Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Sharing...

Ok, so there are a few things I would like to share with you, you might not be interested but I will try anyway, and I just thought I would ocmbine the post. After all, sharing is caring!

Just a quick meal I prepared for my family yesterday!! It must of been good because Stella ate the whole thing and fast too!!
I know as much as anyone that if you have had  a hard day, if the kids are naughty or unsettled and you need to prepare dinner whilst WW3 is happening around you, that it has to be quick and easy, aswell as nutrious and healthy for everyone.
This is my recipe for Savoury Mince, it isn't actually a proper recipe, just something that I have made our up over time. My sister gave us an amazing little hand written book as a wedding present, with alot of our family recipes. Things like my Grandmas Pastry and scones, my Dad pikelets, mock chicken, meatballs, curries , you name it, plus I have added my own in aswell. However, you don't always have all the ingredients of a recipe in your pantry and it was more often than not that I didn't have everything for Dads Savoury Mince, so here is Liz's Savoury Mince. ( I know I know that mince is not that great for us, not the healthest meat around, but Stella loves it and eats it, this is Noel's favourite meal and  it was in my freezer, plus it beats Takeaway on a hard night!!)

I started by chopping up all our veges, I like to try and do this a bit earlier in the arvo, to save time at peak hour, but whenever is good for you. Any vegies can go in this meal, and I like to try and use up all the ones that need using up, and its a great way to "hide" vegies for the kids or fussy eaters!!
We had - cauliflower, capsicum, carrot, zucchini, onion, and celery but usually I add frozen peas and corn but I forgot this time!!



Cook your mince with the onions , and add some crushed garlic.


Add your vegies, your sauces, try different combinations that are in your cupboard, ours was;
2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
1 tbsp Barbeque Sauce
1 tbsp Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
1 Tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce ( it wasn't at all spicy and was fine for Stella)
1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
Adjust to your taste and liking.
Cook up some pasta, I used spirals and when cooked add to pan with everything else.


Serve and enjoy, below are Noels and Stellas dinner.

 

The babies even liked this, mixed up with a barmix to make it easier.
Yummo!!


Next of the sharing, are these 2 uber gorgeous backpacks I picked up the other day for Max and Lacey!!



Umm, hello?!!! Cute or what!!! After falling in love with the Skip Hop ones HERE and starting to search the net for a store that had them on sale, I just happened to go into my local Crazy Clarkes Store and glance over to see these beauties!! They are nearly identical, and I say they are cheap copies, but for $10, I didn't care and quickly snapped them up for my cherubs. The backpacks seem a bit smaller but we don't need anything big, I am just in planning mode for when I can ditch the nappy bag, regain my handbag and start taking their bags out instead!!
And who could resist a little puppy dog and mouse!?! So get to your nearest Crazy Clarkes, and if you don't have one, let me know, I will see what I can do and post it to you!! Who am I to deny someone such goodies!?




Lastly , after a pretty good tip off from a good friend and terrible shopping influence, I purchased these gorgeous canvas baskets, complete with handle for easy transport. They are on sale at the moment from Bambini Pronto at such an amazing price, so I snapped up one small and 2 large baskets. The small one is great, and I have replaced a white basket with a chocolate Canvas storage one to house our nappies and wipes in our living area. Fantastic and portable for a mobile change station for your babies and the large is now the home for our toys in the family room (as the rest live in the Toy Room). Again, great to transport with the handles, as I often take toys outside when we are playing out there. This makes life easier!

There you have it, sorry if  I have heart the bank balance, but I couldn't help but share!!
Goodluck!

2 comments:

  1. Love the bags : ) I saw them at CC that other day too LOL I bought a spare monkey one just in case.

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  2. Hi Liz!

    My 4 love mince too, so I thought I'd share how we have made it heaps healthier, cheaper and yummier....we bought a mincer. I think it cost $30 for a manual one. We just buy cheap cuts of meat on special, like blade or chuck, cut off all the fat and mince it. So good. :)

    Thanks for your recipe, I'll have to try it

    Jess x

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Thankyou for taking the time to read and more importantly comment on my blog. They are all so appreciated! Liz x