Cauliflower pizza base with roast pumpkin, basil, fetta & avocado topping.

After nearly sleeping in- well, sort of, I snapped this balmy autumn greeting. A sweet bubby has been suffering with a bit of a tummy upset these past two days, and woke a little early this morning with a present for her mumma before going back to sleep for a bit longer.

So many nappies! Poor bubby though, nothing worse than seeing someone so tiny go through discomfort.

The mini human vacuum will be under a watchful mumma's eye in future to see what she is actually consuming on her crawling adventures!

Hubby is currently on his way home by train from a day at uni. As it's way past our dinner time, I decided earlier to make the girls a healthy pizza base option I spied on Facebook yesterday...

Cauliflower Pizza Base:

1/2 head of cauliflower

4 tbsp almond meal

1 egg

pinch salt & pepper

fresh parsley

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 200 C.

In a food processor, blitz cauliflower until crumbly. transfer to a mixing bowl and add other ingredients until well combined.

Place on a well greased and lined pizza tray- spreading out as you go, and smoothing with a spatula.

Bake for approx. 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Topping:

A generous amount of roast pumpkin wedges (or, steamed pumpkin that is then fried).

Fresh basil leaves.

1 avocado, sliced into wedges.

A heaped tbsp basil pesto (my homemade pesto of course!)

120gms fetta, crumbled.

Lemon juice.

50gms of cheddar cheese,slices (2) cut into 1/4's- optional.

Dollop some pesto evenly around the pizza base and spread. Top with cooked pumpkin, basil leaves, avocado slices, crumbled fetta and cheddar cheese and cheddar cheese slices. Sprinkle with lemon juice before baking for a further 10-15 minutes. Carefully cut into 4 and slide off each slice.

It was a megga hit! Will I do it again. Yep! But with some tweaks of course :)

These simple ingredients make a yummy, low carb, low sugar base.

The base fresh from the oven. Smells so good!

The toppings are on! This is pre-oven, minus the cheddar cheese. 

And this is baked, with cheddar cheese strips. Tempting a fussy teen and encouraging new tastes means adding ingredients you know they like.

It's a bit delicate to remove the base, but each slice remained intact. I will probably add either more almond meal or egg to the base next time. Or, just buy grease proof paper as it's a little tougher than plain baking paper.

A simple, but no doubt tempting post to satisfy you. May I say- this pizza is Dee.Vine! 

Now, this tired mumma is in for an early-ish night. Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Natural Arch, a veggie stack, fruit/ veggie bargains & 365 sunrises.

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 :)

White choc cheesecakes, carrot cake and more feasting.

Each morning, I say to myself- No More Sunrises!!! And yet, here we are, with yet another sunrise for you to enjoy, even if you sleep late every morning. Aren't you grateful I'm obsessed with them?!

We were gifted with these baby foods yesterday from hubby's fam. Most grateful, may I say! When out, we have quick meals for a hungry bubby. She still rather prefers purees at present, so this is just perfect.

I took Babette and my teen for a tree change drive yesterday. It was so relaxing visiting the country, and just 10 minutes away. Desperately want to move back here. This cow seems pretty chill about things. If I lived here, I'm sure I would be too :)

Speaking of Babette, this gorgeous girl made a feast last night. We also had a dinner guest, yet she still managed to make an absolute abundance of amazing food. 

This salad platter was one meal...

...and this divine paella (chicken and salami-not seafood due to a picky teen), was another.

The finished product- topped with the fried salami and chicken, and fresh herbs from my garden. It was soooo delish! And there was more than enough for 2 meals today :)

My contribution to the meal: White Choc Cheesecakes for dessert. 

They are wickedly sugary and divinely naughty. Yep- break out meal for sure! And look on, the recipe is here as well.

Ingredients:

Base:

• 1 250 gram packet of plain sweet biscuits (I used choc chip cookies!)
• 1 cup Desiccated Coconut
• 3 heaped tablespoons cocoa powder

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

 In a pan, heat together until butter melts (do NOT boil)

• 1 can Condensed milk
• 30gms butter

Mix ingredients together well. Put into a lined & greased slice tray (or muffin tins or cake pan) and smooth out (clean, wet fingers work best for this). Place in fridge.

Filling: (This works best in a food processor)

• 2 x 250gms cream cheese
• 3/4 cup brown (or white) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1.5 cups whipped cream.
• 1 cup whipped cream, extra
• 1 tbsp gelatin
• 250gm white chocolate
• punnet strawberries

Method:
Combine 2x 250gms cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. Mix until smooth.
Add 1 ½ cups stiff whipped cream. Lightly beat until combined.
Place 1 tblspn of gelatin powder into ¼ cup cold water. Place cup into another cup of boiling water and stir until gelatin dissolves and becomes clear.
Add to cheese mixture.
Carefully melt 250gms white chocolate (do slowly in microwave to prevent burning). Stir thoroughly to remove all lumps. While still warm, and with processor running, slowly pour into cheese mixture until combined.
Take slice base from fridge and spoon cheesecake mixture generously on top.
Return to fridge and allow to set for 1-2 hours-longer if large cake is made.
Remove from tin and cut into slices with a warm knife. 

Top slices (or individual mini cheesecakes as pictured) with whipped cream and strawberries.ENJOY!

Just to calm you down from your sugar high, here is another serene scene- this morning's sunrise :)

I have also added this as I love how vibrant everything looks in the morning sun.

I have been a bit busy with this baking business. I will now redeem myself and show you my refined sugar free carrot cake. 

Ingredients:
2 cups of unbleached, whole wheat plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 cup liquid coconut oil
1/4 cup rice malt syrup
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup soaked, chopped dates
1/4 cup soaked chia seed gel (see note)
3 eggs
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup walnuts
4 small/ 3 medium finely grated carrots

Icing:
200gms cream cheese
1/4 cup honey or rice malt syrup
Extra walnuts

Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 C
Grease and line a large, spring-form cake tin.
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. 
Add the coconut oil, rice malt syrup, chia gel, vanilla and eggs. Mix until just combined.
Mix in carrots, drained dates, coconut and walnuts also until just combined.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre of the cake. Store in the fridge.

*Note: to make chia gel, I place 100gms of chia seeds into a large container, fill it with a few centimetres more water than seed- stir, and store in the fridge for a week. More water can be added if it gets too thick.

The carrots, soaked dates, coconut and walnuts ready to be combined into the batter.

The cake post oven. All good cooks need to sample their creations :)

The finished product! It actually tastes so good- not sickly sweet, and its dense and filling. Perfect afternoon tea :)

To end, I will leave you with these, just because they brighten my day, and the dining room table. 

I will now go and check on my sweet bubby, who has fought sleep half the day. Then, I think I shall attempt to stay awake until a travel weary hubby arrives home from uni. 

Hope that has satisfied you for another day.

Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Falafel fail, a turbo tot and sunrises aplenty.

Good morning! It is getting so much harder to blog daily with a little turbo tot, let me tell you!!! My sweet bubby has gone from crawling backwards, to powering forwards, standing, attempting to climb the stairs and constantly eating shoes on a daily basis-all within a week. Hectic! Yet, equally as adorable :) Life will no longer be the same. 

Hubby is currently heading down to his parents home with bubby to pick up a much needed gate. That won't solve every busy bubby issue, but at least when we make a loo dash, my little adventurer isn't attempting Mt Everest and risking smacking her head on tiles. The shoe issue will be fixed by softening the edges of my big shoe box and swapping it for the shoe rack currently tempting my dear little ones eyes and taste buds. And as for the floor fluff and hair- I'm sure it won't kill her! Oh the joy of having several females with luscious locks in a small home! 

I have managed to cook, and take some stunning sunrises of late. Check out these beauties below...

A stunning mix of colours one morning, followed by one sunrise the next day with three distinct colour changes in half an hour...

Photo number 1, pink sky...

Photo number 2, gold and blue...

And number 3, glorious gold. How amazing is that kind of greeting! 

We have a beautiful house guest at present. I love having her here- she is truly the most beautiful soul I have possibly ever met. Her maturity, understanding, wisdom and helpfulness is such a blessing to have around. Not to mention her cooking skills! I don't know what the future holds for this incredible young woman, but I certainly know it will be bright. 

My beautiful, first long term student, Babette, has returned to visit us years later. Bubby already adores her as much as we do!

I love this full house at the moment. My non teen is over frequently, the dinner table is extended and we are grabbing extra chairs to accommodate- it is just wonderful!

My sweet bubby has been loving her swimming lessons. As encouraged by the instructor, my non teen took her bubby sister last week. This was also due to the fact that my fabulous new eyebrows aren't allowed to get chlorine on them whilst healing. It also makes sense to let children not rely on just one person for water safety. I like sharing the caring with my family :)

Adorable big and little sissy moment. Proud mumma right here :)

I managed to catch up with a beautiful friend this week. Sadly, due to family/study commitments, we couldn't make it to the beautiful Jacqui's engagement party in Brisbane :( But instead of me blessing her, this gorgeous woman turned up with flowers for me. I love her heart, have always admired her spirit, honesty and generosity for life in general, and am thrilled for her happiness beyond words. Her fiance Dave is one lucky guy! 

Flowers for moi. Feeling just a bit spoiled :)

Here is yet another sunrise for you, just in case I hadn't posted enough already :)

The following pics are a snapshot of the weekend..

An experiment: gluten free tortilla based veggie slice/quiche thingy. I know, naming dishes is my skill!

Because I accidentally purchased mini gluten free tortilla bases, hubby gagged and I was annoyed at having wasted money on something the family wouldn't eat. Until I decided to turn it into something else.

I oiled a tin, lined it with tortillas, made a first layer of seasoned, cooked veg...

made another layer of steamed sweet potato, covered that in 6 eggs, a little cream and cheese and a hint of coconut flour, then baked it. Success! 

Not an attractive dish, but certainly a nutrient dense, healthy one.

One of the many times my sweet bubby has attacked the shoes. Her desire for these are so strong, it motivated her to learn to crawl properly. Toys aren't her thing, shoes are. Sigh. Another shoe obsessed female in the house. 

This is one of my favourite sunrises. It glows, and I think it's pretty :)

Not a sunrise! It's the other end of the day :)

Hubby, bubby and I went for one last walk along the boardwalk before they rip the old section up and make it fabulously modern like the newer section. 

I will personally miss the character of the old boardwalk with its uneven boards and roped edge. I will however still have this scene, taken while standing on the bridge and looking towards Mt Warning.  

Now, onto food again. Yesterdays breaky: egg white, chia seed, oat bran pancake with natural yoghurt on top. I love these! An experiment success.

Lunch yesterday: a very veggie feast with shredded chicken, topped with some homegrown jalapenos :)

At last, my first attempt at falafels. This is the only photo of them you will see, until I solve the sloppy, falling apart whilst cooking issue. They tasted divine, but looked horrendous! 

My recipe is as follows...

Ingredients:

makes 12 balls

1 400gm can of chick peas, drained,

1 brown onion, sliced,

2 cloves garlic,

fresh parsley- 1/2 cup chopped

1 tbsp each freshly ground coriander and cumin,

1 tbsp coconut flour,

2 tbsp soaked chia seed gel,

1/2 tsp salt.

Roll into balls and refrigerate for min 30 mins.

I have since checked recipes to see that they use 2 cans of chick peas. Oops. My recipe was very wet, wouldn't fry in coconut oil, and needed to be grilled.  May I say, the taste was amazing, and the girls loved it! It just looked like crumble :(

I will not be beaten! Trying these again soon :)

I shall leave you with a gorgeous flower to celebrate the end of summer :)

My non teen gave a beautiful bunch of flowers to Babette. I love this bright, bold yellow one. I also love that it's colour reminds me of autumn. Not autumn here. The subtropics doesn't have glorious, seasonal changes like cooler climates do.

But it reminds me that this intense heat will soon be over, and cooler, fresher days are once again returning. Sigh. I am one happy girl again! 

That is all for now, lovely readers. Until next time, thanks for reading.