3XenYLp6suOZNKZ4_TnjHyRbDQSSQsFRCq-YwIgA4EI-jRY_47W9JrLsHAHa7RDpb-aF-L9lb89M-ksapEG3w4WbDFr69ovaZD2YWnNOrLGkvpiabhsPE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iP9qHplYeaXaqzW3XenYLp6suOZNKZ4_TnjHyRbDQSSQsFRCq-YwIgA4EI-jRY_47W9JrLsHAHa7RDpb-aF-L9lb89M-ksapEG3w4WbDFr69ovaZD2YWnNOrLGkvpiabhsPE/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Maybe
next year If I'm feeling uber crafty I'll sew some of these up. I love
the high heeled boots they have a very Victorian/Goth/Steam punk vibe to
them. (2003)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Table...</b>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhOWXjNsMIUW3v3ahVEkOIrIHG_4wMdjaDnW33S_LK3ALtiWSRCo-4Tn0pnwA2gHU1GCldZwWjF15-BmqgiWlZYGumvIhQBWzfP3I0tqVvTgLo-zMEJ8dBE9J9KqPp89-7TT4/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhOWXjNsMIUW3v3ahVEkOIrIHG_4wMdjaDnW33S_LK3ALtiWSRCo-4Tn0pnwA2gHU1GCldZwWjF15-BmqgiWlZYGumvIhQBWzfP3I0tqVvTgLo-zMEJ8dBE9J9KqPp89-7TT4/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention how much I like candy canes? And peppermint candy in general?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSMTkbxVVeExuVVJ8h2TkD3E_MSweR4LF0pjA0zOYjWZnxBlIpTKG2A7homUiCBWr8BJNahRX73M1gbp3QBKF_gHhpwVNHgspD1neMR5tpyJHbD5Vv5xxY5uSdqL83CekpLAl/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSMTkbxVVeExuVVJ8h2TkD3E_MSweR4LF0pjA0zOYjWZnxBlIpTKG2A7homUiCBWr8BJNahRX73M1gbp3QBKF_gHhpwVNHgspD1neMR5tpyJHbD5Vv5xxY5uSdqL83CekpLAl/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not that I'm obsessed with red and white candy you understand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMsl-R4SU6yHaQHIeGC8OmF5-QBRbm8VEnV8OpCn13JbfWULswWzBPJUd2qOgdpGwCX5__mvARplVAk1MaQvR8v1sNkIfGPRnFczTm5DRgSo_DvB3kyK1nWmih2PxCt9HX1fH/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMsl-R4SU6yHaQHIeGC8OmF5-QBRbm8VEnV8OpCn13JbfWULswWzBPJUd2qOgdpGwCX5__mvARplVAk1MaQvR8v1sNkIfGPRnFczTm5DRgSo_DvB3kyK1nWmih2PxCt9HX1fH/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alright you got me. I am. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNxSNtJBZGQIzZ5vZ4xRhfp9z5ms0DKrKNHsc8Pgn8tG8ZEA1f81jUP55foyYM-lJtDS6a1tJ0dvesaZRP3a5uyix3tkZWnANGU4qSkmPzFohXi3mSwRchJZjqLXkEPLfM3qN/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNxSNtJBZGQIzZ5vZ4xRhfp9z5ms0DKrKNHsc8Pgn8tG8ZEA1f81jUP55foyYM-lJtDS6a1tJ0dvesaZRP3a5uyix3tkZWnANGU4qSkmPzFohXi3mSwRchJZjqLXkEPLfM3qN/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this, I suspect the cat would as well. (2002)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-E7I4xbLFLBYDT9rbs3j2fSKQB9hV0RaPP07yHS1TaFTUMhL6sMqeMmngaXCn7CNB4FXLS_ILh68ffUSpeOqtcaG_gMrEJVUz14U4BnnRyllQMwVCLznBM0Q534EaMLBVbro/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-E7I4xbLFLBYDT9rbs3j2fSKQB9hV0RaPP07yHS1TaFTUMhL6sMqeMmngaXCn7CNB4FXLS_ILh68ffUSpeOqtcaG_gMrEJVUz14U4BnnRyllQMwVCLznBM0Q534EaMLBVbro/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love at first sight when I saw this table setting. (2001)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="hasCaption">Now
the article refers to this setting as Contemporary Christmas and it's
blurb reads "The Christmas table can be sleek and modern, with a Zen-like
elegance, and still be festive."<br /> And get this, the Style Idea - Collect flowers and team with dried pods, twigs painted silver, unusual pieces of bark and d</span><span class="hasCaption">riftwood.</span><span class="hasCaption"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br /> Um, I'm down with the flowers, they actually look like something my
parents have in their garden. Twigs painted silver? Maybe not. Dried
pods and unusual pieces of bark? Bit too arty for my tastes. Driftwood?
Don't live near a beach and if I'm honest I am not touching anything
that's been drifting in the local river.<br /> </div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I think what I loved about this setting is it leapt out at me as being Asian. <br />
The dishes are square and "jade" green, the reedy woven looking place
mates. You see? Kind of what I was talking about with the fortune
cookies wreath.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Edible Centerpieces</b><br />
I know what your all thinking, more edible decorations? Really more? How many do you need woman? <b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2frKXSkRAb5oPzGJhUYIzDW-cTp55B7HvH8UNgaNgzJiuGFmwVbAxbJnKU3vtFTrTgZ6TIIetUk2zQiPzMzJg0hi3OzjXLvA6qF3jVZBxUn19ijDf5QGG_yJ0HYtUKudZ6eLV/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2frKXSkRAb5oPzGJhUYIzDW-cTp55B7HvH8UNgaNgzJiuGFmwVbAxbJnKU3vtFTrTgZ6TIIetUk2zQiPzMzJg0hi3OzjXLvA6qF3jVZBxUn19ijDf5QGG_yJ0HYtUKudZ6eLV/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caramel Popcorn Tree - I adore caramel popcorn! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Ep3II3ROqPf6WiczhY1VtqxxZn9VH4417Ym4utM7xOkoGg24pf_ljWdH_noKN5tEms1h42d1Uo42UPkEHykRt8y9eU9wAsmZXgqZrxtVyWU9nUg7kBtULitKSNMhM8_aH1M/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Ep3II3ROqPf6WiczhY1VtqxxZn9VH4417Ym4utM7xOkoGg24pf_ljWdH_noKN5tEms1h42d1Uo42UPkEHykRt8y9eU9wAsmZXgqZrxtVyWU9nUg7kBtULitKSNMhM8_aH1M/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi! I love veg sushi, so I was excited by this. And probably also the healthiest edible decoration of the bunch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89Tabo-PtK01Y7zhWQBIRw0JZN-AQlQ2IwXHjfkUqoKwJSDECUPrtc2cpaVBsO9x6qk7YBQfTG_Rf0xwIyDzfDEgHlbagv8OBhGSPolquTa4DSA45IxI9p2y4B0VHr-ZDTSr/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89Tabo-PtK01Y7zhWQBIRw0JZN-AQlQ2IwXHjfkUqoKwJSDECUPrtc2cpaVBsO9x6qk7YBQfTG_Rf0xwIyDzfDEgHlbagv8OBhGSPolquTa4DSA45IxI9p2y4B0VHr-ZDTSr/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Gingerbread House, every year I tell myself I'll make a Gingerbread House. Now there's a chocolate one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAxSamZyaZ0FkmNr8vbDG-GnHmQYO2-6YcFsmaZaRDZ1olUbvQzdUhOBGXmfWxCNjAcehcQ9COJQx9DBHjDPHmO4zhVFaLRTQX9rPGfX4f7D-XwFINtpg1f06rEyRs4qS8frZ/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAxSamZyaZ0FkmNr8vbDG-GnHmQYO2-6YcFsmaZaRDZ1olUbvQzdUhOBGXmfWxCNjAcehcQ9COJQx9DBHjDPHmO4zhVFaLRTQX9rPGfX4f7D-XwFINtpg1f06rEyRs4qS8frZ/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How's this for a very Aussie Gingerbread House? Very cool.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKToFHxctu2M4xDErtsq2r76GQvFHt7wduf5cVzyxDDtwHLoFNU6I9SyotU6ZB2znNsPJDJAtVKE1siTE_mjdQdTv4be_e6jiF2ALippbHjxuHbWQmfFZNQS1ucBS-HYzwskw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKToFHxctu2M4xDErtsq2r76GQvFHt7wduf5cVzyxDDtwHLoFNU6I9SyotU6ZB2znNsPJDJAtVKE1siTE_mjdQdTv4be_e6jiF2ALippbHjxuHbWQmfFZNQS1ucBS-HYzwskw/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Crackle Tree - My sister's idea of heaven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKCiOqIsRm4O15_Am7s-Ed-C6TiI4L4k3KqCmqXWYxaIsGU_fKFuuKG83o0nsADrypRrfvVTPjEvF0yzVptGKQ233Okr8WeUP7OUX297_ZiX3KsCHNEmeZHHJP4lHNsc6vYEV/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKCiOqIsRm4O15_Am7s-Ed-C6TiI4L4k3KqCmqXWYxaIsGU_fKFuuKG83o0nsADrypRrfvVTPjEvF0yzVptGKQ233Okr8WeUP7OUX297_ZiX3KsCHNEmeZHHJP4lHNsc6vYEV/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Noodle Christmas Tree - You know like the "Spiders" mixture??? I love those things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />What have we established? I love blue and purple, Westernised Asia, edible decorations and yes sugar is my crack. </div>
<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-39222978517072285772012-11-10T15:41:00.002+11:002012-11-10T15:41:56.377+11:00Pictures!So in preparation for what my sister and I are dubbing "Grown-Up Christmas", I had a test run of a few things.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOH47B-pwEW1AXbEGiuaH46rUzw-bzynrtnkCnNyuWYBWyEFkY0frdlSe2vPEai0VO7mtLmEKizmTRFUYIwIbKV0XQTXQ0FzYrDhd_is_jZDLtGVSLf11WOZqGCT_m-T738s0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOH47B-pwEW1AXbEGiuaH46rUzw-bzynrtnkCnNyuWYBWyEFkY0frdlSe2vPEai0VO7mtLmEKizmTRFUYIwIbKV0XQTXQ0FzYrDhd_is_jZDLtGVSLf11WOZqGCT_m-T738s0/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes from Quick & Easy Vegan Celebrations</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPn3AijVkRo84j80OSQyTiPVMn44aeOjZH_k5O_Dxq1G-dYQB8YkIpHaY38ei_p4BoJCilOS45lDaJQr2QqQpbHlYp9heTzQ9sw9JkUmN3U_Xuy_APEMgZYkQ5iIxtyYAWbhb/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPn3AijVkRo84j80OSQyTiPVMn44aeOjZH_k5O_Dxq1G-dYQB8YkIpHaY38ei_p4BoJCilOS45lDaJQr2QqQpbHlYp9heTzQ9sw9JkUmN3U_Xuy_APEMgZYkQ5iIxtyYAWbhb/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bean Casserole from Quick & Easy Vegan Celebrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These both came out a success, although I did make a double batch of sauce for the beans as one lot didn't seem to be enough and that was using only half the quantity of beans.<br />
<br />
Still a few more things on the to try list, which is very exciting. And of course on the day I'll be serving up on the "good" china, even break out the special cutlery, neither of these have seen the light of day since ?????? A really loooooong time.<br />
<br />
A certain extended family member has started putting in requests for what they want for Christmas, most notably home-made shortbread and Xmas pudding. Which reminds me I must investigate vegan Xmas puddings, no way am I attempting to veganise great-great-grandma's with it's 9 eggs. <br />
Then my sister doesn't eat Xmas pudding so I could probably make something else for dessert that day, there was a chocolate raspberry tart in Vegan Pie in the Sky that looks promising. Choc-raspberry is a win-win combination.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-75257444104360780312012-10-26T16:37:00.001+11:002012-10-26T16:37:35.077+11:00It's not November but...It may actually still have been the end of August and not even officially ticked over into September when I first saw the Christmas stock appearing in stores. Too early!<br />
<br />
Here we are not quite the end of October so no where near the beginning of November and my Christmas plans are formulating. Initially I thought it was just going to be the Daft White Cat and I, cue visions of sugar plums, bad Christmas movies and eating popcorn, naked.<br />
Turns out I'm spending it with my sister, alright re-make plans, perhaps all of the above but without the nudity. Possibly in pajamas instead.<br />
<br />
My sister the carnivore is fine with vegan sides and vegan desserts/baking, but she sneers at the possibility of tofu or "something made with wheat gluten" for a main dish. TVP was disdained as well, I didn't mention tempeh. We've established I can cook whatever I like out of whatever I want, since she won't be eating it so she dosen't need to like it.<br />
Currently I believe my sister will actually be eating a steak as big as her own head (or maybe bigger?) accompanied by the various veg side dishes.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try some stuff out over the next month and see how it turns out, this is the initial hit list of new things I want to do.<br />
<br />
<b>Christmas menu from Quick and Easy Vegan Celebrations by Alicia C. Simpson</b><br />
<a href="http://veganguineapig.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/christmas-tamales.html">Christmas Tamales</a><br />
Hazelnut-Crusted Seitan<br />
<s>Agave-Glazed Acorn Squash</s> - Finding acorn squash or it's Aussie equivalent, not a high priority.<br />
<s>Jamaican Curried Pumpkin Soup</s> - Jamaican curry powder in the hard to find basket, also soup in summer? I'm down with a cooked dinner for Christmas. Might save this for winter.<br />
Green Bean Casserole - I read on an American expat forum, that some of them have had success with those fried shallots you buy in the Asian section of the supermarket when unable to buy the Fry's fried onions. Duly noted.<br />
<s>Dill New Potatoes</s> - Scratched as I have my heart set on a layered potato casserole.<br />
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes<br />
Mulled Pomegranate Cider - My sister expressed a desire to try mulled wine despite our summery weather, mulled cider popped into my head as I was sure Nigella had a recipe for both. Then there this one was, it's got a stamp of approval.<br />
<br />
<b>Some stuff I've made successfully in the past from off the Interwebs (actually this list appears to be all PPK at the moment) and will make an appearance:- </b><br />
<a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/11/seitan-roast-stuffed-with-shiitakes-and-leeks/">Seitan Roast Stuffed with Shiitakes and Leeks</a> - So this might only get an outing if the other mains flop.<br />
<a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/10/scalloped-potatoes-and-eggplant-bacon/">Scalloped Potatoes and Eggplant Bacon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theppk.com/2010/10/roasted-broccoli/">Roasted Broccoli</a><br />
<br />
Of course I'm still desperatly trying to adopt Delia's tradition of sausage rolls on Christmas Eve, albeit veg ones now, so some trials there to do as well. And of course I really want to adopt that all American movie tradition of Holiday Cookies!<br />
Only because this is the Darkside, I suspect I'll end up with Ninjabread Men or Ghosts or something equally nontraditional Christmas. Well nontraditional for other people maybe. :)Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-10399052794360427072012-09-02T22:30:00.001+10:002012-09-02T22:30:55.115+10:00What I did on my weekend part two<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx8p_ErlF9EbHwylR1vNAiDUEqz3IkHGl1-FDmPe8y1pbt6-wun1zIT5bjUD_vgM12lX8InxyncVWDKnV4-ayZ2vPR9OkRrN3e5Z9OX_pcLonfkpPyn7lyCNK6uNvyNF_AdwP/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx8p_ErlF9EbHwylR1vNAiDUEqz3IkHGl1-FDmPe8y1pbt6-wun1zIT5bjUD_vgM12lX8InxyncVWDKnV4-ayZ2vPR9OkRrN3e5Z9OX_pcLonfkpPyn7lyCNK6uNvyNF_AdwP/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw and Hay Pasta from Chloe's Kitchen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The pasta was not a success, it basically just tasted of tahini, which is not a bad thing entirely but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASpZ7AJrwbxUwZz9PLW5MURXfwj5oJLaJb-hy_XLYq1TQ5mnyDeJvvH_Q5-KIQyd61TlaWWAlbp69SjvYOM7QSKcMzYytw_g48R6v8488X6tFEe2D2gFQgcKMb9hUIE5iQb_8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASpZ7AJrwbxUwZz9PLW5MURXfwj5oJLaJb-hy_XLYq1TQ5mnyDeJvvH_Q5-KIQyd61TlaWWAlbp69SjvYOM7QSKcMzYytw_g48R6v8488X6tFEe2D2gFQgcKMb9hUIE5iQb_8/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet and Sour Party Meatballs from Chloe's Kitchen (These were very good!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvoIRyD9yYPg_FNeZ2t1vSaI9-H3rulLVgoBaCxlX8DItK5VYsTFBJIYVfCvVqC7N-pxwOnInlh5Gww0TqXgnjVcUwUyjn0YsHZliFLAuq0o_0lHswUEi5cfZcm82rg4z_iE6/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvoIRyD9yYPg_FNeZ2t1vSaI9-H3rulLVgoBaCxlX8DItK5VYsTFBJIYVfCvVqC7N-pxwOnInlh5Gww0TqXgnjVcUwUyjn0YsHZliFLAuq0o_0lHswUEi5cfZcm82rg4z_iE6/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Brewed Ginger Ale from Quick and Easy Low-Cal Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia C. Simpson (Delicious! A must come the really hot weather I think).</td></tr>
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<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-75970902900326578432012-09-02T11:21:00.000+10:002012-09-02T11:21:49.955+10:00What I did on my weekend part oneFrom the other day...
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRWFF8g7ikHcftqSmAHk-wzOXomI1Nw9LndrrmRDdHU3HpA4Q3cdZPnsd0Da2oAN8lbP88av6AL1mwr_skdEaYjfwbuwoMMAbl-zoL0Qr0Vfjkyed5nm4E3Kcy0hDP_ADoUka/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRWFF8g7ikHcftqSmAHk-wzOXomI1Nw9LndrrmRDdHU3HpA4Q3cdZPnsd0Da2oAN8lbP88av6AL1mwr_skdEaYjfwbuwoMMAbl-zoL0Qr0Vfjkyed5nm4E3Kcy0hDP_ADoUka/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Banana-Cinnamon Waffles from Vegan Diner by Julie Hasson<br />
(Waffle maker got it's first use in about 10 years, needs a little more experimenting to get it spot on.) </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKZaudfR4EmXOjJqKJZmFiFEAeotRiqEbzLwk7bfd9nCUSH-zw4hTAnP2YUBPV3MhEYcWm_y1dm1prYwzrePEP9UbNn0JHSZfDD-UOOI2x9Rolooe3rzBIu9NV28-gBXBXxJz/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKZaudfR4EmXOjJqKJZmFiFEAeotRiqEbzLwk7bfd9nCUSH-zw4hTAnP2YUBPV3MhEYcWm_y1dm1prYwzrePEP9UbNn0JHSZfDD-UOOI2x9Rolooe3rzBIu9NV28-gBXBXxJz/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diner Granola from Vegan Diner by Julie Hasson<br />
(I'm making this and giving it to people come Christmas time, it was absolutely delicious!) </td></tr>
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<br />
And today's round included the following...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktjqfMobkh84EB0JHL9nvipEN6OHSz0NpvXnRwGREfBv_CTXj1McflXo1Yk7m6Vo1L3AtKCvfOACyiv31b1B0Sz5OpgB0pULG-0QS7RBkcaSUBFGkxh8-rrZy08onELJZwRdJ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktjqfMobkh84EB0JHL9nvipEN6OHSz0NpvXnRwGREfBv_CTXj1McflXo1Yk7m6Vo1L3AtKCvfOACyiv31b1B0Sz5OpgB0pULG-0QS7RBkcaSUBFGkxh8-rrZy08onELJZwRdJ/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handy Hummus from Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKh_AkAuJzhGNHOZI8WInS6HJTPX3QGrOvToquf2yyOQRdE_JBxG63VWVkxK79fvQlt-Bv8iBGOpRGWvLbzWstNPRq__q01b8sMSOT2T-qSVr_1NELTl33l1yX4U13gy3q7o9/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKh_AkAuJzhGNHOZI8WInS6HJTPX3QGrOvToquf2yyOQRdE_JBxG63VWVkxK79fvQlt-Bv8iBGOpRGWvLbzWstNPRq__q01b8sMSOT2T-qSVr_1NELTl33l1yX4U13gy3q7o9/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the fly shot of Yoga Cookies from Chloe's Kitchen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I'm uncertain about the yoga cookies, I had to leave my mum to roll them into balls and put them on the trays and bake them. According to my mum, the mix was very wet, but now that they've baked and cooled they seem to be holding together alright. Not at all sweet to eat, but loaded with yummy goodies - coconut, choc chips, raisins and pecans instead of walnuts (not a walnut fan at all).<br />
Verdict do far? My dad thinks the "rock cakes" are really nice. Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-17923638548332090452012-08-19T19:57:00.000+10:002012-08-19T19:57:24.075+10:00Forget the cheerleader, save the sandwichNew addition to the Darkside library!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm1eGyYcb_DNm3-8f9KRNgseqPOw7_rtxUg6JfwWqxgVma4IIro0ZHY8ZR1DaiKdW-AZIlwdK12orLLqQOrLRZ_AV684mwVZrjxCQIRasPJk_H2-ORUKi20f0pqOvKxuGbgb_/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm1eGyYcb_DNm3-8f9KRNgseqPOw7_rtxUg6JfwWqxgVma4IIro0ZHY8ZR1DaiKdW-AZIlwdK12orLLqQOrLRZ_AV684mwVZrjxCQIRasPJk_H2-ORUKi20f0pqOvKxuGbgb_/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Peanut Butter Banana Bacon Sandwich
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVY38J2AiyN78hlxPcLE_MucOS63UzU2Cs1KUehSREIV6BKvbeyT-grj901Vy7oGVh5qNZXMggAFA3kAh4KhH2EMRRIrdp-2s8jHegBxZu4bCMV0j6qpjza-jnNACccmymbG4/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVY38J2AiyN78hlxPcLE_MucOS63UzU2Cs1KUehSREIV6BKvbeyT-grj901Vy7oGVh5qNZXMggAFA3kAh4KhH2EMRRIrdp-2s8jHegBxZu4bCMV0j6qpjza-jnNACccmymbG4/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Not the most amazing looking sandwich, but it was one which required minimal effort and all pantry staples, at least in my house.<br />
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There are quite a few more sandwiches on the must make soon list, but I am also keen to have a crack at the Green Monster Bread, Brioche and some vegan cold cuts. Very useful components in making a plethora of other sandwiches. Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-13049895479941666392012-07-29T17:39:00.001+10:002012-07-29T17:39:50.483+10:00Meanwhile at the food pyramid of doom....I'm having a bit of a freezer purge at the moment, trying to eat up all the good food I had squirreled away to make room for more "new" good food to be squirreled away. My capacity to eat the same happily ever day is well documented, but there comes a time when even I need a change.
Also this....
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U9hfZrH1UumBhjhs0e2ZysWBnFtLxuAdCsYf1j7TYDHOPTneb7HnvBy01GnWYO6mLCDkoELFfpv2fNBtmrb0GzfM59x5sPnd1bVx-RsJOAkm18PTyUSfqP4NArCFk6dHcaMG/s1600/18-9-2011+872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U9hfZrH1UumBhjhs0e2ZysWBnFtLxuAdCsYf1j7TYDHOPTneb7HnvBy01GnWYO6mLCDkoELFfpv2fNBtmrb0GzfM59x5sPnd1bVx-RsJOAkm18PTyUSfqP4NArCFk6dHcaMG/s320/18-9-2011+872.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the books are breeding when I'm not looking, those are just the vegan books. Some of them I have never cooked from yet, some I have cooked one thing from and Appetite for Reduction has got a phenomenal workout. My most used cookbook ever I think.
And as you can see round the edges there are even more cook books, the non-vegan collection. I think I might need to have a bit of a purge of those, if for no other reason than to make more room for the vegan ones. Probably if I have never cooked out of the non-veg ones by now, I never will and they might be the first candidates to be rehomed. Although I'm tempted to just rehouse them in another book case, some fond memories and a lot of passion is tied to those books. Not to mention the food magazines...yeah I'm a food ho! I am slave to food porn, celebrity chefs and worship at the specialist kitchen stores. Truly I am beyond help, there is nothing left but to save yourselves! :)Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-34261307456436862582012-05-16T18:24:00.001+10:002012-05-16T18:24:31.802+10:00A little bit of lots of things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>On Gaining Health:</b> I had a visit to the Doctor's and we assessed all the numbers, looked at the blood test results and you know what? We have good numbers all around plus the numbers have also come down since we last checked all the numbers. [Numfar does the dance of joy]</div>
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[Doctor dosen't do the dance of joy] We had a brief discussion about lapband surgery, again. It's less do or die now, it's more like it'd be the quickest way of losing the last of the weight now. I still don't think it's the option for me, changing my lifestyle has been a slow process but I've come along way from how things were. I think I can finish this, keeping a positive mind set.<br />
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<b>Gaining Health Props I Love:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxgODlBlMNDPqV88Ttmg4euhGw6TgvAhG3pIoEKIYow64oPoN-rx0-Yy-8dW6Ag6EWWmnrlIZPe2GbCiKcCEdiKCXKHfhsVuCjPeMohoz9Lm89GxWeyYYCOUOrb5TwknFmLtX/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxgODlBlMNDPqV88Ttmg4euhGw6TgvAhG3pIoEKIYow64oPoN-rx0-Yy-8dW6Ag6EWWmnrlIZPe2GbCiKcCEdiKCXKHfhsVuCjPeMohoz9Lm89GxWeyYYCOUOrb5TwknFmLtX/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My much used copy (the post-it markers show when on the shelf among my other books this is also my most used vegan cook book) of Appetite For Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, to borrow a qoute from the back cover "Only 200 to 400 calories per serving".<br />
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While the book has no breakfasts or sweet stuff, it's all soups, salads and other mains & sides. The food is delicious that I have made so far and it's also very filling, I find myself not riffling the kitchen in search of snacks after I've eaten. A very good thing in my case as this was really my downfall in the past, not eating enough at meals and then madly scrambling through out the day for unhealthy snacks - overly processed, high fat, loaded with refined sugars and while calorie dense not really all that nutrient dense.<br />
<br />
I think the <a href="http://www.theppk.com/category/recipe/low-fat/">Low Fat recipe selection</a> on Isa's website the PPK can give you some idea of the kind of recipes in this book, a few of them are actually in the book but the majority aren't. My top reccomendations <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/12/hottie-black-eyed-peas-with-ginger-sweet-potatoes-apples/">Hottie Black Eyed Peas with Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples</a>, <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/11/marbled-banana-bread/">Marbled Banana Bread</a> and <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/10/eggplant-bacon/">Eggplant Bacon</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://darksidefooddiary.blogspot.com.au/">My Food Diary</a>! It's been abandoned, I got really slack about taking photos and posting them, might have been a bit less slack about some of the stuff I'd eaten recently if I had been doing this. Oh well. We can but start over! <br />
<br />
And a little app I love <a href="https://www.zombiesrungame.com/">Zombies, Run!</a> It's kind of quirky, very fun and really the only kind of fitness app I ever want to own. Basically it plays a little story out, "missions" are unlocked as you complete the stories so as your walking, jogging or running imbetween your music you get little bits of story, post apcolyptic world with zombies so you get updates from the people back at base camp. As your moving you gather supplies which after you run you can distribute in your camp to help it grow so kind of also a game as well. Growing your base also unlocks more "missions".<br />
The best bit? It has optional zombie chases, giving you the option of turning it into interval training. This alone sold me on this app. :)<br />
<br />
And the newest addition, just arrived so I haven't had time to try anything out of it yet, Quick and Easy Low-Cal Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia C. Simpson. As the cover says "Every Recipe Has Fewer Than 350 Calories Per Serving!".<br />
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This has everything breakfast, soup, salad, mains and sides, dessert and drinks. All of it looks delicious, I think I'm going to have to start with the Cheese Steak on the cover, I have been coveting it ever since the cover was unveiled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdJ9d5HSh2D7NoC9XnEXyYuDAdfa2rAQcBoarOviC-XE158u3X80_cpO0h0cKtPvi5iwDdiJgzefPFn1KGXGcVEgRmhv5uRb1ozW3pylEbcavry2UKDYuXJ6In82ifWLe5EAv/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdJ9d5HSh2D7NoC9XnEXyYuDAdfa2rAQcBoarOviC-XE158u3X80_cpO0h0cKtPvi5iwDdiJgzefPFn1KGXGcVEgRmhv5uRb1ozW3pylEbcavry2UKDYuXJ6In82ifWLe5EAv/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Although running a close second is Chilli Cheese Fries, I haven't eaten them since, I can't remember when. The only time I had them in the past was when I frequented the local Creole restaurant. A little haven of Americana food adventures. Miss it. :(<br />
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If I have to make a short list of must try's Seitan Cheesesteak, Chili Cheese Fries, Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Home-Brewed Ginger Ale, Crispy Risotto Cakes and Sticky Bun Popcorn.<br />
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<b>Gaining Health ideas that baffle me:</b><br />
Paleo diet, I don't quite get the excitement.<br />
Running, everyone's all into running now, running is the <i><b>it</b></i> sport at the moment and everyone is either running their way to health or running their way to run a marathon.<br />
Fat/Oil-free, I'm always perplexed by fat free. What are you eliminating exactly? All fat both good and bad? Or just bad fat? Are you still eating avocados and nuts? Oil free is a bit more specific, but having been down that road myself in the past, just no.<br />
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Final answer? It's back to 1200 calories and daily exercise, it's winter rolling around so maybe I should join the gym. Decisions decisions!Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-57184289174675444572012-04-12T16:41:00.003+10:002012-04-12T17:41:37.652+10:00My food pleasures.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOp0Hem237VomtyZM5-bOuv9uUtKUAuafT0lOpTfLOPX5Xka77gUMRhyCAIWO8MIGZeXDCc2XJk8pP6Bv22mpOfNfIw51rGCJkq6VJddanN2HWfSHiJlHXF0cEGlPaHBaDuts/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOp0Hem237VomtyZM5-bOuv9uUtKUAuafT0lOpTfLOPX5Xka77gUMRhyCAIWO8MIGZeXDCc2XJk8pP6Bv22mpOfNfIw51rGCJkq6VJddanN2HWfSHiJlHXF0cEGlPaHBaDuts/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first ever attempt at a Chinese Pancake, could have been rounder. (From Chloe's Kitchen)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTOZlpW8-fia7wlO0Y30mZheYMupTv5Ji5pCFCW1hSncZ0jHDi5s4va-GZMdJkH_ncwkIuctUp2y0piIRuQLJ_idTkd_x9F1kGH8m_yWAn1K_KArFtOY99IBN5t6eL6rhAmp_/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTOZlpW8-fia7wlO0Y30mZheYMupTv5Ji5pCFCW1hSncZ0jHDi5s4va-GZMdJkH_ncwkIuctUp2y0piIRuQLJ_idTkd_x9F1kGH8m_yWAn1K_KArFtOY99IBN5t6eL6rhAmp_/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moo Shu Vegetables with Homemade Chinese Pancakes (from Chloe's Kitchen), they mighn't look like much but they were delicious.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4IofDRPLDIqbstEAdRFhOCqxD_CoQfRLKOizGUninx-721JmWDl0TBKE3OYfTulVZcmg57x3tl3-IlME-03I3yFAca9PTWnJuMXrwn_v89hBREtxqSEiK342jCR5q-JsnImB/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4IofDRPLDIqbstEAdRFhOCqxD_CoQfRLKOizGUninx-721JmWDl0TBKE3OYfTulVZcmg57x3tl3-IlME-03I3yFAca9PTWnJuMXrwn_v89hBREtxqSEiK342jCR5q-JsnImB/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've had the Vetta Teddy Bear shaped pasta in the past which has been fun, so I was super excited to discover Dinosaur shaped pasta today while out shopping. I believe Orgran brand do an Outback Animals shaped one but I've not seen it yet.<br />
Also I thought I had a picture of the Vetta pasta, which I was going to include here, apparently I don't. Next time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-8540999609115296062012-04-10T17:19:00.000+10:002012-04-10T17:19:39.446+10:00We've only got 20 minutesNot quite as catchy as the Justin Timberlake and Madonna song is it? No sadly not. :(<br />
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What we have is 20 mins while the tofu gets pressed Darkside style...<br />
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I've heard epic tales of a thing called a Tofu Xpress but I've yet to see one, I suspect one of the local health food stores might hold such a treasure but were making do.<br />
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Tonight I'm mkaing Moo Shu Vegetables and (with my skills allowing) Homemade Chinese Pancakes from Chloe's Kitchen.<br />
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Some of the things I've made from the book so far are...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon-Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(A horrible photo of) Penne alla Vodka - I've been meaning to make a version of this for years, so good!</td></tr>
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Some things I've made from Chloe's blog that have made it into her book (I'll have to search for the photos).<br />
- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/on-the-side/maple-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-toasted-hazelnuts.html">Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Hazelnuts</a><br />- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/entrees/vegan-mac-n-cheese.html">Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese</a> (In the book the recipe is baked but otherwise it's the same)<br /><br />Other things I've made from Chloe's website (for which I will also have to search for photos) which so far have all been good!<br />
- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/entrees/garlic-sesame-soba-noodles.html">Garlic Sesame Soba Noodles</a><br />- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/sweets/chocolate-chip-banana-cake.html">Chocolate Chip Banana Cake</a><br />
- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/entrees/harvest-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms.html">Harvest Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms</a><br />
- <a href="http://chefchloe.com/sweets/witches-fingers-cookies.html">Witches Fingers Cookies</a><br />
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I borrowed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knits-Nerds-Projects-Science-Fiction/dp/1449407919">Knits for Nerds</a> from a knitting friend, I love this book! Eventually I'll have to have a copy of my very own for my collection but for now I have a lend.<br />
My two top picks for thing I must make first go to Aim To Misbehave Jacket (a femine take on the "Browncoats" from Firefly) and Big Bang Girl's Sweater Vest. The vest might be the lower effort and therefore quicker to make but that jaccket is beautiful. And I'm really excited as they both go up to Large and a Large that will actually fit me. Squee!<br />
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Speaking of things fitting me, moving into the Gaining Health, I still have underware that's 3 sizes too big. I've bought smaller underware as I've shrank but not completly replaced what I have so I've been making do. One of the 3 sizes too big pairs, I put them on yesterday and the crotch was down around my knees. I figured I'd just pull them up higher, didn't work they migrated down and I had knicker crotch around my knees again.<br />
In the end I took them off and threw them away, it was ridiculous! I need new jeans/trackpants/skirts as there all gettting a fraction too big. Which is easily fixed with the skirts because I can just roll the waistband and make them shorter. This does not work with pants. :(<br />
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On a happier note this can mean only one thing, new clothes! :) This has to be a happy thing, might have to do the op shops over and which on the upside should strech the clothing budget quite far provided I can find anything suitable. It really is lucky dip.Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-44748703778092162452012-01-11T16:54:00.001+11:002012-01-11T19:39:02.915+11:00Mastering Menu PlanningIt's been awhile since I menu planned and I have been sort of cooking on a whim and eating a lot of peanut butter sandwichs.<br />
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My family have this notion that I eat complicated food, I cook in my parents kitchen. They have an actual kitchen as opposed to a kitchenette, plus their actual kitchen has a dishwasher. Downside to this is their in my way while I'm trying to cook, asking questions, making faces (alright this is limited to my Dad) and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Really how many times do you need to come into the kitchen and make a cup of coffee? Apparently 10 times more when I'm trying to cook.<br />
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And I think they percieve my cooking to be time consuming and complicated based on the fact that I'm always chopping up a bunch of fresh vegetable. Since what I eat is nearly all vegetable, that's a fair bit of veg for each meal.<br />
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<b>Task #1 - Make my food look less complicated.</b><br />
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Then there's my own little goal. Alright so this is more a ginormous goal. <br />
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<b>Task #2 - Cook from the umpteen dozen cookzines I have, plus the cookbooks I've never used.</b><br />
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Then comes the big one, since I've started photographing all my food I'm eating, this is only day three. It's been kind of shaming all ready. Definite room for improvement.<br />
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<b>Task #3 - Cook and eat more healthy food! </b><br />
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#3 is a big one, as I'm still very much on the road to "gaining health". The <a href="http://www.rollerderbyworkout.com/">Roller Derby Workout</a> has had an annual challenge for the last 2 years now? This will be year 3 if I'm couting right and I belive there is talk of a vegan meal plan this year. I'll be interested to see what they come up with. <br />
Sadly my library dosen't have any of <a href="http://www.brendanbrazier.com/">Brendan Brazier's</a> books which I have seen reccomended. I will admit I am a little uncertain about how they would fit with where I am, my primary focus is to strip away the fat, from a vanity point of view I'll worry about shaping what's underneath later. Maybe it would be more time wise to think about shaping what's underneath the fat now as well as stripping the fat?<br />
Does a book on fitness really fit what I'm trying to do? I'm unsure if there is a definate link between me now and how I see me later.<br />
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Fitness is the key overall issue here, whatever derby once was, it has very much evolved into a very competitve sport. Derby girls are now athletes, I want to be a derby girl, so I have to be an athlete? Maybe there is more of a connection to this "fitness". <br />
Trial and error I suppose, I'll get there eventually. I hope?<br />
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Onwards to the menu planning!<br />
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<u>From Sunny Days in Texas cookzine</u> <br />
Jackfruit Brisket - A quick one pot dish, that I'll only need to chop an onion for. Low effort!<br />
ETA photo!
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<u>From <a href="http://www.theppk.com/books/appetite-for-reduction/">Appetite For Reduction</a> (Low-fat cooking, hopefully clean up my eating a bit more.)</u> - <br />
Broiled Blackened Tofu, Butternut Coconut Rice & Jerk Asparagus<br />
Chilli-Lime Rubbed Tofu with Pasta de los Angeles<br />
Tamarind BBQ Tempeh & Sweet Potatoes<br />
Masala Baked Tofu with ??????? (Possibly cauliflower dish of some description.)Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7569142.post-81042165410630977272012-01-08T19:24:00.000+11:002012-01-11T16:55:30.780+11:00New Year, New LookI've done a little tweaking of my blog, revamp it for the new year. And also new for the new year, I have started an additional blog - <a href="http://darksidefooddiary.blogspot.com/">Darkside Knitter's Food Diary (in Colour!)</a>.<br />
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Basically this new blog is an experiment, I was reading about how people trying to lose weight in some study, lost more weight when they photographed everything they ate as opposed to people who didn't.<br />
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Based on that I've decided to dedicate a blog to being a photographic food diary, I'm sure it will be incredibly dull for other people. We'll see how it works out.<br />
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But from this morning, this was my breakfast...even the cat enjoyed a shred of pancake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Pancakes with strawberries</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This was from one of my new cook books I got for Christmas.<br />
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Alicia who wrote this one, has a soon to be released<a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Quick-Easy-Low-cal-Vegan-Comfort-Food-Alicia-Simpson/9781615190423"> Low-Cal Vegan Comfort Food </a>, might be more appropiate with the current years goals. <br />
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<br />Suzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01124697419431266924noreply@blogger.com1