making naan bread

we decided to givemaking Naan bread a go....and loved the process....I've made lots of different kinds of bread before but not Naan....and I had not 1, not 2 or 3 but 4 helpers that day....

I used the DG methodof proving the bread (in the microwave oven for 1 min on lowest setting then rest for 10 mins then repeat) - not my ideal way but great when on a time budget.

Heres the receipe:

2 tsp yeast

250mls milk

500g (4 cups) plain flour

1 tsp sugar

3tbsp plain yoghurt ( I used sour cream instead)

30g melted butter

1 1/2 tsp salt

*yeast onto 100mls of the milk...Leave for 5mins to bubble up

*flour and salt into a large bowl -mix.

*make a well in the flou and pour in yeast, sugar, butter, yoghurt.

*mix in the flour and stir in the remaining milk too (to make a sticky dough...not always need all milk).

*turn out on floured board/bench and give it a jolly good knead/pounding! around 10mins

*put towel in clean greased bowl and either 1) leave for 3- hours OR 2) if doing DG method, into the microwave on low for 1 min...rest 10 mins and then another min on low-rest 10 mins...

*knock back and leave for 10 mins or so.

*divide into 4 even pieces, and on floured surface roll out to form a round-about 15 cm across...pull one side to form a tear shape, until about 25cmin length.

*Grill onto highest setting and preheat the baking sheet for 2 mins....then grill the dough in batches...around 2-3 mins per side.-until puffy and golden.

*stack and cover to remain soft.

Serve with a wonderful butter chicken, or whatever you feel like! YUM!

TULIPS

I love, love, love tulips and would've loved having them in my wedding boquect, but given that I'm rather a 'bull at a gate' type ....they really would've been bashed to death by the end of the day...so chose red roses and singaporian orchids....just lovely.(and created by my Mum and aunty)..you can see the tips of them in this rather grainy scanned photo...teehee, just thought I'd share that random pic!

Anyho here are some pics of my homegrown stunningly beautiful tulips, that are right outside the door and in every shade imaginaeble...they make me WANT to do the washing, just so I can see them...an odd laundry tip huh! Grow tulips!....oh and the wee bluebell was from my lovely friend...sweet lady- yes you know who you are!!

New Placemats

A few weeks ago I was fed up with the functional yet uninspiring placemats we use everyday....so I set about creating an individual one for each family member and a couple spare too. Here the all are, using a mixture of gifted, thrifted and brought fabric....all pretty and functional! Now I have made these, am planning on making a 'for good' set...not sure if the indivdual approach is best or a matching set is in order...your thoughts?

FATHER's DAY

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
To my Dad, whom is not too well - I love you and thank you for holding hands with me through my childhood, for mentoring me in adulthood...and for constantly praying for me and mine. I am thankful to you for many things, from showing me how to ride a bike, to your love for my children...bless you always. xx

To my children's Dad and my husband - you are an inspirtiaion to me, you encourage and challenge me- and are a rock to our family - I am thankful to walk thru life by your side...knowing that we are each others safety net and best friend. I love your passion for our children and the genreous way you grow them, protect them and encourage them to take safe risks and strive to meet their full potential as individuals...Your an awesome fella and we love you tonnes!

Some fathers day pics...we went to the lake where the model boats were out and about, and then there were trees to conquer!

History at our place

we are fortunate to live in a wee town with lots of history and structures that have been left behind by miners and those that lived their lives here. Some would've experienced such hardships and cold...some sacrificed their limbs to thier livelihoods...some intentially cut off figers for insurance to feed their families or stake another turn on their claim. We are only scratching the surface with our meanderings...but here are a few pics of our recent 'finds'.

Some of the photos are from the Cornish Pump House and some are from the Old Battery

sittin' round the oven

this is what I walked into the other night....all the boys at our house pulled up a chair to watch the mac'n'cheese toast on top....so funny! We are all hanging out for summer and campfires- can't you tell!?!

with great anticipation they filled in the grilling time with safety talks and the merits of cheese sauce reciepes....very sweet boys these 3.

I especially love the way the wee-est boys feet can't touch the ground.

makin' stuff....

hey, its been a while huh! Have been busy...have even worked a couple days -outside our home ;-)...scary!! but good....I think I 've missed teaching (i think??)....not wanting to do it all the time, or even weekly to tell the truth, but was a nice change from our usual life.

Here are a couple things have made lately...this knitted number is made in the softest of wool...ashamed to say its Australian (don't hate me) with 20% soya fibre...cool huh. And on this wee goldie top (My bubby) it looks good enough to nibble on, or at least give a wee squeeze to. Its called a 'Gilet' ...which means........actually, I don't know, but figure its got something to do with the style....

And also made these cute wee bloomers for the shop ( bellabree.felt.co.nz )...and another pair for my delightful thumbelina niece who turned one!....Yay for her....amd also making her a 'Gilet" to go with them...in the most delightful colours (will show ya later)...so badly wanted to give it to her on her birthday...but a wee person -who sahll remain nameles grrrrr- kindly pulled the needle on it and had to start again on the back...sigh! Good practice huh!