Wednesday, October 17, 2012

All done, and things to share!


My new look web page is beautiful, don't you think?!
The very talented Keren Dukes from the blog "Free Pretty Things" was the webpage designer, and I am thrilled with the work she did for me.
If you're after a makeover for your blog be sure to visit her HERE.
You'll also find Keren's blog button down on the bottom right sidebar of this page.
LINKS to my social networks -
If you want to see my Facebook page, click on the F in the aqua circle to your right. 
For Etsy click on the E, and for Pinterest click on the P
If you'd like to add my Elefantz button to your blog page you'll find the code to cut and paste down in the right sidebar.
How cool is that??  Keren is amazing!
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I have had a few requests for the Chia Pudding recipe I made the other day. I have this as both a dessert and a breakfast - either way, with fresh fruit it is yummy!
The recipe is one of Carrie Vitt's and can be found HERE on her blog. I have made both the vanilla and chocolate versions and can't decide which is my favourite!
Now, see that pretty tea towel under the bowl of chia pudding above? That was a free design I shared early in 2010.
With Christmas on the way I thought I'd share it with you again as it stitches up quickly and would be lovely as a gift, perhaps with a baked loaf wrapped inside?
You'll find the pattern HERE on my Free Designs page (or click the button under my blog header!)
The bread in the photo is my Carrot & Sultana loaf. You'll find the recipe HERE on my Recipes page (or click the button under my blog header!).
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I've really embraced my kitchen again this week, and the key was beginning a habit I had for all our homeschooling years but one I stopped when the kids grew up and started work. Menu planning! How easy it makes my life, and the $$ it saves on not going to the supermarket every day or two. I haven't been to the supermarket in five days and we've been eating so well!
Last night I made a beautiful meatloaf (my own recipe). 
Before the oven...
After baking and adding some BBQ sauce across the top for the final 10 minutes...
Served with creamy potato mash and fresh veggies it was YUMMY!!
Helping my menu planning has been a new folder I've put together with all our favourite recipes and ideas. I have a plan to cover this and make pretty section dividers next year. I'll show you when it's done!

On Monday night we had Peri Peri chicken (no photos, it disappeared too fast!), and I made fresh chapati breads to serve with them. I've been making these for about 30 years now and never tire of them. We finished up scooping fresh yoghurt raita onto torn pieces for lunch yesterday with a salad. They're so versatile.
Making the balls and rolling them out...
They are cooked in a very hot dry pan, patting them all the time with a damp rolled tea towel until they puff...
...and lastly they are flipped and cooked on the other side the same way. Wrap them in a tea towel to keep warm and soft for serving!
Usually we have these with curry or dhal. Have you tried them?
All you need is a few cups of plain flour, 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, and enough water to make a dough. You can add a twist of salt too if you like. They're that simple!
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Remember my dreadfully sparse backyard?
Well, my pots are thriving, and I have tomatoes growing!
 
We're waiting to see if we're going to stay in this rental next year before I fill any more pots, but for now I have herbs, a few flowers, and tomatoes. Happy. 
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The countdown is now three days to the wedding, and tonight we have Kezzie, Bert and the boys for dinner. I have to lock my sewing room door to keep her sneaky eyes from looking for wedding gifts I've made!
Today I'll be playing a bit more with one of them...
She has no internet at the moment, so all is well. \o/
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Enjoy the rest of your week!
Let me know what you've been cooking too, ok?


14 comments:

Paula Marcondes said...

Looking really great!

FlourishingPalms said...

I am in awe of the exotic ingredients you use in the foods you prepare. I read through several of your recipes and learned things I've never considered. Yogurt in hummus? And those chia seeds; are they something new? I'm trying to figure out if you're eating that differently, or if I'm simply out of touch with what most people eat! In any case, good for you for cooking so thoughtfully, and preparing healthy meals. You're doing a great thing. As for that fast-approaching wedding... have a wonderfully glorious, beautiful and blessed day!

Melody said...

I just love the new look of your blog.

Teresa in Music City said...

I love the new look of your blog Jenny!!! Gorgeous! It really suits you and the lovely work you share with us :*)

Free Pretty Things For You said...

What can i say?! It turned out beautiful b/c I was inspired by Beautiful PERSON!!
You are just too wonderful Miss Jenny!!!

Susan said...

Love your new blog - very pretty & a lovely colour. I menu plan too - usually - but still find myself in the supermarket during the week for something else - hate it. Might try the chia things but you can keep your chapati bread - sound yummy bit can;t be bothered to do all that after workign all day. I'll jsut buy some naan or packaged ones.

Hope you get all tehb sewing done and its a lovely day for you all.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Wahoo looks great Jen..

Wendyb said...

Oh Jen-girl, so preeeeeetty!!! Very you! Keren's got you down pat!...well done Keren! \o/
Only a few days now.....it will be a wonderful day, I'm absolutely positive...I'll be thinking of you all....we'll be celebrating, in kind, at the deb of the year ball! Love kisses and hugs to you all.....xox Wendy :O)

Maxine said...

The new blog truly fits with the ideas and projects you present. It's so refreshing. Love the mix of needlework and cooking. Congratulations on your new look.

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Your wedding gift looks soo pretty! The bread you made is almost the exact same as our homemade tortillas my mom makes, they look yummy!

Abby and Stephanie said...

The new look is a perfect reflection of you! Yummy food stuff too. Just got some apple butter bbq sauce (new to me) and that would be amazing over meatloaf. :o)

Sue from Cyprus said...

Oh Jenny, your new blog looks is gorgeous. I shall have fun poking through all those windows you have up there!!
Hugs Sue from Cyprus x x x

quiltercaroline said...

It all looks great Jenny. I think the style fits you well. C x

Carla said...

Really pretty.