GENERAL TSO CHICKEN....

Hi Ho everybody!! On today's menu we have a delish  Chinese dish..
General Tso Chicken
quick ..simple and really scrummy!..Served with either fried rice or plain rice...whatever you fancy or have time for  :)

SAUCE:

1/2 cup chicken stock..I use Massel liquid stock
2 TBS Hoisen Sauce
2 TBS  Chinese rice wine vinegar
2 TBS soy sauce.. I use salt reduced.
1 1/2 TBS sugar
2 TBS  sesame oil
1 Tbs corn flour.

2 to 3 chicken breasts
2 eggs beaten
plain flour for dusting
sesame seeds

brocollini (baby brocolli)
spring onions (shallots) inch pieces 
3 fresh garlic cloves..finely chopped
2---3 slivers fresh  ginger..finely sliced

mix your sauce ingredients together..adding cornflour last.....put aside..
cut up how ever much spring onions and brocollini you like...

cut the chicken into bite size pieces
dip into beaten eggs
roll each piece in flour


deep fry your chicken in vegetable oil..
till golden brown.  remove and drain on paper

In the meantime add some  vegetable  oil...not much.... to hot wok..add your garlic and ginger.cook for a minute..add the brocollini and spring onion...cook for another minute..add the sauce...till bubbling. Add the fried chicken..cook for a minute and sprinkle with sesame seeds...for another minute...and your done!!

I promise it tastes just like a chinese takeaway..minus the MSG!

I have so many recipes I must get onto my blog!!  
Till next time..Happy cooking!
And remember click on the pics to make then bigger!  :)

Caboolture Historical Village.......

Wow today was sooooo sunny warm..and the bluest skies!...been waiting months for a decent sunday..woo hooo

Went  to the Caboolture Historical Village.  So many old buildings. Lots of nostalgic relics...and I must be showing my age..lol...I remember a lot of the old things...around when I was a kid...oh my....Even the old iron beds where just like my one at home..  :)  ok so I'm not 100 years old...give or take..lol...Mind you my youngest...whos manning the camera...did say... why go to see old things  he can stay right at home and see me...bahahahah...ahhhhh....must cover my grey shinning through!....and up till now...proudly!..  I found the old hopital quite interesting...had such a homely feel to it...like the nurses and doctors treated you as their own.... There is a Thomas the tank train ride for the kiddies...looked like fun.....We spent a few hours mulling around the place...a good time was had by all...

Now I must get a recipe on here this week... haven't decided what ill do yet.....sweet or savoury. I did a Chinese dish this eve ,beef and brocolli , was just like take away...  :)  So will put that one on soon.....so bye for now!!

Bring on the sunshine......

Another full week of cloud and drizzle...oh my..a gal just cant go anywheres fun in this weather... lol...I tells ya...this is the dry season apparently...I have to search through old pics for sunny weather.as above..last summer on the beach..ahh now doesn't all that glorious warm weather  make me smile..why yes!..my oh my...cant wait for spring...for some sun kissed rays on my pale complexion
I should read a good book...hubby says I need a Kindle...wt...nooooooo no fun electronically turning pages...:) hells no...I like the feeling of paper...the eye strain...the folding of the pages to remember where I finsihed..
You'll know when the weather decides to be perfect...Ill be back with fresh updates ..and warm smiles....have a good day!...and in the meantime...those of you sitting on glorious weather...send it this way!

Tower MIll Brisbane....

UPDATED:  Hiho to my most wonderful bloggers.....just dropping by for a quick minute...nope haven't forgotten my blog...just have been on temporary hiatus...and latey so has the weather!  but coming back..bigger and better than ever...I have places to go...things to document..and of course some more delicious recipes....So hold on a little while longer....and then...woo hooo...a brand new look!

P>S...apparently this windmill is haunted..my fav type of windmill... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Windmill,_Brisbane

I did take a night time photo many years ago at this site...during a "ghost tour"and though it was dark inside no electricity..when the photos were developed...one of the windows was bright like  a light was on...now I know what your thinking...flash ect..lol...nope nahar...tried to debunk my own photo, cause I like to scientifically rule out first...mind you this was in the nineties before I owned a digital camera ...and so sorry bloggers...pic not avaliable  :(  I love the paranormal...so ya neva know...I may have some more stories to tell!! lol....

As always..click on pics to make them bigger...:)  OK fellow bloggers have a good one!! what ever that may be...its all good....

Chocolate Chip Cookies......

HI!  :)  made a batch of cookies this morning...its  been literally a few years since I made cookies!!  I cant believe it....My daughter recommended a fabulously easy recipe..so wahlah...perfection! And dare I say it...still raining here most of the  weekend!  lucky after spending years in Tasmania and way less rain down there...I am enjoying a very wet season up here. Ok here's the recipe...


INGREDIENTS:


125 grms softened butter
1/2 to 3/4 cup brown sugar I use 1/2
good splash of vanilla...extract is good....
1/2 teaspoon bicarb
1 1/2 cups of plain flour
1/2 cup of choc chips  ( I used dark)


cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
add egg and essence of choice beat until combined
add the rest of ingredients..and beat well
roll into walnut size balls...slightly squish down with a fork
bake in 180 degree oven for approx 15 minutes..or until golden.
that's it  :)  makes 16 decent sized cookies.....

Little mouthfuls of happiness.  Hmm now what to do on another rainy day!..
Ill think of something...till next time fellow bloggers...keep smiling.....

Little pot of Jam....

Today I thought Id try my hand at making strawberry jam..and seem strawberries were selling very cheaply at 99 cents a punnet at our local market...I couldn't resist.... I so have to get a new camera!!!! argh   lol....this other device just doesn't cut it!..pic not very clear. ha ha.....I know.. I know...Im getting around to it... :)

Jam was just 1 cup organic raw sugar...3 punnets of berries...750 grams all up and  half a lemon ( juice...)
heat on the stove till boiling point then simmer on a medium heat for about 30 mins stirring every so often...pour into sterilized jars (very hot)..let cool then refrigerate.....
I made 2 jars with that amount.....should last a few weeks...mind you I think 1 cup of sugar made it very sweet...but I think to keep the jam from spoiling one must add so much!...but I don't think it will last too long around here!...I will be making a batch of scones to go with ..this week.Ill  cant wait to whip up a batch!!
And for the icecream lovers...Jam poured hot over it...oh goodness just so Divine!!
Well thats it for today...been raining again here tonnes in the great SE of Queensland..so perfect weather for toodling around in the kitchen!...........
P>S Sterilize jars by boiling for 10 minutes....so mold doesn't grow on your jam....
P>SS..just made a second batch with less sugar..turned out fine!!~

Tropical Carrot Cake.......

Hello !...weekend greetings.....
Its been so long since I made this particular cake...I don't have a recipe..just bung it all together..and hope for the best! Well a gal has to wing it sometimes!.....recipe can be tweaked for personal tastes..spices..or omit things...Its not a traditional carrot cake.. which I must do one of these days....stayed tuned for that one.  Ok on with the recipe...and need I say...measurements are appromimate ...lol...those who know me will forgive my blase...ness...lol..is that even the correct grammar?   ..life is an adventure..even in the kitchen!


2 cups  of grated  carrot
dash or 2 of  vanilla extract
cup or small packet chopped walnuts or pecans
2 eggs
5 tablespoons of sunflower oil.......or macadamia..
2  and 1/4  cups self raising flour (organic)
1 tsp bicarb
tbs mixed spice
can crushed pineapple in natural juice...unsweetened...... minus 1/4 of the juice....
1/2  cup brown sugar or to taste...
handful of sultanas  (organic) about 1/4 cup

beat eggs and sugar
add vanilla
add sunflower oil
add carrots
add can pineapple...minus 1/4 of the juice..about 5 tablespoons...
add sultanas
add nuts..
add mixed spice
add bicarb of soda...I like it when it froths  :)
then add flour...stir and put into greased tin...even if its non stick tin..still grease it well.
I used a ring tin..because it is a denser type cake and I wanted to make sure cooked thoroughly all the way through.

cook for approx  55 minutes ...on 180...if browning too quick just turn down your oven.
but check it after 40 minutes....

Ice with either cream cheese frosting or as in this case... lemon  frosting
mind you it takes several hours to cool right down.......try not to be tempted to eat it warm.
I don't use olive oil in this recipe too strong........or heaven forbid canola!! don't get me started on canola!!
that's a permanent no no!
OK readers....have a happy weekend wherever you may be....

Where Did My Pic Go?

ahhh I wrote out my post this morning for my Tropical Carrot Cake...went to put in pic..and well gee wizz...I pressed something I shouldn't have on the device..and no pics!! no pic!   Ha Ha..so that recipe is in my draft folder...will make another real soon and have images for yous!  So Ive rummaged through old pics..just to put something on this post!!  My son in law..made me this apple and blackberry pie..with hand picked blackberries..fresh from his garden..a while back...even arrived warm and with a container of custard!   thought the love heart was a lovely touch!  Those little hand painted vases came from my sis in Canada....love em!..and fresh flowers..we all love fresh flowers!...that's a hint for the men out there!....well Ill be making double sure I have imprinted pics for all my baking in future..Ill get my son to double check for me..I was using a recording device thingy that takes pics that belongs to him.....I must of pressed the wrong button!!..... not to worry..flowers and apple pie are delightful to look at!..Bye for now ..and keep happy!

QUICHE.....

well hello again!  :)

That was quick of me!..... Baked the quiche for yesterdays dinner...cheesecake for desert....scrummy!

The Masel vegetarian chicken stock powder I have shown is the only flavouring I advice..If you use anything else I cant be held accountable for the taste of your quiche!! lol..ha ha..which is the salt reduced one. I use it for all home made gravies pasta dishes  ect...love it!

That being said here is the recipe...

Sheet of frozen shortcrust pastry..OR home made ..I do both

5 free range eggs

300mls of LITE cooking cream  I use BULLA  not full fat...its too rich and overpowering that way

Packet bacon..free range if possible....

small onion

Parmesan cheese (extra sharp)

TBS Massell chicken  stock powder

chilli or cayenne peper to taste..Im a fan!

Large handful baby spinich

fresh chopped spring onions (the long green stem thingies) and a tomato!

Line your greased pie dish with pastry....

cook the bacon and onion...

beat the eggs..by hand..

add lite cream......mix just till comes together

add the bacon and onion and stock powder and cayenne or chilli

toss in BABY spinich and spring onions..put sliced tomato and sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top!

pour into dish..and bake at about 200 moderatly hot oven... till its cooked...hmm ya know I didnt check how long that took..lolo..till its firm anyways And take it our of oven and let stand for a good 20 minutes....

Ok thats it...with salad and chips..well need I say more!! as I say click mouse on pic to make it bigger!

I will be back this week with more...so stayed tune......

and ITS ALL GOOD!!

Strawberry Cheesecake.....

HI!...a sweetie is always a nice finish to a meal..or an awesome afternoon tea break

It tastes creamy and delish... with a hint of lemon...this doesn't have gelatin..so the lemon juice..brings a tartness to the cheesecake.  Its finally stopped raining here  :) hubby is out mowing the lawns...better him than me..its humid and  well a gal is better off inside out of the midday sun! lol...

My quiche is next cab of the rank...and still those  breadcrumbs I need to do...Im just about out.

Also I have a carrot cake in mind....been so long since I made one....ok...here's the recipe:

Biscuit base:

whateva bikkies you choose...Marie..Nice...Buttersnaps...I used a sweet oat biscuit...3/4 pack....

melted butter...... about 125 grams  ..well I didn't measure..lol

so I'm not sure...but you get the gist!   :)

Ingediants:

2 x blocks Philadelphia cream cheese

Can  Nestle  condensed milk

1/2 cup of lemon juice  (fresh not bottled) needs to be fresh to set.

250 gram punnet of strawberries.. chopped.

Beat the cream cheese (softened)

add condensed milk..

gradually beat in lemon juice

add the chopped  strawberries. beat some more..and whalah,,,

put in fridge for several hours ....

ok...Ill put up my quiche next..stayed tune..

until then....toodles   :)  stay happy!

Quickie.....

Oh my its February...I haven't blogged...been raining for 2 weeks...so haven't been anywhere of note!!...Camera still out of action....so just dropping by for a quick chit chat....Have been requested by 2 peoples for my quiche recipe..so will make that over the weekend..will post a pic and how to.....that might mean I have to measure!!  groan...I barely measure well...I just chuck it all in and hope for the best!!..also saw a strawberry cheesecake   on YouTube I must try!!...looks devine...stayed tuned for that one!...    Oh and yes referring to last post.....lol...spider was captured that evening...but has been seen inside 2 times since....his legs haven't grown back!!..but we persist in vacating him from the premises! ok folks..live happy and well...Ill be back very soon.

RAINY DAYS AND SPIDERS.....

Things that make you go eeekkk!!

I had just finished making my bed this morning..when a very large Huntsman made an appearance...ugh...one has to wonder where exactly it came from..under sheets?  oh NOES!

anyways...stopped the husband from shaving...his face all foamy...lol...said get it..arghhhh. He grabbed our biggest plastic container  ( we don't kill spiders we put them outside) ....anyways in the process of capture it lept at him..and lost a leg in the process. Then proceeded to hide under my bed....:( oh bloody hell... lols  !!!  Husband and I have lost the critter...he had to leave for work...and I'm left thinking Ill never sleep in my bed again..till  evidence of spider with one missing leg is presented to me!..ha ha...One has to wonder if this is the spider that drove teenage son out of his room the night before...i found him asleep on the couch the next morning..apparently spider was racing across his blind above the bed....I tell you..we are being held hostage in our own home!!  On a brighter note...rain has set in in Brisbane this week...but grass and gardens are looking fantastic...green green green!...till next time....everybody have a great day! 

BUTTER CAKE......

I played volleyball with my digital camera in the kitchen the other morning...somehow it lept out of my hand...I tried in vain  ..several moves to catch it...falling onto my foot in... a valiant maneuver to save it..and then splat on the tiled floor.....now I must say my fav camera  has tried to work...really has....but with the shutter stuck..and out of focus  its looking terminal!!....
So I did make a vanilla cake last week and took a pic...so todays post is a recipe...lol....Now I have my eye on a Sony in Gold!.....lets the universe manifest that for me....in the meantime....have a coffee and a most delish piece of cake.

BUTTER CAKE

180 grams Butter
1/2 cup of raw sugar
vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 cups of SR Flour
1/2 cup of milk

preheat oven to 180
beat butter and sugar till creamy
add vanilla
add eggs one at a time
NOW sift flour and add milk alternatively into mix..DO NOT USE MIXER HERE>>>NOPE!
just gently stir through....otherwise cake wont be light and joyful! lol
spoon into your tin..bake for anywheres from 40 minutes..depending on your oven.
ice with vanilla butter cream icing...  that's it....follow these instructions...should be perfect!

ok readers...have an awesome weekend....I'm off ...lets see where the weekend takes us!

COOLING OFF.......

Ahhh being 37 In Brisbane yesterday afternoon...We decided to head down to our local swimming spot...mind you there were about 40 odd people there...piccy does make it look quite secluded..lol..families gather with babies..young kiddies...and the teenagers go upstream and launch themselves of the rope hanging high above the water...all in all good fun!....Being as hot as it was..water was very very warm...had to dive deep down to the rocks to find the cool water!...after a couple of hours floating around on my floatie..we headed home ..I was concerned if a yabbie or something sinister would grab at my toes..lol...but assured by the husband..wouldn't happen  :)  I did look for treasure ..but old rope..trees...and an old plastic snorkel was all that was found!...still looking for missing sunnies of husbands from last visit!! ha ha....ok folks...till next time...keep cool...!

GINGERBREAD MENS

AS promised in last post...Gingerbread mens....

and of course click on pics to make them bigger  :)

Mind you..in  muggy hot kitchen conditions this morning...over 30 degrees early this morning

Had to work quickly..and do half batches at a time cutting them out....dough stayed very moist..so that's good.

I just dipped their feet in melted chocolate...no fiddling around this day.....no faces or smiles! lol

INGREDIENTS:

130 grams real Butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup golden syrup

1 egg YOLK

2 TBS ginger

1 TBS mixed spice

1 TSP  cinnamon

1 TSP BICARB

2 cups PLAIN flour

OK  cream butter and sugar

add golden syrup and egg yolk..beat till combined

Stir in spices...bicarb and flour

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turn onto lightly floured surface...knead till smooth....

rest in fridge for 30 minutes...

cut dough in half...do in 2 batches....roll out to about 5mm..or howeva you want

bake in 180 degree oven give or take 10 minutes..or until lightly brown

they will firm up after cooling.

BTW with spices..just do to your own tastes....not an exact science  :) 

I like to make my own bread crumbs...for chicken schnitzels..crumbed sausages ect...so Ill be doing that one next I think  :)  SO see you all really soon....

BANNANA CAKE

Hideho..peoples!...ok here's my nanna cake recipe..I'm also making gingerbread men this week...so stay tuned.

125 grms real butter...please no plastic margarine!!
1/4   to     1/2 cup organic raw sugar I dont use much...
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 medium ripe bananas
1 tsp bicarb
1/2 cup milk
2 cups SR flour....white or wholemeal.....

beat butter and sugar until creamy
add eggs one at a time beat well
add vanilla
then mashed banana...(insert wiggles song here)
dissolve bicarb into the milk
using a METAL spoon....don't use beaters now...nope...
gradually add milk and flour alternatively...stirring until just combined....
bake until a skewer comes out clean...anywheres from 40 minutes Id say..outopends on your oven.

I ice with lemon icing...you can use half cream cheese as well...always use fresh lemon..always better!
ok folks that's it..
oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!.........
p.s Ill update with a better pic...when I make my next one!!