Even more canapes..

I'm pushing on with my experiments in Canape creation. My latest success is these sweet potato samosas. The pastry recipe was a little on the salty side but otherwise they were delicious I think they need a little mango chutney and possibly some raita for some extra oomp... I really enjoyed making them, it was a little fiddly to start with, but once I got the hang of it it they were quite easy if a little time consuming. 

1st Nigel & Karen.

I'm quite pleased with this new project. Although it's only my first outing I can see the potential for learning and pushing me out of my knee-jerk likes etc. This was an artichoke frittata, I added the cheese it seemed to be asking for it! Next week its a salad. 

New Idea...

I've struggled through this pregnancy a little mainly because it has caused me to lose my appetite. This may seem great to some but it is usually my main drive and inspiration in life, well my work life in any case and I'm quite lost without it. It was worst in the beginning when I had awful morning sickness, I get it back now for short periods, but not with any kind of zest. So I've come up with an idea to combat the food blues. It's not a particularly unique concept but I think it will enable me to eat a little better and learn something new along the way. I am going to use the "Julie and Julia" concept except I'm going to use Nigel Slater's Observer articles as the blue print for the dishes I'll cook. So Nigel and Karen is to be born. I'm going to cheat a bit and only make one of the recipes he gives and yes it is just once a week rather than a recipe a day which I  think was the premise for Julie's blog. I'm aiming to be realistic.... I have the ingredients in for his Artichoke frittatta, I'll keep you posted.

More Canapes...

I have started my maternity leave. I had plans to do lots of recipe testing and business planning but I find I have little drive for anything other than minimal stuff, it's enough to be getting to all the various maternity activities: Ante-natal classes, hospital appointments, aqua aerobics, yoga etc. I'm aware it sounds pretty pathetic but there you have it. I'm still struggling a little from lack of appetite but seem to be managing to put on weight. Ordinarily I'd be shocked by this as I don't feel I'm eating loads, but in the circumstances it can only be good as baby needs it!
I have managed to make a few more canapes and will post up photos. I'm quite pleased with how they are going and am amassing quite a nice collection of recipes. I need to work on some good cold canapes as they are much easier to serve and deliver.

Canape's.

I've been working on some of my own canapes. I just want to post up some pictures and if anyone has any helpful comments please feel free to make them. 




1. Roast Beetroot & Goat's Cheese, Roast Sweet Potato & Caramelised Pecans,            Cucumber & Prawn.
2. Greek Salad- pops.
3. Herbed Goat's cheese bon-bons.
4. Chicken liver parfait bon-bons w cranberry.

Brussels.

I just spent a cheeky weekend in Brussels visiting a good friend of mine. I've been before but last time was less impressed, that was mainly because we were stuck inside, outside being gloomy, drizzley and generally grey..... This time round it was bright and fresh so we got out and about, soaked up some Brussels charm. I especially loved the patisseries, we sampled a few. Check out the beautiful raspberry tarts in the photo. I'm going to try and replicate them. The pastry was sweet and crisp, the centre was filled with a light custard cream and then the raspberries on top were just the right side of tart. Mmmm. I didn't try any chocolate as it seems to be giving me migraines more's the pity. Maybe next time.

Cookie Collection

I've been working on my collection of cookie recipes. Most recently I made some Anzac cookies and these wonderful ginger cookies. Both had a lovely crunch and chewiness. I'm a sucker for oats though so I think at a push I'd vote the Anzac's no. 1. I'l have to think what to try next. So far in the collection I have Madeleines, Digestives, Custard creams, Jammie dodgers, Chocolate oatmeal, Macaroons and Bourbon creams. I think on looking at the list maybe it needs some Chocolate chip cookies. I know my little nephew, in law or once removed, I'm never sure how those relationship terms work, made some delicious ones for our family christmas do. I'll track down that recipe.