Sunday, October 21, 2007

SUNDAY: BrunchDay



Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms, Tomato and Chives atop a crusty French Baguette

SATURDAY: Wrapster

For lunch today I got into a wrap......




Wholemeal wrap, hummus, salad leaves, red cabbage, cheese and grated carrot. Healthy and delish!

THURSDAY: More Piggys

In the form of Pork Steaks, topped with Apple and Cheese, Potatoes and Asparagus


WEDNESDAY: Eggs and Vege

Put together to make Fritatta, served with Salad




Full of Roasted Pumpkin, Kumara and Onion, fresh Asparagus and Peas and flavoured with Basil Pesto. Delish

TUESDAY: Rigatoni with Sausage Ragu


Sunday, October 14, 2007

SUNDAY: Stirfryin'

After weeks of begging from the fiancee, last night I finally relented and cooked him one of his favourites, stirfry.





Plenty of veges, free-range chicken and hokkien noodles, bound in a Lemon, Seasame & Ginger Sauce, finished off with a sprinkling of cashews.

Light and Tasty
Tamara xx

Saturday, October 13, 2007

SATURDAY: This little piggy

When I was a wee little baby, apparently I used to adore the Piggy game. You know, the one where the adult sings the song.....

This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had Roast Beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy went wee wee wee wee all the way home.

.....whilst grabbing a toe for each line of the song and eventually tickling you *all the way home*

Well last night, I made out like a little piggy and had Roast Beef for dinner.



Accompanied with roast vege (pumpkin, kumara, carrot, yam & onion), lashings of gravy and of course, a side of Yorkshire Puds, absolutely vital when chowing on Roast Beef.

In fact, we are so nuts about Yorkshire Puds in this house that once we had them with Cherios and Peas for dinner. And last night Shaun even said to me, "you know what? I would have been happy with just a pile of Yorkies and some roasted vege for dinner."

Obsessed? Yes!
Tamara xxx

Friday, October 12, 2007

FRIDAY: Bills Influence

Last night I was looking for a simple, tasty meal when I remembered one of my favourite Bill Granger Recipes from an issue of Delicious Magazine.

Garlic, Chilli, Spinach and Wine Spaghetti



It fit the bill perfectly, super simple, fast and so full of flavour, which surprises you when you consider how few ingredients it contains.

Until next time (which will be soon, I promise)
Tamara xx

Detox Days

Well after our rather indulgent weekend, and the fact that the waistband seems to have tightened just a wee bit, this week was devoted to detoxing my body. So that pretty much meant only fruit, vege and legumes, which makes for mostly boring food, hence the lack of photos. Though Thursdays dinner was the exception, still meeting my detox plan, it was full of flavour, healthy and also looked good!

Roasted Vege with Quinoa



Pumpkin, kumara, yam, onion, courgette and asparagus, dusted with smoked paprika, salt and pepper, roasted and served upon a bed of quinoa, drizzled with some grassy extra virgin olive oil.

I certainly am feeling better for my detox, but i'm back to normal food now and just focusing on making healthy choices and having smaller portions.
Tamara xx

Review: The Martinborough Hotel

I'll admit it, I am way too spoiled. Its not my birthday for another week and a half, but already i've recieved some amazing presents, a trip to Europe from my wonderful parents, a stunning bracelet that i've had my eye on for a while, from my fiancee and an amazing weekend at The Martinborough Hotel in New Zealands sunny Wairarapa, from my lovely in-laws, Kathy and Morris.

My fiancees and my birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, so a few months ago, his parents told us to keep the weekend of the 6th of October free, they were taking us away, but it was all a big surprise. After trying to get it out of them to no avail, we finally headed off last weekend and arrived at the beautiful, luxurious Martinborough Hotel. Kathy and Morris, without our knowing had already made a few trips to Martinborough to make sure that our weekend was perfect. They handpicked our room, complete with canopy bed, balcony and a claw-footed bath and to add to the specialness of the weekend, they even delivered flowers, engraved champagne glasses, and bubbles the day before. Walking into our room was just amazing. The staff had even put the bubbles in an ice bucket. After tears and hugs and Thank-yous, we then find out that to go with our night in luxury, we will also be treated to a 7 course meal, match with wines! Too much. So after an afternoon on the balcony indulging in wonderful Wairarapa bubbly (Waipipi was our favourite) and nibbling on Crostini and Wairarapa cheese, we returned to our rooms to dress for dinner.

Meeting in the Lounge Bar, we had a few drinks before being seated for our meal at 7.30pm. Shortly after our first course arrived: Clevedon Oyster au Naturel served upon a Green Apple and Champagne Vinegar Sorbet.



Up next was the delicious Crispy Free Range Pork Belly with Scallops, Silken Tofu and Lemon Vincotto. served with a 2004 Alana Estate Chardonnay



The next course was Shauns favourite, Cervena Carpaccio with Truffled Pear, Macadamia Nut and Warm Shitake Mushroom Salad. It was incredibly tasty, an explosion of flavours in the mouth, and Shaun is going to love me when he finds out that I have the recipe and will be recreating it for him! served with Fairmont Estate Block 1 Pinot Noir 2005



A refresher was what was called for next, and met perfectly by the Thyme Infused Limoncello Sorbet. Taste buds buzzing again, it was on to the main....



.....and my personal favourite (and apparently, the chefs signature dish), Duck Leg Confit with Lustau Sherried Prunes, Creamed Parsnip and Apple Calvados Jelly. A rich and indulgent couse accompanied by Alexander Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005



And to accompany the main, a salad of Witlof and Walnuts.



I'll admit it, I was worried about the dessert course, a Licorice Panna Cotta with Kaffir Lime Parfait and Sambucca Jelly. You see, I really, really dislike Licorice, but luckily I did as I always did and gave it a go. What a revalation. It was delicous, perfect. Creamy Panna Cotta with a hint of Licorice, accompanied perfectly with the citrus parfait. served with Palliser Noble Chardonnay



Then with belly reaching bursting point, it was time for the last course, Espresso and Petit Fours. These tiny treats were delicious, a Dark Chocolate Truffle, a Passionfruit Sorbet dipped in White Chocolate, and a tiny Lemon Curd Tartlet. Divine.



And the surprises kept coming as a birthday cake was delivered to the table, though all of us were too full to indulge in any more, thus left the cake for the next day.

After a night in our beautiful room, on our plush bed and a dip in the large luxury bath, we returned to the restaurant for another amazing meal, breakfast. Cereal, pastries, fresh fruit galore, with fruit juices and coffee and then a hot breakfast of your choice to top it off. Though with an ever so slight hangover, I forgot to take my camera down with me :(

The Martinborough Hotel is just incredible, amazing. Words struggle to express just how wonderful it is. The rooms were gorgeous, the staff so helpful and friendly and willing to go that extra mile. The Chefs, Des Harris and Tennesse Liumaihetau are absolutely incredible, working together like clockwork and providing the most amazing dining experience ever. The decor of the entire hotel is just beautiful. I 100% recommend The Martinborough Hotel for a perfect, luxury getaway.

So now for the Thank Yous. I want to say a big, huge Thanks to Kathy and Morris for giving us the most amazing birthday present and weekend. And a big Thanks to all the staff at the Martinborough Hotel for helping out with out wonderful weekend.

We will be back-we are seriously considering having our wedding here!
Tamara xx

(P.S. Oh and we also got a gorgeous new hooded BBQ for our birthday....so there'll be plenty of BBQ food coming up soon!)

A catch up from Miss Too Damn Busy

Hello to all my readers,

I do apologise for the lack of posts around here lately, it has been so busy lately. With busy-ness came to many takeaways rather than home cooked, nutritious meals; then there was the 'my camera doesn't won't to work' days, followed by a desperate need for vege intake. And lets face it, a meal of steak or chicken with a massive serving of steamed vege is just not that exciting to either photograph or to look at.

So the first photo I managed to take was of last Thursday's (4/10) meal. A warm salad of lamb, kumara, courguette & asparagus, dressed with a tahini, yoghurt & orange dressing.





Very tasty and very healthy!

One of the meals I very much enjoyed, but due to the cameras hissy fit, couldn't photo, was a Middle Eastern inspired Cottage Pie. I will be making this again shortly and this time, I promise I will be taking photos......even if I have to use my camera phone to get them!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

THURSDAY: Food Memories

Growing up, seafood was a rarity in our house. We lived right inland, over an hour to any beach, Dad wasn't the fishing type and lets face it, feeding seafood to a family of six would be a very expensive exercise! On the rare occassion we were given some fish, I remember Mum making this delicious and simple fish dish, always accompanied by rice. Its probably been 10 years since i've had it and it has stuck in my mind. I've asked Mum for the recipe a few times, but always forgotten to follow her up. Last night, knowing I had fish to cook, but not wanting the frequented potato to accompany, I thought, "stuff the recipe" i'll just work from memory. And so came 'Mums Fish' with rice and salad.




And heres the recipe:

400g terakihi fillets (or other firm fish)
1 red onion, sliced
1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard
juice of 2 lemons
1 cup cream (or evaporated milk with 1 tsp cornflour)
salt & pepper
Cut fish into large chunks and put in a bowl. Add onion, mustard and lemon juice. Mix together well and leave to marinate for about 2 hours.
Heat a little oil in a hot pan and add fish & marinade. Cook for a few minutes, then add the cream. Simmer for 5 minutes or until cream has thickened. Season well and serve on a bed of basmati rice, with salad to accompany.

Have a wicked weekend everyone.
Tamara xx

TUESDAY: Garfield's Favourite Meal

Yup, thats right, tonights dinner was Lasange.




Sheets of lasange, layered with beef ragu and vegetables, topped of with a cheese (bechamel) sauce and accompanied by fresh salad.

A time consuming meal to make, but well worth the effort.
Tamara xx

Monday, September 24, 2007

MONDAY: Dreaming of Summer Days

Our lovely warm spring days seem to have disappeared, leaving us with rain, wind and bitter cold. :( With summer coming within reach so fast, I decided to ignore the reversal of weather last night, so instead of returning to winter comfort food, I tempted summer with a light chicken pasta full of chilli & citrus flavours, accompanied by good, crusty bread.




My Chilli Citrus Chicken Pasta is a favourite in our house. You can find the delicious recipe here. Tonight I added lots of baby spinach to add some 5+ A Day.

Can't wait for summer.
Tamara xx

SUNDAY: 'Ave an Avocado

Yay its avocado season again. No more ridiculously expensive prices and more creamy, green Avocado. To celebrate I dined on Tomato & Avocado Toast for Sunday lunch. Mmm




One of my fave thing to do with avocado is make a salad of just avocado and feta. So good!
Tamara xx

Friday, September 21, 2007

FRIDAY: Spring Has Arrived :)

Clear blue skies, warming air, windows down, sunnies on, clear, calm blue ocean. These are the wonderful things that made my day yesterday. A trip round all my fave "foodie" places reminded me of how much I love Wellington. Then with my grocery bags full of delish kai, I headed home for a beer (Corona) and a BBQ, surf and turf style.




Premium Rump Steak, Big Aussie Prawns (marinated in garlic & lemon juice), new season scallops with new potatoes, and spring Asparagus.

Oh how I love Spring.
Tamara xx

THURSDAY: Dinner Out of a Packet??

At Moore Wilsons the other day, Shaun came across some packages ready made risottos and soups that looked rather tasty, especially for ready made meals. On the search for tasty lunch ideas that don't involve driving to McDonalds, or consuming curry five times a week, he decided to get one and see how it tasted. So last night we trialled it for dinner. Lemon, Pea & Cream Risotto.

The Results: Damn tasty, actually.



The Brand: Naked Organics. All ingredients 100% Organic and 100% Tasty
Tamara xx

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

WEDNESDAY: An old favourite on a new continent

In this house, we love homemade burgers, but they can be a bit repetitive. So with my latest middle eastern food craze and some inspiration from Jane Lawsons new book, Grub, last night we dined on these:




Middle Eastern Lamb Burgers
A tasty lamb mince pattie filled with cumin, cinnamon and paprika, salad and mint infused cucumber with beetroot chutney and tahini cream all upon a Turkish Pide.

And damn it was go-od!
Tamara xx

TUESDAY: Shank 'Em

100% Pure Kiwi Comfort Food




Slow roasted lamb shanks served atop Potato Mash with Petit Pois and Onion and Rosemary Gravy. Delish!

Tamara xx

Sunday, September 16, 2007

MONDAY: A meal Jamie would be proud of

Jamie Oliver that is, one of my favourite celebrity chefs.



From his 'Happy Days' cookbook, I was inspired to make Penne Cabonara, with a few changes of course. No penne in the house, so lets swap spaghetti and to boost up the flavour lets add some tender, sweated onions and fried, chopped mushroom. Mmm.

To counteract the richness of the meal, I served a green salad, dressed with a sharp vinaigrette, mixed together in Jamies 'fairy fingers' method.

Now thats some pukka tukker!
Tamara xx

SUNDAY: A Bowl of Warming Soup

After an 'fun' afternoon of severe stomach cramps and a trip to the busy Accident & Emergency, cooking up a scrummy dinner was not on the list of priority for me. Instead with still mild cramping, a headache and tiredness, all I wanted was a quick, healthy dinner that didn't need me to cook it and then to crawl into bed.




Luckily the day before, I had whipped up a big pot of Pumpkin Soup for lunches the coming week. So my darling fiancee heated me a bowl, dolloped it with greek yoghurt and served it to me with toast soldiers.

Great food for when you are down!
Tamara xx

SATURDAY: A Picnic in the Park

Spring is my favourite time to visit Wellington Botanic Gardens. Tulips in bloom, Magnolias adorning the otherwise bare trees, the air warming up. So what better way to spend a sunny, but still crisp, Saturday afternoon, than enjoying a picnic in beautiful garden surrounds?


Baguette served with chicken, salad leaves, tomato, camembert (from Kapiti Cheese), fruit and choc chip cookies.
Some pics of the gorgeous gardens:



Ciao for now...
Tamara xx

FRIDAY: Morrocan Fish 'n' Couscous

Wow today went by fast, as is the way when your not at work. I looked up and suddenly it was 7pm and there was two hungry bellies to fill. Looking through my newly reorganized cupboard, I settled on couscous, but what protein to include? Not enough time for beans to soak and cook, lamb was planned for dinner tomorrow night, not a lot of quick cook meat in the freezer. So I decided on fish. And came up with Fish 'n' Couscous, a Morrocan take on fish n chips! (Morrocan and Middle Easter are my latest culinary phases).




Garlic flavoured couscous 'jewelled' with semi-dried tomatoes, courgette, red onion, olives and parsley. Morrocan spice coated fish, folded through.

Unfortunately my preserved lemons are not quite ready, so I was unable to add them :(

A quick, tasty meal thats a little different. And it sure filled the spot!
Tamara xx

THURSDAY: Organic State

Today I faced the massive task of cleaning and sorting my pantry. With way to many half used packets of thing I forgot that I even had, it was high time that I organised my pantry in a way that I could easily see what was avaliable, and what was running low. It was also the perfect time to ditch those ingredients that had been a sitting for just that bit too long. The task actually turned out to be incredibly fun and I found so many interesting ingredients that will liven up my cooking, now that they are on display every day, but what surprised me the most, was just how many of my ingredients were actually organic. And that got me thinking about the state of organics in NZ. Many people lament that the selection is to small and that the price is way to high, but as far as I can see, these are all just excuses! While we many not have the huge Wild Oats and Wholefoods organic stores of the UK & the US, we actually do have an amazing range of organics avaliable to us. In certain productr ranges, the ammount on offer in organics is often far larger than what you could ever find in a chain supermarket! And as for the price, as of late I have found so many organic products that have prices the same, or often lower, than those items produced in a non-organic way. So for now, i'm sick of hearing people complain that organic is only for the rich! Its not!



My new, amazinly organized, mostly organic pantry!

A few notes:
I based my cupboard reorganize on an article in the July issue of HFG which can be found here.
My Organic shop of choice is Commonsense Organics, which have a number of stores around Wellington, NZ.
The containers I used to sort (other than the few Tupperware pieces) are just the plastic containers your are often given at Chinese and Indian takeaway places. I purchased these in bulk (50 containers for around $8.00) at Moore Wilsons. Alternatively, Gladware, would do well.

So if your cupboard is in dire need of an overhaul, set 1 day aside and you'll find its actually quite fun!
Tamara xx

WEDNESDAY: Takeaway Treats @ Home

Shaun and I both love kebabs, my favourite has always been Falafel, as has Shauns in more recent times. But realising our 'healthy' takeaway treat is in fact deep fried (the falafel that is), prompted us to make our own healthier version at home, which after all is really quite easy, with all the neccesary ingredients (including sauces) staple items in our household. So here is our homemade version of Falafel Kebabs:



(Not the best pic, sorry)

Falafel (dry fried in a pan) with lettuce, onion, carrots, sauced up with tahini, garlic yoghurt and sweet chilli, all wrapped up in a gourmet sundried tomato and basil wrap.

Thats a wrap.
Tamara xx

TUESDAY: Apologies

Sorry for the lack of updates of late. To celebrate our 3 year anniversary, Shaun & I popped up to Taupo for a lovely break, and then on our return spent a night with my family, who has just returned from 9 months in Europe. Between that and the fact that our computers been on the blink, I just haven't had the chance to post. But now i'm going to catch up with postings of some of the meals we ate during my time away from my precious computer!

First up, a lovely breakfast in Taupo at the Replete Food Company. I had the 'Complete Replete Breakfast' of Roasted Field Mushrooms, Poached Eggs, Grilled Foccacia, Honey Cured Bacon & Tomato Relish (pictured below) whilst my carnivourous (and mushroom-hating) fiancee indulged in the 'Big Breakfast' of Honey Cured Bacon, Sausages, Hash Browns, Poached Eggs, Grilled Foccacia & Tomato Relish.





The food was definately lovely, but the coffee was, in my humble opinion, terrible.....and the fact that the coffee didn't arrive until we had nearly finished our meal was what I would call downright bad service. Next time i'd just order a juice. (Oh and carnivourous male complained not enough bacon, but he loved their sausages!)

What is your favourite breakfast treat (mine? Eggs Bene with Spinach for sure)
Tamara xx

Monday, September 10, 2007

MONDAY: A Light Dinner

Shaun and I are both off work this day, just taking some time out to spend together and celebrate our 3 year anniversary, so we'll be a wee bit naughty this week, indulging in cooked breakfasts, and lunch and dinners out. Today to start off we had a bacon, mushroom and spinach omlette, followed by BK lunch (so naughty) and to fufill Shauns fatty craving, sausage rolls for afternoon tea. After all those calories, dinner needed to be a lighter affair with fresh tastes and some veges. Along comes Linguini Primavera.




I'm not sure how traditional this is, but I wanted a simple pasta dish to show off the new season spring produce.....and the very first of the ASPARAGUS! It is snow peas, courgette, asparagus with linguini, parmesan and pine nuts, drizzled with garlic infused oil.

A perfect meal for the beginning of spring, hurah!
Tamara xx

Saturday, September 8, 2007

SATURDAY: A True Kiwi Dinner

A Roast followed by the Great NZ Institution, the Pavlova.

I once again forget to take pics of dinner (were at the in-laws) but we had a delicious roast pork with roast potato and kumara, cauli, crakling, gravy and apple sauce.

Dessert was a lovely crunchy-outside, marshmallowy-inside pavlova, topped with whipped cream that had frozen raspberries folded through and topped off with a crumbled flake.



So damn good.......
Tamara xx

Friday, September 7, 2007

FRIDAY: Takeaway Night

After my late night out on Thursday, I was just a wee bit tired, which made my day at work drag on and on. So when Shaun suggested his favourite, Chinese Takeaways for dinner, I jumped at the idea of just relaxing and not having to cook.




Our favourites for chinese are always Sweet & Sour Pork, Combination Fried Rice and Wontons. Especially Wontons!

The only place we buy our chinese from is Golden Key Takeaways in Maungaraki. Its a 20 minute drive from home but well worth it, and luckily our in-laws live in Maungaraki, so we just chow down at their house.

Tamara xx

Thursday, September 6, 2007

THURSDAY: A night at the Ballet

I had a lovely night last night, going to see the Ballet (Cinderella) with my Mum who has just got back from Europe. Beforehand we went out for Dinner to Zico, and italian restaurant in Wellington. I had the Quail on Truffled Tagliatelle while Mum had Lamb Cutlets on Parmesan Risotto. Our meals were nice, but nothing to wow about. Maybe we've both just become to fussy after dining with the real Italians in Rome. And also service in NZ in general is shocking compared to what you recieve in Europe, it can really ruin a good night out.

Anyway, apologies are due as I forgot to take my camera with me last night, so alas, no photos.

However to keep you going, here was my simple, yet delish lunch:



Toastie Sandwhich of Semi-dried tomato, courgette, baby spinach, mushroom, pesto & cheese.

And thats it for me,
Tamara xx

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

WEDNESDAY: More Mexican

Believe it or not, we don't actually eat mexican that often. Its just that lately i've come to recognise how useful it is for quick nutritious meals, and with life being somewhat hectic recently, i've really needed those quick meals.


Tonight was Vegetarian Nachoes





Chilli beans, nacho chips, sour cream and cheese.

Hopefully no more mexican for a while though, i'm kinda mexed out!
Tamara xx

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

TUESDAY: It Makes Me Human

Yes it is kind of embarrassing for a food blogger to admit that they had KFC for dinner last night. But I felt yucky, Tuesday night for me is renowned to be lack of cooking inspiration night, and to be honest, sometimes I really, really love good ol' Kentucky Fried.




My meal of choice, an Extreme Burger meal: Zinger Burger, Chips to dip in my Potato and Gravy, a piece of finger lickin good chicken and a pepsi!

While on the topic of KFC, being an international takeaway chain, you would think it would taste the same everywhere, Right? Well, wrong! When in Britain we had KFC and there were a few complaints: a, the chicken was lacking quite a few of the essential "11 secret herbs and spices" and b, there was no potato and gravy, instead it was baked beans. Who eats baked beans with KFC?

Back in the kitchen tonight, I promise.
Tamara xx

Monday, September 3, 2007

MONDAY: At your request, Honey

Crumbed Schnitzel would probably be my fiancees most favouritest meal in the whole wide world. I quite enjoy it too, though it certainly wouldn't be my choice if it was my last meal ever. But because I love him, and because I haven't made it for months, last night I promised him schnitzel. And thats what I delivered!




In our house schnitzel is only eaten 1 way, smothered in lemon juice and served with a pile of mash taties and peas. I've found the best schnitzel is that you make yourself, i.e buy steak, smash it out into thin schnitzels and crumb it yourself. That way theres no grissle and the like as in those plastic pre-crumbed pieces you buy. And flavour your crumbs too, last night it was lemon pepper crumbs and cooked in chilli oil. Mmm.

Tamara xx

Sunday, September 2, 2007

SUNDAY: Quick and Easy, the Mexican Way

Until recently I never realised how great Mexican was for quick, tasty and nutritious meals. With a tin of kidney beans, some tortillas, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and some tasty herbs and spices, you've got a meal that can be whipped up in 10 minutes flat. Whats better, is that I ALWAYS have all those ingredients in my cupboard (and fridge).


So after a Brunch with the in-laws and the rest of the day at the beach, there wasn't much energy left for whipping up a culinary storm. And thats where the Bean Fajitas come in:




Before the wrap:







And there you have it. Have a relaxing Sunday night everyone.
Tamara xx

Saturday, September 1, 2007

SATURDAY: A Meaty Meal

All week my carnivorous fiancee has been asking for a "normal" meal. In colonial NZ, a normal meal is considered to be red meat, potato and 2 vege. Not my idea of the perfect meal, but since I love him, this is what I indulged him in last night...

Lamb Racks with Roast Potatoes accompanied by sauteed ruby chard and borlotti beans.

The chard and beans were dressed with garlic oil and lemon juice.
A red wine jus was supposed to accompany our meal, but I accidently turned my back while it was reducing and the jus was no more :(
And that was Saturday dinner.
Tamara xx

Friday, August 31, 2007

FRIDAY: Mama Mia's Pizzeria

Ever since my FABULOUS trip to Roma, Italy, i've been craving pizza, which suits my fiancee down to the bone as he adores Pizza. With a bit of spare time on my hands yesterday I was able to spend the time making the bases and a quick trip to the deli gave me a selection of toppings.

The finished products:



Pizza #1
Tomato base with courgette, mushroom, chorizo, semi-dried tomato, mozzerella and parmesan.


Pizza #2 (not so italian, but a fave in our house)
Sweet Chilli, Cream Cheese and Chicken
Tomato base with baby spinach, red onion, chicken, sweet chilli sauce, cajun spice, cream cheese, mozzerella and parmesan.
Mmm yummy pizza, posting about it now is making me want it ALL over again.
Tamara xx

Thursday, August 30, 2007

THURSDAY: The Healthier Option

Home Made Fish & Chips




Pan fried Hoki Fillet (unfortunately the only thing avaliable at the supermarket yesterday, I would have prefered Terakihi or Snapper), Crispy Baked Chips, a well dressed Salad, served with lemon wedges and aioli (garlic mayo).

I always thought it was terribly French to eat mayo with your chips, but after my recent trip to England, I now realise that it is almost a British Institution.....a scrummy one though.

I find the secret to crispy chips that aren't deep fried, is to par boil them first, rough them up a bit then bake them at a high heat.

Tamara xx

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

WEDNESDAY: Munching Curry

I absolutely adore curry! Just over a year ago I refused to eat it, until some friends made me try it.....and ever since then i've been a full blown curry adict!

So dinner tonight was curry. I've had a go at making my own, buts it is never as good as the real deal, so it was takeaways from my fave curry restaurant, Tulsi.



Saag Aloo (Potatoes cooked in a spinach sauce). Its another case of not the prettiest thing, but damn tasty. Its rather healthy too as it contains no dairy products (so no cream) and its no oily, yet it tastes creamy and delicious.

Accompanied by Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan.

Tamara xx