Two days in Florence

Part of our travels last year took us through central Italy, and we were lucky enough to stop in Florence – Firenze – for a couple of days. Both Mario and I had been to Florence before, but we were still pretty excited to visit again. I’m not going to lie, this time we went pretty light on the artistic and historical aspects of the city (of which there are many!), instead choosing to focus on, well, food. And wine. And also some shopping. Hey, we were on holidays ok?

Moroccan fish with almond couscous and minted yoghurt

This recipe (which was inspired by one from the Australian Women’s Weekly Quick & Fast book) has rapidly become one of my all time favourite dinners to make and eat. It is SO quick and SO easy and SO SO SO delicious! It’s the perfect meal to whip up on those nights when you don’t get home until late, and just aren’t feeling the whole cooking thing.

Bacon Chocolate Birthday Cake – September Short Projects

Last night my family had a special dinner to celebrate a very good friend’s birthday… her dinner choice? Breakfast for dinner. Awesome. It doesn’t get any better than that, folks.

Hanging Herb Garden

This is a super cute space-saving project for the backyard – use a wall or fence to create a hanging herb garden!

Gingerbread Houses

I’ve made quite a few gingerbread houses in my time, but this year was not my year. Well, actually it was last year, I suppose.

Heirloom Tomato Salad & Jap Pumpkin and Pine Nut Salad – Birthday Recipe Week

I thought I would start Birthday Recipe Week off with some healthy salads – practically the first salads I have ever made. I’m not really a healthy eater. As such, I think it is important to disclose that these are not my own recipes!! I wouldn’t know the first thing about making a salad (or anything at all, really) without my Bible, the Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook series.

Tam’s Healthy Bircher-Style Muesli

Since I started full time work at the beginning of this year, I have been struggling to find the perfect mid-morning snack. Even though I have a good breakfast, by 10.30 my tummy is rumbling, and my mind is telling me that I deserve a treat.

Rice Paper Rolls – September Short Projects

I thought I would squeeze in one last September Short Project before the month is over! I have really enjoyed doing these short posts (although some of them haven’t been that short!), and I think I will incorporate the idea into my regular posts a bit more.

Now, this post needs a disclaimer: don’t bother reading on if you are in any way already acquainted with Asian food. It would be like learning about engineering from a kid playing with lego. I’m a complete novice.

Cake Balls – September Short Projects

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today’s September Short Project is a yummy delight – Cake Balls! If you’re an Aussie like me, you may never have encountered these delicious treats, but Americans are probably familiar with them. I had cake balls for the first time when we went to stay with our lovely friends Bob and Linda in Texas – Linda had ordered a whole range of flavours and we LOVED them. I had a real craving last week, so I thought I would try them out myself.

Craft in the Kitchen – Chocolate Oranges

I spent some time this week trying to think up healthy snacks for work. It didn’t last too long, because yummy snacks are much more fun than healthy snacks!

I’d tried some dried oranges covered in dark chocolate before, and decided to recreate the recipe. They’re healthy – more or less. Oranges, chocolate and almonds are good, right?