Appliances Online

Hmmmm, I had a lovely morning tea yesterday that has led me to reflect on Jewish cooking, what it is and how you do it! I received an email from Appliances Online - inviting me to a morning tea, a Mothers Day Morning Tea, but I'm not a mum, I hear you say.
I looked into it a little further to discover the ladies from Monday Morning Cooking Club, a group of 6 lovely ladies who happen to be Jewish; who were cooking said morning tea support many charities, one of my favourite being amongst them - OzHarvest.
Why not?
Please, if you're interested google Monday Morning Cooking Club, and have a look. I wasn't blown away by fabulous, frivolous pastries, but offered some lovely, wholesome home baked food, cooked with care, and the very best bit? A story to share.
Looking through the MMCC book - thanks to Harper Collins, I was warmed by the care put into sharing food from the wider Jewish community, from young and old, across the globe.
I haven't dealt with Appliances Online - however was treated to a tour of the premises - looks great, very efficient. Prices are competitive  and I am told by a good friend she buys her appliances there because of competitive pricing, excellent customer service and FAST delivery.
Below is the lovely Breville All in One I came home with, and because of my LOVE of gadgets, of course, I've used it already! Yep, the blades are VERY sharp - my ring finger and thumb can attest to that.

A very big thank you to Appliances Online - and the great team who work there, Monday Morning Cooking Club, Breville and Harper Collins!

Tomato Soup, for the Winter

Winter is coming, here in Australia, and I love a warming soup, snuggled up on the lounge, mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
As a child, one of my favourites was Campbell's Tomato Soup, now that my taste has matured somewhat I like to make my own!
Ingredients
12 or so large tomatoes - a mix of roma and field are great
Drizzle of olive oil
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t Pepper
1 tBrown sugar
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
6 large cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 Spanish onion
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup fresh cream
Some lovely fresh Thyme
Method
1/2 the tomatoes and place on a baking tray with garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar - roast at 180 degrees for an hour.
Sauté onion until clear and add tomatoes, squeeze garlic cloves into pan and add stock, add a little more balsamic vinegar at this time. Simmer for about 1/2 an hour. Purée in batches and pass through a sieve, and cream and heat. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with nice bread........... We like ciabatta.
Yum yum yum! Enjoy

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Best Home Chef........

Ok, we all know I love to cook. Some kind people that I have discussed recipes and my enthusiasm with have suggested things like Masterchef and MKR - my dislike of the spotlight, as well as 3 months away from work, prevent this - as an alternative I have joined the great home cooks on Best Home Chef..... If you would like to rate any of my recipes, please follow the link:

See more of my creations.......

Some of my creations make it to pinterest via Best Home Chef - enjoy!

Dental Care for people with a Chronic Disease

Many Australians are faced with enduring a chronic disease in their day to day life, such as diabetes, cancer, alzheimer's, mental health issues and bleeding disorders, these people are also more susceptible to dental diseases' such as periodontal disease and dental caries (decay).
There is currently a scheme through Medicare that allows eligible individuals to claim for dental care - reducing their risk of development and progression of these diseases. Our government wants to crap this scheme, leaving individuals with chronic disease left to pay for costly private dental care, which a lot simply cannot afford.
Please join my colleague - Professor Hans Zoellner in his plight to save this worthwhile health initiative, increasing the quality of life for eligible individuals by following this link :Protect Dental Medicare for People with Chronic Disease 
Thanks for your support - you never know when you, your family or someone you love may need this help!

Peta's Guacamole

Ingredients:
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 pepper corns
good pinch of salt
2 cloves of garlic - roughly chopped
1 shallot - roughly chopped
Flesh of 1 Hass avocado
2 Tablespoons lite sour cream

How to?
Place first 5 ingredients in  food processor, and process until smooth, add avocado and sour cream, and process again, until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste, and refrigerate for a few hours before eating. Refrigeration before consumption lets the flavors develop, and it is delicious!
Great served with nacho's, crackers, vegetable crudites, or even used instead of better on your toast or sandwiches!

Tacos' Nachos' n more.......

Who doesn't love a good Mexican feed? Here's a change to the way you usually make them, tasty, lower in fat, woooo hooooooo!

• 500g piece of skirt steak
• 1 sachet of mild taco seasoning - I do prefer Old El Paso
• 1 onion, diced

How?

In a fry pan that has been lightly sprayed with olive l and is hot, brown your piece of skirt for s few minutes, get a good caramelisation, because this improves the flavour. add approx 2 cups of water and put a lid on, turn the heat down until the water is just simmering, and cook until the meat is falling apart, this will take about an hour. Make sure you check the meat occasionally so it doesn't boil dry, if you need to, add some more water.

Once your meat is falling apart, remove from the pan, reserving the water, onto a chopping board, separate the meat with 2 forks, into strings - add the meat back into the pan with the onion and taco seasoning, cook for a few minutes and stand.



Great served with my guacamole, I'll post the recipe later, sour cream, salsa, grated tasty cheese, and your choice of tortilla, corn chips etc. YUMMY

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