NuNuZa

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2011-11-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

Guessss who's baaccckkkk????? Well ...ALMOST. I need to first relish in the fact that I am finally done with exams for the year~! So that means copious amounts of free time! As well as lots of wine to drink and lotsa free nights to do whatever the hell I want to !! Couldn't get any better!!!

Will try and update my posts as soon as possible!!!

Asian Style Cooking for the Weekend

2011-10-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet and Sour is not something I generally order when I go out to eat, but I figured that by making it at home, I could control the tastes. And I was right.

This quick and easy to follow recipe is definitely a WINNER

What's Needed

1 cup long grain rice (I used tastic)

1 Tablespoon cornstarch (Maizena)

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup white vinegar

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

about 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small pieces

2 peppers (any colour), seeded and diced

½ pound green beans, trimmed and halved

5 spring onions thinly sliced

1 tsp ginger (or you can use a piece of fresh minced ginger)

3 garlic cloves, minced (or u can use a tsp or 2 of chopped garlic)

2 Tablespoons roasted peanuts (almonds or pecan nuts)

And Then

1. Cook rice according to packet instructions and set aside

2. In small bowl, whisk together Maizena, sugar, soy sauce and vinegar and set aside

3. In a large wok, heat some oil on high heat. I like my oil to just start smoking a bit then I know that its really hot. Add the cubed chicken, peppers and green beans and cook. Make sure to stir so that it doesnt stick/burn. Once the veggies have softened, add the ginger and garlic and cook.

4. Keep stirring until the chicken has cooked through. (between 5 and and 10 minutes?)

5. Whisk the soy sauce combo again and add to wok. Stir frequently until the sauce has thickened. This step should not take long – about 3 minutes of stirring.

6. Remove from the heat and prepare to serve.

Serve on bed of rice and garnish with nuts. T doesn't like nuts so I saved the roasted goodies for my own dish. The dish is just as good sans nuts.

Some side notes:

The sweet and sour flavours in this dish are subtle, but just enough to excite the taste buds
Add mushrooms instead of chicken for a vegetarian option
A nutritious meal that's easy to prepare
For a healthier option, add less brown sugar and use brown rice instead of white

Feel free to have more than one helping :)

I'm writing exams in the next week and doubt that I will be trying anything new...the dubious take outs and late night popcorn snacks with coffee are what will sustain me until the dreaded papers are over....It's just one week ;) I shall be back soon ;). Have a fab weekend and week everyone *chest bump*

7 Colour Meals..well almost 7 colours.

2011-10-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to write up any posts lately and it's been bugging me. I have some saved at home, which I wrote sometime ago but keep forgetting to upload them OR when I am ready to load them, the USB that has the pics is missing?

And to be honest ...I haven't made that many wonderful indulgent things lately. Not for myself anyway. I've been trying to watch what I eat and also "reset" my bodys need for all things fabulous (i.e.cake and cupcakes and anything that has a lot of potatoes and cream). This matched with gym is my action plan...which I didn't want to tell anyone about because then you're under the magnifying glass every time you put something in your mouth. You're usually met with comments like "oohhh..what happened to your *diet* (cursed word) OR " do you really think u should have that" (well tha's kinda out the window now if I know you and you're reding this.)

I figured I can still share pics of what I have been eating - because well food is food! And that's what I do here...talk about food :) :) :)

These meals are very easy to prepare!! Very tasty too! I hate bland food (yes hate) so have worked at making these low cal meals as crunchy, colourful and tasty as possible! :)

2 Veggie burger patties (I bought mine from woolies)

1 handful or more of raw green beans

1/4 red cabbage sliced

Warm patties according to packaging instructions (can be done in the microwave)

Add asian dressing to veggies (allow to marinate for 20mins if possible) and serve :)

This meal was SOOOO filling omg. It's all raw. And almost zero points (for those who are doing the weight watchers thing)

4 Raw baby marrows (cut into strips and shavings (which I achieved by using a cheese cutter)
A few Rosa Tomatoes
1/4 Lettuce (normal cos Lettuce)
1/4 Red Cabbage
Honey and Mustard dressing from woolies
Pinch of fresh mint and fresh parsely. Just pinching it from the garden was so cool :) I plan on planting more goodies.

Slice all your goodies and mix up! Again allow dressing to marinate for a bit - adds that extra va va voom.

I wish this was my creation but it wasn't. This was dinner at a girlfriends house. A filling DELICIOUS meal thrown together in 10mins (not even). Grreen salad with prawns = winning! I really didnt expect to get full on this meal but I did! and maybe my 2...3 glasses of wine helped ;)

Shavings of RAW baby marrow

Red and yellow peppers thinly sliced

Some more red cabbage

Lemon juice and EVOO dressing with salt and pepper :)

These unflavoured roasted nuts (available at all Pick n Pays) is absolutely a-ma-zing!!! I've had them sprinkled over salad to add extra crunch. They work just as well as the daily 4pm snack! I keep them on my desk and just grab a handful when I want something "chewy" ;)

So you see. the healthy options don't have to be bland boiled options all the time. Easiest tip is to make sure there is colour!!

Colour = variety on your plate :)

Variety = NO BOREDOM OR BLAND FOOD! :)

Social networks: trust or not...

2011-09-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

My instinct has always told me to go with the latter ......

My heart skipped a beat (or a million rather) when I saw the flyer below on 'x' social network. And not being very trusting of social networks, I opted to check in with friends who work at Mnet...... It's a hoax. Adele is not coming in November.

No she is not coming it's a hoax!

Which fool takes time out of their day to create a false flyer??? MXM Can you tell I was rritated...yes...highly.

I have been told though that I can start selling my shoes now in order to buy her tickets....soo who would like a range of size 5/6's stiletto's? huh huh huh....

If you know me you'll know that I LOVE shoes...but I LOVE Adele equally..so she's worth me walking around barefoot ;)

♥ Food Porn: in the name of caramel ♥

2011-09-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

A little (read a lot) caramel goes a long way in all things decadent! It's my go to item when I have nothing else to add to desserts.

This cake is my sisters favourite in the whole world.Hence the entire carton of full cream being whipped up :)

I do, I do, I do....I already do.

2011-09-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not married...yet..I think will get married one day though. At the moment I'm still trying to figure out WHY it's necessary to gety married.

Personally, I cannot do it for religious reasons because I'm not very religious (i.e. I do not read the bible everyday nor do I go to church every Sunday however I am spritiual). I don't want to do it because it's the next step in my relationship (T and I have been together for nine years and have been living together for 3 years and I already feel as though I am married. Me changing my surname will not make me more faithful or more loving than what I already am. My current state of both these matters is actually immeasurable!)

Sooooooo.......what's my reasoning?

At this stage:

I want the party...that means I want the chapel, the reception, the cake cutting, the honeymoon....and *drum roll*..

THE DRESS!!!!

And I may want it to look something like this:

Curves for daysssssssssssss

2011-09-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

I can. I will. I shall.

Zucchini Pancake for breakfast?

2011-09-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Hell yes :)

This is low in calories, tasty and so quick and easy to make. Perfect if you're watching "the expansion of your girth" or if you just want to have something different for breakfast (that doesn't require too much work ;))

All you need is the following:

1 Egg

2 grated zucchini (uncooked)

½ small onion finely sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Start by spraying your pan with some spray and cook and turn up the heat - Alternatively you can use butter or normal vegetable oil.. A high heat worked really well for me.

Crack the egg into a bowl and scramble using a fork

Add the raw grated zucchini to the same bowl and mix until all zucchini is covered in egg

Add sliced onion

Add this medley to the hot pan.

Pour egg and zucchini mix into pan. Cook for 2/3 minutes on each side or until brown.

Remove from heat and serve with other "standard" breakfast goodies like herbed mushrooms or roasted tomatoes.

Et voila! Delicious and seriously nutritious.

Side note: If you'd like to make smaller pancakes to increase the quantity served, divide the mixture in 2 when adding to the pan or double the mixture.

JHB Summer Rains the keeper of my soul

2011-09-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

I love love love love ...breathe...looooveeeeee JHB storms!!! Tonight, we were blessed with the very first showers of Spring/Summer. I knew the bleeding moon and red tainted sky would bring something beautiful!

This is an unedited image of the night sky. Think the aliens are coming? ;)

I look forward to the next few months of fantastic thunder, lightning and an abundance of showers of blessings.And they really are just that...blessings...regardless of their strength..or maybe its just me. I'm moved by things like the moon, sun, wind, rain, ocean.....

Happy Days are here again

♣

My 10hr, 5kg labour of love ♥

2011-09-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

10hrs to complete. Well 9 if you want to be pedantic about it and 1 hour to try clean up
20 eggs
many cups of flour
lots of milk
1.5kgs of icing
2 cans of caramel

All worth it in the end as the mom and the little girl were both very happy....and so was the dad! When he saw the cake, he understood why he had paid so much for it ;)

I will try and upload a better pic later this week ;)

Many ways to eat a ....

2011-09-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

KIT KAT! Whether it's normal milk, dark or white, I believe that it's better enjoyed when you bite it piece by piece. It's like putting a putting a puzzle together - intricate and detailed but enjoyable....

UNLESSSS, as I experienced today, you get a kit kat that has a wafer at a 45 degree angle! IMPOSSIBLE to deconstruct neatly haha. So I resorted to the standard way of eating it and just munched it all.

2011-09-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

this is love.

2011-09-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

These are ...interesting...fearless...arty...devilish. My granny would probably refer to them as the devils shoes and not the devil wears prada ;)

♥ City Night Loving ♥

2011-09-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

Guess who went marketing on main last night – me me me me...I arrived at about 8 because traffic on the highway was such a biatch but it was SO worth the journey! I opted to get off the highway after driving at 10kms per hour and zig zagged through town. Was I nervous driving in town at night – hell yes I was but I drove like a beast and got there safely.

The food and the lovely people. I ate this jaffle (I think that's what its called). Had mince in the center and was cooked in these old looking clamps on a fire...was really good. Those are nuts are UBER amazing

Down below

What.A.Night! I ate so much good food and bought such great stuff (read bags, marmalades, chillie relish, nuts coated in honey and some other sugary goodness) = HEAVEN!

Perfect plan for a Spring evening

It was great seeing so many people out and about in the JHB CBD. Nights out like last night remind me that there is more to life than my 9-5 and living in the perfect triangle.


This is my lovely sister! :)

My lovely cousin ;)

Food food glorious food

So do yourself a favour and head on to the market this Sunday or the first Thursday evening of every month for the night market experience.

BEST selection of balsamic vinegars and infused olive oils..think pomegranate infused olive oil. That's what I call winning!

Hansel and Gretel path

HAHAHAAHAHAHAAHA a special is not always a special

2011-09-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

I'm so sure a few people got caught out with this "deal"

Marketing at Night

2011-08-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

You know you want to....better than staying in for etvs chick flick ;)

What to expect: art, shoes, bags and FOOD! LOTS and LOTS of FOOD!!!!

See you there

That 4pm kinda hungry

2011-08-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

you know the one that creeps up on you like a thief in the night which then somehow controls your tummy and turns it into a possessed cookie monster....
yes that one...
we all know it.

I'm trying to choose healthier 4pm snacks and came across the Nutriday biscuit range! Oh..my...sack... it's heavenly!! So creamy and tasty that it feels as though you're having 'real dessert'. With flavours like milk tart and lemon meringue, you cannot go wrong! There are 2 other flavours available in the range. I generally do not like biscuit pieces in yoghurt or ice cream but this one is a winner!! Do yourself a favour and try all of them!

Bonus: It's low in calories and fat. Doesn't get better than this me thinks ;)

Hearty Beef Stew served with Sweet Roasted Butternut

2011-08-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

What better way to fill your tummy with a healthy hearty stew. Though this dish may take some time to make (read a lot of time) it is well worth the wait.

We (I say we because in actual fact, T made this meal and I was there for picture taking and moral support) made this on one of our days off last week (we were both on leave for a week – more on that in another post wink wink).

To get the best results, make this dish when you are sure have at least 2hours to spare OR if you are blessed with a slow cooker, you can throw it together before you leave for work and leave it on all day ;)

700g stewing beef

1 onion

1tbsp sunflower oil

¼ tsp chopped garlic

½ tsp thyme

1 ½ tsp steak and chops spice

1 bay leaf

1 can chopped tomato

3 medium sized carrots (roughly chopped)

2 potatoes (although we used more because its my thing – we used 5)

1 cup beef stock

salt and pepper to taste

Slice onions and brown over medium heat.

Add meat to pot and brown with onions (you can coat meat in flour prior to adding it to the pot to help thicken the sauce.)

Preheat oven to 180° C
Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf and steak and chops spice to meat and onion mix. Cook for 2 minutes until garlic has cooked.

Add tomatoes, stock, potatoes and carrots and bring to the boil.

Place pot (lid on) in oven and cook for 2-2 ½ hours.

If you're at home making this dish, stir the pot every 45 minutes and add water as needed.

For last ½ hour of cooking, remove the lid from the pot to help thicken the stew.

Butternut

2 medium sized butternut

Preheat oven to 180°C

Chop butternut in half (lengthways) and remove seeds – you should have 4 pieces of butternut.

Place butternut in baking tray and bake for an hour or until soft.

I chose not to add any sugar to the butternut as I'm trying to keep the calories down. If you would really prefer additional sweetener, drizzle some honey on the pumpkin.

To serve

Use a fork to fluff up the butternut while still in its casing. Take care not to tear to the butternut skin as this makes for a better display :)

Place stew on top of fluffed up butternut and serve!

Enjoy!

Going the extra mile to plate the food well will be appreciated by your guests/family/better half/friend whoever you choose to share this meal with. And trust me, US, this meal is DEFINITELY worth sharing.

"Hanging-onto-the-last-few-days-of-Winter" Mushroom Soup

2011-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

I really am hanging onto the last few days of winter. Everytime I look at a social network or look at the ads on tv, it seems as though everyone everywhere is wishing away winter. I, unlike the majority, am in love with winter so will relish in these last few days.

Soup is definitely synonymous with winter and I LOVE mushrooms so why not make mushroom soup. As much as I love mushrooms, I have never made mushroom soup, until tonight that is :)

This is a very easy recipe to follow and if you chop onions and mushrooms really fast, you can have the meal done in 30 minutes :)

This meal serves 2 people. Perfect in my household because its just myself and the love of my life :)

What's Needed

Olive Oil (EVOO)

½ small onion chopped finely

2tsp crushed garlic

2 trays of mushrooms (500g), sliced

3 tsp thyme (I used Robertsons)

1/2 white wine

¼ cup cream* Optional

2-3 cups chicken or vegetable stock. I made use of the woolworths powdered stock

Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Bread, Olive Loaf, Plain Toasted Baguettes

How To

Heat a “glug” of oil – think a tablespoon

Add chopped onions and fry until soft and clear (this requires a low heat)

Add garlic and gently fry until fragrant (or slightly brown but not burned)

Remove from pan and set aside.

Add chopped mushrooms to same pan that you used to fry the onions and garlic in.

Fry for a few minutes until golden brown. Feel free to add a little more oil here if the mushrooms are sticking. High heat is needed for this.

Reduce the heat and add the onion and garlic mix to the mushrooms.4

Add thyme and wine.

Let the wine mix reduce a bit...you want the alcohol to essentially cook out but you do not want the mix to be dry. Remember this is soup you're making.

Add the chicken or veg stock and allow to simmer for 5/10 minutes.

Remove about 2 tablespoons from mix and set aside while you blend the soup mixture. Add the cream at this stage if you are including it.

When you're done blending the mix, return the mushrooms to the pot and allow to heat for a few minutes.

Serve with garlic bread, olive ciabatta or plain toasted baguettes.

Enjoy!

Needless to say, I really enjoyed my meal, along with the warmth that came from my heater AND my hot water bottle!

Little secret: I ate about 5 pieces of garlic bread while taking pics..I'll work on my nutritional value tomorrow :)

Spring Shopping ~ Lost and Found Viewing Party in the City!!

2011-07-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Remember the Lost and Found movement I told you about here, well there's a party happening this coming Sunday!! The spring collection will be showcased this Sunday at the 12 Decades Hotel in the JHB CBD! Bidding starts the following day (Monday) so it's best if you just attend the party and have a touch and feel session with the goods on offer : I'm talking about the clothes,,,not the people who will be there hahaha

B there or be square.....well not really square....but you'll kick yourself for missing out!

2011-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm on that Phill Collins tip today...not because I'm sad or glum...just because I love Phill Collins. Some of his songs make me want to get on my office desk adn start dancing...in fact most of his songs make me want to dance on wooden benches and a park as the main actress in a RomCom!

Yes lovelies...that is my vibe today!! :)

Oh yes I also hear thunder outside...the weather gods heard my prayer....now if ONLY it would snow....if only!!!!! If feeling for sone kitchen romance...not with my lover no (well maybe :))...but romance with my pots (yes that is how I roll :))...I want to make something new today....let's see hmmmmmmm

You say "Janash" I say "Ga-na-sh"

2011-07-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has their favourite recipe for Chocolate Ganache but I like to spice mine up sometimes by adding a little zhoosh (hope that the word Zhoosh has not been copyrighted by Jeremy haha)

If you're baking this weekend or just want to add some sweetness to your life, why not try add something else to your Ganache to make it your own.

Think of Amarula, Cointreau, Cinnamon, Chilli, Espresso....just try anything your taste buds desire

Chilli Chocolate Ganache
125ml double thick cream
125g dark chocolate (I use the bournville range)
1/4 tsp Ground chilli spice - I like things ....dark....and spicy :) :)

Warm the cream gently and add chopped chocolate pieces.
Stir until all chocolate has melted and become one with the cream
Lastly add the chilli spice. Mix it up and serve. Add it to your chocolate cake, vanilla cake, trifle, have it with custard OR just leave it on the stove with a spoon in the pan, so that its readily avaialble to scoop up everytime you walk by

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

In "Janash" we trust! :)

Dinner for 2 to the power of 2.

2011-07-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

P squared – Prego and Potatoe

T has been working late lately and when this happens, I somehow lose my lustre for exotic cooking, Not wanting to starve myself or constantly eat take-away's, I opted to make something simple, quick yet still tasty – I call it p-squared :)

Side note: I always opt to cook the starch first, as it takes longer to make than the Pregos *however* because Pregos take long to marinate, they appear first in this recipe list.

Pregos

2 cups of white wine

5 minute steaks (I bought mine from Pick n Pay)

1 generous spoon of garlic( less if you're not a fan of garlic)

A good pinch of salt

1 tsp meat tenderiser

Drizzle of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) (Think Jamie Oliver drizzle)

Method:

Place steaks in glass bowl and smother in wine, spice, salt and garlic. Allow to marinate for a few hours, The longer the better. You could marinate the night before you intend to cook it. Or throw it together before you leave for work in the am – bottom line is the longer it marinates, the better it will turn out :)

Gently fry the steaks in a hot pan that's been drizzled with EVOO.

Add some of the marinade to the pan while steaks are frying. They don't need to fry for more than approx 5 minutes (these steaks are very thin)

Potatoe Bake

6 medium sized potatoes (I used 7 for good measure :))

400ml cold milk

Royco spring onion potatoe bake mix (Yes I know foodies reading this are probably frowning upon this as some see it as cheating – yes I cheated this one time :))

3 sprigs spring onion – chopped (Optional)

Cayenne pepper (Optional)

Generous Splash of Cream (Optional)

Slice the potatoes into thin slices and layer in oven proof dish.

If you're adding spring onions, add them now by sprinkling over the potatoes

Mix Royco mix according to packet instructions and pour over the potatoe bake. (If you're adding cream, mix it into the Royco mix or pour a generous amount over the potatoes)

If using Cayenne Pepper, add some now before putting dish in oven.

Bake at 180 degrees celcius for an hour.

When complete, add some grated cheddar to the dish and grill for few minutes until cheese reaches desired “golden brown” colour. I like the taste of slightly overcooked cheese so usually leave it in for quite a few minutes.

Serve with some veggies or salad. Lick yo lips!! :)

It's 10:06 and T is still not home. So glad I've already had dinner :)

This post was written the other day! Thankfully today is FRIDAYand I am looking forward to lots of QT with him yayyyy :) :)

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

PS: It's even better to make this over the weekend because you marinate them tonight and cook them tomorrow later afternoon....juicy! Lick yo lips :)

Calling ALL Sushi Lovers.

2011-07-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

yes u and u...and you who's sitting at the desk in the back..

BLISS Lounge has a special on Sushi today. R120pp for all you can eat sushi!! Their sushi is the BOW FREAKING WOW! It's fresh..none of that rubbery stuff you get elsewhere *no names mentioned*

If you don't have your lunch with you, or you don't have dinner plans, head on over to Bliss, situated at 44 Stanley Milpark.

Special is on every Wednesday until the end of July. So you have 2 Wednesdays left to indulge!
From 12:00-20:00

For more information visit their FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bliss-Lounge/158180227539565?sk=wall
Or call them on 011 482 7691

Address
44 Stanley Avenue Milpark, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa · Get Directions

Phone
011 482 7691

Website
http://www.blisslounge.co.za
http://www.44stanley.co.za

Hours

Tues - Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Run run run and get your sushi on!

How cute is this?

2011-07-18T02:22:00.000-07:00

So excited...

2011-07-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

That I could be in my pants...The website for my business is finally done!!!!

I started my business in September last year and it's only NOW that the website is ready. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to love it as much as I love Nunuza. And I do...they're both my children in a silly sense but Foondee is the main baked bean right now!!

My amazing sister created it for me...after a few days of me constantly nagging her and often saying "When I say, you do" hahaha..

I need to get her something nice at the end of the month to say thanks for all the help. For both my sisters in fact! They better not read this post because they'll use it against me.

Yay...pee in my pants!

Oh if you'd like to check it out: Foondee.blogspot.com

Hello...my name is...Nunuza :)

2011-07-15T04:28:00.000-07:00

This was the first thing I said to Sarah, the angelheaded hipster, when what I actually meant to say was Hi I'm Carlette and my blogs name is nunuza...

I attended my first ever blog meet up at Wolves Cafe on Wed eve this week. I found out about it from a friend of mine and was so game. Until I realised that I did not know or follow the blogs of the people who organised the event. Sherdamn that's when panic set in. What would I say/Would I talk to anyone/Do I take my camera with me/I'm not a serious blogger I just write about stuff so what if this event is meant for serious bloggers only....those were my thoughts! But all of that disappeared when I arrived and was told "here's a free glass of wine". Immediately I thought ahhh I like these people! :) Wrote my name down on a list and started to mingle...

It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it was freaking fabulous!!!! I loved speaking to new people, I loved listening to their different stories about blogging, life, things, and now I'm going to love reading and following their blogs.

What's even better was that...I won a prize!!!BOOYAH!!! I didn't even hear my number being called and the girl next to me said hey that's you...number 29!! (I still have the label that had my number on it - nerd I know ;)) I was so freaking excited hahaha I'm still happy that I won a *canderel hamper*! I don't generally so canderel, but now I will!! I loved taking my box home and unpacking it..and taking pics of it! :) :) :)

Photo 'borrowed' from http://littleandbunny.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-bloggers-get-together.html#comment-form

I loved how friendly and real everyone was!

Thank you to everyone who I spoke to. Welcome to the new followers. Thank you to the organisers (oo this is a great acceptance speech hehe) you guys did such a freaking fantastic job!! Really and thank you to the sponsors...

and lastly ..thank you to my dear friend Amy who let me know about this event!! Uya-rocka sisi!

Okay really ...last thank you...thank you to myself for mustering up the courage to attend the event.

Natasha, who was one of the organisers, placed a list of all the bloggers who attended the event on her blog. Click here to see that list..Enjoy the read :)

OH: for some pics of the event visit:
http://littleandbunny.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-bloggers-get-together.html#comment-form
http://just-let-em-eat-cake.tumblr.com/
http://www.jeanetteverster.com/blog/

Photo "borrowed" from http://just-let-em-eat-cake.tumblr.com/

PS: Thank you ladies for letting me "borrow" these pics :)

An ode to the office toaster

2011-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

I just received this email from my boss:

----------------------- Original Message -----------------------

From:

To: All

Cc:

Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:22:24 +0200

Subject: Sandwich toaster

Hi All,

The sandwich toaster (I could call it a Snackwich but I fee like that's a trademark so I won't) is dead. Long live the sandwich toaster!

Someone dropped it, and the plastic case cracked and compressed onto the heating element. Consequently, when it was used, it emitted a foul-smelling plastic burning odour that got me worried about where our nearest fire extinguisher was.

If there is significant (or even overwhelming) motivation, we can replace it. Vote by returning this e-mail with a Yes or No reply.

We mourn the loss. Personal acts or mourning may involve eating non-toasted sandwiches for a day, or a week, or bringing cold toasted sandwiches from home. (Personally, I wasn't that close.)

+ Boss (no he doesnt sign boss I changed his name in case you know him haha)

My lovely poetic response:

On 2011-07-13 14:56, Carlette wrote:

My ode the dear sandwich toaster:
Toaster toaster where for art thou toaster
your sizzling heat made me comfortable in my work seat
so much so that life without you
is terribly blue
There's something so comforting about melted cheese, wrapped in a crisp buttery blanket of bread
So please, do not bury the toaster forever
Because without it, life will be like a ball of "whatever".

I thank you and look forward to meeting the new toaster! :)

hahaha I thought he might appreciate the humour especially because our office is going through some tough times. His response below (I think he smiled a bit)

"I can see productivity levels are at an all-time high :-)

Vote acknowledged."

Can you tell that I was not poetically inclined in school and nothing much has changed hahaha

JHB Bloggers meet up party - TONIGHT

2011-07-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

GUYS!!!! There's a bloggers meet up party tonight at WOLVES CAFE in Illovo! I know I'm delayed with this message but hey Ive been busy (wink wink)

The party starts at 6pm and..wait for it...there are prizes to be won!! Can. You, Believe. It!!! And WOLVES is hust the dopest venue as it is so if you're a blogger based in JHB and don't have any plans for tonight, make sure to come on over!!

I will be going! But must admit I'm nervous as hell! Isn't that always the case when you enter a new environment?? I'm sure there are bloggers who are friends online who will be meeting up tonight. I only recently learnt about this event so cannot say I am friends with the bloggers who are hosting this party..
But the point is to meet new people...and Im all for it!

I'll have a shot of tequila before I go there hahaha nothing like some dutch courage.

For more information on the event, please visit Tasha's blog at :

http://littleandbunny.blogspot.com/2011/07/if-you-have-blog-your-face-is-invited.html

Challenge...bring it

2011-07-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

With each new cake or set of cupcakes that are created, come new challenges. It's almost as if they always go hand in hand..challenges and new jobs I mean. Then again cupcakes and cakes do go hand in hand sometimes :)

I may have made the same cake a million times (not really a million but you get the point), but each time I deliver or someone collects it, I get nervous..anxious.Anxious to see their reaction. The level of anxiety is even higher when its a completely new design...I'm there to see their reaction when they receive the cake but I wish I could be there when they take that first bite so I can get their truest and most honest response to the work I have given them. Even if they don't like it, at least I will know how they sincerely feel.

Thank heavens that to date..all responses bar one have been good!Cheers to me and the continuation of my passion. Because it really is!! Regardless of the challenges I face every now and then, I keep mon going back for more, I wont call it punishment because its a learning curve...

PS: Forgive me next time I stare into your mouth while you take a bite hahaha it's done out of love! ;)

Sweet for my sweet, sugar for my honey

2011-07-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

It's been so cold lately, as is expected with winter ;)) and anything that's cakey or sweet seems to just hit the spot and make you warm and tingly inside. I got tired of the standard chocolate cake or vanilla sponge and decided to try out Zabwans recipe for Honey Cake.

This cake is quick and easy to make (really easy) and so tasty.

T and I enjoy a few slices (read the entire cake) with some warm homemade custard.

DEE-VINE!!

Click on the image or here for the recipe.

Thanks Zabwan for the recipe :)

Rocking Independance Day heels

2011-07-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

I love love love these shoes..I don't think anyone in their right mind would safely wear these....

Unless you're an alien from one of our neighbouring planets and are coming over for dinner tonight. It is Independance Day afterall :) *

*this is a tongue in cheek comment

Hawaiian Themed Cake

2011-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

This was the first...no the second fondant cake I made! I made it for a little 3 yr old girls birthday party! It was such a hit! Such hard work though but SO worth it. I started making the cake on Friday at about 11am and finished at 4am on saturday morning. The cake was being collected at 9 so I managed to get some sleep before they arrived :)

She was such a sweetie pie and wanted to wear the flip flops hahaha

It's always worth it when you see how happy they are to see their cakes! Worth the long day of stress, the sleepless night...all melts away.....

A "some-more" snack...without the calories

2011-06-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

When winter starts, the number of clothes you pile on increases ..and so does the amount of food that you put in your mouth. The need to always be warm is met with the need to well..always be eating. This of course is a generalisation as I have a few friends who do not eat like bears who are about to hibernate for the winter season haha but in my case, I always have the ~~need to~~ want to snack on something.

I found a healthy snack option which is too good to not share with you.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas

Extra virgin olive oil

Mixed Herbs

Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Salt (optional)

Method

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celcius.

Drain a can of chickpeas and throw into an oven proof dish.

Sprinkle some EVOO on it - enough to get some of the peas covered in it.

Add your spices and shake the bowl around so that this mix lathers as many chickpeas as possible.

Put in the oven and bake for 40minutes or until it reaches the desired crispy, crunchy texture.

Throw in a bowl and enjoy in front of the tv :) The great thing about this snack is that it in fact low in calories (if you watch the amount of EVOO and salt you use).

You can add other spices as an alternative to the ones I mentioned above. The amount of spices also depends on your own personal taste buds. On this particular occasion I was looking for a mexican chilli-ish kinda of taste hence the cayenne pepper. On another occasion, I used just salt and vinegar (sprinkle of vinegar added after the chickpeas were done) – smelled just as good as sloppy slap chips :).

Mix it up any-which-way you like. It is after all going into YOUR belly :)

Looking good..the Lost & Found way

2011-05-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

ROARRRRRR

That's how receiving a pair of shoes or a new bag makes me feel! Tonight, I got a pretty package that my heart jump! :)

Oh happy days!!

Let's go back a bit so I can explain the excitement. There's this amazing woman who has an eye for treasures. Her name is Amy Rawhani. She is the owner of Lost & Found. An amazing concept that allows you to bid, yes bid like you're at an auction, for one of a kind timeless pieces – all from the comfort of your chair/bed/office. Whichever you prefer.

The process is as such. She buys clothes, shoes, belts and bags----> styles them----> pics of these styled items go onto FB and you have the pleasure of viewing them for about 2 weeks before the BIG day.

I must admit that I only really care about the final Auction Day – when bids close. That's the real exhilerating, heart pumping-blood flowing- white knuckle-chair clutching time because it's during this time, that you watch the minutes tick by on the screen, all the while bidding against someone else hoping to get your little hands on the item. You don't know until about 20:05 (bidding ends at 20:00) as to whether you were lucky enough to get your bids in just in time or not.

A few of the treasures that can be found at Lost & Found

It.gets.hectic. ~~And is not for the faint hearted~~ . BUT if you love the chase and love looking good with one of a kind items, then make sure you're online when the next bid takes place.

LOVE this belt

ANYWAY back to my excitement: For the last bid that happened, I was sitting in Paris (oh poor me I know haha) nowhere near a computer and worried that I would miss out on this bag. Luckily, my meeting finished early and I spent a couple of minutes running back and forth between drinks at the bar and my computer in my hotel room. As we neared 8pm though, I decided to stay in the room and continue bidding until 20:01.

I eventually outbid 2 other ladies and the bag was mine, allllll mine. My precious. Cue Lord of the rings guy who looks like an animal hehe

For this gorgeous bag, I only paid R150.00. Where else in JHB do you expect to get a timeless piece that NO ONE ELSE WILL HAVE for that amount?? At Lost & Found, that's where!

Just as exciting as unwrapping a xmas present

Hopefully I'll outbid you at the next event :)

My GORGEOUS one of a kind bag! *smile*

If you would like to view images from the last bid, or if you would like to read about how the entire process works, then click here and view the Facebook profile.

Coffee with your cake??

2011-05-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

Or cake with your coffee?? Then again, why not jut mix the 2 up and have COFFEE CAKE? Licking your lips yet? ;) This is a great dessert option after Sunday Lunch. If you're like me and loveeeee coffee, you could have this cake Monday, Wednesday, Friday …you get the picture ;)

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar (I used castor sugar)

¼ tsp salt

226 grams butter (I used unsalted)

3 Tbspns Instant coffee crystals

½ cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1tsp baking soda

2tsps vanilla

How to hook it up

Heat oven to 180 degrees and grease 2 sandwich pans. Alternatively you can also grease a 22cm baking pan.

*Mix sugar, flour and ¼ tsp salt in large bowl and set aside

*Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. While that's melting, mix the coffee granules with 1 cup boiling water and set aside.

*Once the butter has melted, add the coffee mixture to the same pot. Let it boil for about 20 seconds, then turn off the heat and set aside for a minute. Ensure that you don't burn the butter(The butter and coffee mix has an almost nutty/coffee/exotic smell while its boiling).

*In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla – mix until well combined

*Pour the coffee mixture into the flour mix and stir gently. The aim here is isn't to mix it perfectly, but to allow the coffee mix to cool down slightly. While mixing you'll notice that the colour of the mix will be a creamy caramel colour.

Add the egg mixture and stir gently until well combined.

Pour into greased baking pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. In my oven I bake this cake for about 45 minutes at 180 degrees celcius. At moms house, it bakes for 35 minutes so time depends on your oven, You will smell when its ready.

Allow to cool COMPLETELY!! I was in such a hurry to taste this cake that I only let it cool for about 10 minutes or so before attempting to remove it from the pan. That's not enough time as the cake is very moist and needs to be very cool before being removed from the cake pan. Trust me on this one.

The smell is sooo divine and you'll want to eat the cake straight from the pan (and lick the air!!:)), but exercise some control and wait until its cooled. It is WELL worth the wait.

I was in a rush to get to mums house for Sunday Lunch that I didn't have time to make icing for this cake, so instead we served it with custard (home made ;)) and/or fresh cream. I wasn't able to get any pics of the actual serving suggestion because by the time I looked, it was all finished (thumbs up).

Don't be afraid to have it with a cup of coffee. In my world, you can never have too much coffee!

Enjoy! :)

Colours of Autumn

2011-05-11T13:57:00.002-07:00

I have to admit that Autumn is not my favourite season BUT I will take it...only because it's followed by my best season!

WINTER!!!
*I love the cold of winter..more reasons to snuggle up under the covers.
*Crackling Fireplace, Soft NEW blankets that are smooth and almost velvety *
*Comfort Food...bring on the oven baby! :) :) and the slow cookers (I still need to get one of those)
* I can stay home on a friday night and not feel bad or old for staying in when others are hitting the streets. * The thing about summer is that youre almost compelled to be outdoors. Don't get me wrong., I love being out and about with peoplw, but I love the intimacy of winter more than anything else.

Come on, we can still have braais in winter!:)

Bite That Bunny

2011-04-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

My boss gave each of us these Lindt bunnies last week, before everyone went away for the Easter break. Now, I LOVE chocolate, but no other chocolate quite compares to Lindt. I had such a busy weekend though that I was unable to devour the liwwle bunny wabbit until yesterday evening.

Unwrapping this bunny neatly was so much fun. What was even better was ...snapping the head off..some say this sounds sick and violent..but I say..don't knock it till you've tried it! hahaha

I have to mention though that as amazing as Lindt is, there are limitations to its "awesome-mous-ness" (I know thats not a real word) - you cannot dunk your lindt into a cup of hot tea or coffee without it coming out with a weedy/mary jane flavoured taste. Then again, that could just be me...but I don't think that's the case ;) I still love you Lindt.

Chocolate anyone?

2011-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

DEFINITELY not for the calorie counters.

this chocolate cake was part of a table full of cakes at a party I attended this weekend. All I wanted to do the entire time was just stick my hand in the cake. haha weird I know but yes that's what I wanted to do.

Needless to say this was an event so there was no way in hell I would get away with it...I did have a slice (or two) of this....for breakfast the next morning.

My baby might be broken...along with my heart.

2011-04-10T14:13:00.001-07:00

Tonight my camera that I have had since 2003 died. Well I think its dead, I might be a little melodramatic right now because I am not sure. What I am sure about is that every possible way to try and take images, view images on pc screen or print images is just not working. Sometime this week, my baby will go in for repairs.

My heart is sore. My camera is an appendage that I might as well have been born with...she went everywhere I went! I snapped the most random pics but this act is what filled my heart with joy.

I recently bought myself an SLR but its not as easy whipping it out to take pics of your lunch or dinner without the random waiter or waitress asking me to stop because of the managers fear that I am a reporter! And besides - as much as I love my new baby, nothing can replace my first love..

To add to my pain...my pics from trip to Paris last week were all on there! Lord, please let them at least be saved. If my baby has died, then okay it's her time and she served her purpose so well! But..please...can I just have my pics from my amazing trip to Paris. Please

Dear Camera Gods.

Amen.

"Budget Beater Bourgeois Tart" or just Caramelised Onion & Courgette Tart

2011-03-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

If you live in JHB, you had to have experienced the torrential rains this past weekend which probably also means that you were also stuck in doors. I for one LOVE the rain. I love its cleansing nature and the fresh sandy smell that follows the downpour! The only time I will ever sing 'rain, rain, go away come again another day' is when I plan on being out 'on the streets (cue RJ Benjamin :)) Okay corny I know I know :)

Because T and I opted to stay indoors, I chose to make a tart that I've been meaning to make for sometime now but the idea of rolling out pastry just seemed so damn daunting. Fear not: that is not the case with this recipe. Store bought pastry that need not be rolled out (WHOO HOO) and is done in about couple of minutes (enough for you to cuddle while it rains outside :))

Ingredients

1 Roll Puff Pastry (left out to defrost naturally and cut into 4 squares)

2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted doesn't matter really)

5/6 courgettes thinly sliced

2 large (or 4 small) brown onions

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Salt and Pepper

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

½ cup grated mozzarella

fresh Thyme

¼ cup of milk

Rocket for serving

Ingredients

1 Roll Puff Pastry (left out to defrost naturally and cut into 4 squares)

2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted doesn't matter really)

5/6 courgettes thinly sliced

2 large (or 4 small) brown onions

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Salt and Pepper

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

½ cup grated mozzarella

fresh Thyme

¼ cup of milk

Rocket for serving

Method

Melt butter in a pan

Add sliced onions and cook for 20 mins or until caramelised (cook on a low setting to avoid them burning)

Add sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 3 mins

Season (with salt and pepper) and set aside

Toss baby marrows in olive oil

Roll out (not using a rolling pin just unroll it) pastry and score a 2cm border around each pastry square. Place pastry squares on greased baking tray (I lined mine with tin foil and sprayed it with spray and cook)

Top with cheese, onions and courgette

Brush pastry edges with milk

Bake for 15-20 minsor until cooked through.

Top with rocket. Or alternatively serve with pesto and a side salad.

This meal is enough to feed four people or 8 people who choose to eat more salad than pastry :)

Expensive – not at all!!

Time to make – not long :)

I'll definitely serve this tart again...and with all this rainy weather that's predicted for JHB, it's a good enough reason to get all TARTY! :)

Johazardousburg

2011-03-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

I made these last week...I should have written JOHAZARDOUSBURG after the break in we had earlier this week!

Ohhh well...right now I have a love hate relationship with my city

I will love you again ...... sometime soon ;)

Tomorrow, I shall have you in my heart.

Vegetable Tagine with olive and parsley couscous

2011-03-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I was guilty of gluttony. A certain pizza establishment based in the Hyde Park shopping centre had this great special on(they still do if you're interested) – a small pizza for 29 bucs. The special – you could choose ANY pizza (yes even if it had expensive things like seafood on it) and you would only pay R29..anyway I took fulll advantage of this and ate 3 pizzas in a space of 5 days..they were good pizzas but certainly not good for my waistline..

So this week I have vowed to eat healthily hoping that my body would forgive me! Visited fruit and veg and stocked up on all the 'love-my-body- goodies I could get...

Dinner last night would make any vegetarian proud. Here's the recipe.

Vegetable Tagine with olive and parsley couscous

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 med red onion thinly sliced

2 cloves of garlic

1 tsp dried chilli flakes } I combined these two and used the chilli and garlic mix and just added 2 tsps.

1tsp ground coriander

1tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp tumeric powder

500g pumpkin - I used roasted butternut

2 med potatoes chopped coarsely

2 ½ cups veg stock

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ cup coarsely chopped coriander

- Heat oil and cook onion (till soft) and garlic and chilli mix

- Add spices and seeds: cook, stirring until fragrant (such a great smell u'll know when its fragrant)

- Add the potatoe (As mentioned above I used roasted butternut which I didn't add to the tagine but instead placed alongside the meal). If you don't want to do that then at this stage add the butternut to the potatoe and spice mix.

- Stir in stock, bring to the boil. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered until veggies are tender.

- Add can of chickpeas.

- Cook (simmer uncovered) for about 10 minutes (sauce will thicken slightly by now). The veggies should be 'tender' at this point,,,which means its READY!:)

Olive and Parsely Couscous

Cook couscous according to packet instructions, I made 2 cups of couscous

spoon of butter

1 1/3 cups black pitted olives

½ cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsely

Couscous: Add olives and chopped flat leaf parsely to couscous and mix all together. I added another spoon of butter to this mix ;)

Side Note: If you want, you can cook the couscous with 1.5 cup of veg stock instead of plain old water.

It's ready to be served. As you can see in the pics I took, this time I chose to put the butternut alongside the tagine instead of mixed in with the tagine...both ways work just as well! I felt full and welllll nourished after this meal! :)

Hope you enjoy. Oh if you want to make it a day ahead, you can...just store the tagine and couscous separately in the fridge!

Can you see the red velvety goodness

2011-02-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

I want to lick my screen.

Nail colours for summer...

2011-02-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Have been a kix of red and purple....

next is neon green and yellow!!

Vintage Fitness

2011-01-26T00:51:00.001-08:00

We're doing it old school style baby

You know in January most people have these great ftiness plans to get healthy and stop the monotony of being the couch potatoe...well I was that person up until I walked into the gym, only to realise that our contract had ended in Dec 2010 - due to not going 24 times in the 12 month cycle - Bad/smack on the wrist..I know.

Since then I've decided to take a different approach with this fitness 'thing'..instead of waking up helluva early to join the masses at the gym, I will rather meet up with my sisters and thrash out all frustration on the squash court..We started doing it in Nov last year and the fact that we got to spend time together made it that much better. I used to brag to my youngest sister about being the squash mamba (snake yes hehe) - until she silenced me on the court.

Shoelaces tied, hair up, earrings off....Let's see how this 'doing-random-things-to-keep-fit thing goes'.

Sugar Inspiration

2011-01-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

Yes I am that person who likes reading the back of the sugar pack while at a restaurant....its's cheesy/corny but every now and then I find something that actually resonates with me....

...and this one did just that ;)

Lovely Lucy Lamington

2011-01-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

Well it was Lemingtons to me, up until the other day when I had to search for a recipe,I always figured that anyone who called them anything other than that, was simply, wrong.

I laughed when I realised I had actually made a fool of myself on a few occassions by correcting others hahaha

My aunt made these over the festive season and needless to say we all hung ourselves on them. You're deceived by the small 'bite size' pieces, that it's so easy to just throw back a few ;)

Vanilla Sponge

500 ml (2 cups) Huletts Castor Sugar
4 Large Eggs
250 ml (1 cup) Oil
5 ml (1 tsp) Vanilla Essence
750 ml (3 cups) Flour, sifted
15 ml (1 tbsp) Baking Powder
250 ml (1 cup) Milk
Desiccated Coconut, for coating

Chocolate Coating

500 ml (2 cups) Huletts White Sugar
250 ml (1 cup) Hot Water
45 ml (3 tbsp) Cocoa Powder
15 ml (1 tbsp) Butter OR Margarine

Method

Vanilla Sponge

Whisk the castor sugar and eggs in a mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the oil and vanilla essence, and mix well.
Add the sifted flour and baking powder to the mixture alternatively with the milk.
Pour the creamed mixture into a greased oven tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool and cut into squares.

Chocolate Coating

Heat the sugar, cocoa, butter and water until bubbly.
Allow to cool, then dip the sponge squares into the sauce and roll in the coconut.

Waiting for the cake to cool so that it could be rolled in chocolate and coconut seemed to take forever even though it was only a few minutes.

To ensure that I would get that 'white-box-inside-a-chocolate-box' look, I opted to move the chocolate from the pan into a dish, only pouring small amounts of chocolate. That way, you can control how much chocolate you're using. Well somewhat ;)

My tips:

Ensure to follow the chocolate making part to the T. Do not leave it to boil on the stove longer than what is listed (until it bubbles) because you might just end up with crystalised bits of sugar at the bottom of the pan.
Have a production line – it makes it so much easier and necessary when dealing with the stickyness of liquid chocolate and coconut.

Lastly, enjoy with a cuppa tea or whatever floats your boat..

***I wish the sun would stay down for just one or two more days so that people don't feel guilty about indulging in the likes of LAMINGTONS!**

"my" toy for a day

2011-01-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

well not mine and not for a day...my colleague loaned me his fancy shmancy Canon EOS 500D for a few hours....and wow I had so much fun! I thought I'd post a few of the pics I took (I wasn't allowed to leave the office block so I had to get creative;))

If you have been reading my post for a while, you will know that I LOVE taking photos and that I *desparately* want a new camera...an SLR to be specific...more specific than that...I can't be..I'm still deciding between a Nikon and a Canon..both feel the same? And the specs are pretty similar..I guess in the end it will all come down to price and the best deal I can get?

A present to myself this year WILL be a decent SLR whether it be Nikon or Canon or "shamnon" haha

If you know anything about cameras OR you have a decent SLR, please feel free to share your thoughts on this matter...please? ;)
PS: Feel free to click on each image to get the full view of the pic..the quality is to die for! ;)

Temptation oh so sweet

2011-01-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

We had this watermelon on our kitchen counter for 2 days and eventually I just gave in... and got my sister to cut it hahaha

I couldn't resist the temptation to take a big bite out of it...it was fun...the simple pleasures in life are such where u allow the juice of the melon run down your chin and onto your top..and you really don't care...ahh bliss :)

So go ahead and take a bite this weekend...

Something fun for you foodies

2011-01-06T02:14:00.000-08:00

These questions were taken from a blog that I follow. To see her answers click here

Was there a defining moment, or did you always know that you were a foodie?

Yes I think there was..it probably happened when I was living alone and chose to cook new meals instead of buying take aways? Last year was the year that stood out for me as a 'foodie' because I started my own business making all things confectionery! I took my foodie love to a new level and its been wonderful! I LOVE being in the kitchen and am not shy to say so ;)

What would you do with 3 courgettes; an apple, an onion, a stick of butter and one cup of flour. You may add one ingredient, plus water.
I would add an egg,,,then make a batter type thing and dip the courgettes in it, lightly fry it in the stick of butter..eat the apple while im cooking haha

What is the most ghastly tasting thing you have ever eaten?
Some live something while on a business trip in Paris..the menu wasnt in english..I trusted a friend who said she spoke frnech to choose my meal for me..and I specified no liver..and she ordered liver hahaha I can laugh about it now but when the food was in front of me it wasn't that funny..

What is the ugliest looking thing you have ever eaten?
mopani worms - DITTO on this one...

Assuming you were stranded on an island, there is fire, water and provisions. What single cooking utensil would you want to have with you?
My pan..

What sign of the Zodiac are you and do you think it influences your cooking character?
Leo, and yes as I like to be in charge in the kitchen - well I'm a LEO as well and have never thought about how my star sign influences my cooking? hahah I guess I do like to be in charge in the kitchen?

Are you a fanatically tidy or shamefully messy in the kitchen?

Eish...I'm a bit of both but I'm sure my sisters would say I am shamefully messy?

How many frying pans do you own?

I have ONE non stick frying pan ..one?! Madness need to buy more...and one thick based pan

What is your all time dream kitchen appliance to own?

A Kitchen Aid mixer - yes please...its what dreams are made of!

Have you ever had rumpy-pumpy (slap & tickle) in a kitchen?

hahaha hell to the yeah!! :)

2011-01-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

….. HOW I FEEL ABOUT BEING BACK AT WORK TODAY....

First day back in the office since the start of 2011...and I feel...blegh?? after hitting the snooze button at least 7 times (i kid u not) I dragged myself out of bed and drove to work..walking across the corridor to my office was draining...somewhat..okay Im making this sound worse than it actually is...but the monotony of walking here just made me sad....

I guess I should actually be grateful and cheerful...ready to start this working year with a bang??!?! But Im a little confused at the moment...Been at my company for 5 yearts now...love what I do! But its not my passion!?! Yes I get to travel, which I am certainly grateful for, but there must be more to it than just that ? a salary and a trip overseas once a year (if the economy does well)...

I hope I can shake this feeling soon...

ASIDE from work....the start to 2011 has been UH-MA-ZING!!!!!!!!!!!! This is definitely going to be an AWESOMEEEE year!!

AWHOOOOOOOOOOOO

hmm...

2010-12-21T01:16:00.000-08:00

Well..I dont know how I feel about this dress! My initial thought was wow! and now that I look at it again,I'm not so sure?

All in the spirit of giving

2010-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

I made some cupcakes this past weekend...well quite a few..made more than 150 cupcakes (I had an order) so you can imagine how many were actually left over..I knew that T and I couldn't eat all of them so I opted to give them away...but instead of just handing them out as I sometimes do, I opted to package them with some pretty ribbons..you know all in the spirit of xmas..

I cannot give the homeless people a roof over their heads, but I was able to give them cupcakes. Someone said to me the other day “well that's stupid because they don't need sweet things, they need food” - but what's wrong with giving them something sweet? Maybe for that one moment while eating the cake, they actually got to enjoy something that they don't have often...

I hope that tonight they had a small chance to enjoy the festive season...

My heart is pleased...The gift of giving is always beautiful!

I'm a sucker for weddings..

2010-12-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

I really am..everything about them, I love! There has only been one wedding, in my 27yrs of existence where I did not cry..and it was probably because I was ill or something (I can't quite remember).

I think its the amount of love in the room that gets to me!! I cry when the bride walks down the isle. I cry when the bride and groom say their vows. I vry when the priest says I now pronounce u husband and wife...arghhh its a ball of emotions man..

I hope that I can turn off my taps when I get married..wouldn't want to spoil my photos by having an ugly oprah cry! I'll save that for the engagement haha

Lauren + JP from Matt Odom on Vimeo.

PS: video taken from Apricot Tea

Ke DEZEMBA aka it's december ..

2010-12-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

And with that, comes good times. Lotsa sunshine, relaxing, braaing, chatting - LOVE it!!

Be safe out there people!

Cos you're a star..

2010-12-20T04:53:00.000-08:00

Oh Nicki and Em how do I love thee - let me count the ways

2010-12-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

"MEEEE-LLLEEEEESSSSS"

2010-11-24T00:48:00.001-08:00

As a South African, you must have ONCE in your lifetime heard the call from a lady-with-a-powerful-voice shouting MIIEEELLIIIIEEESSSSSSS! Now yes I am generalising when I say that only South Africans have had the pleasure of experiencing this, I could be wrong?

My little sister was actually scared of the ladies who sold mielies...well it wasn't them that she scared of...it was the mieeeliiiieeesss chant that scared her..for some reason she thought they were calling her! hahaha poor child

Yesterday I had another nostalgic moment - seems to be happening often lately..This time however, the women wasn't shouting out mielies but rather sitting on the side of the road quietly with her produce on display..it was cold..and raining..and I was lazy to cook!

~hmmm this pic is making my mouth water all over again!!~

So we had mielies for dinner...Cost me R12 for 2 mielies...cheapest dinner T and I have had in a longgggg time!
Dont know when last we had them..oh it was divine!! So simple yet so...sustaining..I had to add some salted butter though...just to gve it that extra oomph...*licklipsdelisch*

PB and J S...;)

2010-11-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

....aka Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich

My simple pleasure..and oh my simple treasure..

This used to be my moms FAVOURITE meal (she thinks she’s allergic to peanut butter now)! And yes it was a meal...if she had this, there would be no need for dinner or “real” food. If not had as a meal, it would be out late night ‘snack’ while we discussed everything from school, to our futures to life to boys to love to happiness, sadness– basically everything and anything.

So from a young age we got to appreciate the pleasure a simple peanut butter and jam sandwich brings...but oh don’t be fooled, this simple treat can go from hero to zero if not made properly. Of course the word properly is a relative term here!

My fave way of making it is with a good thick spread of salted butter (the unsalted version doesn’t do much for me)
A thick layering or BLACK CAT PEANUT BUTTER (I unfortunately or fortunately am a sucker for Black cat and refuse to eat any other brand of peanut butter)
And finally...a good dollop of jam! My favourites wander between apricot jam and rasberry jam..I don’t do the likes of mixed fruit and marmalade (unless the marmalade is served with figs and good cheese) J

This, was my simple indulgent treat on Sunday morning..enjoyed with a good cuppa coffee, sitting on the floor, with legs crossed....I was 12 again ;)

Some history on peanut butter and jam or rather peanut butter and jelly (as some people refer to it).
For those who care, the calorie count in a PB and J sandwich - everything within moderation I say!!

Side note : I just realised that if I rearranged the letters in the title of my post, they would "spell" out two acroynms that are "commonly" used hahahahahahaha ROTFL

Chocolate Caramel Slice of Heaven

2010-11-09T02:57:00.000-08:00

I’m currently in the middle of writing my 2nd Semester exams and trying to organise 5 events at work while still dealing with my marketing plan for 2011 - PHEW. Needless to say things are rather hectic on my side...;) ;)

Last Friday while on study leave I decided that I needed a break...and my idea of relaxing, is to make something. So instead of baking a cake -which I know myself and T would not finish- I opted to try out a recipe for Chocolate Caramel Slice. I tasted these pieces of “take one bite and add 5kgs to your waistline” @ work and boy was I impressed. I swore that when I made it at home, I would only have one slice...sherdam that never happened. These slices are SOOO good that you will be forced to share!

I resorted to calling friends and family and offering them caramel slices because I found myself opening my fridge every 2^nd hour to “check on them”...while reading about the economic strategies of our time, all I saw in my head, were the “take one bite and add 5kgs to your waistline” pieces of sweet sticky yummy goodness.

Chocolate Caramel Recipe
250ml (1cup)self raising flour
125ml (1/2 cup) caramel brown sugar – I used white and turned out fine
250ml (1cup) dessicated coconut
125g (1/2 cup) butter or margarine, melted
1 can (380g) NESTLE Caramel Treat
150g Dark Chocolate
50g (2Tbl)butter or margarine
1.       Preheat oven to 180 °C
2.       Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl and mix well
3.       Press evenly into a greased 18cm x 28cm lamington pan – I used a brownie tin
4.       Bake for 15mins, then allow too cool
5.       Spread Caramel Treat over the base – go wild and add the whole tin
6.       Combine dark chocolate and butter over double boiler on low heat
7.       When chocolate mixture is melted and at a smooth consistency, spread over caramel base
8.       Refrigerate until set
9.       Cut into squares before serving

~Don’t you want to swim in that chocolate~

As hard as it might be to not let it set, trust me that it will be worth your while to have it set properly before eating. It took about an 1 ½ to set in the fridge..gave me time to study ;)

~So I tried to take a pic of TWO pieces of choc caramel slices but I struggled to contain myself and kept biting into the one piece~

If I had kids and I was throwing a party for them I would definitely make these again! Hell I’m going to make them again just for the sake of making them ;)- I will invite friends over again and we shall accompany the goodness with some Patron (a friend who came by on Fri night to collect some slices suggested we have it with a shot of Patron and I couldn’t say no – trust me...they work well together!!!)

Feel Good Pick Me Up

2010-10-20T02:46:00.001-07:00

I've just been so franctic lately! Sure we all know that feeling of almost drowning and how hard it can be to breathe sometimes...

took sometime out this morning to visit a friends blog, littlemissconceptions, and she had posted the following video..

UBER cool!!

Take 2minutes out of ur day to watch it......

Can't think of a better word to describe how COOL it is..My old english teacher would murder me for abusing this word hahaha

You like presents?!?!

2010-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

I LOVEEE receiving presents...It doesnt matter what's on the inside but there is just something exhilerating about opening a present..

maybe its the excitement to find out what's inside..but for me the excitement is all about the wrapping and pretty brght bows..and the slow way in which you untie the bow or the fast way you rip off the paper...

either way

we all love receiving presents ;) ;)

It's my uncles birthday this coming weekend and he stays in Swaziland..I can't DHL a cake to him, nor can I get my mom to take one down with her (she is going this weekend and the chocolate would melt ruining my pretty designs) so the next best thing ,,,is biscuits..but these..are not ur ordinary biscuits...these are super melt in your mouth balls of goodness (that sounds so wrong but get ur mind out of the gutter hahaha)

Affectionately know as KOURAMBIETHES or as I call them (seriously) "melt in your mouth balls"! Its the young crazy chick in me...

So I stayed up until 1 last night making these...I hope they get to Swaziland safely...
- I hope they don't get devoured on the way there...
- I hope my uncle enjoys opening this box of goodies as much as I love receiving pressies...
- I hope the family all enjoy them!

Flops never hurt no1

2010-10-11T03:34:00.001-07:00

My friends son turned 2 this weekend and I was "commissioned" to make Barney cupcakes. The initial plan was to have the actual image of Barney on the cake, but the official catering company was doing that and after much discussion we decided to make something different..

the plan was to make plain vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing - using the colours of Barney (purple, green and yellow) 9 YES yellow features in Barney not ON Barney) :)

I spent Friday nighr preparing the goods (along with other orders that I had) so only slept at 1 am. woke at 7am to decorate the goodies...
finally we leave the house....all im thinking is how happy I am that my friends ordered from me for a PARTY! Yay...
The sun was beltering on saturday so I opted to move the box of cupcakes from my lap (out of direct sunlight) to the floor (cool shade)

I don't know what the F happened but in a SPLITTT second, my beautiful piping was DE-STROY-ED!!! SH* man.. I was so sad I burst into tears (I think it was fatigue) but shoo I cried..and cired some more...

Good news though is that the kiddies still ate the cupcakes (the ones that looked good) and they preferred them to the catering companies cuppies...so that made my day! :)

What an experience!

Happy Weeekeeennnndddd

2010-10-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

Hmmmm Yummyyyyy nyom nyom *lick lips*

BE SAFE

Woes of summer

2010-09-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

The days of summer...

...you know when the days start getting hot, ladies where shorter dresses and men start saying "EISH" (supposedly in a good way) when a nice woman walks passed...yeah those days are upon us dear bloggers...and as always...the gyms start getting full! Monday evening at 6pm, summertime - the gym is a NO GO ZONE unless u like waiting in line to use any of the machines..

Why oh why do people wait until summer to start working out...I am not exempt from this question!! I too have waited until the last minute to do something about the extra winter weight..instead of just sticking to my routine that I started in feb this year, I decided to go into hibernation along with all the other warm blooded animals, and have only now started thinking "oops I better get rid of these 5kg's" hahaha

So on my journey to try and get back into things, I opted NOT to have a packet of flings today as my afternoon snack and opted to have a glass of fresh orange juice...which I juiced at work!! I am busy with THEE most mundane task so any minute away from my desk is BLISS!! :)

Trying to be healthy in an office full of people who don't rteally care can be challenging...while I'm drinking my orange juice, I can hear the rustling of chip packets and chocolates...

ARGGHHHHHH Once it becomes a way of life, I am sure it will be easier...right??!?

CHHEEERRRSSSS to SUMMERRRR :) :) :)

Mid month meal masked as month end special

2010-09-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

I've been b*tching and moaning lately about how I feel like the slave in our house by always cooking and cleaning...and guess what...this time my complaints did not fall on deaf ears!!

The other night T made us dinner...I love it when he cooks! He puts a lot of time and effort into it, though he would probably diasgree or perhaps it just seems that way because he doesn't just throw things in the pan (as I sometimes do)...and I LOVE that he CAN cook..and believe me when I tell you that he cooks more than just rice and/or a boiled egg!

BONUS - he's also a sexy cook...

but enough of my "dreamy-moments-watching-this-sexy-man-cook-while-I-sit-on-the-couch-looking-like-a-lovesick-puppy" ;)

Order of the night...Pasta a la T :)

Ingredients

Pasta - any shape? We used the shells because it's what we had in the cupboard
Can of tomatoe and onion mix (works well when you're lazy to chop things up yourself)
Thyme - doesn't have to be fresh but fresh is always better
Garlic and Chilli mix
Worcester Sauce
Oil
Mascarpone

Method

Pasta - boil until al dente..
Set aside and keep some of the strained water for the tomatoe gravy

Tomatoe Sauce

Fry Garlic and Chillies until brown. How much oil to use?? Not a lot of course because we're ading loads of fat later
Add tomatoe and onion mix
Add a few dashes of Worcester Sauce (I think the spelling of this sauce is wrong - but its pronounded "whooster" sauce - well that;s how I pronounce it anyway ;)) T added about 5 or 6?
Add one heaped teaspoon of Thyme
Add about 2 tablespoons of the leftover pasta water to the mix

Cover pan with lid and allow sauce to cook for a few minutes (how many minutes - maybe 15minutes? I'm not sure) Our test is to use a wooden spoon when mixing and when u part the sauce, it needs to separate for a few seconds (maybe 2) - almost like the biblical parting of the sea ;)

THENNNN the final touch - what made this a SPECIAL mid month special :) - add the creamy mascarpone!! We (or rather T) added half the tub ;) Stir all together, allow to simmer on very low setting...

Mid month meal masked as month end special is now ready to be DEVOURED!!

I didn't only have seconds...I had third helping as well! But I'll work off the pasta ..*wink wink*

So beautiful and serene

2010-09-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Fireflies in Germany in the summer months...truelly beautiful

A favour for a friend on her wedding day...

2010-09-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

So it was a very good friends traditional wedding this weekend! What an amazing occassion it was. I had to be at the house from 8 in the am to experience the "behind-the-scenes" of such an occassion and wow wow wow~! It was truly awesome...I cried..the entire morning...Of joy of course

We've been friends for about 8 years ..had a fall out 2 years ago and never spoke during that time. I missed her. I'm glad that we're able to talk again...when we just met we used to chill on the couch and talk about how one day we would both be married (our boyfriends are cousins) and how our kids would more than likely grow up together...and its happening..hence the tears!! Tears of joy I might add....

Anyway I made her red velvety goodness cupcakes for her and husband to enjoy after the wedding! :) Even though I hid the box in her mom's room during the day, someone managed to get a hold of the box and ate every single cupcake! I guess I should be honoured - that must mean they were good - right? hahaha

Guess I'll be making these again...but it was awesome making them ...considering the fact that I was making them for a very good friend on her wedding day....

Weird song to love..yes maybe..so what..

2010-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Found this on another blog that I follow..I'm sure when she posted this song at the time, she was hurtingbut the song jingle doesn't go with that mood...maybe that's how she';s dealing with her pain...

I listened to the song expecting it to be sad...but the jingle is actaulyl really cool! this is a song I can hear myself singing along to!

Don't u ever feel like saying F#$%#% u to someone?? I'd love to sing it to someone!

Colours of my cupcake...

2010-08-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's happened to me in the last month or so but I'm on a foodie roll! :) And note that I don't make them to eat all of them. I make them because I love baking and making things look pretty...and blogging about them AND finally (and maybe the most important point) I love giving them away!!! Think I should start charging for my services haha

Cupcakes make u happy..or should I say make me happy (amongst other things like GOOD SHOES!!!!)..all the pretty colours in one tiny cute package! YUMMY! And watching people eat good cupcakes is even better!!! My aim in the next few months - be the cupcake queen who has UBER style (thinking of shoes here :)

I was up until 11:30 last night decorating these..dropped them off at mums office this am :)

Do I Love giving - hell to the yeah!! :)

I heart chocolate..

2010-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Last week I rushed to get three assignments completed and submitted in two days (SHEESSH)..needless to say that when I should have bend focussing on my studies, I was thinking about othe things..like what shoes I'm going to buy this month, what to wear to a friends wedding this weekend..and what else can I eat??

I couldn't get to the shop so I dug up old recipe books (filled with things I find on the net nad then cut and paste into the book) and found the chocolate cake in a mug recipe (from some online recipe thing last year)... Took about 10minutes to mix and throw eeverything into the MICROWAVE!! The mixture was too much for one person in a mug so I decided to "gooi" them in the oven and made two lil chocolate cupcakes...

Chocolate never disappoints!

Thicky Thins..LOVE this song and this video and her "thicky thins"

2010-08-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

Thicky thins...a term used by a male friend once upon a time! He said girls with thick thighs (but those which are solid) are thicky thins. Make sense...nope not much! But I love her body and her voice ,,,,her voice is rough and gritty and unique...and fresh! My number one love is still Missy Elliott but Miss Minaj is close behind Missy ;)

This is the song that will get me through today! Do yourself a favour and wacth the video... the guys in the vid do some WEIRDDD stuff with their arms!Can u say FLEXY?! :)

My weekend - like a picture book ;)

2010-08-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Mixture for shortbread..rubbing my hand through this mixture was so much fun! It took me back to my days in Swaziland, in my grannys kitchen when I used to stand on her kitchen chair to reach the table..would help her mix everything together and wait eagerly for the freshly baked goods...GOOD MEMORIES!!

Close up of the buttery goodness

End product

My lovely sister playing with the decor for my cupcakes..

Last Saturday we went for drinks @ the office in Greenside..will do another post on the venue..but this was a gingerbread mule followed by a Jagerbomb! hmmm goodie!

I met mom, Jand L (my younger sister - one is 17 and the other is 25) for breakfast at Blubird Shopping center..there is this really great old school family-togetherness- feeling restaurant there called Bay Leaf and Sage..awesome service and awesome food in an awesome setting (too many awesomes?? haha) Do yourself a favour and wake up early one saturday or sunday am - have breakfast there! Your body will thank you.

J had this for lunch...a creamy pesto pasta with chicken and mushrooms...really good

J's favourite - Cappuccino with LOTSSSS of cream! And she has this allll the time but doesn't put on any wright! ARGH hate it!! Wish I was that lucky,,I just look at it and I gain 1kg ;)

This was Sunday Lunch..well Monday lunch with the family...was my grannys birthday (she turned 68 this year but doesn't look a day over 50!!) and we decided to invite the family over for lunch! I LOVE family time!! With all my heart and soul! In this mix is Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Stew, Mutton Curry, Savoury Rice, Chicken Breyani, Creamed Spinach, Butternut, J's special Pasta Thermador, Baked Bean salad and potatoe salad - with wine on the side of course :)

Part 2 of family get together....We had pancakes with strawberrys and cream and/or ice cream - whatever you wished for :) These strawberrys make me happy cos they're soooo fresh and bright and earthy! Summer is DEFINITELY on its way! Cannot wait to experiment with strawberry desserts! nyom nyom!

A chocolate cake that I made at 0830 in the am! I don't lik waking up early but it was a special day for granny so I was up with the birds busy "bee-ing" it up in the kitchen...

YUMMYY

I tried to be different with my dessert...as always...and decided to tear my pancake into long strips and then layer it with cream AND ice cream with strawberrys thrown in the mix...needless to say it was way too much for my to finish ...but it was soooo pretty!! just look at it! :)

And that my dear friends is what I got up to sometime ago :)

Mercury never looked so good.

2010-08-05T02:57:00.001-07:00

What do you do when u have a crazy day at work and cannot face anything or anyone?!?!

You go into the kitchen and take your time preparing lunch (that's what I resorted to yesterday). Took a leisurely stroll to the shop, bought a few things and threw it together :)

Ingredients:

Yellow peppers

Mixed Salad with herbs (don't know what herbs?)

Tuna aka mercury

Tomatoe

Gherkins

Honey and Mustard Salad Dressing

Enjoyed with diluted Fanta Orange (yes I'm weird like that I dilute my drinks!) :)

Your birthdate

2010-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

*Age in years*	*26.98*
*Age in months*	*324*
*Age in days*	*9846*
*Age in hours*	*236303*
*Age in minutes*	*14178196*
*Age in seconds*	*850691774*
*Age in Milli seconds*	*85069177372*
*Age in weeks*	*1407*
*You born on*	*Sunday*

After a freaking day from helllll...

2010-08-03T08:10:00.001-07:00

I want to go home and ...

and eat this...

but I won't....as tempting as it is....

Say it isn't so!!

2010-08-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

Shortage of potatoes?!?!?!?!!?

I'm going to stock up RIGHT NOW! ;)

*EXCI-TOSIS**

2010-07-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

So my other food blog, featured on the MAIN page of the website - yes the MAIN PAGE - today and I have received more than 4000 views and a 5/5 rating!! I'm not that fased by the small stuff but the fact that I saw it on THEEE MAINNNN PAGEEEEE

Made me jump for joy and skip around my office like a young kid!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!

What comes from a cow....

2010-07-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

.....MILK TART :) :) :)

I generally enjoy eating Milk Tart but have never atually gone to the store to buy one (which reminds me - Woolies now sell Milk Tarts - I haven't tried them yet - let me know what they're like ;))

Anyway back to the matter at hand...I made my own Milk Tart or Melk Tart (is it tart or tert)!!! I got the recipe from a colleague at work, who I think got the recipe from The Hulletts website? Took about half an hour to make? No baking is needed for this tart (I laugh eveytime I say that - TART haha)

Considering it was made so quickly, it was really tasty - REALLY TASTY :) Soft, smooth and creamy like milk tart should be :)

Crumb crust made with 1 packet of crushed Tennis biscuits and 125g butter, melted.

FILLING:
500ml (2 cups) milk
Piece of cinnamon stick
60 - 100ml Huletts White Sugar, depending on personal taste
2 eggs
45ml (3 Tablespoons) cornflour
45ml (3 Tablespoons) flour
3ml (½ teaspoon) vanilla essence
30ml (2 Tablespoons) butter
Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

The really good part

Heat the milk with the piece of stick cinnamon to just under boiling point. - I used two cinnamon sticks
Meanwhile, lightly beat the eggs with the sugar, then add the cornflour and flour. - with an electric beater
Pour the hot milk onto this mixture, stirring rapidly. Return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring till the mixture becomes very thick. Thorough stirring is important to prevent the mixture from catching on the bottom of the pan, and to prevent lumps.
Off the heat, add the essence and add the butter. Stir well till the butter is melted.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tart crust. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

{SIDE NOTES}

Soo, the recipe didn't say anything about greasing your pie dish before placing the tenis biscuits in the dish?? Guess that's common sense though? Well last night, I lacked that common sense and I struggled to get the base (of the tart) out of the dish this am! haha

Mixing the actual tart mixture - U need strong arms and quick movement to make sure that the mixture doesn't stick to the base of your pan OR get lumpy. Next time I make this tart, I will have my blender whisk close by - less of a workout :)

Enjoy! And let me know how your turns out...

What did u do last night??

2010-07-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood to try something different yesterday...I rushed to the grocery store..got some random ingredients (cream, basil, fish, bran, cup cake holders, and and and) and threw everything together when I got home...

The result....a yummy creamy fish spaghetti dish....served with caramalised onions (did I mention that I love caramalised OnIOnS?!?!?!?! - Yes I do...probably not so good to eat if ure going on a first date but I have a loving man who loves with my onion breath hahaha)..All of that was served with some yummy Merlot..just one glass! Good for your health and sense of humor :) Someone out there wull probably frown at this combination, but there is no rule book when it comes to taste buds!

Dinner down..

There is no set recipe for this dish as it really was a "throw-together-get-in-mytummy-now" dish! I used hake, fresh basil, garlic, butter for the fish..ordinary spaghetti (500 grams) and 500ml fresh cream...I love chillies so I added some to my dish as well. Fresh red chillies.

Fish in the pan.. I added garlic, basil and butter to this mix

"CarMAlised Onions" :)

Fresh Basil..so pretty and earthy and fresh!

End result...creamy pasta!

2010-07-28T05:35:00.001-07:00

(From my old blog home)

But I realised that this qas written 2 years ago and Survivor was on TV...Guess what...Survivor is currently on SABC3! hahaha Freaky

All the talk yesterday about mashed potatoe on brightsides' blog made me hungry..and seeing that potatoes are my poison, I decided to ditch the healthy eating for one night and indulge!!!

Soooo I made mashed potatoe !!

boil potatoe in water and however u decide to make it *wink wink*. BUTTT hold on...the mash was missing an important ingredient!! BUTTER!!! I always make my mash with salt, pepper, milk n butter but seeing that we're trying to be healthy our house, we haven't bought butter for 2 months...mash was a little...um boring... (how else do u make mash creamy without using butter)

Couldn't eat the mash alone so I decided to lightly fry some fish. I usually mix flour, fish spice and egg for the batter but was lazy so decided to ditch the egg (but more on this later ;).

Hake Fillets cut into quarters
Roll fish quarters in the flour and fish spice mixture (about a quarter cup of flour and 2 spoons of fish spice - depends on how much fish u're doing)
add to frying pan...fry lightly on either side till u think it's done ;o)
Fish is done...set aside

Was wishing for a gravy of some sorts so decided to make a 'deluxe' baked bean gravy (ingredients below):

1 onion
garlic
ginger
coriander
basil
some curry powder
1 can of baked beans in tomatoe sauce
ALL GOLD tomatoe sauce (I prefer all gold but any tomatoe sauce would work)

Finely chop the onion and add it along with the garlic and ginger to some oil. Fry until golden brown. Chop coriander and basil and add that to the same pan. Then add the curry powder (i used one spoonfull of mother in law spice) cook for a few minutes (like the spice to cook before adding anything else). Now add Baked Beans and stir all together ;) You could do this in order I guess - it wouldn't make a difference (don't think it would) Then add tomatoe sauce and leave to simmer for few minutes.

"Dinners ready babe" .....

But wait....I remembered that I wanted to make "CARMALISED" onion *haha* so decided to finely chop one onion...kinda fried it till it was 'soft' then added sugar (carmalised in my mind = sugar+onion) fried a little longe till thought it was ready! Got my loving boyfriend to test! (drum roll.....) was toooo sweet! So we decided to add vinegar! Ta daaaaaa....we have sweet n sour onions!!

And finallllyyyy dinner was done...in time for us to watch survivor!

My 1st time....

2010-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm so farking excited!!!!!!! Today was the first time, in my ENTIRE life, that I used an SLR camera! A Canon EOS 550D to be exact!! Oh my heart be stilll....

The downfall...it's not my damn camera! It belongs to a colleague who had his old one replaced (by insurance) after it was stolen! NXA! Can u say JEALOUSY!?!?!?!?!

Our office is really boring so I decided to take pics of someones fruit :)

I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one!

Not specifically a Canon...I just want an S.L.R...is that too much to ask for??

Can u say FRUSTRATED~

2010-07-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

A day from farking hell!!SH*T...

I think I'm going home to do this. ..as well as a hot bubble bath, good food and wine!! Yay! :)

NuNuZa

...

Asian Style Cooking for the Weekend

7 Colour Meals..well almost 7 colours.

Social networks: trust or not...

♥ Food Porn: in the name of caramel ♥

I do, I do, I do....I already do.

Zucchini Pancake for breakfast?

JHB Summer Rains the keeper of my soul

My 10hr, 5kg labour of love ♥

Many ways to eat a ....

♥ City Night Loving ♥

HAHAHAAHAHAHAAHA a special is not always a special

Marketing at Night

That 4pm kinda hungry

Hearty Beef Stew served with Sweet Roasted Butternut

"Hanging-onto-the-last-few-days-of-Winter" Mushroom Soup

Spring Shopping ~ Lost and Found Viewing Party in the City!!

You say "Janash" I say "Ga-na-sh"

Dinner for 2 to the power of 2.

Calling ALL Sushi Lovers.

Address 44 Stanley Avenue Milpark, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa · Get Directions Phone 011 482 7691 Website http://www.blisslounge.co.zahttp://www.44stanley.co.za Hours Tues - Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

How cute is this?

So excited...

Hello...my name is...Nunuza :)

An ode to the office toaster

JHB Bloggers meet up party - TONIGHT

Challenge...bring it

Sweet for my sweet, sugar for my honey

Rocking Independance Day heels

Hawaiian Themed Cake

A "some-more" snack...without the calories

Looking good..the Lost & Found way

Coffee with your cake??

Colours of Autumn

Bite That Bunny

Chocolate anyone?

My baby might be broken...along with my heart.

"Budget Beater Bourgeois Tart" or just Caramelised Onion & Courgette Tart

Johazardousburg

Vegetable Tagine with olive and parsley couscous

Can you see the red velvety goodness

Nail colours for summer...

Vintage Fitness

Sugar Inspiration

Lovely Lucy Lamington

Method

Vanilla Sponge

"my" toy for a day

Temptation oh so sweet

Something fun for you foodies

hmm...

**All in the spirit of giving**

I'm a sucker for weddings..

Ke DEZEMBA aka it's december ..

Cos you're a star..

Oh Nicki and Em how do I love thee - let me count the ways

"MEEEE-LLLEEEEESSSSS"

PB and J S...;)

Chocolate Caramel Slice of Heaven

Feel Good Pick Me Up

You like presents?!?!

Flops never hurt no1

Happy Weeekeeennnndddd

**Woes of summer**

Mid month meal masked as month end special

So beautiful and serene

A favour for a friend on her wedding day...

Weird song to love..yes maybe..so what..

Colours of my cupcake...

I heart chocolate..

Thicky Thins..LOVE this song and this video and her "thicky thins"

My weekend - like a picture book ;)

Mercury never looked so good.

Your birthdate

After a freaking day from helllll...

Say it isn't so!!

***EXCI-TOSIS****

What comes from a cow....

What did u do last night??

Address
44 Stanley Avenue Milpark, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa · Get Directions

Phone
011 482 7691

Website
http://www.blisslounge.co.za
http://www.44stanley.co.za

Hours

Tues - Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

All in the spirit of giving

Woes of summer

*EXCI-TOSIS**