After many years of ordering them, I think I can confirm that I like the idea of champagne cocktails better than the reality. I love the taste of Champagne and think it is rarely made better with the addition of fruit, sugar cubes or other liqueurs.
For example, in theory I should like this Pineapple and Coconut Champagne Cocktail that has been popular on Pinterest recently, because I love all of the indiviual components... But, I'm just not sure... If I was going to make it I would definitely try it with Prosecco or Cava to start with.
Perhaps the best champagne cocktail that I have tried is the Porn Star Martini. Invented by Douglas Ankhra of LAB bar in London, this drink is a passionfruit and vanilla vodka martini with a shot of champagne on the side.
A fun champagne 'cocktail' to try (with friends) is the Mahiki Treasure Chest at Mahiki bar in Mayfair, London. This is a combination of Mahiki Grog (a rum blend), brandy and peach liqueur, shaken with lime and sugar and topped with a bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne. It is served in a wooden treasure chest with extra long straws.
As a rule though, I think that Champagne is best drunk plain and Proescco, Cava or other sparkling wines should be used for making cocktails.
The Bellini cocktail is considered by many to be the best 'champagne cocktail' in the world, yet it is best when made as it was invented with Prosecco rather than Champagne. The Bellini was created by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy and consists of one part white peach puree to three parts Prosecco.
I am a sucker for presentation and therefore love the way Cecconi's serves their Bellini cocktails with the fresh peach puree on the side so you can add it to suit your own taste.
Dehesa, another favourite restaurant in London makes nice passionfruit Bellinis.
In France you will often be asked if you would like a Kir Royal as an aperitif. A Kir Royal consists of Champagne and Creme de Cassis, a sweet dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. Tonight I am drinking something similar to this - a simple cocktail made of Prosecco and Chambord.
Chambord is made in the Loire Valley. It is a dark red spirit that is a mix of raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrant and XO cognac. I often serve these at Christmas, so I usually have a small bottle of Chambord on hand at this time of the year. Chambord is quite sweet so I use maybe just 10ml of Chambord in a glass of Prosecco.
Do you like Champagne cocktails? Leave a comment and tell us about your favourites. Cheers!
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Images: 1, 2
Friday, 31 January 2014
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Desert Island Beauty Pick - Eyeliner
As mentioned before I don't wear much make up but something that I do apply every day is eyeliner. I know lots of people say they feel naked without mascara but for me this is the case with eyeliner. For years I used Christian Dior's crayon eyeliner in Precious Violet but this was discontinued a few years ago. A similar one is now produced as a waterproof version and comes in black, brown and blue. I love the silky texture of the liner and it glides on so smoothly that it never feels like you're dragging on the precious skin around your eyes. It also comes with a smudger on the end which makes blending very quick and easy.
One I am currently using is a Chanel Precision Eye Definer in Blue Jean. It's a beautiful rich midnight blue colour with a hint of sparkle.
And finally, an eyeliner with a bit of bling to make you dazzle at the beach! The Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner by Urban Decay. MP
Links: 1, 2, 3, 4
One I am currently using is a Chanel Precision Eye Definer in Blue Jean. It's a beautiful rich midnight blue colour with a hint of sparkle.
And finally, an eyeliner with a bit of bling to make you dazzle at the beach! The Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner by Urban Decay. MP
Links: 1, 2, 3, 4
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Holiday Rental Essential - Bottle Openers
I have been on more than one holiday where I have rummaged in the kitchen drawers, then searched in the cupboard where the glasses are kept and come up either empty-handed or with a prehistoric looking device that is supposed to open bottles, cans and tins.
As we wrote about very early on in this series on holiday rental essentials - there is something so nice about getting back to your villa after a trip out to the beach, the shops or sightseeing and pouring the first glass of wine of the day. And, hey, if you happen to have been out first thing, perhaps this is happening at midday. You're on holiday after all!
Today we are suggesting that every holiday rental should have easy-to-find and easy-to-use bottle openers for wine and beer.
Include some sort of openers for bottled beer and soft drinks as well. I like wall mounted bottle openers like the one pictured below - we have one of these out in our garden for summer parties.
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Images: 1, 2, 3, 4
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Travel Sized Perfume
When packing for a holiday I always get stuck when it comes to choosing perfume. I never pack a 100ml bottle as my suitcase is always at the maximum weight limit! So I'm going to look at a few options below.
Firstly there are travel sized atomisers that you can buy however they look so fiddly to me and I'm sure I'd end up wasting half the perfume in the decanting process! Here is a Penhaligon's one with instructions showing you how to fill up the atomiser.
The next option is a solid perfume which are very handy to travel with. When I've used them in the past I've found that initially the scent is quite strong but this fades quickly. I prefer a longer lasting scent. Also in the heat they can melt which isn't great. However I think they're nice to use for a quick pick me up. When AD and I worked at L'Occitane we would spend many hours trying all the different products and solid perfumes have been part of their collections since day one.
The last few holidays I've been on I've packed either sample sized perfumes or a mini bottle I got once as part of a set. These tend to come out mainly around Christmas time so it's a good idea to stock up for future holidays! This Tom Ford Private Blend Collection is a luxurious set and would be such a treat to receive as a gift.
I think this is the best solution though. A few companies now produce travel spray holders that you can refill. One of the perfumes I'm currently using is Diptque's Philosykos so this would be perfect for me.
Acqua di Parma also produce a travel spray and I love the colour of this holder. This is for the Gelsomino Nobile frangrance which has Calabrian Jasmine as its predominant note.
I'd love to hear your perfume packing solutions! MP
Links: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, 6
Monday, 27 January 2014
Plunge Pools
When I look through holiday rental websites for potential places to stay - I am always drawn to check out the swimming pool first. I love going to the beach and swimming in the sea, but when I am on holiday I also like to have the option to lounge by the pool and go for early morning and late night swims. With a baby or toddler, being around the pool is also much easier than being at the beach during the hottest part of the day.
For our future bach, the budget is unlikely to stretch to a place with a swimming pool. So, that got me thinking about plunge pools. I don't think they are necessarily much cheaper - but hey. We can dream...
The best of both worlds - sitting in a private plunge pool, while looking out to sea. The pool and view above is to be found at Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Now that really is dreaming... So how about something like this simple square plunge pool at Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs, California.
I love this plunge pool, in a reworked rainwater tank at the Mount Ninderry House by Sparks Architects. It looks refreshing and relaxing - somewhere you could jump into just to cool off, yet also suitable to while away many hours sitting and chatting or simply gazing out at the surrounding trees.
I need to do a lot more research into plunge pools - the more I look at them, the more I like them! We have just started a new Plunge Pool Pinterest board, so be sure to follow along there to see what we find. We also have a Moroccan Style Pinterest board where you can see a lot of courtyard pools. I think many of these pools are not intended for swimming in - but they are a great source of design inspiration.
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Images: 1, 2, 3
For our future bach, the budget is unlikely to stretch to a place with a swimming pool. So, that got me thinking about plunge pools. I don't think they are necessarily much cheaper - but hey. We can dream...
The best of both worlds - sitting in a private plunge pool, while looking out to sea. The pool and view above is to be found at Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Now that really is dreaming... So how about something like this simple square plunge pool at Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs, California.
I love this plunge pool, in a reworked rainwater tank at the Mount Ninderry House by Sparks Architects. It looks refreshing and relaxing - somewhere you could jump into just to cool off, yet also suitable to while away many hours sitting and chatting or simply gazing out at the surrounding trees.
I need to do a lot more research into plunge pools - the more I look at them, the more I like them! We have just started a new Plunge Pool Pinterest board, so be sure to follow along there to see what we find. We also have a Moroccan Style Pinterest board where you can see a lot of courtyard pools. I think many of these pools are not intended for swimming in - but they are a great source of design inspiration.
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Images: 1, 2, 3
Friday, 24 January 2014
Wontons
Since we've been living in Switzerland I haven't made wontons very much but when we sat down last week to make them, my eldest daughter really enjoyed wrapping them up (and eating them). It's also a relatively quick meal to make so hopefully I'll get around to making them more often.
The recipe below is for about 30 wontons. Firstly you need to marinade around 150 grams of minced pork with a few teaspoons of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sugar, a teaspoon of oyster sauce and cornflour and a shake of white pepper. Marinade the meat for at least 20 minutes. There are other things you can add to the meat also. I like putting in a few stems of finely chopped up Chinese vegetables such as pak choi or you could also include some shitake mushrooms. A traditional wonton has prawns although I don't always include these.
The next step is to fold the meat into the wrappers. You can find wrappers at all Asian food stores normally in the fridge section. Get your wrappers, the meat and a little bowl of water and you're ready to fold! Put one heaped teaspoon of the meat into the centre of the wrapper. You then dip a finger intp the bowl of water and run this finger along two edges of the wrapper to moisten. Then fold up the edges to create a triangle and pinch the edges to seal. You can either leave them like this or fold again to make prettier shapes. Here's a great simple video to show you how it's done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wUiwMOa-BI
Bring a pot of water to the boil and carefully place the wontons into this. Give them a little stir to prevent them from sticking together and after a few minutes they will float to the top which means they're ready. In another pot, heat up 3 cups of chicken stock and you could add some chinese vegetables and noodles to this if you want to bulk up the meal. Take a bowl, add in a few of the wontons and spoon over the chicken soup. Garnish with some chopped spring onion and coriander if you wish and enjoy!
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Desert Island Beauty Pick - Nail Polish
A day or two before I go away I always like to get a manicure and pedicure. I have got a pedicure booked in at The Cowshed at Shoreditch House on the day that I am leaving for New Zealand and I can't wait. They do amazing pedicures while you lounge back in big comfortable chairs. It's a great set-up for going along with a friend and you can read magazines or watch DVDs. I usually just lie back and relax with a glass of champagne. I'll post a couple of pics to Instagram when I'm there.
London is pretty hopeless when it comes to cheap nail bars like you find all over the US and to an extent in New Zealand. I have however tracked down a couple on Essex Road in Angel, Islington. I will probably just get a manicure there to save some extra money for spending on my holiday.
If I was on a desert island it would be nice to have a huge selection of nail polish colours. Last summer I tried everything from tangerine orange through to mint green polish on my toes and various shades of nude and dark, near black on my fingernails. For my upcoming nail appointments - I'm loving the looks from this range:
This is the latest 'resort 2014' collection from Essie. As usual, the polishes have great names:
I am hoping these new colours will be available next week, but if not, both places that I am going to usually have a great selection of Essie and OPI nail polishes.
Back to the desert island... If it came down to it and I just had to pick one nail polish in one colour, I think I would pick Essie Mademoiselle. With this polish your nails always look clean and pretty and it is easy to take care of.
As you can probably tell, Essie is my favourite brand of polish! I always like to try new brands though, so I'd love to hear about your favourite colours.
Along with my desert island nail polish, I think I would take some nail polish remover pads. I'm not a fan of chipped nails and these are really easy to use without the danger of spillage!
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Images: 1, 2-3, 4
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Holiday Rental Essentials - Baby Gear
If you have a few essential baby items in your holiday rental then young families are much more likely to choose your place over somewhere that doesn't include these things. All the items I've listed below can be picked up relatively cheaply and will be a big asset to your rental property!
Number 1: Travel Cot. This is Amazon's number 1 selling cot with lots of great reviews and retails for £28.
Number 1: Travel Cot. This is Amazon's number 1 selling cot with lots of great reviews and retails for £28.
Number 2: High Chair. You can't go past the hugely popular Ikea Antilop Highchair. It's only £16 including the tray. It's easy to dismantle and store if it isn't needed and requires minimal effort to wipe clean.
If you're using the Ikea highchair at home you may like to bling it up a bit like this!
Number 3: Baby Bath. Once on a holiday in Portugal there was only a shower with no bath for my 18 month old daughter. We considered a few possibilities eg. using a bucket or having her take a shower with us but in the end we bought a baby bath and left it at the holiday villa to make our life easier! This one again is from Ikea and costs £6.
Number 4: Melamine bowls, plates and cups. I normally take a set of plastic tableware with me wherever I'm going as I've never found it at any of the places I've stayed at. I prefer melamine to plastic as I've found that over time, plastic plates and bowls tend to get quite scratched up and start to look a bit unhygienic! Melamine is also pretty tough to break so perfect for the little ones to use with no worries.
Number 5: Black Out Blind. Since having kids, 9 times out of 10, the places we've stayed at have had shutters on the windows which black out an kind of light. I know this isn't common in Australia and New Zealand though so one of these portable black out blinds could be very useful for guests with small children.
What are your baby essentials for travelling? MP
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
BYO Plane Food
I like to think I am quite organised when it comes to travelling. I write lists and make appointments and try to ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten.
In the weeks leading up to a trip - my 'to do' list might look something like this:
- Research destination(s)
- Make reservations for any accommodation, transport, activities, restaurants etc as necessary
- Check travel insurance is up-to-date
- Contact any friends/family that I will be meeting up with (to make plans)
- Write up a packing list
- Purchase any toiletries needed - additional sun creams, mosquito repellents, travel size contact lens solution etc
- Sort through my clothes shoes and accessories - try things on to see if they still fit, ensure anything I want to take is clean/dry-cleaned (and do the same for my daughter)
- Buy any new items of clothes, shoes or accessories that I need (and do the same for my daughter)
- Buy presents for any friends/family that I will be meeting up with (for birthdays, weddings, new babies etc)
- Buy cards/presents for any family/friends here that will be having birthdays etc while I am away and try and arrange to see them before I go
- I'm not working at the moment so I don't have to worry about a handover at work, but I will be preparing some blog posts for my upcoming trip
- Organise transport to the airport
- Make appointments to have hair, nails, waxing, eyebrows done (and go along to these appointments)
- Print out all tickets, hotel/transport confirmations, itineraries, travel notes and maps
- Email copies of travel plans to parents/in-laws
- Research lounge access at airports to see if worth paying for. See what play areas and food options are available at any airpoints we will be going to
- Clean and clear out fridge, freezer, cupboards, fruit bowl etc so no surprises when I get home
- Water plants, sweep leaves outside to clear drains etc, ensure rubbish and recycling are empty and collected
- Get all clothes washed and dried (resist the urge to add anything extra to the suitcase!)
- Put any recurring deliveries (nappies etc) on hold
- Put gym membership on hold
- Tidy house
- Ensure spare keys are left with our friend who lives down the road
- Order currency
- Plan what to wear on the plane
- Pack suitcases(s)
- Pack carry-on luggage
- Check my husband's packing (especially if he is leaving a week or two after us)
- If I am feeling nice I will also make and freeze a few meals for my husband (if he is not flying out with us)
- Pack a selection of toys, books, snacks and milk for my daughter on the plane
- Change bedlinen so it is nice and fresh when I get back
- Call bank(s) to let them know I will be abroad and to not put a stop on cards
- Download a few new apps/movies to iPad/phone and new books to my Kindle
- Charge all electronic devices (Kindle, iPad, phone etc)
- Final check that I have done everything on my various lists
- Adjust heating so that it is not on continuously
- Try to go for a big walk on the day I am leaving in anticipation of being stuck on the plane for endless hours
- Ensure curtains and blinds are closed and house is locked up
If I have any spare time in or around the above I usually like to organise some 'going away' drinks. But, generally it is a bit of a mad rush when I get ready to go away, no matter how organised I seem to be when I get started. The rush usually continues right up to the airport where I race around buying extra milk, duty free and magazines as well as anything else I may have forgotten. I usually like to have a glass of champagne at the airport, but sometimes it is not until I actually sink into the seat on the plane that I feel like I can finally relax... Well, as much as you can relax when facing a long flight with a toddler!
So, I am somewhat in awe of people who somehow also find the time to cook and pack their own meals for the plane.
Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks has posted pictures (and recipes) of some of the meals she has made to take on planes before - including and Baked Quinoa Patties, Golden Potstickers and Wintery Spring Rolls.
Is this something that you do? Or would even consider doing?
I am quite relaxed when it comes to food. I usually take a look at whatever meals are on offer on the flight and eat them if they look OK and leave them if they don't. Before I get on a flight I try to buy a large bottle of water and maybe a sandwich and a bag of nuts or crisps. I pack snacks for my daughter - but usually these tend to be just packaged children's snacks, raisins and fruit - not actual home-prepared meals.
I have seen that a few other bloggers - including Love and Lemons and Gwyneth Made Me Do It have mentioned that they also like to take their own food when they travel. As airlines continue to cut costs and the standard of food inevitably suffers I wonder if preparing your own meals for flights will become a trend. It would be so interesting (and a bit scary) to see what other passengers pulled out of their carry-on luggage to tuck into.
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Images: 1, 2-4, 5
Monday, 20 January 2014
Aerin Lauder's Hamptons Pad
When I first started writing this post I had seen a few images of Aerin Lauder's Hamptons house and thought there were definitely some looks that you could re create in your own beach house which I thought would be very difficult to do considering she is one of America's youngest female billionaires! Upon further research I discovered that the pictures I was looking at were of the pool house ... hahaha.
Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to replicate this! The house originally belonged to Aerin's grandmother, Estee Lauder.
However a classic navy and white colour scheme works every time. Huge potted topiaries provide a regal touch.
In terms of our bach, a cluster of small topiaries in a mixture of crates, baskets and zinc buckets would look cute and I particularly like the rosemary topiaries as they would come in handy for cooking and smell great.
Back to the Lauder mansion, here's the pool house. Inside, the wicker furniture provides a relaxed feel and the green and white palm print cushions on one of the sets adds a fun tropical touch.
The Chinese drum stool makes a stylish side table for your cocktail and snacks. Similar ones can be found here.
Below are two more sitting rooms. As you can see, things start to get more ornate in the main house! Aerin is said to be a fan of blue which she has used here.
For more images of this stunning house check out the image links below. MP
Images: 1 & 7, 2 & 6, 3, 4 & 8,5
Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to replicate this! The house originally belonged to Aerin's grandmother, Estee Lauder.
However a classic navy and white colour scheme works every time. Huge potted topiaries provide a regal touch.
In terms of our bach, a cluster of small topiaries in a mixture of crates, baskets and zinc buckets would look cute and I particularly like the rosemary topiaries as they would come in handy for cooking and smell great.
The Chinese drum stool makes a stylish side table for your cocktail and snacks. Similar ones can be found here.
Below are two more sitting rooms. As you can see, things start to get more ornate in the main house! Aerin is said to be a fan of blue which she has used here.
For more images of this stunning house check out the image links below. MP
Images: 1 & 7, 2 & 6, 3, 4 & 8,5
Friday, 17 January 2014
Turkey Meatballs in Broth
My friend is taking part in a four week 'boot camp' diet and fitness regime. She lives in Singapore, but asked me to join her in attempting to follow the diet guidelines. We started on Monday. For week one you are only allowed to eat green vegetables and protein. I think this is similar to the Dukan diet or Paleo (aka 'Caveman') diet. The list of foods allowed is below:
The week started well - I made a couple of casseroles packed full of organic ingredients from the Alexandra Palace Farmers' Market. I love avocados so happily ate lots of them. I had a couple of omelettes. I made more salads than I usually would. I abstained from coffee and wine - drinking only water, sparkling water or hot water with lemon. But, then I went out for dinner last night and had all of this:
We had champagne to start and wines to match each course as well. Oops! Talk about falling off the wagon! I only lasted 3.5 days. Not the greatest willpower. However, I think I will get back on track and try to stick the diet out for the next couple of weeks. I have decided it isn't very realistic to keep it up when I am back in New Zealand and on holiday so I am not aiming to do the full four weeks.
I am not really a fan of diets and tend to never go on them. The minute I think that I will go on one I tend to start obsessing about food. I can't even look at Pinterest as most of the people I follow tend to pin recipes and cocktails! However, I think I can definitely incorporate more salads into my diet and avoid the bad habits of snacking continuously and finishing off my daughter's uneaten meals.
Using a selection of ingredients from the list above - here is what I made for dinner tonight. It was quick to make and light, tasty and filling.
Turkey Meatballs in Broth
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Broth
1 Tbsp peanut oil
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1-2 spring onions, chopped
1-2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
300g turkey breast meat (or chicken breast/thigh meat), sliced
1 lemon (juice)
For the Meatballs
300g turkey breast meat (or chicken breast/thigh meat), sliced
3 spring onions
1-2 green chillies
1/2 bunch of coriander
1 egg white (for binding)
1 Tbsp peanut oil
To Serve
1/2 cup of frozen soya beans
1/2 head of broccoli, chopped
20 green beans
1/2 bunch of coriander
1-3 sprigs of mint
1 lemon (juice)
Method
For the Broth
Heat the oil in a pot and add the chopped celery, spring onion and lemon grass and saute
Add the sliced turkey breast and cook until white
Add 1-2 litres of boiling water
Add a pinch of salt.
Simmer for half an hour with the lid on.
For the Meatballs
Using a food processor or mini chopper - blitz the turkey, spring onions, green chillies and coriander together (in batches if necessary)
In a bowl, stir the egg white through the turkey mix
Form the mixture into patties with your hands
In a frying pan with a little oil lightly fry the patties until brown on each side (in batches if necessary)
Add the patties to the broth
To Serve
Add a selection of greens to the broth - I used soya beans, green beans and broccoli, but any green vegetable would work.
Simmer for a further 3-5 minutes.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Top with a large handful of chopped mint and coriander.
You'll have to excuse the picture quality - I just got the pics quickly using Instagram on my phone while I was cooking. The recipe details and instructions are a bit rough as well - but it really is a throw it together sort of dish. I think it could be greatly enhanced and refined over time, especially when I am allowed to start using sauces again. For a first attempt though I was quite pleased with the flavour and feel like I have slightly redeemed myself after last night's blowout!
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Protein
|
Greens
|
Fats
|
Bacon / Ham / Pork
|
Asparagus
|
Almond Oil
|
Beef (any kind)
|
Avocado
|
Coconut Oil
|
Chicken
|
Bok Choy
|
Fish Oil (capsules)
|
Duck
|
Broad Beans
|
Flax Oil
|
Eggs (whole eggs)
|
Broccoli
|
Olive Oil
|
Fish (Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna etc – any fish)
|
Brussels Sprouts
|
Peanut Oil
|
Lamb
|
Cabbage
|
Sesame Oil
|
Shellfish (Scallops etc)
|
Celery
|
Walnut Oil
|
Turkey
|
Cucumber
|
|
Whey Protein Powder
|
Green Beans
|
Sauces
|
Green Chillies
|
None at all – only a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
|
|
Vegetarian Protein Options
|
Green Peas
|
|
Cheese (any kind, but try to stick to goat’s cheese)
|
Green Peppers
|
Drinks
|
Chickpeas
|
Herbs (Basil, Parsley etc)
|
Green Tea
|
Eggs
|
Kale
|
Water (aim for 3L per day)
|
Flax Seeds
|
Lemongrass
|
|
Lentils
|
Lettuce
|
|
Mixed Beans
|
Olives
|
|
Nuts (Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Walnuts – must be raw with
nothing on them and no more than 10 per day)
|
Spinach
|
|
Pumpkin Seeds
|
Spring Onions
|
|
Sesame Seeds
|
Sugar Snap Peas
|
|
Soya Mince
|
Any other GREEN vegetable not listed above
|
|
Sunflower Seeds
|
||
Tofu (ensure it contains to MSG)
|
The week started well - I made a couple of casseroles packed full of organic ingredients from the Alexandra Palace Farmers' Market. I love avocados so happily ate lots of them. I had a couple of omelettes. I made more salads than I usually would. I abstained from coffee and wine - drinking only water, sparkling water or hot water with lemon. But, then I went out for dinner last night and had all of this:
We had champagne to start and wines to match each course as well. Oops! Talk about falling off the wagon! I only lasted 3.5 days. Not the greatest willpower. However, I think I will get back on track and try to stick the diet out for the next couple of weeks. I have decided it isn't very realistic to keep it up when I am back in New Zealand and on holiday so I am not aiming to do the full four weeks.
I am not really a fan of diets and tend to never go on them. The minute I think that I will go on one I tend to start obsessing about food. I can't even look at Pinterest as most of the people I follow tend to pin recipes and cocktails! However, I think I can definitely incorporate more salads into my diet and avoid the bad habits of snacking continuously and finishing off my daughter's uneaten meals.
Using a selection of ingredients from the list above - here is what I made for dinner tonight. It was quick to make and light, tasty and filling.
Turkey Meatballs in Broth
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Broth
1 Tbsp peanut oil
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1-2 spring onions, chopped
1-2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
300g turkey breast meat (or chicken breast/thigh meat), sliced
1 lemon (juice)
For the Meatballs
300g turkey breast meat (or chicken breast/thigh meat), sliced
3 spring onions
1-2 green chillies
1/2 bunch of coriander
1 egg white (for binding)
1 Tbsp peanut oil
To Serve
1/2 cup of frozen soya beans
1/2 head of broccoli, chopped
20 green beans
1/2 bunch of coriander
1-3 sprigs of mint
1 lemon (juice)
Method
For the Broth
Heat the oil in a pot and add the chopped celery, spring onion and lemon grass and saute
Add the sliced turkey breast and cook until white
Add 1-2 litres of boiling water
Add a pinch of salt.
Simmer for half an hour with the lid on.
For the Meatballs
Using a food processor or mini chopper - blitz the turkey, spring onions, green chillies and coriander together (in batches if necessary)
In a bowl, stir the egg white through the turkey mix
Form the mixture into patties with your hands
In a frying pan with a little oil lightly fry the patties until brown on each side (in batches if necessary)
Add the patties to the broth
To Serve
Add a selection of greens to the broth - I used soya beans, green beans and broccoli, but any green vegetable would work.
Simmer for a further 3-5 minutes.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Top with a large handful of chopped mint and coriander.
You'll have to excuse the picture quality - I just got the pics quickly using Instagram on my phone while I was cooking. The recipe details and instructions are a bit rough as well - but it really is a throw it together sort of dish. I think it could be greatly enhanced and refined over time, especially when I am allowed to start using sauces again. For a first attempt though I was quite pleased with the flavour and feel like I have slightly redeemed myself after last night's blowout!
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Thursday, 16 January 2014
Desert Island Beauty Pick - Moisturiser
It's interesting to see what AD puts on this list because mine and hers could be very different! I think she will agree though that a facial moisturiser should definitely be included as a desert island beauty pick.
During summer I always use a moisturiser that has a sunscreen in it. I don't in the winter although I think the experts say it is good practice to do this. A regular in InStyle magazine's Best Beauty Buys is Aveeno's Postively Radiant Daily Skin Brightening Moisturiser. It includes soy complex to even skin tone and light diffusers to brighten your skin. I used this last summer and it is a lovely light texture which leaves your skin feeling silky smooth after application.
My final pick is Dr Hauschka's Rose Day Cream. Every tube contains the extract of over 1,075 organic rose petals which explains why it smells amazing! Included also are Rose oil, wild rosehip extract and avocado to help nurture, calm and smooth the skin.
What's your favourite moisturiser? We'd love to hear from you! MP
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4
During summer I always use a moisturiser that has a sunscreen in it. I don't in the winter although I think the experts say it is good practice to do this. A regular in InStyle magazine's Best Beauty Buys is Aveeno's Postively Radiant Daily Skin Brightening Moisturiser. It includes soy complex to even skin tone and light diffusers to brighten your skin. I used this last summer and it is a lovely light texture which leaves your skin feeling silky smooth after application.
Here are two great moisturisers from famous French brands. Both of these got a mention in Gwyneth's French Pharmacy picks. The Caudalie one is formulated to keep you hydrated all day long without clogging pores and promises to give you a healthy glow. You often read that every make-up artist has a tube of the Lait-Creme Concentrate by Embyrolisse in their bag. This 3 in 1 moisturises, cleanses and primes leaving your skin feeling soothed and hydrated.
What's your favourite moisturiser? We'd love to hear from you! MP
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Holiday Rental Essentials - Utensils
While you probably don't want to spend an excessive amount of time in the kitchen when you are on holiday, the fact that you have rented a villa/apartment rather than staying in a hotel surely means that you want to be able to prepare some meals.
A few years ago I did a half day cooking course with a friend in Thailand - we prepared the most delicious versions of Green Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai and Spring Rolls that I have ever had. The lesson took place in a tiny makeshift kitchen where we each had a stand wok-burner and a small prep table with a chopping board. Aside from a knife and some small prep bowls, the only utensil we used for all of the preparation and cooking was a stainless steel spatula. It was really interesting to see just what you can make with such a simple set-up.
At my house, it's a different story. I have a drawer full of utensils and a couple of containers on my bench with the assorted spoons, graters and spatulas that I tend to use every day.
For a holiday rental - I am thinking that somewhere in the middle of these two extremes could be best. There are definitely some things you can get by without - garlic crusher, citrus zester etc - so below is my list of what I think should be the basics.
Basic Utensils
Tongs
Spatula
Flipper / Turner (aka Egg/Fish Slice)
Scissors
Salad Servers
Serving Spoons
Wooden Spoons
Can Opener
Vegetable Peeler
Whisk
Grater
Potato Masher
Colander
We'd love to hear from you to see if you think there is anything missing (or something on the list that you could do without). I haven't mentioned knives or pots and pans here as we may do a separate post on these. MP has already posted about chopping boards.
AD
Images: 1, 2
A few years ago I did a half day cooking course with a friend in Thailand - we prepared the most delicious versions of Green Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai and Spring Rolls that I have ever had. The lesson took place in a tiny makeshift kitchen where we each had a stand wok-burner and a small prep table with a chopping board. Aside from a knife and some small prep bowls, the only utensil we used for all of the preparation and cooking was a stainless steel spatula. It was really interesting to see just what you can make with such a simple set-up.
At my house, it's a different story. I have a drawer full of utensils and a couple of containers on my bench with the assorted spoons, graters and spatulas that I tend to use every day.
For a holiday rental - I am thinking that somewhere in the middle of these two extremes could be best. There are definitely some things you can get by without - garlic crusher, citrus zester etc - so below is my list of what I think should be the basics.
Basic Utensils
Tongs
Spatula
Flipper / Turner (aka Egg/Fish Slice)
Scissors
Salad Servers
Serving Spoons
Wooden Spoons
Can Opener
Vegetable Peeler
Whisk
Grater
Potato Masher
Colander
We'd love to hear from you to see if you think there is anything missing (or something on the list that you could do without). I haven't mentioned knives or pots and pans here as we may do a separate post on these. MP has already posted about chopping boards.
AD
Images: 1, 2
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