Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Music I'm lovin: Ingrid Michealson
I came across a great artist the other day via Youtube. Once I started listening to Ingrid Michealson, I fell in love with her voice and her music. She has some great songs, songs I am sure you have heard of, but not sure who sang it. One song in particular has been used on an NRMA ad here in Australia. Take a listen:
I also like this song of hers, You and I:
I highly recommend you check out more of her songs on Youtube, you will not be disappointed:)
Friday, September 23, 2011
So is Costco worth it??
So with the membership issue out of the way, the next question I have been asked is, do I really save money? As we neared the checkouts for our first big shop we had a guessing competition, as I am sure a lot of you had when reaching the checkouts. My hubby, bless his soul, thought it would be around $600 and our friend said more like $500. I had to giggle because I knew we were not near either of them. So my guess was around $430 and I also told them if we went past $450 I would be totally shocked. So the total for our first bill at Costco Sydney was $446!! I so need to sell my skills for guessing groccery bills because I have a talent for it;). I never tally my groceries like I should I just take a look at what I have and guesstimate. I went to a baby shower once and where the host read out a list of baby items and we had to write down what we thought the price of each item, tally them up for a total and the closest guess won. Of course my first question was where were the items purchased? (nerd!) To everyone's surprise I wrote the the exact amount to the cent for each item and won! What does this say about me?? I did get a cool prize out of it!!
Anyway, I digress. Back to whether or not I think Costco is worth it. Well, I tallied up the first 5 items on my list and put the amount that the items would cost at either a Coles or Woolworths and for the first 5 items I saved around $20, so that kind says it all doesn't it! I will say this though, I am not too happy with all their fruit and vegetables. Somethings are cheaper, some on par, and some more expensive. I might go so far as to say, if you are already in a routine to purchase fruit and veges from a local fruit market then keep to that. I don't like how big the apples are. They are just too big for my kids and I also don't like how everything is bagged for me. I tend to find items that are prebagged, you will always get fruit that you know you would never pick if it was in a pile, but you have to pay for a bad one because its in your bag! I also don't think all the produce is 'heaps' cheaper and not all of it is good quality either. Its a shame really because if it was quality and well priced, I could get almost everything in the one shop! So somethings are good, others yada-yada for fresh produce. I purchased a lamb roast on my most recent trip and I do have to say, it was amazing! So tender and yummo! I also like the beef Bulgogi, its super quick to cook and a little goes a long way. I am not happy about the lack of variety in the icre-cream department. Only one type of basic vanilla ice- cream. Very little to choose from with ice-cream on a stick. I honestly thought there would be bulk boxes of Billabongs or Paddle pops to choose from, but nothing like that at all. If you have ever been to an American supermarket the choice in ice-cream will bowl you over! Its as extensive as the cereal isle, but Costco has let me down.
Costco has also let me downwith things like strip ice-blocks. You really only get to choose from Smoozes, which I really love, but would also like Orchy sips or something like this that we go through big time in summer.
Anyway, my overall assessment, is it's cheaper for my family. Unfortuntately I will still make trips to Coles or Woolies for small items that I can't get at Costco, but I can say that once I have been to Costco, I don't step foot in another supermarket for at least a fortnight! Yay, less grocery shopping!!
If you can store the bulk amounts and you know your family will consume the goods, its a great place to purchase your groceries. As for all the other stuff? Well you tell me! I think there are some really bargains to be had in the non-grocery area. What did you score?
More on Thermomix TM 31 vs Kenwood Cooking Chef
I have had a lot of interest on my posts about the above two machines and the most fascinating thing about it all is that I have not purchased either of them nor the Vitamix or anything like it. Why? I have realised that I don't so deperately need it as I once thought. These machines are truly amazing, and I don't want to say otherwise, but really, right now, I can make do without it. That being said, when the time is right (when I have the spare $$) I will most likely purchase myself the Thermomix TM 31.
I really like the concept of the Kenwood Cooking Chef. It weighs, it mixes, it cooks and it can make icecream. The bowl is bigger than that of the Thermomix so the amounts you can make are bigger. However, it does require a fair amount of attachments. The Thermomix is one machine that can do many things except it can't bake, it can't make pasta, and it costs a lot!! Just so you know, I will continue to harp on about the price, because it really is quite excessive. I will note though, a comment was made about how much we spend on other appliances like a washing machine, or a fridge and freezer. This is true to an extent. A fridge is a necessity, and holds heaps of stuff, and not sure of most warranties but at least you can spend a little to extend the warranty. As for a Thermomix, its not a necessity, it can't hold heaps of stuff, and the warranty can't be extended! While I am on the subject of the warranty, I want to share a little bit of information I have picked up along the way the past year. For those of you who have been tempted, or have actually purchased a Thermomix on Ebay, you will find this most interesting. If you have purchased a second hand machine with warranty still on it, this will mean didly squat to you as the new owner, because the warranty is not transferable! This is correct, you can even ask a demonstratot or Thermomix Australia yourself. Also, if you purchase a machine overseas either via Ebay, or if you or a friend bring one back to Australia, Thermomix Australia can refuse to fix your machine! Intersting stuff, and things you should consider if you have ever thought of purchasing one in this way. At the end of the day though, I have not heard too many horror stories of Thermomixes breaking down too often. A friend who does have a Thermomix was a little disappointed with turn around time for an 'issue' they had with theirs. It was under warranty, but it took a lot longer than they thought it should to fix the machine and have it back in working order and they had to do a lot of chasing up.
If you do happen to need your machine fixed or checked over and its not under warranty, the prices can be rather high, so keep this in mind, or at least question your demonstrator. Ask things like:
" After the 2 year warranty is up and something happens to the blades, how much will it cost to have them replaced. Or if something happens to the motor, how much will it cost?"
The last demonstrator I spoke to(@ Good Food and Wine Show, Melbourne), I asked about a dozen questions. She was very gracious in answering them to the best of her ability, and she did a good job actually. We spoke for almost 30mins, and I think she was rather bummed that she didn't get a sale out of me!
This all in mind, I will keep an eye and an ear out for a second-hand machine. If the person before me has used it appropriately, I don't think I should have to worry about the warranty, it if I can get it cheaper than a brand new one, which I believe is around $1940AUD.
One of my sis-in-law purchased one earlier this year when her kitchen was being renovated and it helped her through this time without her oven. She likes her machine but doesn't like the cookbook that comes with the machine. Apparently its hard to follow, portions are all over the place, and alot of the main dishes are too runny and/or bland. She did however, have an amazing Vietnamese recipe a friend modified for the Thermomix which was so amazing, it made me want a machine right after the meal! She also made some lemonade using whole lemons and that was so yummo!! From her experience, I would suggest not to rely too heavily on the Thermomix cookbook and expand your horizons to modify your own or check out some blogs and even go to Youtube to see some demonstrations. Don't limit yourself. I suggest this regardless of what machine/s you use for cooking. Search, read, experiement, cook and then try, try again until its irresistible!!
I have not heard much about the Kenwood Cooking Chef, I would love to hear from you if you would like to convert me!
Do you have a Thermomix TM 31? Would love to hear from you! Tell me if you are happy with your machine, happy with service, and what you think about the recipe books, or anything else you would like to share:)
I really like the concept of the Kenwood Cooking Chef. It weighs, it mixes, it cooks and it can make icecream. The bowl is bigger than that of the Thermomix so the amounts you can make are bigger. However, it does require a fair amount of attachments. The Thermomix is one machine that can do many things except it can't bake, it can't make pasta, and it costs a lot!! Just so you know, I will continue to harp on about the price, because it really is quite excessive. I will note though, a comment was made about how much we spend on other appliances like a washing machine, or a fridge and freezer. This is true to an extent. A fridge is a necessity, and holds heaps of stuff, and not sure of most warranties but at least you can spend a little to extend the warranty. As for a Thermomix, its not a necessity, it can't hold heaps of stuff, and the warranty can't be extended! While I am on the subject of the warranty, I want to share a little bit of information I have picked up along the way the past year. For those of you who have been tempted, or have actually purchased a Thermomix on Ebay, you will find this most interesting. If you have purchased a second hand machine with warranty still on it, this will mean didly squat to you as the new owner, because the warranty is not transferable! This is correct, you can even ask a demonstratot or Thermomix Australia yourself. Also, if you purchase a machine overseas either via Ebay, or if you or a friend bring one back to Australia, Thermomix Australia can refuse to fix your machine! Intersting stuff, and things you should consider if you have ever thought of purchasing one in this way. At the end of the day though, I have not heard too many horror stories of Thermomixes breaking down too often. A friend who does have a Thermomix was a little disappointed with turn around time for an 'issue' they had with theirs. It was under warranty, but it took a lot longer than they thought it should to fix the machine and have it back in working order and they had to do a lot of chasing up.
" After the 2 year warranty is up and something happens to the blades, how much will it cost to have them replaced. Or if something happens to the motor, how much will it cost?"
The last demonstrator I spoke to(@ Good Food and Wine Show, Melbourne), I asked about a dozen questions. She was very gracious in answering them to the best of her ability, and she did a good job actually. We spoke for almost 30mins, and I think she was rather bummed that she didn't get a sale out of me!
This all in mind, I will keep an eye and an ear out for a second-hand machine. If the person before me has used it appropriately, I don't think I should have to worry about the warranty, it if I can get it cheaper than a brand new one, which I believe is around $1940AUD.
One of my sis-in-law purchased one earlier this year when her kitchen was being renovated and it helped her through this time without her oven. She likes her machine but doesn't like the cookbook that comes with the machine. Apparently its hard to follow, portions are all over the place, and alot of the main dishes are too runny and/or bland. She did however, have an amazing Vietnamese recipe a friend modified for the Thermomix which was so amazing, it made me want a machine right after the meal! She also made some lemonade using whole lemons and that was so yummo!! From her experience, I would suggest not to rely too heavily on the Thermomix cookbook and expand your horizons to modify your own or check out some blogs and even go to Youtube to see some demonstrations. Don't limit yourself. I suggest this regardless of what machine/s you use for cooking. Search, read, experiement, cook and then try, try again until its irresistible!!
I have not heard much about the Kenwood Cooking Chef, I would love to hear from you if you would like to convert me!
Do you have a Thermomix TM 31? Would love to hear from you! Tell me if you are happy with your machine, happy with service, and what you think about the recipe books, or anything else you would like to share:)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I dreamed a dream! It was Caramel Fudge Brownie Slice.....and it was so Awesome!
You know you must be a foodie when you dream about food almost as much as anything else!! I had this dream a few weeks ago. I have been wanting to make something new, something amazing, something that everyone can't say no to. So I went to bed thinking about this one night and a dreamed this amazing dream. I dreamt about a caramel slice because its one of my most favouritest slices (bars for the Americans!) and I make often, but not too much becuase its super sweet and super rich. This time however, the caramel slice was not the same. This was in a good way, this time the layers of the caramel were nolonger, the biscuit base, the caramel and the choc top. This time it was chocolate fudge brownie, caramel and chocolate ganache on top. Wow! What a combination, I so had to make this as soon as it was possible.
Last weekend I had a family gathering to attend and quite uncannily I was asked to bring a caramel slice. It had to be fate! I did not question myself, I had to make my new creation. So I did and it was well received. This was my first attempt and as per usual, I realised I needed to tweak it a bit more. I used dark chocolate for the brownie and then dark chocolate again for the ganache. Next time I will try milk chocolate for the ganache so that the bitterness of the dark chocolate is not so over powering and maybe a bit more brown sugar in my caramel. Anyway, I am sure if you try this recipe you will tweak it your way too. If you do, contact me, let me know what you did, and how it went for you.
The Recipe?
I would suggest if you have a favourite fudge brownie use that recipe or you can easily use a packet brownie mix. I personally like Donna Hay's easy brownie recipe or Hummingbird Bakery's recipe if I am making from scratch. Otherwise my packet mix preference is Betty Crocker.
Use a large rectangular baking pan, I used a 34cm x 23cm and it had a depth of 4cm. As the brownie is the botton layer, you want it not too thick and not too thin. A max of 2cm thick is a guide. Lightly spray pan with oil and line with baking paper. The oil allows the paper to stick and stay in one place, which is so much easier when you are pouring the batter.
Bake your brownie until cooked through and leave to cool completely.
Caramel
50g butter
1/4 cup brown sugar - I am tempted to do 1/2 cup next time I make mine.
1x 395g can of sweeten condensed milk - best to use whole milk and not skim.
Method
Melt butter and sugar together stirring slowly and consistantly. Add sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until mixture combines, browns, and thickens. When mixture bubbles and comes away from edges as you stir, this means its ready.
Add caramel to cooled brownie and set in fridge for about 1-2hours. You could also put it in the freezer for about 20-40mins, if you were short on time.
Before serving make ganache which is 200g of chocolate and 1/3 cup full fat cream. Melt together in a bowl that is sitting over simmering water. When melted and combined pour over caramel and allow to cool and set.
Serve in small pieces, as its a rich slice.
Pantry Ingredients
Brownie packet mix if you choose
chocolate pieces - I always use Cadbury Chocolate buttons(dark or milk)
sugar - white or brown
flour
baking powder
sweetened condensed milk
tetra cream - found in your supermarket near where jelly, custard etc are. I used fresh cream this time because I had some on hand. I have used tetra cream in other recipes before and been very happy with it.
Last weekend I had a family gathering to attend and quite uncannily I was asked to bring a caramel slice. It had to be fate! I did not question myself, I had to make my new creation. So I did and it was well received. This was my first attempt and as per usual, I realised I needed to tweak it a bit more. I used dark chocolate for the brownie and then dark chocolate again for the ganache. Next time I will try milk chocolate for the ganache so that the bitterness of the dark chocolate is not so over powering and maybe a bit more brown sugar in my caramel. Anyway, I am sure if you try this recipe you will tweak it your way too. If you do, contact me, let me know what you did, and how it went for you.
The Recipe?
I would suggest if you have a favourite fudge brownie use that recipe or you can easily use a packet brownie mix. I personally like Donna Hay's easy brownie recipe or Hummingbird Bakery's recipe if I am making from scratch. Otherwise my packet mix preference is Betty Crocker.
Use a large rectangular baking pan, I used a 34cm x 23cm and it had a depth of 4cm. As the brownie is the botton layer, you want it not too thick and not too thin. A max of 2cm thick is a guide. Lightly spray pan with oil and line with baking paper. The oil allows the paper to stick and stay in one place, which is so much easier when you are pouring the batter.
Bake your brownie until cooked through and leave to cool completely.
Caramel
50g butter
1/4 cup brown sugar - I am tempted to do 1/2 cup next time I make mine.
1x 395g can of sweeten condensed milk - best to use whole milk and not skim.
Method
Melt butter and sugar together stirring slowly and consistantly. Add sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until mixture combines, browns, and thickens. When mixture bubbles and comes away from edges as you stir, this means its ready.
Add caramel to cooled brownie and set in fridge for about 1-2hours. You could also put it in the freezer for about 20-40mins, if you were short on time.
Before serving make ganache which is 200g of chocolate and 1/3 cup full fat cream. Melt together in a bowl that is sitting over simmering water. When melted and combined pour over caramel and allow to cool and set.
Serve in small pieces, as its a rich slice.
Pantry Ingredients
Brownie packet mix if you choose
chocolate pieces - I always use Cadbury Chocolate buttons(dark or milk)
sugar - white or brown
flour
baking powder
sweetened condensed milk
tetra cream - found in your supermarket near where jelly, custard etc are. I used fresh cream this time because I had some on hand. I have used tetra cream in other recipes before and been very happy with it.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Does Popcorn Grow on Trees?
Welcome Spring! I love spring, so much because I know summer is just around the corner! I do not like the cold one bit, but I do have to be very grateful that it does not snow at all where I live, and never will!
I also love spring because it means that all the flowers come out and fill the air with sweet aromas, can you tell I don't suffer from hayfever? Anyway, one of my most favourite flowers is jasmine. It has such a sweet smell that reminds me of my childhood. We had jasmine growing along our fence and when it bloomed we would go over to the fence where we would meet our neighbours and pick the flowers and suck out the sweet nectar! Its was so delicious:)
We have been in our current house for just over a year now and when I was hanging out my clothes the other day, I thought, " this jasmine actually reminds me of popcorn". Have you heard the song, 'Popcorn popping'? Its a super cute song that I was bought up on.We would sing it at church and also at home. I will add a link so you can hear it if its new to you. So we have popcorn growing on our fence, yummo!!
What's your favourite flower that comes out at spring?
You'll have to excuse my failed attempt at the vegetable garden. I had good intentions, but it just didn't take for some reason:) I will have to try to plant seedlings next time perhaps, instead of seeds...any suggestions?
Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree: sung by two cute kids, I have no idea who they are!!
I also love spring because it means that all the flowers come out and fill the air with sweet aromas, can you tell I don't suffer from hayfever? Anyway, one of my most favourite flowers is jasmine. It has such a sweet smell that reminds me of my childhood. We had jasmine growing along our fence and when it bloomed we would go over to the fence where we would meet our neighbours and pick the flowers and suck out the sweet nectar! Its was so delicious:)
We have been in our current house for just over a year now and when I was hanging out my clothes the other day, I thought, " this jasmine actually reminds me of popcorn". Have you heard the song, 'Popcorn popping'? Its a super cute song that I was bought up on.We would sing it at church and also at home. I will add a link so you can hear it if its new to you. So we have popcorn growing on our fence, yummo!!
What's your favourite flower that comes out at spring?
You'll have to excuse my failed attempt at the vegetable garden. I had good intentions, but it just didn't take for some reason:) I will have to try to plant seedlings next time perhaps, instead of seeds...any suggestions?
Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree: sung by two cute kids, I have no idea who they are!!
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