Cooking for School Homework

My little pumpkin is grown up so fast.

Her she is doing homework.....

Home Economics Homework!!

Alex needed to make Special Fried Rice, take a photo of it, list ingredients and voila homework complete.

I love the fact that Alex takes so much pride in her school work - in fact in everything that she does.  She is enjoying High School and is coping very well so far.

 

The outcome of the homework:

YUM!!

Junior Masterchef at work

Oliver decided he would cook dinner tonight.  Although it was a spur of the moment decision by him, limited ingredients the outcome was achieved - a yummy dinner that both he and Alex enjoyed!

Our first outdoor dinner for Spring

Tonight we had our first bbq for Spring sitting outside as it was a nice mild night.....  The bbq and the chef got a good work out as hamburgers with the lot were on the menu!

Putting the burger together... a mission and a half!

It was nice night sitting outside.

Hamburgers with the Lot, Caramelised Capsicum Relish, Mustard and Herb Roast Potato Bites - YUM!!

Healthy plans....

Well after what really wasn't an argument but more of a pointed discussion about healthy eating all is back to normal in the Murray household. As I have struggled with my weight since as long as I can remember (and now Noel is too) I just wish and hope that Alex doesn't end up experiencing the same things that I have over the years. So I have made the conscious decision to take the lead and promote healthier eating at home.

Saying this I have rejoined Weight Watchers to help me on my weightloss journey and hoping to lead by example. So far a loss of 5.1kgs. (And I am quite happy with that!)

Last night's dinner was great - a Vietnamese noodle dish which actually surprised me as to it's outcome. Low fat in fact no fat used at all in the cooking and filling and so full of flavour. If you want to treat you and your family to something different then gives this a go. It's called Chicken Pho and it is a dish that will definitely get cooked again. Everyone liked the fact that it was a basic noodle broth to which you could add your own extra herbs, vegetables and sauces to create your own signature dish.

As you can probably tell I was quite excited by this dish. I get excited about cooking anything especially for the first time. But what I love more than cooking itself, is when the kids get involved, and they did last night. Oliver cooked the spices until fragrant, measured all the ingredients out for the stock while Alex helped with getting the vegetables ready.

When we all work together on something it makes the outcome even more special ~ no matter what the project is!

Kids in the kitchen....

Presenting......

Masterchef Oliver

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and

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Masterchef Alexandria

I am so proud that both our kids have embraced the love of cooking and forever want to help out in the kitchen. The best thing is however is it's just not baking cakes or biscuits that they want to help with - they will give cooking anything a go!!

Keep in mind that Oliver has just turned 11 and Alexandria is only 8 but wow they can they cook.. they both follow recipes well and are very sensible whilst in the kitchen. Please note they don't do this just when they want to - we are always with them whenever they cook anything!!

Recently we made homemade pizzas. A few other things they have prepared and/or cooked can be found at A Dash Of Flavour.

In fact every now and then they actually ask if they can cook dinner!! When they do they choose the meal, they write the shopping list, we go shopping to buy everything on the list, come home and start cooking. It's so exciting for them to do the complete meal from start to finish.

And boy can these two turn out good dishes.... Olivers speciality is tacos whilst Alex likes to cook anything to do with pasta!!

Plus they both love making desserts and cakes!! Who doesn't??

We have found that letting them help us even if it's just mixing gives them an urge to try the finished product and is actually encouraging them to be adventurous when it comes to tastes, styles, international flavours, etc.

Go on...

Get your kids involved with cooking - you will be definitely thankful in the long run....

Happy Easter 2009

These are our Easter gifts for our family and friends - we made the Easter Egg Biscuits yesterday and must say we all had fun decorating them. They were so easy to make. Plus making these little parcels puts an element of love and thoughtfullness in the giving over Easter - I honestly believe that Easter, like Christmas, is becoming too commercial these days. Lets face it - Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns have been selling in the shops early March and I am sure it won't be too long before the Christmas decorations are back on the shelves!! LOL!!

As usual the kids were up early to see if Easter Bunny had been to our house and YES he had.... (Thankfully both are getting older and the wake up time is getting later each year!!)


There was the usual mad dash to ensure they both picked up more eggs than the other but then of course we make them count them out and share evenly!!

Easter Bunny definately brought enough eggs for these two!!



We are off out for lunch today which we are really looking forward to. Not only is it Easter Sunday but we are celebrating Dad's birthday (which was on Friday). The whole Murray family are off to the Italian Club in Keysborough for a 4 course lunch. Noel has been there a few times as his work always have their Christmas Break Party there but none of the rest of us have.

From all of us at the House of Murray we would like to wish you a Happy and Safe Easter 2009.

The long weekend and a curry feast to start it off....

This weekend is a long weekend here in Victoria to celebrate Labour Day. It is also the weekend that Melbourne hosts Moomba, a long-standing tradition. There is normally a float parade through the city, water skiing on the Yarra river, entertainment and festivities, bands, circus performances and who could forget the Birdman Rally? A competition open for anyone to enter with the aim being to build/construct a flying contraption (some of them are quite bad I have to say) and battle against others to see who can fly the furthest from a starting point, most of the competitors ending up wet and bobbing in the Yarra.

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We had decided that as a family this weekend we needed to spend some quality time as a family. Even changing our minds at the last minute to not invite the family over for either a lunch or dinner. With everything that has been happening around us, everything that is consuming us, the right thing and most vital thing for us to do is as a family we need to talk, enjoy each other and most importantly move on together. I would be naive to say that the situation with Claire and Jamie isn't affecting our children especially when they are now hearing us speak more openly about it. So we are taking the time to listen to them, explain things to them that they need answers for, but we are laughing with them and showing them that we love them.
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So in true Murray style, last night our kitchen was running fully operational as a curry house! No joke there was curry cooking left, right and centre mostly due to us having the urge to cook curry. Not just one curry mind you.. of course we had to cook to suit everyone's taste desires!! One child wanted Butter Chicken, the other wanting Chicken Korma, I fancied a beef dish and Noel fancied a lamb one. So after having our heads in a few cookbooks we came up with Kerala Lamb and Trinidadian Beef. Needless to say, hundreds of pots, dishes and utensils several hours later we sat down to our feast of nations.....
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Nothing much to report so far for today. We have lazed around laughing, watching movies, chatting, the kids have been bouncing on the trampoline, playing on the computer, Noel and I have been pottering around although he should be resting his back and I am still in my nightie as I am posting... OMG!!
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They say that Sunday is the seventh day and the day of REST, don't they?

What a weekend ... both good and bad!

What can I say or where do I start?

It's Monday and I am back at work after a "great weekend" on a personal level but on an emotional level a "devastating" weekend.

I am sitting here at work listening to the radio, listening to what one could only describe as horrific and unimaginable to the average person. I cannot even begin to imagine what the people living in the fire stricken areas are going through and to be honest, wouldn't even know where to begin.

Currently Victoria is living through what has been recorded as our worst bushfire on record in modern history.

The current loss of life stands at 108 with many people still missing, presumed dead. Men, woman and children among that figure.

Complete towns being wiped out by the raging flames which fire fighters and volunteers are struggling to control. Towns that we have driven through, stopped and purchased things at especially when we are out in the 4WD.

My thoughts, wishes and prayers are with all those touched/affected by the bushfires. My heart reaches out to these people, families loosing their properties and all their belongings, farmers losing all their crops and livestock, basically their whole worlds. Not to mention all the family pets that have also been killed by the fires.

However the thing I find the saddest to comprehend is that there is suspicion that some or many of the fires have been deliberately lit. How could anyone in their right minds consider doing such a inhuman thing as lighting a fire especially during our summer, which has been unbelievably hot and humid this year? If caught, the monster or monsters face a minimum of 15 years just for lighting the fires, but this would undoubtedly increase due to all of the lives lose - all of the "MURDER".

Driving to work this morning, the reality of it hit home. The area near where I work was also afftected and is now black in places and at 8am this morning still smoldering here and there. The residents surrounding the quarry actually took refuge inside the open space of the quarry, bringing family, belongings, pets and even horses to the safe haven. Both these photos are at the end of the street where I work.... sad isn't it. Even at 4.30pm on Monday afternoon the CFA were still dousing small fires.


My supervisor at work, Rod, isn't at work today. He has spent the whole weekend facing the fires as he is a CFA Volunteer. I spoke to him yesterday, and although tired he was okay but I must say it was really good to hear his voice. He has rung into work again today so thankfully all is still well with him. From what I understand he is actually fighting the fire that is threatening the town where he lives. Also my boss is on edge listening to the radio as fire is threatening area near his house.

As for us, besides watching many news broadcasts we did manage to have a good family weekend. Saturday night we went to Julien and Deb's house for "thankyou for helping us move" bbq. It was a good night and as it was such a hot day, it was really nice not to have to cook. Saying that I did make two salads, a Roast Pumpkin Salad and Crunchy Asian Salad, but they were definately not too difficult. The kids had lots of fun as there was quite a few kids there. We left quite late, probably too early if you ask Noel, but I worked in the morning and was very tired.

Sunday was just a day at home, doing the usual cleaning etc but also did quite a lot of cooking. There was a fair amount of laughter even though having the tv on in the background added a touch of sadness to the air. The kids played on the computer - god only knows what games they have downloaded this time! Sunday dinner was Peking Duck and yes we actually cooked the duck ourselves. Quite fiddly and to be honest, easier to buy in Springvale. Alex and I also made Raspberry Brownie Slice, which I think everyone enjoyed, and I know the kids were thrilled at the prospect of actually taking cake to school for morning tea (trust me that's a rare event in itself!)

As I said my thoughts are with all the fire-affected families.......

Well we have been quite busy.......

Wow cannot believe that I haven't posted here for a few days.... have you missed us? LOL!! We have been quite busy as a family as you will see and to be honest none of us have really been near the computer at all.

Saturday we babysat Taila and Mitchell, our friend's children. They were moving house, Noel helped with the actual move but I thought it would be really helpful to have the kids overnight to give them a little more freedom to sort out the boxes etc. I love moving house but it such a stressful time really. Anyway several DVD's later we had Homemade Pies with Wedges for dinner..... all the kids excited by this idea, especially when I told them they could make up their own pie!

Sunday, started with Lemonade Pancakes being requested by our kids, which was great as budding chef Alex taught Taila how to make them - yes they really are that easy. These went down a treat, infact neither Noel or myself got one and ended up having poached eggs on toast instead! The kids were picked up early afternoon so for the rest of the day we just enjoyed ourselves as a family of four, which was really nice. We did have Chinese Roast Pork for dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year... served with a salad and rice paper we made our own rice paper rolls. YUM! A nice easy dish to prepare and the kids love making their dinner up themselves.

Monday was a day at the Picnic Races in Balnarring and also Australia Day. Needless to say, as usual, it was a food fest even though only six of us went this meeting. We took a bbq chicken, salad and some bread rolls. Noel's mam brought party pies and sausage rolls. I also made a huge platter of fruit so that was nice and refreshing.

Tuesday (Noel and I both had a RDO) was meant to be relaxing but overall turned out to be not only a busy day but a warm one. In fact it was the start of our heatwave that we are having here in Victoria. I cannot believe that it was 43 deg C yesterday, 43 deg C today and forecast much the same for tomorrow. We picked up the kids school books which I must say cost us almost $600, did a little bit of grocery shopping and then got the dent in my car bumper assessed by the panel beaters. My car is now booked in to be repaired on March 2nd and will be in the panel beaters for two days.... two days without my car all because some idiot decided to hit my stationery vehicle (with my hazard lights on I must add) while driving with her dog jumping around in her car!! Not happy at all!!

I have spoken to Mam a few times since she left - I miss her like crazy and I am really glad (and grateful) that she is planning to come to Melbourne in April for Noel's 40th birthday. I am planning a party which will probably be at home and more than likely a spit roast. Hopefully I will be able to round up a few of his older friends that he hasn't seen for awhile to surprise him with but we will see. I do however know that I need to pull my finger out and start organising it!

The house is quiet again at the moment as the kids have both gone to Noel's parents for the last few days of the school holidays. School goes back on Monday and I must say I am so looking forward to getting back into our normal routine. Plus I hate having to farm the kids out left, right and centre due to both of us working. But what can we do? It's the government's fault.. I mean we are entitled to 4 week's paid holiday leave per year but the kids get 12 weeks off school?? Go figure!!

Enough rabbiting on ...... more adventures to go and have!

A Dash of Flavour.... what the heck is that?

Okay confession time!! (Don't panic some of you already know where this is going!)

So here it is.... I have another blog to my name - A Dash of Flavour. I was a little worried about everyone knowing at first as I hadn't completely finished setting it up although I had started posting to it and considered it "still under construction" BUT then again I suppose a blog is always a work in progress, right?

Don't get me wrong it was always my intention to eventually share my new blog address and I actually have had it listed for awhile now with all of the other House of Murray blogs for those who were intrigued but I had never officially told anyone or published the link outside of the blogging community. I have once or twice on my other blogs which may have been overlooked!

Thankfully someone curious enough to investigate my other blogs gave me some great feedback. The feedback was within another forum's walls, which gave me enough confidence in my little project to prompt me that it was time to share it properly and with everyone.

Besides my obvious love of blogging my other passion is cooking. In fact the whole family love cooking. So that's what A Dash of Flavour is all about - our adventures in the kitchen, food, cooking, helpful hints, etc. I have decided that there will be nothing else besides culinary posts - no weight loss stories, or family happenings unless it relates to the meal - let's face it I have blogs for those already. Honestly I hope you enjoy it, I must say I have been excited about this blog since I decided to make it (I have always wanted to write a cookbook so I guess this is a start). Please feel free to give me any feedback, comments and/or advice if you wish to... I would appreciate that.

Who know's you may even try one or two of the recipes....

Mongolian Hot Pot and 10 pin bowling.... a busy but good weekend!

Okay so I find myself once more sitting here in disbelief that is Monday AGAIN and that another weekend is over. Overall it was a good weekend, not overly flat out but enough to say that I am feeling tired this morning.

Friday night the kids tried out the pie maker and after eating 2 pies each I believe they have deemed it a success and a very welcome appliance in our house! Noel, Mam and myself had a chinese dish, we have named "nice chicken" which has a sauce of hoisin and cayenne pepper. A unique taste and the hotter the better according to most who try it.

Saturday Mam came to work with me, I was thankful of that as it was dead and good to have someone to talk to - saying that we managed to watch 2 movies also! Next stop was the Dandenong Market where we met Noel and the kids. Nothing to adventurous there except a lot of people, some with not much deoderant on especially with it being warm...yuk! We bought some fish, prawns and beef for the Mongolian Hot Pot dinner we had planned.

Dinner was ACE! As usual we all enjoyed the Mongolian Hot Pot (or Steamboat as it's often called also). Mam was in her element as she hasn't had one quite some time. We don't have the Hot Pot that often as it does take quite some preparation and there is always enough food to feed an army. Needless to say we had it for dinner last night also (and there is still more left over!!)

I will post some photo's tonight when I get home.

Sunday morning Mam and I popped down to Lars and Pips house. It was beautiful and huge. It's the first time either of us had been there. It was good to see them again even though it was only a short visit. However I do feel guilty for not making more of an effort each year to keep in contact with them. I only make the effort when Mam is in Melbourne and seriously that isn't good enough. We emigrated on the same ship as them in 1973 so they have known me all my life. They are from Finland whereas we are from Wales but they are like family, in fact they have been better to us than our real family has over the years!

In the afternoon we went 10 pin bowling at Cranbourne. We played two games, which was fun and great to be actually doing something with the kids. Grandma enjoyed it too and really got into it. I have decided that we don't do enough "fun" things with the kids. Don't get me wrong, we do a lot of things together but I don't thing we do enough kid fun things, if you can understand that? Must get back to focussing on them while they are still young enough to have fun with their Mam and Dad!

Back at work today for another week. The kids are off to Halls Gap with Nana and Grandad, we will get them back on Friday night and Mam is off to Claire's for the week and I will pick her up on Friday.

Needless to say the house will be very quiet tonight, that's for sure!!

Geez it's good to walk!!

Well never thought that would actually come from me - but honestly it really was good to walk! Vicki and I haven't walked since last Monday but it seems like an eternity. As I am sitting here I can still feel the soles of my feet and most of the muscles in my legs are still feeling all 6000 odd steps - but no pain no gain right?

I am still looking forward to a fresh start with a new Weight Watchers meeting on Thursday however I am worried that there will be a difference in the two sets of scales. I know that the Frankston meeting uses digital scales whereas the Seaford meeting used the old fashioned scales. I prefer the older ones as I believe they are more acurate but we do have to keep up with technology.

Speaking of new technology roll on the space age of the Jetsons where you press a button and your meal pops out of the machine on the wall, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner not forgetting the snacks!! LOL!! I still have to cook dinner for Noel and I - thankfully I fed the kids before I left for my walk.

Better head towards the kitchen.