Welcome back! I have had a brilliant few days and can't wait to share them with you. This sunrise above led into a scorcher of a day last Thursday. Autumn isn't behaving itself and March is now Smarch- sweltering March. I may go to Tasmania and visit mum if this weather doesn't stop rebelling.
All we could do to cope was just cope! My sweet bubby spent to late evening in her pool, splashing happily for over 45 minutes with an audience of girls enjoying her cuteness. Hurry up and behave like Autumn please!!!
I haven't let the heat stop me from baking however. The day after this scorcher, it cooled down (just for a day!) considerably. I made these...
...good, ol'fashioned jam drops. They lasted an afternoon/evening!
Grateful for guests to help share the naughtiness :)
As you may notice from the post title, I am attempting, on hubby's suggestion, to document sunrises for 1 whole year. These pics will be taken from the same spot everyday before 7:30am. I actually like this challenge. Considering how hectic life with an ever increasingly busy bub is, my writing isn't happening just yet, and my creativity is on the back-burner.
Taking pics of sunrises though- I can do that since I'm up anyway, and most likely will be for a whole year to come.
A stunning Autumn morn. It was cooler when I took this photo. I got excited Autumn was actually, possibly here at last.
As we have Babette here, a German teen, my teen, my non teen visiting often, my sweet bubby and hubby, we decided to have a special day out together, and head to Natural Arch, part of Springbrook National Park. Look below at the stunning scenery...
One k down the road, we had this view at an adorable cafe. Numimbah valley at its best!
I love finds like this- stunning, exquisite nature!
Natural Arch from inside the cave. There were many bats deep inside- and this view out. Love it!
Outside looking in. Though it's fenced off now, as a 16 year old, I can't believe I jumped through the waterfall entrance and landed here. I was a tiny bit more adventurous and not afraid of broken bones then apparently.
Much nicer appreciating it for just the sheer beauty nowadays :)
Sigh. This picture is just so soothing. Nature is the best therapy.
Who doesn't enjoy the sound of water splashing over rocks.
Love the majesty of long established trees. Stunning and inspiring in a disposable culture.
Thanks to Babette, we enjoyed fresh mini quiches (divine!) and fresh fruit with my zucchini slice for our picnic lunch. Everyone enjoyed the day, and though it was a tough, dangerous drive in places (the road had simply fallen away and was barricaded off), the journey was well worth it. Weather permitting, most of us are off to explore another scenic part of the Gold Coast Hinterland next weekend.
Yesterdays sunrise- cloudy and glowing.
I apologise about the picture quality of my recent bread baking. I made my easy bread loaf in 2 smaller tins to have wholesome bread for my sweet bubby to enjoy. She is learning to eat other foods- only having 2 teeth a prohibitive factor, but I am sure that will be resolved soon (if her constant chewing is anything to go by!). In the meantime, having soft, healthy options to tempt her taste buds is my goal.
My fresh, sliced bread for bubby. Once cooked and sliced, its simply a matter of freezing it until needed.
Here is yet another sunrise- yesterdays in fact. Soft and pretty colours.
The same sunrise at a different time- pretty amazing how the colour changes so much in the space of a few minutes.
And now, onto some food related things :) I must say, I have been enjoying having 2 European gals in the house who love cooking! My sweet newest teen cooked up a feast Saturday night, practicing for her food tech project. I told her she is welcome to experiment on us anytime. Lovely Babette is again cooking us up a feast tonight. I could get quite used to this. Actually- I already am. Don't leave me, girls!
As the mum of the house, it is my duty to at times prepare nutritious meals. Last night, this was my creation...
VEGGIE STACK
Serves 4
Tortillas:
1/2 cup dry chia seeds
1/3 cup polenta
1 tbsp coconut flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
salt & pepper
water
Mix together in a bowl, adding enough water to make a thick paste. Pour large rounds into a lightly greased pan on medium heat, spreading into shape as you do. Cook each side until lightly browned. Makes 3 chunky tortillas. Set aside.
Filling:
Butter & olive oil to fry.
1 char grilled capsicum.
1 medium sweet potato, steamed then browned in a pan.
1 brown onion, sauteed with a large cup of sliced mushrooms.
2 large zucchini's, cut into thin strips, pan fried.
2 cobs corn, kernels removed and pureed in a food processor.
100gms of fetta.
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese.
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 175 C.
Place a thin layer of pureed corn onto the base of a greased, spring-form tin.
Layer tortillas, veggies and corn in any order. Top with crumbled fetta and grated cheese on top, then bake for 45minutes, or until cheese is golden. Allow to cool and leave in the fridge to help set before serving. Alternatively, cut carefully while still hot.
Veggies ready to go: Home roasted capsicum, sweet potatoes, zucchini's, onions and mushrooms.
The completed dish, fresh from the oven.
Dinner is served, complete with 2 homemade beef sausages. The girls loved this dish, and I managed to get my fussy teen to consume fresh corn!
This morning's sunrise. I love the wispy white cloud in the centre.
Lastly, this mornings bargain buy from local farmers market, Mate & Matt's. Fresh pumpkin for 90 cents a kg instead of $2.98 from the supermarket. Oranges for $2 a kg, apples, avocados, tomatoes and more for much much less than the supermarket mark up. Considering that this farm stall is literally a few minutes drive away, it's so worth making the detour to purchase quality veg at prices I am willing to pay.
While I endevour to post regularly, I have a sweet bubby currently going through mumma separation anxiety. This same bubby is also trying to walk independently. She isn't succeeding thus far, but I admire/ am terrified of her determination. And I need to be there for the bumps and knocks. Sad reality, I can't prevent her growing up, or pad the entire house.
Hope this satisfies you for another day, or two, or three...
Until next time, thanks for reading :)
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