Present:
Dad (Smirker in the Corner)
Mum (Chairperson / Secretary / General Dogsbody)
Sophie Bell (Chief Whinger and Complainer of All Things Unfair)
Caleb Bell (Holder of Bottom Rung in Pecking Order)
Buzz and Lemon Meringue the goldfish (no speaking rights)
Apologies:
Barry the Cat (didn't bother showing up - rude!)
Matters Arising:
1) Meeting is called to order by Mum and rules of the 'Talking Stick' explained.
2) Rules of the talking stick clarified once more.
3) Sophie takes hold of Talking Stick and explains reason for meeting - Caleb is guilty of stealing precious Hello Kitty clock (purchased with own money) and throwing it in his room, resulting in it being "smashed to bits". Demands that a new one be purchased, this time a Princess themed one (over Hello Kitty phase) that can hang on wall, out of pesky little brother's reach..
4) Stick passed to Caleb, who freely admits stealing and smashing said clock, and proceeds to tap fish tank with Talking Stick, unperturbed.
5) Stick passed to Mum, who reminds all parties that new clocks cost money, of which Caleb has none. Mum and Dad should not send their money on clock when they have no involvement with crime.
6) Dad mentions particularly sad state of family finances due to yet another nasty lawnmower repair bill.
**Muttering heard from Mum's end of the table about lemons and second-hand ride on mowers. Unclear and spoken out of turn, so not minuted**
7) Mum asks Caleb how he can get some money.
8) Caleb suggests going to the shop and buying some money, before removing himself from the meeting. Slips on book left on floor and bangs head on corner of magazine rack. Cries.
**Meeting adjourned briefly until order restored**
9) Caleb returned to meeting and instructed to stay until issue has been resolved.
10) Rules of the talking stick clarified once more.
11) Sophie suggests chores for Caleb to earn money.
12) Caleb flogs Talking Stick and runs away.
**Meeting restored briefly until order restored**
13) Role of Talking Stick clarified once more.
14) Sophie raises hands and shares her carefully thought out list of appropriate chores.
- Feeding Minty twice a day for a week
- Picking up stones.
15) Sophie reminded that Minty eats grass and no-one ever feeds her, so that is not an appropriate chore. Talking Stick abandoned.
16) Dad gets gleam in eye at prospect of stone removal from lawn, potentially preventing further nasty lawn mower repair bills.
17) Mum agrees.
18) Sophie smirks.
19) Restorative justice achieved and meeting adjourned, 2:05pm.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Bliss in a swiss roll tin...
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownie
180g butter
150g dark chocolate
1 3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
3/4 cup flour
2 tbsp self-raising flour
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/3 cup cocoa
50g extra dark chocolate
3 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
Line (why do they always suggest greasing as well? I never do) a swiss roll tin.
Melt together butter and 150g chocolate.
In a bowl lightly beat the eggs then add sugar, vanilla ess, flour and cocoa.
When the butter and chocolate mixture has melted allow it to cool slightly before adding to the other mixture. If you don't, it does strange frothy, early cooking things. Trust me.
Stir together then add remaining chocolate bits.
Place in tin.
Soften the peanut butter then with a spoon blob it on top of the brownie.
Using either a sharp knife or skewer swirl the peanut butter so that it creates a marble effect on top.
Bake at 160 degrees until just set - 40 minutes or so.
That is all. Happy calories...
180g butter
150g dark chocolate
1 3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
3/4 cup flour
2 tbsp self-raising flour
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/3 cup cocoa
50g extra dark chocolate
3 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
Line (why do they always suggest greasing as well? I never do) a swiss roll tin.
Melt together butter and 150g chocolate.
In a bowl lightly beat the eggs then add sugar, vanilla ess, flour and cocoa.
When the butter and chocolate mixture has melted allow it to cool slightly before adding to the other mixture. If you don't, it does strange frothy, early cooking things. Trust me.
Stir together then add remaining chocolate bits.
Place in tin.
Soften the peanut butter then with a spoon blob it on top of the brownie.
Using either a sharp knife or skewer swirl the peanut butter so that it creates a marble effect on top.
Bake at 160 degrees until just set - 40 minutes or so.
That is all. Happy calories...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Recent happenings
I've been getting the odd subtle (and sot so subtle!) reminder that I haven't updated for ages. There is a very good reason for this - nothing's happening!
We're trudging on in post-quake Canterbury, avoiding driving into Christchurch where possible, which our pockets are thanking us for in light of the truly horrific petrol prices these days. Whenever I think I might like to pop into town, I ask myself if it's worth spending $15 on - usually it's not!
The other day I ventured into the city to buy some of the alternative flours that I mix to make Caleb's gluten free bread mix. What is usually a 35 minute trip took forever, as I constantly hit the cordoned off 'Red Zone' that is keeping the worst hit areas of the CBD off limits. A thousand U-turns and curses later, we reached our destination (Discount Food Warehouse, for those who care - worth a look for flours, nuts and spices. And scary-looking Hindu pictures of ladies with lots of hands to terrify your children :D) and I was nearly at the point of tears over the stress of it all. This particular building was the only one green-stickered and open down what is usually a very busy inner-city block. Very sad, but I'm choosing to be excited about what our 'new' city will be like, instead of mourning the past. Perhaps we dare to hope that they might get public transport right - actually have a system that runs on time and inspires commuters to leave vehicles at home. There is talk of buildings being required to be 3 levels or less, and obviously they will be as quake-proof as current technology and design allows. The city-scape will be very different, but potentially a very exciting place to live, work and play. I think I should work for the council ;)
I have also been very busy at work. Typically, my planning for this term included many grandiose ideas that will drive to the brink of insanity before they are realised, but I'm still of the vain hope that we'll get there, providing there are no more earthquakes closing us down again.
Our biggest trial of late is the continual toilet-training drama that Caleb has us all engaging in. I'm pretty sure at some point he's going to decide that really, there are better things to be doing with his precious 2 year old time than requiring Mum, Dad and even Sophie to dash around, stress, wash copious amounts of clothing, clean up puddles and foul messes while he watches on with a smirk on his face. Or maybe he knows he's onto a good thing...
We have days that are perfect, and days that he and the toilet are not on speaking terms. We also have days when he is fine, until he spots that shiny, sparkly thing on his way to the loo and forgets he needs to go RIGHT THEN **head> - < desk**
Anyway, he's the routine that must be adhered to for all toiletting, and NO HELP is accepted. It really is no wonder we have messes!
Step One: Remove trousers and undies entirely.
Step Two: Close toilet Lid.
Step Three: Climb on toilet lid and turn on light.
Step Four: Climb off toilet lid.
Step Five: Lift up lid and seat of toilet.
Step Six: Climb on toilet.
Step Seven: Realise seat is up and bottom is cold on toilet bowl.
Step Eight: Hop off toilet.
Step Nine: Pull down toilet seat.
Step Ten: Hop on toilet and do business.
Step Eleven: Shake off drips VERY thoroughly. There is always one more when you think you are done.
Step Twelve: Hop off toilet
Step Thirteen: Pull lid down.
Step Fourteen: Climb on lid.
Step Fifteen: Flush toilet
Step Sixteen: Hop off toilet.
Step Seventeen: Realise light is still on so climb back on toilet and turn it off.
Step Eighteen: Try to get undies and trousers on. Fail.
Step Nineteen: Decide life is less complicated with no pants anyway, so run off and play bare-bottomed.
Bless his trying wee soul...
This morning he did some threading to make a collar for his stuffed dog. Pipe cleaners made the threading much easier and it actually kept him quiet for more than 5 minutes. Or maybe that's an exaggeration. It was at least 3, anyway!
Today we went to the park, and for poor Sophie, an inevitable travesty has occurred - her brother now balances out the see saw! She was furious to be left stranded at half altitude and a lot learning regarding the laws of physics ensued. I think she worked out where she needs to sit to bring it down in the end, but not without a great deal of swinging, bellowing and declaring that "I'M THE BIGGEST, you're only TWO!" The joys of being of mousy proportions and having a brother just 16 months younger!
Caleb has always had an oddly obsessive nature, and although he is still fiercely fond of windmills, hot air balloons and eggs, he has developed a fascination for space and bugs. I suspect a certain Space Ranger may have something to do with this. The park we went to today had a climbing frame shaped like a planet, and he was delighted to have "Satuuuuuuurrrrrrn" to clamber on and have as a base to call 'Star Command'.
He startled me in the supermarket the other day by spelling out C-U-S-T-O-M-E-R S-E-R-V-C-E before attempting to sound it out. Being the neglected second child, I really haven't had the time or inclination to teach him anything other than to use the freaking toilet (please, dear child, PLEASE!) and to sleep through the night. Both of these have been somewhat spectacular failures. Obviously the Leap Pad Fridge Phonics that drives me so batty works. Either that or his sister should follow me into the teaching profession!
So that is it, really. The city is still mostly munted, Caleb's toileting is obviously ruled by the lunar cycle, planetary alignment or the number of shiny, sparkly things to be found on the way to the loo, and he's obviously a certifiable genius that will undoubtedly provide extremely well for his long-suffering parents in their retirement.
Pretty quiet month, really!
We're trudging on in post-quake Canterbury, avoiding driving into Christchurch where possible, which our pockets are thanking us for in light of the truly horrific petrol prices these days. Whenever I think I might like to pop into town, I ask myself if it's worth spending $15 on - usually it's not!
The other day I ventured into the city to buy some of the alternative flours that I mix to make Caleb's gluten free bread mix. What is usually a 35 minute trip took forever, as I constantly hit the cordoned off 'Red Zone' that is keeping the worst hit areas of the CBD off limits. A thousand U-turns and curses later, we reached our destination (Discount Food Warehouse, for those who care - worth a look for flours, nuts and spices. And scary-looking Hindu pictures of ladies with lots of hands to terrify your children :D) and I was nearly at the point of tears over the stress of it all. This particular building was the only one green-stickered and open down what is usually a very busy inner-city block. Very sad, but I'm choosing to be excited about what our 'new' city will be like, instead of mourning the past. Perhaps we dare to hope that they might get public transport right - actually have a system that runs on time and inspires commuters to leave vehicles at home. There is talk of buildings being required to be 3 levels or less, and obviously they will be as quake-proof as current technology and design allows. The city-scape will be very different, but potentially a very exciting place to live, work and play. I think I should work for the council ;)
I have also been very busy at work. Typically, my planning for this term included many grandiose ideas that will drive to the brink of insanity before they are realised, but I'm still of the vain hope that we'll get there, providing there are no more earthquakes closing us down again.
Our biggest trial of late is the continual toilet-training drama that Caleb has us all engaging in. I'm pretty sure at some point he's going to decide that really, there are better things to be doing with his precious 2 year old time than requiring Mum, Dad and even Sophie to dash around, stress, wash copious amounts of clothing, clean up puddles and foul messes while he watches on with a smirk on his face. Or maybe he knows he's onto a good thing...
We have days that are perfect, and days that he and the toilet are not on speaking terms. We also have days when he is fine, until he spots that shiny, sparkly thing on his way to the loo and forgets he needs to go RIGHT THEN **head> - < desk**
Anyway, he's the routine that must be adhered to for all toiletting, and NO HELP is accepted. It really is no wonder we have messes!
Step One: Remove trousers and undies entirely.
Step Two: Close toilet Lid.
Step Three: Climb on toilet lid and turn on light.
Step Four: Climb off toilet lid.
Step Five: Lift up lid and seat of toilet.
Step Six: Climb on toilet.
Step Seven: Realise seat is up and bottom is cold on toilet bowl.
Step Eight: Hop off toilet.
Step Nine: Pull down toilet seat.
Step Ten: Hop on toilet and do business.
Step Eleven: Shake off drips VERY thoroughly. There is always one more when you think you are done.
Step Twelve: Hop off toilet
Step Thirteen: Pull lid down.
Step Fourteen: Climb on lid.
Step Fifteen: Flush toilet
Step Sixteen: Hop off toilet.
Step Seventeen: Realise light is still on so climb back on toilet and turn it off.
Step Eighteen: Try to get undies and trousers on. Fail.
Step Nineteen: Decide life is less complicated with no pants anyway, so run off and play bare-bottomed.
Bless his trying wee soul...
This morning he did some threading to make a collar for his stuffed dog. Pipe cleaners made the threading much easier and it actually kept him quiet for more than 5 minutes. Or maybe that's an exaggeration. It was at least 3, anyway!
Today we went to the park, and for poor Sophie, an inevitable travesty has occurred - her brother now balances out the see saw! She was furious to be left stranded at half altitude and a lot learning regarding the laws of physics ensued. I think she worked out where she needs to sit to bring it down in the end, but not without a great deal of swinging, bellowing and declaring that "I'M THE BIGGEST, you're only TWO!" The joys of being of mousy proportions and having a brother just 16 months younger!
Caleb has always had an oddly obsessive nature, and although he is still fiercely fond of windmills, hot air balloons and eggs, he has developed a fascination for space and bugs. I suspect a certain Space Ranger may have something to do with this. The park we went to today had a climbing frame shaped like a planet, and he was delighted to have "Satuuuuuuurrrrrrn" to clamber on and have as a base to call 'Star Command'.
He startled me in the supermarket the other day by spelling out C-U-S-T-O-M-E-R S-E-R-V-C-E before attempting to sound it out. Being the neglected second child, I really haven't had the time or inclination to teach him anything other than to use the freaking toilet (please, dear child, PLEASE!) and to sleep through the night. Both of these have been somewhat spectacular failures. Obviously the Leap Pad Fridge Phonics that drives me so batty works. Either that or his sister should follow me into the teaching profession!
So that is it, really. The city is still mostly munted, Caleb's toileting is obviously ruled by the lunar cycle, planetary alignment or the number of shiny, sparkly things to be found on the way to the loo, and he's obviously a certifiable genius that will undoubtedly provide extremely well for his long-suffering parents in their retirement.
Pretty quiet month, really!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Feathered friends / fiends
I haven't updated for ages. To those admirable folk who care enough to read my ramblings, I do apologise. In the craziness of the post-quake world hereabouts, I've been pretty distracted, though to be fair, visiting family and my old friend Workoholism have played a part too. I forgot how much I actually love my job, when I'm not stressing over childcare and functioning on minimal sleep. I'm enjoying seeing some fairly massive academic gains take place in my class, though teaching a very boy-heavy bunch is certain to lead me to the brink of insanity sometime very soon.
Anyway, I digress...
A few months ago, we got some chooks. They were promptly named Cinderella, Ariel, and Fizz. We can mostly tell them apart, though when Fizz grows the feathers back around her nether regions, it may become difficult.
We had always intended to get chooks, but Steve had grandiose plans for the Taj Mahal of hen houses, so there was quite a building process before we were ready. To his credit, the finished product didn't cost us a cent, and was made entirely from salvaged or recycled building materials. It even has a fancy wee flap to access the laying boxes, though we had to do a bit of work convincing them that they were suitable boxes, as they preferred the floor for a while. I would perhaps like a gate on the run, as we've shredded two favourite clothing items whilst climbing the 'we'll-never-need-to-actually-climb-that' fence already. Am also becoming adept at clipping feathered wings, but more about that later...
Pretty flash, aye?
The first bunch are common old brown shavers. They lay very reliably, and are incredibly tame. The kids spend a lot of time playing with them, picking them up, feeding them, and generally having a merry old time.
Today we acquired a pair of banty / shaver crosses - one old lady, prone to broodiness, and a young cockerel (okay, I just wanted to type that word!) that will end up in my lovely new casserole dish the day he learns to crow. We are very fond of the theory of wee chickens running about, but the idea of an early wake up call is a little unsettling when we are this close to restoring our child-induced sleep deficit.
So against our better judgement, and following the advice of the fair folk who gave us the chooks, we just bunged them in with the others straight off. I built a funky wee teepee of branches as an alternative roost if they were made unwelcome in the Taj Mahal, and left them to fight out the pecking order.
A few hours (or was it minutes?) later, I was seen dashing off up the hill, wielding Steve's precious trout net (which to be fair hasn't had a LOT of use for its intended purpose for a variety of reasons **winks and waits for backlash later**) and swiping at two amazingly quick chooks.
There were howls of mirth from the deck, as Steve (recovering from knee surgery) watched and attempted to video my gallant efforts at catching both rascals in the net. Some foul (fowl? **groans at own humour**) words may have been uttered at this point, and he limped and grimaced his way down to give me a hand.
Eventually we caught both, though not without some drama. Minty attempted to help and ended up chained up for her efforts. If it wasn't for her prize-winning efforts at the local A&P show recently, she'd be heading for a long slow stint in my casserole dish too!
Speaking of which...
She went on to win 4th (**ahem** last) in the champion all age round, but we shan't dwell on that. Minty and Sophie are the reigning champions of the Oxford A&P Association Preschool Pet Lamb class, and nothing shall deter our pride in such an achievement, even the tantrum that ensued during said championship round.
We've also been having a great deal of fun with the tops sawn of a friend's retaining wall posts. My intention is to concrete them in as a meandering climbing feature for the kids, but in the meantime, they make great building materials! I love watching their wee minds work as they build, balance, and play around with the laws of physics. Trying not to twitch about that treated timber...
Anyway, I digress...
A few months ago, we got some chooks. They were promptly named Cinderella, Ariel, and Fizz. We can mostly tell them apart, though when Fizz grows the feathers back around her nether regions, it may become difficult.
We had always intended to get chooks, but Steve had grandiose plans for the Taj Mahal of hen houses, so there was quite a building process before we were ready. To his credit, the finished product didn't cost us a cent, and was made entirely from salvaged or recycled building materials. It even has a fancy wee flap to access the laying boxes, though we had to do a bit of work convincing them that they were suitable boxes, as they preferred the floor for a while. I would perhaps like a gate on the run, as we've shredded two favourite clothing items whilst climbing the 'we'll-never-need-to-actually-climb-that' fence already. Am also becoming adept at clipping feathered wings, but more about that later...
Pretty flash, aye?
The first bunch are common old brown shavers. They lay very reliably, and are incredibly tame. The kids spend a lot of time playing with them, picking them up, feeding them, and generally having a merry old time.
Today we acquired a pair of banty / shaver crosses - one old lady, prone to broodiness, and a young cockerel (okay, I just wanted to type that word!) that will end up in my lovely new casserole dish the day he learns to crow. We are very fond of the theory of wee chickens running about, but the idea of an early wake up call is a little unsettling when we are this close to restoring our child-induced sleep deficit.
So against our better judgement, and following the advice of the fair folk who gave us the chooks, we just bunged them in with the others straight off. I built a funky wee teepee of branches as an alternative roost if they were made unwelcome in the Taj Mahal, and left them to fight out the pecking order.
A few hours (or was it minutes?) later, I was seen dashing off up the hill, wielding Steve's precious trout net (which to be fair hasn't had a LOT of use for its intended purpose for a variety of reasons **winks and waits for backlash later**) and swiping at two amazingly quick chooks.
There were howls of mirth from the deck, as Steve (recovering from knee surgery) watched and attempted to video my gallant efforts at catching both rascals in the net. Some foul (fowl? **groans at own humour**) words may have been uttered at this point, and he limped and grimaced his way down to give me a hand.
Eventually we caught both, though not without some drama. Minty attempted to help and ended up chained up for her efforts. If it wasn't for her prize-winning efforts at the local A&P show recently, she'd be heading for a long slow stint in my casserole dish too!
Speaking of which...
She went on to win 4th (**ahem** last) in the champion all age round, but we shan't dwell on that. Minty and Sophie are the reigning champions of the Oxford A&P Association Preschool Pet Lamb class, and nothing shall deter our pride in such an achievement, even the tantrum that ensued during said championship round.
We've also been having a great deal of fun with the tops sawn of a friend's retaining wall posts. My intention is to concrete them in as a meandering climbing feature for the kids, but in the meantime, they make great building materials! I love watching their wee minds work as they build, balance, and play around with the laws of physics. Trying not to twitch about that treated timber...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
These are a few of my favourite things!
Yeah, apologies about the Sound of Music theme going on lately. Where did that come from?
So it was my birthday yesterday. Was thoroughly spoiled, but as I didn't expect to be and had made copious pleas not to be in light of the recent earthquake and general depressed mood of all Canterbury-residing folk of late, I thought I'd make just a wee purchase for myself **darty-eyed glance**
I splashed out and bought a cast iron casserole dish. A bit sad, and not even that expensive given the Farmers '60%-Off-So-Please-Get-Spending-Again-Canterbury-In-Case-We-Go-Bankrupt' sale, but very exciting for me and my sad little collection of disfunctional, un-matching and cracked cookware.
So it inspired me to make a list of my bestest favourite cooking stuff. I hasten to point out here that until very recently, my entire kitchen was stocked full of second and third-hand cast-offs from late grandmothers and the boys' flat that was our first home until I moved in.
We had an amazing collection of saucepans with handles that fell off if you didn't screw them back on after every use. Copious amounts of spatulas with melted handles, and measuring spoons with the unit rubbed off. And some ugly, ugly bakeware. Possibly so ugly that had I kept it for another decade it would be back in vogue.
Anyway, since acquiring a new house last year, I got a bit stroppy about upgrading a few items and actually buying something NEW that hadn't been thrashed and rejected by someone else. So here's my list of loves...
Old School Kenwood Mixer
I love this baby. She's a few decades older than me and runs like a dream. She actually was previously owned by a grandmother, but I'd sell my soul to buy one of these second hand if I didn't already have one. Seriously. The new Kenwood mixers (the trendy coloured Kitchen Aid rip-off kind) don't even come CLOSE to the functionality, reliability and general awesomeness of these machines, despite looking so groovy that I'd possibly be tempted to buy one for the looks factor alone. I use mine to knead bread, mix cakes and cookie dough, beat eggs, basically everything. Unfortunately the rest of NZ has also become aware of how fantastic they are, so the price of one on Trade Me can be pretty daunting for something so old. LOVE IT. Have I said that already? Buy one. Or better yet, steal your granny's.
90cm Smeg Freestanding Oven
Yeah, so I know I'm skiting! I have been coveting this piece of culinary creating perfection for a few years. When I saw a new one on Trade Me while we were building for almost half the retail price, I bought it. And then had to sort out shipping for a 100kg oven from Auckland to Christchurch **nervous twitch**
It bakes perfectly. It simmers perfectly. It brings water to a raging boil in moments. It lets fudge and sweet treats idle away without frying their nether regions to tar on the bottom of a broken-handled saucepan. It really is every bit as wonderful as I hoped it would be. It has ingenious racks that layer in the most incredible way to fill that 90cm of baking space to the max. I have actually managed to cook two trays of cookies, 3 cakes, a loaf of bread and a lasagne all at once. And the cookies didn't even taste like mince!
My one complaint? It doesn't have a colour change function on the LCD display, so it clashes with my splashback. Bahahaha!
Shiny new Kenwood MultiPro food processor
This was my birthday pressie from everyone else. Was a tad flummoxed as had selfishly purchased cast iron casserole dish for self earlier, and now had a present afterall. I guess there goes Christmas!
I've hardly used it, but have coveted one for some time. Of course I'd love a Magimix, but I live in the real world and our budget just doesn't stretch that far. So it chops heaps of stuff, has a million gadgets and gizmos that attach to do cool stuff, and its shiny and silver. And it beats the pants of my second-hand, non-brand plastic fantastic blender with a half-sized food processor bowl attachment. Am looking forward immensely to making soup and managing to whizz it in fewer than 4 batches. Heaven.
Beside it is my Sunbeam Bakehouse breadmaker. This was the first 'new' appliance I ever owned, and it was after we'd been married for about 6 years. I am of two minds as to whether I love it. I used to. And Steve uses it daily to make bog-standard loaves of bread, so it has certainly proven itself to be very reliable and far better than any of the other cast-off breadmakers I've owned. I am getting quite fond of making bread by hand though, so I'm finding that I use it less these days. Still very handy though, so I included its picture. Also because I couldn't be bothered shifting the MultiPro from its suctioned wee feet which meant I couldn't crop the breadmaker out ;-)
Imperia Pasta Maker
I have sung its praises before, so I shan't repeat myself. Love it though. Don't be fooled by cheaper imitations. Like I was.
And here is my Shiny New Cast Iron Casserole Dish
... capitalising because I can. And because it deserves it.
Love being able to use the same pan to brown meat on the hob and then just bung it in the oven after adding the saucy bits. And I don't mean rude things.
It weighs a tonne, and I look forward to foisting it upon ungrateful future grandchildren and daughters-in-law when I buy new stuff, because this sucker would survive a nuclear holocaust. Or another major earthquake.
Is that statement in bad taste??
I took a picture of my Tupperware digital scales, because I think I do love them today. The thing is, though, that I have a passionate love-hate relationship with Tupperware. I adore their gleaming, stackable, matching fabulousness, but the disgraceful prices and exploitation of my obliging nature at parties makes me twitch. I think I have a Tupperware problem, actually, and don't EVER invite me to one of your parties, because I WILL buy too much, I WILL regret it, and no amount of shiny matching containers that I can't even microwave without breaking the fecking lids (and no, that's not covered under the infamous lifetime warranty) will make it okay. Although I do really like the free stuff. And my scales. And the wee lunchbox containers. And...
Right, I've been writing for ages, and actually I'm boring myself to tears, so if you've managed to stay tuned for so long, well done. If it was a Tupperware party, you'd be getting free egg separator. At least I think that's what it is for.
So it was my birthday yesterday. Was thoroughly spoiled, but as I didn't expect to be and had made copious pleas not to be in light of the recent earthquake and general depressed mood of all Canterbury-residing folk of late, I thought I'd make just a wee purchase for myself **darty-eyed glance**
I splashed out and bought a cast iron casserole dish. A bit sad, and not even that expensive given the Farmers '60%-Off-So-Please-Get-Spending-Again-Canterbury-In-Case-We-Go-Bankrupt' sale, but very exciting for me and my sad little collection of disfunctional, un-matching and cracked cookware.
So it inspired me to make a list of my bestest favourite cooking stuff. I hasten to point out here that until very recently, my entire kitchen was stocked full of second and third-hand cast-offs from late grandmothers and the boys' flat that was our first home until I moved in.
We had an amazing collection of saucepans with handles that fell off if you didn't screw them back on after every use. Copious amounts of spatulas with melted handles, and measuring spoons with the unit rubbed off. And some ugly, ugly bakeware. Possibly so ugly that had I kept it for another decade it would be back in vogue.
Anyway, since acquiring a new house last year, I got a bit stroppy about upgrading a few items and actually buying something NEW that hadn't been thrashed and rejected by someone else. So here's my list of loves...
Old School Kenwood Mixer
I love this baby. She's a few decades older than me and runs like a dream. She actually was previously owned by a grandmother, but I'd sell my soul to buy one of these second hand if I didn't already have one. Seriously. The new Kenwood mixers (the trendy coloured Kitchen Aid rip-off kind) don't even come CLOSE to the functionality, reliability and general awesomeness of these machines, despite looking so groovy that I'd possibly be tempted to buy one for the looks factor alone. I use mine to knead bread, mix cakes and cookie dough, beat eggs, basically everything. Unfortunately the rest of NZ has also become aware of how fantastic they are, so the price of one on Trade Me can be pretty daunting for something so old. LOVE IT. Have I said that already? Buy one. Or better yet, steal your granny's.
90cm Smeg Freestanding Oven
Yeah, so I know I'm skiting! I have been coveting this piece of culinary creating perfection for a few years. When I saw a new one on Trade Me while we were building for almost half the retail price, I bought it. And then had to sort out shipping for a 100kg oven from Auckland to Christchurch **nervous twitch**
It bakes perfectly. It simmers perfectly. It brings water to a raging boil in moments. It lets fudge and sweet treats idle away without frying their nether regions to tar on the bottom of a broken-handled saucepan. It really is every bit as wonderful as I hoped it would be. It has ingenious racks that layer in the most incredible way to fill that 90cm of baking space to the max. I have actually managed to cook two trays of cookies, 3 cakes, a loaf of bread and a lasagne all at once. And the cookies didn't even taste like mince!
My one complaint? It doesn't have a colour change function on the LCD display, so it clashes with my splashback. Bahahaha!
Shiny new Kenwood MultiPro food processor
This was my birthday pressie from everyone else. Was a tad flummoxed as had selfishly purchased cast iron casserole dish for self earlier, and now had a present afterall. I guess there goes Christmas!
I've hardly used it, but have coveted one for some time. Of course I'd love a Magimix, but I live in the real world and our budget just doesn't stretch that far. So it chops heaps of stuff, has a million gadgets and gizmos that attach to do cool stuff, and its shiny and silver. And it beats the pants of my second-hand, non-brand plastic fantastic blender with a half-sized food processor bowl attachment. Am looking forward immensely to making soup and managing to whizz it in fewer than 4 batches. Heaven.
Beside it is my Sunbeam Bakehouse breadmaker. This was the first 'new' appliance I ever owned, and it was after we'd been married for about 6 years. I am of two minds as to whether I love it. I used to. And Steve uses it daily to make bog-standard loaves of bread, so it has certainly proven itself to be very reliable and far better than any of the other cast-off breadmakers I've owned. I am getting quite fond of making bread by hand though, so I'm finding that I use it less these days. Still very handy though, so I included its picture. Also because I couldn't be bothered shifting the MultiPro from its suctioned wee feet which meant I couldn't crop the breadmaker out ;-)
Imperia Pasta Maker
I have sung its praises before, so I shan't repeat myself. Love it though. Don't be fooled by cheaper imitations. Like I was.
And here is my Shiny New Cast Iron Casserole Dish
... capitalising because I can. And because it deserves it.
Love being able to use the same pan to brown meat on the hob and then just bung it in the oven after adding the saucy bits. And I don't mean rude things.
It weighs a tonne, and I look forward to foisting it upon ungrateful future grandchildren and daughters-in-law when I buy new stuff, because this sucker would survive a nuclear holocaust. Or another major earthquake.
Is that statement in bad taste??
I took a picture of my Tupperware digital scales, because I think I do love them today. The thing is, though, that I have a passionate love-hate relationship with Tupperware. I adore their gleaming, stackable, matching fabulousness, but the disgraceful prices and exploitation of my obliging nature at parties makes me twitch. I think I have a Tupperware problem, actually, and don't EVER invite me to one of your parties, because I WILL buy too much, I WILL regret it, and no amount of shiny matching containers that I can't even microwave without breaking the fecking lids (and no, that's not covered under the infamous lifetime warranty) will make it okay. Although I do really like the free stuff. And my scales. And the wee lunchbox containers. And...
Right, I've been writing for ages, and actually I'm boring myself to tears, so if you've managed to stay tuned for so long, well done. If it was a Tupperware party, you'd be getting free egg separator. At least I think that's what it is for.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sew, a needle pulling threeeeaaaad!
Sophie is totally over the fact that our world has changed considerably in the last 8 days since the big quake. Although our house is fine, we've had a lot of people coming through and using facilities (polluted water in town and limited electricity) and there was no school / preschool for a week. I'm now back at work, supposedly, but my head is all over the place and I'm pretty distracted. Apologies to any children expecting to learn anything. And now Caleb has a nasty gastro bug, so we're housebound.
So yeah. BORED.
Today I set up a craft activity using that stuff you buy to line drawers with so that your utensils don't slip about and mark the interior. It's actually rubbish in terms of functionality, but it was great for drawing designs on, and arming your 3 year old with a darning needle and some yarn. I told you I've been distracted lately!
To be honest, I thought this activity would be way beyond her, but she was desperate to somehow make a house out of it and some wallpaper paste for our cat, so this seemed like the lesser of two evils.
She did really well!
This activity would be great for slightly older children who could draw their own designs, or count exact numbers of holes for consistently sized stitches - great practice for skip counting in 2s, 5s, 10s etc. Sophie went through stages of being meticulous about using just one hole for each stitch, then deciding that she'd just get the freaking thing finished and doing a few massive stitches that were good enough. Who says she takes after her mother?
I think we'll try making bookmarks next. If she cares. Which she probably won't.
By the way, remember Minty? Here she is doing some ballet the other day...
Massive brute. She is in serious danger of being chops in our freezer. Especially if she keeps getting into my vege garden.
I just realised that this blog is nearly entirely about Sophie's activities. I need to write about more of Caleb's interests and mischief, but he's the type that entertains himself so well (albeit often in ways I'd rather he didn't!) that I'm not often required to be anything other than the one that gives him a cuddle when he skins his knees. Or cleans him up when he's sick. **sigh** Bring on some health!
So yeah. BORED.
Today I set up a craft activity using that stuff you buy to line drawers with so that your utensils don't slip about and mark the interior. It's actually rubbish in terms of functionality, but it was great for drawing designs on, and arming your 3 year old with a darning needle and some yarn. I told you I've been distracted lately!
To be honest, I thought this activity would be way beyond her, but she was desperate to somehow make a house out of it and some wallpaper paste for our cat, so this seemed like the lesser of two evils.
She did really well!
This activity would be great for slightly older children who could draw their own designs, or count exact numbers of holes for consistently sized stitches - great practice for skip counting in 2s, 5s, 10s etc. Sophie went through stages of being meticulous about using just one hole for each stitch, then deciding that she'd just get the freaking thing finished and doing a few massive stitches that were good enough. Who says she takes after her mother?
I think we'll try making bookmarks next. If she cares. Which she probably won't.
By the way, remember Minty? Here she is doing some ballet the other day...
Massive brute. She is in serious danger of being chops in our freezer. Especially if she keeps getting into my vege garden.
I just realised that this blog is nearly entirely about Sophie's activities. I need to write about more of Caleb's interests and mischief, but he's the type that entertains himself so well (albeit often in ways I'd rather he didn't!) that I'm not often required to be anything other than the one that gives him a cuddle when he skins his knees. Or cleans him up when he's sick. **sigh** Bring on some health!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Order! Order, I say!
I think Sophie is her father's daughter. Look at what she created today in a fit of earthquake / illness induced boredom...
Bear counters sorted according to colour and size!
She is the type of child that doesn't cope with anything even slightly askew from her perception of order, so things like buzzing flies or messed up lines of lined up stuff do her head in. I will admit that there have been fleeting wonderings about various disorders and syndromes, but I think she's just quirky and particular ;-)
Pretty cool, aye?
Bear counters sorted according to colour and size!
She is the type of child that doesn't cope with anything even slightly askew from her perception of order, so things like buzzing flies or messed up lines of lined up stuff do her head in. I will admit that there have been fleeting wonderings about various disorders and syndromes, but I think she's just quirky and particular ;-)
Pretty cool, aye?
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