What are you been cooking today

[Nik2WIN]

Aren't you lucky, Nik, having decorators fixing up your kitchen!  You'll have to post a photo!!

Mmm, yes, they're only painting it unfortunately, be nice to get a new kitchen 

We decorating to put the house on the market so I'm almost hoping I won't get the chance to enjoy it for long 

Horrifically disruptive with 3 children tho' - they start on the bedrooms today or tomorrow so having finally got all the children to sleep (mostly) in their own beds all night I've got to haul them out again so that their room can be painted.  I get wrigglers in bed again. 

Nik

[andiesenji]

I have great sympathy for you Nik.  Back when my kids were still at home and we decided to paint, it was at first very disruptive but we worked out an arrangement with one of my neighbors, who also planned on painting a couple of months after our project.  She took care of my kids - they slept at her house while their rooms were a mess and when they did their reno, we took their kids.  It worked out nicely. 
When we did a larger renovation - tore up the kitchen, etc., we rented a 26 foot house trailer (caravan, I think you call them), parked it in the driveway and we did all our cooking and eating in it for the duration of the work, which was done in record time as my dad was our general contractor and was right on top of the whole process. 
The kids loved sleeping in the trailer even though their rooms weren't affected, I let them as it was easier than arguing about it and they were very good about keeping it clean and tidy.

[quirkycooking]

I'm being lazy this morning and relaxing with a cuppa while Thermy cooks up some poached eggs for a late breakfast!  I've been wanting to try Trissalicious's poached egg recipe for ages, and am finally getting around to it.  (I figure I deserve a lazy morning this morning, after 2 Christmas cooking classes in 2 days - late nights, lots of work, but lots of fun too!)

My lazy morning won't last long - it's my dh's birthday, so I've got to make a birthday cake and few other things - probably mango fruity dream, and a special dinner (still deciding what)... And being the 1st of December, we're putting up the decorations and lights today too!   

[Nik2WIN]

My lazy morning won't last long - it's my dh's birthday, so I've got to make a birthday cake and few other things - probably mango fruity dream, and a special dinner (still deciding what)... And being the 1st of December, we're putting up the decorations and lights today too!   

Yaaay happy  birthday to your dh - hope he has a great day

Nik

[Nik2WIN]

Thanks andiesenji, it is becoming somewhat disruptive!  Our houses in the UK aren't big so its difficult to get away from decorators and their work!  Coupled with the fact that carpet fitters are coming next week so I can't even put the rooms back together that they've done!

Am feeling somewhat sorry for myself today as one child is poorly (ds3), another one is completely hyperactive (ds2) and another one keeps soiling himself! (ds1)  DS1 and 2 are on the autistic spectrum so the upheaval coupled with the imminent arrival of Christmas is sending them loopy, dh's work schedule and snow is making it impossible for him to get home at night (so he says ....) and yesterday I sprained my ankle so I'm looking after 3 children in a house with chaos all over it and a limp!

Fortunately its all so tragic that even I am starting to see the funny side.  I completely missed my vocation - I should have been a stand up comic 

Nik

[Renlor]

Thermie helped chop my capsicum,celery,onion and bacon and cooked my rice for fried rice tonight....made everything so much easier

[judydawn]

Nicola1968 - I really feel for you, so glad you can still manage to laugh though    Hope your life settles down sooner rather than later.

[Nik2WIN]

Nicola1968 - I really feel for you, so glad you can still manage to laugh though    Hope your life settles down sooner rather than later.

Have shut myself in the kitchen today for some cooking therapy!  Made several lots of "mulling syrup" for mulled wine - going to give them as gifts.  Am also going to make some chutney - thermy helps both times

Nik

[achookwoman]

Haven't posted for a few days.  been cooking up a storm!!!  made Xmas puds....12 small,   And2 medium, and 4 large.   steamed the small ones in aroma for 1 hour,  cooked others on stove top.  vacuum sealed all today.   steamed chicken legs in a mixture of light evaporated milk with Ginger, lemon grass, garlic and shallots .   made Persian Fruit salad,  will post when I have a moment as it is a beauty for keeping in the fridge and using as a sweet  or on breakfast cereal.  it is made with dried fruit, orange and rose water.   I have converted it to TMX but have run out of time  with out allowance for the computer.   I am typing this on my iPad with a 30 day/$30 sim card.   It is amazing what some people will do to talk on the Forum.!!!!!    making a Tarte Caprese for a friend who is auctioning her house tomorrow. Visitors for lunch tomorrow.  having the Asparagus with smoked salmon and mayo.  thanks tomember who posted it.  corned beef with hot potato salas and Broccoli with pine nuts and garlic.  bread ofcourse.  Persian fruit salad to follow.

[judydawn]

Busy lady Chookie & lucky visitors. I don't know where you get your energy from.

[cookie1]

Just reading that made me tired Chookie.

I was going to bake this morning as it was cool but instead took myself off on a culinary adventure. A friend had told me of a little place a few suburbs away and I decided to go there and then visit a couple of fresh food places in the area as well. I had great fun. I bought some Rhubarb and Blueberry jam so I can try to replicate it and some Mango honey which I can't wait to try. Plus heaps of other fun stuff.
SOR Perthites it is at 88c Moreing Road, Attadale if you're interested. It's very tiny but friendly and fun.
www.fancypantry.com.au

[quirkycooking]

Thanks andiesenji, it is becoming somewhat disruptive!  Our houses in the UK aren't big so its difficult to get away from decorators and their work!  Coupled with the fact that carpet fitters are coming next week so I can't even put the rooms back together that they've done!

Am feeling somewhat sorry for myself today as one child is poorly (ds3), another one is completely hyperactive (ds2) and another one keeps soiling himself! (ds1)  DS1 and 2 are on the autistic spectrum so the upheaval coupled with the imminent arrival of Christmas is sending them loopy, dh's work schedule and snow is making it impossible for him to get home at night (so he says ....) and yesterday I sprained my ankle so I'm looking after 3 children in a house with chaos all over it and a limp!

Fortunately its all so tragic that even I am starting to see the funny side.  I completely missed my vocation - I should have been a stand up comic 

Nik

Oh, Nik - what a challenge! Hope things are going better for you today.  Do you find your 1 & 2 yr olds are better when off dairy and wheat?  I've got a really interesting book on Autism and allergies.  I find it fascinating that the tiniest bit of a problem food can make such a big difference with some kids.  At least you have a good sense of humour despite everything! 

[Nik2WIN]

Oh, Nik - what a challenge! Hope things are going better for you today.  Do you find your 1 & 2 yr olds are better when off dairy and wheat?  I've got a really interesting book on Autism and allergies.  I find it fascinating that the tiniest bit of a problem food can make such a big difference with some kids.  At least you have a good sense of humour despite everything! 

Ah lost in translation - ds1 is almost 9, ds2 is just 6 and ds3 is 2 1/2 rather than being 1 & 2 ....

I've never removed dairy but I've had a go at wheat.  I didn't really put my heart and soul into it and, unfortunately, food elimination can't be done by halves ...  My 8 yr old is very severely ADHD and also medically underweight (he's on supplements to build him up) due to a combination of skinny genes (only works in childhood, sadly) and stimulant medication.  We (me and one of his consultants) have managed to halve his stimulant medication (he's practically non-verbal without it!) and that has increased his appetite a lot.  I might have a go at cutting some things out ....

They're great boys, very lively with a good sense of humour all of them but sometimes oh so challenging

Anyway what am I cooking today - some pastry to go with the mince meat I made (mince pies)  FIL is coming later and is very partial to a mince pie!

Am also making a crab and sweetcorn version of the chicken and sweetcorn chowder - can't wait, yum.  The children are complaining that we only have shop bought bread in so I shall have to make some bread at some point!

Have no idea what we're having for tea - there is a cottage pie in the freezer (home made of course) so I might get that out, its finally snowed here, not masses but anywhere off the main road is very icy so I'm hoping not to leave the house again today apart from picking up the only child well enough to go to school!

Nik

[natmum]

So being new at this am very much in love with the thermomix was delivered yesterday afternoon.
We did the beef strog..then I cooked the best mashed potatoes
i have ever made in my life to go with it ..was a bit too spicey for my kids so cooked them honey soy chicken drummets in the varoma..Ds and dd said it was fantastic.
Sweets was custard of course
also made a fruity icey drink as it was really hot in Perth yesterday.
Today went shopping for everything I need to spend a weekend cooking.
Tonight we had crumbed prawns ( made the crumbs) then baked in oven
we had steamed vegies with an added bonus of cheesey dipping sauce..everyone ate it so must of been great.
Made the chrunchie ice-cream thing..they ate some but might of been too full.
After everyone went to bed have made minestrone soup for them for tomorrow night as I will be working mother in law will be babysitting and can not cook or work appliances so always do it.
Was thinking of doing a cake tomorrow..will keep you posted

[Very Happy Jan]

Natmum- you go girl  Sounds like you have made a fabulous start with you TMX. Happy cooking