Let me start by saying that I am not a Thermomix consultant, nor is this a sponsored post in any way. I first heard about the Thermomix a couple of years ago, when a couple of friends started talking about theirs. At first it sounded quite bizarre – I couldn’t get my head around how one single machine could possibly chop, beat, mill, emulsify, mill,...

*** This giveaway has now closed. Congratulations to the lucky winners – Mick G and Melissa J *** When I moved out of home, the first appliance I ever bought was a jaffle maker. It made me feel very grown up. With just the most basic of ingredients in the house, I could produce a MEAL – and a darn fine meal at that! There really was nothing better than...

I posted a picture of my Christmas Puddings on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, and was asked for the recipe, so here it is! There is really nothing to it – which is what I love. They are quick, easy and look very impressive, so they are fantastic for taking along to end of year celebrations and morning teas! This is all you need: a packet or two (or three?) or...

This is a very special recipe to me. Not just because my children LOVE it, but it’s also the very first recipe that my mother-in-law gave to me. Daddy Smiles and I weren’t even living together yet, but one day she pulled out a hand-written recipe and slipped it into my hand. It was her famous and delicious Tuna Mornay recipe. I was incredibly touched, and...

I am sure there are many of you that were born with an inner Chef – you just “know” how to do things in the kitchen, right? I wasn’t born that way! So it has taken me years of trial and error to perfect my own recipe for hard-boiled eggs. I have undercooked eggs and had runny yolks (not my cup of tea), I have overcooked eggs and could have...

This would have to be one of my all time favourite soup recipes. It is soooo filling and nourishing, the kids love it, and I can even mix in some risoni for Lucy to enjoy it with us too! Hearty Potato and Bacon Soup Ingredients 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 6 rashers bacon, chopped 500g potato, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard...

I went to a 7yr old’s birthday party on the weekend. I have to tell you that kids parties bring me happiness – in ways I would never have expected. For starters, I get enforced me-time. The invitation quite clearly states the name of the invitee, and who am I to insist otherwise? (I think I just about cry when we get invitations that so kindly state...

It’s always a favourite whenever we eat out – chicken nuggets! But I am always disappointed that the nuggets are straight from the frozen box, full of processed meat (and whatever else), and not particularly tasty. At home we make the yummiest chicken nuggets, and it is soooo easy to do! I start with Lilydale Freerange chicken strips from Coles. They are...

If you have been reading for a while, you will remember that some months ago I committed to running in a marathon in July (oh look, I know it’s not a full 42 km marathon, but a 5km run just doesn’t sound as impressive). And because the treadmill has been so useless useful, I have joined the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation program! This is a...

I am a huge fan of corned meat. It is real comfort food – fabulous with mashed potato, veges and white sauce. But I thought I would be daring and try out a few different glazes for a bit of a change. And after trying a few pretty good ones, I finally struck gold! I guarantee that your family will fall at your feet and beg you for this recipe – yes it is...