Icings & Creams

This is my FAVOURITE icing, it can be used as a cream inside the came as well.

Buttermilk substitute

1 cup of milk

1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar

Mock Cream

½ cup shortening

½ cup butter

½ cup milk

¾ cup sugar

1 tspn vanilla

7 tablespoon flour

Beat for 5 minutes.  Make good icing

HONEY and CINNAMON

HONEY & CINNAMON

Great information!! Cinnamon and Honey...! Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder added to one cup of hot/warm water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
THE HONEY NEEDS TO BE A LOCAL RAW HONEY NOT STORE BOUGHT. CINNAMON NEEDS TO BE PURE CINNAMON 

I have many requests to re-post this! So here it is again!
From Donna Hayes https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=723616754323175&set=a.727549180596599.1073741836.100000245722194&type=1


I have seen this online many times.  Not sure who the original author is as its been reposted on facebook a lot.
Natural remedies are so simple to add into your diet to help live healthy.  That is not to say they will work alone but are well worth adding in to make everything count.

Boned Shoulder marinade

Some recipes which I have used over the years growing up on stations.  Can't claim them as mine but collected from friends and family.

Enjoys :) 

Boned Shoulder marinade

Roasts meat in ½ the time.

Baste with following sauce

1 tablespoon hot English mustard

2 tablespoon brown sugar

30g butter

1 tablespoon plum jar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

pinch cinnamon

1 tablespoon tomato sauce.

SMOKO TIME --- Malt Slice

Mum’s Malt Slice

1 packet of Malt biscuits (may need more depending on tin size)

1 tin condensed milk

3 oz melted copha

2 cups coconut

1 teaspoon Vanilla essence

1. Line tin with biscuits (half of pack)

2. Melt copha

3. Mix all ingredients except biscuits together.

4. Pour mixture over biscuits

5. Cover with leftover biscuits

Put in the fridge to set.

Sloppy Joes and the UNexpected

Lately there has been a LOT of food on my blog.
(JUST IN CASE YOUR DIDN'T NOTICE THE OVERLOAD)

I have been doing some cooking between/and governessing on a station.  Sometimes when you go to a job things can happen that can rock you employers world.   Unexpected.  As a govie you sometimes just have to step in and do what's necessary.

I love my job and when the people around me need help due to the unexpected thats what I do.

As a result of all this I have travelled a fair bit, school has had to be condensed back to important activities (THANKS to great teachers for giving us help with this).

SO as most will know I have begged, borrowed and stolen most of my recipes from friends cooking and from station cooks.  LOVEM' All for the contributions.  Particularly Lee-Anne and Ange who have contributed the most

Mulgaria Sloppy Joes

2lbs Mince

1 onion

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup flour

1 tspn worstershire sauce

1 ½ cus tomato sauce

2 teaspoon chilli

Serve on Buns with coldslaw.

I'm going to post some recipes which I have used over the years growing up on stations.  Can't claim them as mine but collected from friends and family.

Enjoys :)

Milo Energy Biscuits

125g butter

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup vanilla

½ cup Milo

1 egg

1 ¾ cup SR flour

Beat butter, sugars and vanilla until light and creamy. Beat in egg.  Fold in flour and Milo.  Roll mixture into balls and place on greased tray.  Flatten with fork.

Bake at 180 degrees Celsius

15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 40

This is a great quick recipe to do.  So few ingredients and so easy.

:)

Golden Syrup Biscuits

4 oz butter

4 oz Sugar

1 drtspn golden Syrup ( can add more for extra flavour)

1 egg

2 tablespn coconut

½ lb SR flour

Cream butter and sugar, add syrup, egg, coconut, and stir in flour. Bake in Moderate oven.

Carrot Cake

Can't remember where I found this recipe but many people around me have made it and love it.  They are always swapping and changing nuts out and still it is great.


Carrot Cake

Ingredients

1 cup grated carrot

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup self-raising flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

grated orange rind, to decorate

orange slices to serve

CREAM CHEESE ICING

125g cream cheese, at room temperature

50g butter, at room temperature

3 cups icing sugar mixture

1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Method

1. Grease a 19cm x 30cm lamington pan. Line base and sides with baking paper.

2. Whisk carrot, eggs, oil and walnuts in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in combined sifted sugar, flour, cinnamon and soda. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

3. Cook in a hot oven (200C) for 15 minutes or until cooked when tested. Stand cake in pan for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.

4. To make cream cheese icing, place all ingredients in a medium bowl, beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

5. Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with a fluted tube and pipe rosettes over top of cake or alternately spread over cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before serving.

6. Serve cake cut into rectangles with orange slices.

Hint. Iced cake can be made up to 3 days ahead or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

When I took up governessing it was a big shock having to cook for myself.  Lee-Anne AKA Bushgovo AKA Miss Governess Australia shared lots of recipes and ideas with me... she loves cooking and I let her create and then use the recipes in my everyday.  

This recipe below is the base for what could be many versions.  I know Lee-Anne and my boss add in lots of different things to quiche depending on what is in the fridge and garden.

Lee-Anne’s Quick Quiche

3 eggs

¾ cup milk

¾ cup cream

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup bacon, chopped

1 cup grated cheese

1 tblspn parsley

1 cup pastry mix

sprinkle with nutmeg.

Mix altogether

Bake for 45minutes at 180 degrees

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream

This recipe is in a group called BARBWIRE... I really have to thank Kim for sharing

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream

600ml milk

pinch salt

1 cup castor sugar

2 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 eggs, beaten

500ml cream

Combine milk, salt and sugar in a saucepan (or microwave proof dish). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until mixture nearly boils. (or 2min on high in microwave)

Reduce heat to low.
Gradually stir about half of the milk into the egg. Add egg mixture back into remaining half of milk.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture slightly thickens. (or 30sec burst in the microwave, taking care that it doesn't boil over) Remove from the heat, add vanilla essence and allow to cool.

Refrigerate and chill thoroughly - preferably overnight.

Add cream, mixing with wire whisk.

Pour into the canister and allow to churn and freeze.

Very important to have it as cold as possible when you put it in the canister so it works better/faster - I tend to put the mix in the freezer for an hour or until it starts to freeze around the edge before churning.

This is actually a double mix that will make 2 litres of ice - cream, I churn half at a time, leaving the canister to refreeze between times.

For caramel ice-cream, add a tin of caramel, for strawberry ice-cream, add to punnets of strawberries (that have been put through food-processor).

Fat Facts on facebook

These ideas are all from the facebook group called FAT FACTS which a friend introduced me to.  

Fat Facts Punters Tips

Learning and Holistic Ideas

• Breakfast Cereal:  Weetbix has one of the lowest levels of sugar. Your cereals should have less than 10gms of sugar per 100gms
• www.choice.com.au/​reviews-and-tests/​food-and-health/food-and-drink/​groceries/​breakfast-cereal-review-and-com​pare/page/​healthy%20choices.aspx
• Managing Sugar Carvings - http://myonline-dietitian.com/how-to-overcome-sugar-cravings#more-162
• Philosophy for people who LOVE food. Dont go cold turky!! you'll crave and binge and give up. And fall of the wagon its ok as long as you get back up your heading forward =)
• Great  app is myfitnesspal.
• It's free and helps track your weight.
• You can put it what you eat each day and it's calculates how many calories your eating.
• You can also put in your ideal or goal weight and tells you how far off your goal weight you are
• as well as how many calories you need to consume to achieve the goal.
• You can also record your exercise for the day which gets calculated in with the calories consumed.
• I am supplementing using Optifast once a day but find that it does not fill me for long enough unless I add 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk, am adding that to my morning cereal and this is filling me for longer too now.
• Stick photos/pictures of people or body parts you wish to have e.g toned tummy, legs, arms etc on your fridge, your cudboards (so you can see the photo before opening the door to grab food) on your mirrors just so everytime you get up in the morning you have that bit more motivation and to stop you grabbing the wrong snack when your hungry! Works for me!

Food and Lifestyle

• Portion and Meal Control
• concentrate on what I eat and when and cutting back on portions
• serving a meal it is best to use a white plate instead of a colored plate. You seem to serve less on white.
• Small meals more often so you don't overeat, portion size is important.
• 6 meals a day rather than 3 massive ones
•  
• Liquid Ideas
• Have a glass of Water before each meal to fill you up a bit and will stop you from eating large portions - it will also assist with Digestion
• Adding a slice of lemon to your water everyday is great for the body!
• Drink more water because often you are dehydrated not hungry
• No juice at lunch just water
• Huge glass of water before each meal to help make me feel full
•  
• Food Tips
• Made a wicked curry but had steamed beans with it instead of rice
• swapping white with brown... rice and pasta....it may taste weird at the start...but you will soon learn to love it!
• Spice speeds up the metabolism
• Weight watches/light and easy meal for lunch ( thy are good!)
•  Sweet treat afternoon rather than at night time
• More vegies than anything else on my dinner plate and i eat them first to fill me uo
•  
• Shopping Savers
• When I shop now I actually have a whole list of good foods to eat, even to the point it is brand specific so I don't have to keep reading the back of labels.
• Iphone App for to use for food counting etc. It called "Bupa - food switch" from memory, and its free. All you do is scan the barcode with the food you normally have, and it will show you/recommend you healthier options

Exercise and Movement

• Resistance bands are excellent - available at Big W.  great for gaining strength and toning.  Big W also had a DVD called "The Firm - Sculpt-ilates" which has been really great and Oxygen Magazine had an article called "Your 15 minute firm up plan" which is circuit based exercises all using the resistance band.
• Housework - Scrub the shower and bathroom each week with a scrubbing brush. double reward cause you have a clean house
• Chores can be a bore, but chin up: cleaning will burn fat and tone muscles just as well as a session at the gym.  - http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/​body+fitness/news+features/​the+housework+workout,11425
• Look for the little things in everyday life that can add up to you moving more...things like at the shopping centre, park as far away from the door or trolley return as you can, even return those few extra trolleys in the parking bays, stairs instead of lifts, eat before you shop, drink water before a meal to feel fuller, all those little things help
• Pedometers - help me monitor my daily steps. I'm REALLY happy with this cute little unit and it was cheap as chips off ebay. less than $13 including postage!  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/​350502308953?ssPageName=STRK%3A​MEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1497​.l2649
• 20-Minute Workout for Women: Butt Fitness & Exercises--Burn 500 calories & Shed Pounds at Women's HealthMag  - www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/butt-workout
• Phone App - This is great and a good start for people who dont normally run. I got the app on my phone and i can listen to my music and it just cuts in when i need to start running and when its time to walk again....highly recommend it! - http://www.c25k.com/
• Instead of using scales. Measure the around your arms, thighs, calves, waist, etc. As you excersie you put on muscle and that will way more than fat but you will be getting smaller at the same time. Went to a health day at SOTA about that years ago.

10 Foods with a Punch

I found this information online and thought I would share.

These 10 foods pack a nutritious punch with vitamins and minerals, which can help kick your weight loss into gear and fuel your body with the good stuff.

Blueberries

 Loaded with anti-oxidants, phyto flavonoids and vitamin C, berries may help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and act as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have also shown that blueberries may help with short-term memory loss associated with brain-ageing. The darker the colour, the more anti-oxidants. Best of all, you can enjoy berries all year round as frozen are just as good as fresh.

Extra-lean beef

 A common nutrient deficiency in women is iron. Enjoying extra-lean beef in your diet is a guaranteed iron injection, without excess saturated fat. Iron helps make up haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrier in the blood. Without enough iron, you can suffer from fatigue, poor concentration and even increase your body's susceptibility to colds and infections.

Fresh herbs

 Of the 50 foods highest in anti-oxidants, 13 are fresh herbs and spices. One study at the University of Oslo in Norway found oregano had 42 times more anti-oxidants than apples. One tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same free-radical fighting power as one medium-sized apple.

Legumes

 Legumes, including chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans are low-GI foods which help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Black beans are particularly rich in fibre and nutrients, plus they're almost fat-free. Legumes can aid weight loss as they fill you up on fewer kilojoules and POINTS values than many meat sources of protein.

Oats

 Not only packed with fibre, oats are brimming with protein, good fats and vitamins and minerals. They've been known to help ease the harmful effects of "bad" cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Buy natural rolled oats (leave the sugar-loaded sachets on the shelf) and cook them in the microwave with skim milk, topped with banana and a drizzle of honey for a super-nutritious breakfast.

Oranges

 Most famously know for their vitamin C, oranges also contain many phytochemicals thought to lower the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory conditions in women. Oranges also contain potassium, good for water balance between cells and assisting with high blood pressure.

Raw nuts

 Each nut contains its own unique profile of phytochemicals, types of fatty acids, and amounts of fibre. Most nuts contain monounsaturated fat, which may help lower "bad" cholesterol. Remember to watch your portions as it's easy to eat too many.

Spinach

 Popeye wasn't right about the iron content of spinach, as the form of iron in spinach is not as absorbable as animal sources. However, he was getting a great daily dose of B vitamin folate. Spinach is one of nature's best sources of folate, which helps prevent birth defects and may lower the risk of heart disease, dementia and even colon cancer.

Tomatoes

 Tomatoes are well known for their high amounts of lycopene, which is considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancer. But this tasty fruit also packs other anti-oxidants, too, including betacarotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Tomatoes are truly one of nature's superfoods!

Yoghurt

 Our digestive system needs a healthy amount of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. One way we can assist good bacteria is by boosting probiotic intake. Look for low-fat yoghurt with active cultures such as acidophilus, but keep an eye on the sugar content. Yoghurt is also rich in protein, making it a filling snack.

Good vege salad for summer

Broccoli Salad

My boss a couple of years ago called it the going out salad.  We only got it when we were going out.  Eventually Mrs Boss caved to pressure and would make it at home

Very  simple and easy. 

Ingredients

Broccoli - cut into 1-2cm pieces

Bacon bits - a half a cup or to taste.

1 cup mayo

½ cup sugar

¼ cup vinegar

Mix Mayo, sugar and vinegar separately then put on the other salad ingredients.

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs

An interesting find on facebook this article was... using nature to help and not just modern medicines.

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs By Sumitra Nair, Team iDiva 

Turmeric
This golden spice, used in almost every meal in India is very valuable. "It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling caused due to pain. "It also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Maithili Pashtekar. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon
Often used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. "This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol," says Naini. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Ginger
Good ol' ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that. "It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence," says Naini. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

Basil
Holy basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it "reduces levels of serotonin," Maithili says. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever. Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic
This condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that, according to Naini, "it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control." It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses. "It helps to digest iron and protein," says Maithili. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

Cumin
Cumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhoea attack. "It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps," says Naini. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

Mustard
Mustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells. "it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause," says Maithili. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

Saffron
Saffron is a powerful antioxidant too. "It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders," says Naini. A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

Cardamom
Known as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity. "It also improves your circulation to your lungs, Maithili says. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups, suggests Naini.

Mint
Mint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.

Eat healthy --- Let's have a BROWNIE

The following recipe comes from a lady from the United States.  So I guess you could say it is a traditional American brownie.

First time I tasted it my wisdom teeth were playing up but despite the pain I soldiered through many pieces it was very yummy.

It also brings great memories of the station I was working on at the time.  We had a lot of fun in the paddock.

Brownies

Melt ¾ cup butter and add ¾ cup cocoa and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix in separate dish.

1 tspoon baking powder

½ tspn salt

4 eggs

1 ¼ cup flour

2 cups sugar

Mix altogether

Bake at 180 degrees for 30 -35 minutes.

Steak Rocks - Braised steak

I love a piece of steak and found this recipe in a SOTA cookbook

Braised Steak in oven

1 lb of steak (can be diced but I often prefer to lay a good piece of steak flat in a roasting dish.)

½ onion chopped

2 tblspn Tomato sauce

1 Beef stock cube

1 tblspn brown sugar

2 tblspn brown vinegar (white can be used a pinch)

1 tblspn hot sauce

½ cup water

Roll meat in flour.  Place in casserole dish (I prefer one layer about an inch deep).  Add onion.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat.   

Cook in a Moderate over for an hour or until cooked.

Serve 2-3

Never made it but a recipe exchange can't be wrong

BBQ Coriander Chicken

1 cup firmly packed coriander roots, stems and leaves (I reckon you could use that stuff you can buy in the tubes if you can't get fresh with the roots)

3 garlic cloves (again, use the crushed garlic in a jar if that's what you have in the fridge!)

1 tsp ground turmeric

2 tbs lime juice

2 tbs peanut oil

1/2 cup light coconut milk

chicken thigh fillets (as many as you need) - You can use breast fillets that you have butterflied, or wings. I've even done it with Kangaroo backstraps and it's very tasty.

TO SERVE

Steamed jasmine rice, lime wedges and a leafy green salad to serve (I sometimes serve with steamed Bok Choy and Snow peas, or broccolli etc)

1. To make the coriander marinade, place coriander, garlic, turmeric, lime juice and oil in a food processor and process to form a paste. Add coconut milk and process until combined.

2. Score the thickest part of each chicken thigh twice. Place in a large shallow dish. Coat chicken with coriander marinade. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Works best if left over night. Excellent to get ready early and take to a bbq.

3. Preheat a greased barbecue grill or char-grill over medium heat. Barbecue or char-grill chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Servce chicken with steamed jasmine rice, lime wedges and a leafy green salad.

yum yum get in ma belly :-)

More desert cakes ... Blackberry chocolate dessert cake

Blackberry chocolate dessert cake

Check Out the Picture on the Taste website

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 250g butter, chopped
• 250g good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 4 eggs, at room temperature, separated
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• 150g frozen blackberries
• Solid chocolate Easter eggs, extra blackberries and cocoa powder, to serve

Method

1.    Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease and line a 23cm (base) springform pan with baking paper. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Set aside.

2.    Combine chocolate and milk in a large heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of simmering water (don't let base of bowl touch water). Heat, stirring with a metal spoon, until melted and smooth. Using an electric hand mixer, beat in sugar. Remove bowl from heat. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

3.    Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, to chocolate mixture, beating well after each addition. Add melted butter. Stir until combined.

4.    Sift flour over chocolate mixture. Gently fold in. Whisk eggwhites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold into chocolate mixture. Sprinkle over blackberries. Gently fold in until combined.

5.    Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until risen. Reduce oven to 160°C. Bake for a further 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool completely in pan (don't worry if cake sinks in centre).

6.    Place cake onto a serving plate. Decorate with chocolate eggs and blackberries. Dust with cocoa. Serve slices with mascarpone or thick cream, if desired.