Herbed Potato Slices

A quick side dish that goes well with most meals.  The flavours are robust but not overpowering and the potato slices make a nice change from baked potatoes or mash.

Herbed Potato Slices

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 2

500 grams peeled potatoes, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves

1 garlic clove, crushed

salt

freshly ground black pepper

cooking spray

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

In a large snap lock bag or bow combine potatoes, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper.  Toss well ensuring that the potatoes are coated in all the other ingredients.

Line a baking tray with foil and spray with cooking spray.  Place potatoes in a single layer on tray.  Spray top side of the potatoes with cooking spray also.

Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until cooked through and golden, turning once.

Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Honey and Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

We don't have chicken drumsticks as a meal very often so when I saw the original recipe for this dish I knew that we had to try them.  We like chicken drumsticks but tend to have them on the bbq or for lunch never really for dinner.

The ingredients caught my eye - honey, paprika and fennel for the marinade accompanied by a sauce of orange.  WOW... I got excited.

I am glad that I did... the flavours combined magically and there was definitley an intriguing after tastes tantalising taste buds leaving them waiting until the next bite.

Serve with a simple salad or like us we had Herbed Potato Slices and corn cobs.

Honey and Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

(Recipe adapted from WW Just Say Yum Cookbook)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 8

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons ground sweet paprika

1 tablespoon ground fennel

1 tablespoon water

12 individual chicken drumstick skin removed or lovely legs

cooking spray

2 teaspoons freshly grated orange rind

2 cups orange juice

Combine oil, honey, paprika, fennel and 2 teaspoons water in a jug.  Place chicken in a large snap lock bag or casserole dish.  Cover with marinade and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.

Lightly spray a large non-stick frying pan with oil and heat over high heat. Cook chicken, turning, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add rind and juice and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

NOTE: Chicken Lovely Legs are drumsticks with the bones trimmed and skin removed. They are available from most supermarkets or from chicken shops. I find it easier and cheaper to buy normal drumsticks and remove skin by holding the drumstick firmly and pulling the skin back using a tea towel to assist gripping the skin.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Mustard and Brown Sugar Pork with Coleslaw

The marinade of mustard and brown sugar intrigued me I have to admit.  I wondered if it would be sweet or overpowered by the mustard... so needless to say we, I mean I, had to try it.

This dish was easy to prepare and cook making it a wonderful mid week dinner - always a bonus.  Everyone enjoyed it which was the second bonus.

The mustard and brown sugar was perfectly in balance with neither ingredient being an obvious standout.  I used dijon mustard instead of the hot English mustard as I wasn't sure on the taste for the kids.  Next time however I will use hot English to see the difference, if any.  The mash of sweet potato and potato was perfect especially as Noel mashed it so it was nice and smooth. I really enjoyed the coleslaw.  The added crunch of the apple combine with the natural crunch of the cabbage and dressed with the tangy mayonnaise made a nice change from regular coleslaw.

The only change I would make is to dress the coleslaw later than what the recipe states as the red cabbage colour bled throught the dish.  Purely for appearance of course.

Mustard and Brown Sugar Pork with Coleslaw

(recipe adapted from WW The Complete Meal Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 9

2 teaspoons hot English mustard (or dijon mustard if preferred)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 garlic clove, crushed

4 x 150 g lean pork loin cutlets, fat trimmed

2 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

3 cups (240 grams) shredded red cabbage

1 pink lady apply, unpeeled, finely sliced

2 green shallots, thinly sliced

500 grams sweet potato, chopped

300 grams potatoes, chopped

1/2 cup skim milk

Combine mustard, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic in a shallow glass or ceramic bowl.  Add pork and turn to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.

Combine mayonnaise, juice and wholegrain mustard in a bowl.  Place cabbage, apple and shallots in a large bowl.  Add mayonnaise mixture and gently toss to combine.  Set coleslaw aside.

Boil, steam or microwave sweet potato and potato until tender.  Drain.  Place in a large bowl with milk and mash until smooth.  Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Meanwhile preheat a chargrill or barbecue over medium heat.  Lightly spray pork with cooking spray and cook for 3 - 5 minutes or until cooked to your liking.  Cover with foil and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Divide mash amongst plates and top with pork.  Drizzle with resting juices and serve with coleslaw.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Little Passionfruit Cakes

I know it's once again been a long time!!  Since my last post I have managed to clock up over 3000kms with work travel not to mention surviving weekends that have been jam packed with commitments!!  Sorry...   :(

Little Passionfruit Cakes... looked delish as soon as I turned to the page in the cookbook. I knew that my family would love these no end.

Very easy to make these little cupcakes turned out light and moist and definitely full of flavour. While there is apple puree in the recipe it wasn't a distinct taste - but you could definitely tasted the passionfruit.

Great for lunchboxes if you have any left!!

Little Passionfruit Cakes

(recipe sourced from WW Just Say Yum Cookbook)

Serves: 24

ProPoints per serve: 2 

75 grams reduced fat spread

1/2 cup caster sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract

1 medium egg

1 1/3 cup self-raising flour, sifted

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup apple puree

1/4 cup fresh passionfruit pulp

1 tablespoon icing sugar

Preheat oven to 180°C or 160°C fan-forced.

Line two 12-hole (2 tablespoon/40ml capacity) mini muf f in tins with paper cases.

Using electric beaters, beat spread, caster sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until combined. Fold in flour and buttermilk, alternately, until combined. Fold in apple puree and passionfruit pulp.

Spoon mixture into paper cases. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

Stand cakes in tins for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

Dust with icing sugar just before serving.

TIP: Despite its name, buttermilk is quite low in fat. If unavailable you can use skim milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Mint Raita

Served with Tandoori Chicken or most Indian dishes in fact, this side dish accompanies them perfectly.  It's great for helping to reduce the heat and calm the tastebuds while enjoying a spicy dish.

There are so many different versions of Raita - some with mint and coriander, some with mint and cucumber, some just cucumber, to name a few.  We like this nice clean flavour of plain mint with a hint of garam marsala but best of all it's very easy to make.

Mint Raita

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 1

1/4 cup freshly chopped mint leaves

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 1/2 cup no-fat plain yoghurt

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

In a medium sized bowl place mint leaves and sprinkle with sugar.  Mix and allow to stand for 10 minutes.

Add yoghurt and garam masala and mix well until completely combined.

Refrigerate until required.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Tandoori Chicken

This has to be one of the easiest ways of making Tandoori Chicken - cooked on the bbq and served with a salad, Mint Raita and mango chutney it becomes a perfect balmy evenings dinner.

The trick to tandoori marinade I believe is the length of time you allow it to stand and gather all the flavours.  I always marinade mine overnight, covered in the fridge.

Tandoori Chicken

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 8

4 tablespoons tandoori paste

1 cup no fat natural yoghurt

6 x skinless chicken thighs, all visible fat removed

6 x skinless chicken drumsticks, all visible fat removed

Mix together tandoori paste and yoghurt until well blended.

Place chicken in a large bowl or large snap lock bag.  Pour yoghurt mixture over chicken, toss to combine completely.  Allow to marinate for at least 1 - 2 hours or overnight if possible.

Preheat a barbecue.  Cook chicken, brushing with marinade, for 4 - 5 minutes each side ensuring chicken is cooked through.

Alternatively, preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.  Place chicken, in single layer, on an oiled wire rack set inside a large shallow baking dish.  Cook, uncovered, for about 25 - 30 minutes or until chicken is browned and cooked through, occasionally brushing with remaining marinade.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Shredded Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart

This meal has been on my menu planner for the last few weeks but somehow keeps getting brushed aside for no particular reason - either something else gets requested or our plans change.  What ever the reason we had some left over barbecue chicken again this weekend so I was determined to have this no matter what.

The thought of having pastry while dieting is a novelty in itself  for as we all know as a rule pastry is a NO-NO.  This recipe called for reduced fat shortcrust pastry therefore reducing the fat content. 

Although the pastry component was a little fiddly, the rest of the recipe was easy.  The dish was quite inviting to look at and not to mention it was definitely full of flavour.  The feta cheese made a nice change to normaly cheddar and the flavour was delicious combined with the sundried tomatoes and the thyme.  The serving sizes were quite large so this recipe could easily serve 6 - 8 for a light meal.

Overall this recipe sured pleased my crowd, with it being devoured last night.

Shredded Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart

(recipe sourced from WW Magazine January 2012)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 14

2 sheets reduced fat shortcrust pastry, just thawed

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 small leeks, halved, thinly sliced, washed and drained

3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

3 eggs

1/2 cup skim milk

salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 cup shredded left over skinless cooked chicken

1/3 cup fat free semi dried tomatoes, chopped

70 grams reduced fat feta cheese, crumbled

Line base and sides of a 2.5cm deep 11.5cm x 34cm loose bottom flan tin with pastry, trimming of the excess.  Place flan tin in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Place flan tin on a baking tray.  Line pastry case with baking paper and fill with ceramic pie weights or uncooked rice.  Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the edges are crisp and light golden.  Remove weights or rice and baking paper and bake for a further 6 - 8 minutes or until base is light golden.  Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

Reduce oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium non stick frying pan.  Add leeks and half the thyme leaves and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until softened.

Spread leek mixture over pastry case.

Whisk eggs and milk in a medium jug and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper

Top leeks with shredded chicken, tomatoes and crumbled feta, then pour over egg mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining thyme.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until just set. 

Serve Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart warm or cold.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken Corn and Broccoli Pies

From such a heat wave to a cold snap here in Melbourne comfort food was on the menu last night.  All rugged up in our winter woolies it was nice to sit down to a warm homestyle pie full of creamy goodies hidden under a crunchy and light filo pastry lid.

These individual pies are a complete meal in themselves and very filling.  Using the filo pastry reduces the fat content dramatically but you could use puff pastry for a more tradition crust.

Chicken Corn and Broccoli Pie

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 9

cooking spray

750 grams chicken breast, fat removed, diced

1 leek, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves

1 1/2 cups corn kernels

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cups skim milk

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons cornflour

freshly ground black pepper

12 sheets filo pastry

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Spray a large non stick saucepan with cooking spray and cook chicken in batches over high heat until browned, remove to a plate.  Repeat with remaining chicken.

Respray saucepan with cooking spray and cook leek for 5 minutes or until softened.  Add garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Add wine, simmering until liquid has almost evaporated.

Add stock, mustard, dijon mustard, chicken, broccoli and corn to saucepan.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Add milk and combined water and cornflour.  Stirring well to combine.  Continue to simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened.  Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

Divide mixture amongst 6 ceramic pie dishes.  Spray 1 sheet of filo pastry with cooking spray and scrunch together gently, placing on top of half the pie dish.  Repeat with a second piece of filo pastry and cover the other half of the pie dish.  Continue placing two sheets of pastry on each pie.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling heated through.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Mussels with Tomatoes and Chilli

This is a really quick and easy dish to make and is on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Nothing tastier than fresh mussels steamed in a broth of fresh tomatoes, white wine, chilli and kaffir lime leaves which add such an amazing flavour to the meal.  

Served with crusty bread this is a wonderfully feeling meal for event he fusiest seafood eaters.

Mussels with Tomatoes and Chilli

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 6

1 kilogram fresh mussels

4 cloves garlic, finely sliced

2 red chillis, finely sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

2 spring onions, sliced

5 tomatoes, diced

3 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

1/2 cup dry white wine

freshly ground black pepper

Clean mussels and remove beards.  Disregard any mussels that are open prior to cooking - tap on benchtop to see if they will close.

Using a large wok or saucepan, heat oil over high heat add garlic and chilli.  Cook for 1 - 2 minutes or until fragrant.  Add spring onions, tomatoes, lime leaves, wine and season with pepper.  Stir for 3 - 5 minutes or until boiling.

Add mussels, toss and then cover with a lid.  Allow mussels to steam for 8 - 10 minutes.

Serve, removing any shells that have not opened.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Fish Fillets with Confetti Topping

On a fish fancy yesterday, I remember this old recipe I used to cook many moons ago.

An easy dish to prepare and cook which sees a fish fillet topped with a medley of vegetables, lemon, soy sauce and ham - yes ham! 

The flavours are great - really complimenting the fish to the point that it needs no sauce added and the fish is moist and tender.

Fish Fillets with Confetti Topping

(recipe adapted from WW Cooking Light Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 5

4 x 200 gram boneless fish fillets

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon lemon rind, grated

1 tablespoon lemon juice

120 grams lean ham, cut into fine strips

2 carrots, grated

1 large zucchini, grated

2 spring onions, chopped

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Place fish in a single layer in a shallow casserole dish or baking tray.

Combine all remaining ingredients and divide among each fillet, pressing into to place.

Cook in oven for 15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and tender.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Barbecued Lamb and Vegetables

" HAPPY NEW YEAR" to each and every one of you.  I wish you, your family and your friends best wishes for 2012.

Summer is definitely the time for cooking on the barbecue. There is something about the ease, the aromas and the relaxing atmosphere that comes from cooking outside.

We tend to have the same things on the grill.. sausages, hamburgers, steaks so last night I decided it was time to try something different.

Everyone enjoyed the flavour of this dish - as usual the rosemary and garlic complimented the lamb.  It was a nice change but will stick to the recipe next time.  I used lamb stir fry strips instead of lamb fillets which of course cooked too quickly on the bbq but didn't need to rest.  Although the lamb wasn't as tender as we would have liked but it was edible and all consumed.

Cross fingers 2012 allows me to be more regular with blogging as last year my work was so hectic, especially with the additional travel,  leaving me struggling to keep up with my precious hobby.  Thank you all for being patient with me and my erratic recipe blogging.  So here goes - the first recipe post for this year!! 

Enjoy....

Barbecue Lamb and Vegetables

(recipe adapted from WW Cook Fresh)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 9

4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped, plus extra sprigs to garnish

2 tablespoons olive oil

500 grams lean lamb fillet

2 medium zucchini, thicly sliced

1 onion, cut into wedges

1 medium red capsicum, cut into 3cm pieces

1 bunch brocolini cut into 4 cm pieces

cooking spray

Combine garlic, chopped rosemary and oil in a small bowl. Place half of the rosemary mixture in a shallow dish. Add lamb and turn to coat.

Combine zucchini, onion, capsicum and eggplant in a large bowl. Add remaining rosemary mixture and toss to coat.

Heat an oil-sprayed chargrill or barbecue over medium-high heat.

Chargrill lamb for 3–4 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm. Rest lamb for 10 minutes before slicing thickly.

Meanwhile, chargrill vegetables, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until golden and tender. Transfer to a large serving bowl.

Add sliced lamb and rosemary sprigs and toss to combine. Serve.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Xinjiang Lamb with Cumin and Chillies

The ingredients in this dish caught my eye straight away - which only meant one thing!  It had to be cooked.

This cumin spiked dish is inspired by Uygar cuisine in northern China and it sure left an amazing lingering flavour with each mouthful.  The chilli added the heat which complimented the dish nicely.

Xinjiang Lamb with Cumin and Chillies

(recipe adapted from Woolworths Good Taste Magazine January 2012)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 6

450 grams lean lamb strips

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons oil

1 brown onion, halved and cut into wedges

1 green capsicum, seeded and coarsely chopped

1 spring onion, finely chopped, to serve

fresh coriander leaves, to serve

dried chilli flakes, extra to serve

Combine the lamb, garlic, cumin seeds, cumin powder, chilli flakes and 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a bowl.

Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a wok over high heat until just somoking.  Stir fry the onion and the capsicum for 2 minutes or until lightly charred and tender.  Transfer to a bowl.

Heat 2 teaspoons of the remaining oil in the wok over high heat.  Stir fry half of the lamb mixture for 2 minutes or until browned and just cooked through.  Transfer to a plate.  Repeat with remaining oil and lamb mixture.

Add the lamb mixture, onion mixture and remaining soy sauce to the wok.  Stir fry for 30 seconds or until heated through.

Divide among serving plates.  Sprinkle with spring onion, coriander and extra chilli flakes.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Prawn and Avocado Salsa Wonton Cups

Boxing Day we headed off for lunch at our long time family friends' house.  It was a lovely day so I decided to take something light yet tasty as my food offering.

Wonton cups are so easy to make and make an attractive entree, finger food and even a dessert.  They can be filled with whatever takes your fancy.  I decided that it would be prawns with an avocado salsa just for something different.

 Prawn and Avocado Salsa Wonton Cups

Serves: 30

ProPoints per Serve: 1

30 fresh wonton wrappers

30 cooked and peeled prawns

1 avocado, diced

3 large tomatoes, diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

freshly ground black pepper

150 grams Kraft Philadelphia Extra Light cream cheese

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Spray a large muffin tin with cooking spray.  Line each muffin hole with a wonton wrapper.  Spray tops of wrapper and cook in oven for 5 - 8 minutes or until wrapper is crisp and golden.  Remove and allow to cool.

In a bowl gently mix together the avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, chilli powder and black pepper.

In the base of the wonton cup place a teaspoon cream cheese, stand up the prawn and fill the wonton cup with a couple of teaspoons of salsa.

Serve.

Note - do not fill too early before serving or wonton cup with go soggy.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Steamed Christmas Pudding

This steamed Christmas Pudding also seems to have become a tradition with everyone requesting it each year.  Even though we didn't host Christmas at home this year Vicky requested that this be our contribution to the celebration at their house.  I was only to happy to make it as it is quite easy although the cooking is the time consuming part of the process.

This is such a moist pudding - full of flavour and very morish.

Another recipe that I will not publish ProPoints for but will maybe look at next year modifying to lessen the blow!!  LOL!!

Steamed Christmas Pudding

Serves: 12 - 16

ProPoints: Danger Beware

1 kilogram Mixed Dried Fruit

2 cups fresh orange juice, no added sugar

1 teaspoon bircabonate of soda

1/2 cup brandy

400 grams unsalted butter, softened

2 cups soft brown sugar

6 large eggs

2 cups self raising flour, sifted

4 cups fresh breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon mixed spice

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon salt

Combine fruit, orange juice and bicarbonate of soda in a large saucepan and simmer for 3 - 4 minutes until liquid has almost evaporated and fruit is plump.  Remove from heat.

Add brandy, mix well and allow to cool.

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Fold in remaining ingredients along with fruit.

Grease a 2 litre pudding steamer/dish with butter and line base with a circle of baking paper.  Spoon in mixture.  Pleat a piece of baking paper to cover top of pudding.  Secure with lid (if you have) or cover with 2 layers of oil, securing edges tightly with string.

Fill a large saucepan with water.  Place an upturned small plate or saucer in the bottom.  Put pudding on the saucer, ensuring thatwater comes halfway up the sides of the pudding bowl.  Cover with lid and bring to the boil.  Boil for 4 hours, adding more hot water as the level drops.

Gently invert pudding onto a plate.

To reheat place in microwave for 5 - 8 minutes. 

(Click here for a printable version of the recipe)

Gingerbread House

On Christmas Eve while my mam was making her Mince Pies, which are such a family tradition to be cooked while watching Carols by Candlelight another Christmas tradition was being born.... the Gingerbread House. 

I used to make one most years when the kids were little but I do admit it has now been some years.  Alexandria asked for one last year but time was against us so this year I did everything I could not to disappoint her again and so our house was mixed, baked and decorated.

PS there is NO ProPoint value for this recipe - DANGER BEWARE!!

Gingerbread House

(Recipe sourced from The Essentials Christmas Cookbook)

250 grams softened unsalted butter

2/3 cup soft brown sugar

1/2 cup golden syrup

2 eggs, lightly beaten

5 cups plain flour, sifted

2 tablespoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

additional flour (for kneading)

1 egg white

2 1/4 cups pure icing sugar

sweets/lollies of your choice and quantity

Place butter, brown sugar and golden syrup in a bowl and beat until light and creamy.

Gradually add eggs, beating thoroughly after each additon.

Sift flour, ground ginger and bicarbnate of soda into the bowl and stir until combined.  Bring the dough together with your hands, turn it out onto a well floured work suface and knead until smooth.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile cut a paper pattern for each part of the house. 

The pattern for the house is as follows:
~ 2 x sides - 10 x 20 cms
~ 2 x roof  - 18 x 20 cms
~ 2 x ends - 16 x 22 cms (measure 10 cms down the length to form two rectangles - measure 8cms     accross the length of the smallest rectangle then draw diagonal lines to make a triangle and cut off the corners giving you the peaked house ends)

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper, in batches, to 5 mm thick.  Using the paper templates as a guide cut house pieces (ensuring you have two of everything).  If you would like windows or a door cut these out now.

Line baking trays with baking paper.  Gently lift the pieces onto the trays and refrigerate for a further 20 minutes.

Bake each tray for 12 minuts each.  Set aside to cool.

For stained glass windows - crush assorted coloured boiled lollies and fill the cut out windows after cooking for 7 minutes.  This will allow them to melt together but not burn.

To make the icing, place 1 egg white in a bowl and gradulally add sifted icing sugar until you have a smooth mixture which will stay in place when piped.  If it is too runny add more icing sugar.

Assemble the house by joining the front and sides together with a piped line of icing and leave to dry.  Add the back of the house in the same way, hold for a few minutes and then leave to dry.  Decorate the outside seams of the house with more icing to strengthen.  Ensure house is dry and sturdy before decorating with lollies.

Decorate the house with sweets/lollies by attaching with icing.

Note - the quantity of gingerbread mixture will make approximately 30 gingerbread people.

(Click here for a printable copy of this recipe)

Roast Pork Cutlets with Creamy Mustard Sauce

Another one I created earlier.... LOL!!

These juicy pork cutlets are paired with an irresistible creamy mustard sauce which went down a treat.  The creamy mustard sauce was smooth and not over powering.  The vegetables soft and the pork cutlets were just mouthwatering.

I wasn't quite sure on the actual outcome - I had never roasted my potatoes with a sauce as such but I am really glad that I gave this recipe a go.  It was delicious and everything was tender.  Not to mention this dish was on the table with minimal fuss and minimal mess.

Roast Pork Cutlets with Creamy Mustard Sauce

(recipe adapted Super Food Ideas Magazine August 2005) 

Serves 4

ProPoints per Serve: 10

800g Desiree potatoes, unpeeled, cut into wedges

5 carrots, peeled, thickly sliced

2 green capsicum, deseeded, thickly sliced
250 grams button mushrooms

1/4 cup wholegrain mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup chicken stock

4 rindless pork loin cutlets

1/2 cup thickened low fat cream

1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Place potatoes, carrots, capsicum and mushrooms in a large roasting pan. Combine mustard, oil, stock and salt and pepper in a jug. Pour over vegetables. Toss to combine.

Place pork cutlets on top of vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until pork is just cooked through. Transfer pork to a plate. Cover with foil and stand for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add cream and parsley to vegetables in pan. Stir to combine.Return to oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Place vegetables and pork onto plates. Spoon over creamy mustard sauce. Serve.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Steak with Prawns in Bryon Bay Fiery Coconut Chilli Sauce

I was really fancying a Surf and Turf but the creamy garlic sauces are not a favourite with Noel so I decided to create a "prawn sauce" to top our steak that Noel would enjoy and would also satisfy my craving at the same time.

Recently we have really been enjoying the Byron Bay Chilli Co Fiery Coconut Chilli Sauce.  It has an amazing flavour and while it's rate medium hot it sure does have a kick that's for sure.  Hog's Breath Cafe serve it on their menu and Noel always orders it when we eat there.

I have to say the sauce I made was actually delicious.  Still full flavoured even though I did combine it with cream it definitely made an interesting change to the normal "Surf and Turf".

Steak with with Prawns in Bryon Bay Fiery Coconut Chilli Sauce

Serves: 2

ProPoints per serve: 12

2 scotch fillet steaks 200 grams each, barbecued to your liking

cooking spray

250 grams large green king prawns, peeled and rinsed

2 spring onions, sliced

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons Byron Bay Chilli Co. Fiery Coconut Chilli Sauce

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

2 tablespoons reduced fat cream

Cook steaks your preferred way and to your liking, keep warm.

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and cook prawns for  1 - 2 minutes each size until colour starts to change (but do not overcook).  Remove to a plate.

Respray the same pan with cooking spray and add spring onions and garlic over a medium heat.  Saute for 2 minutes or until spring onions have softened.  Add chilli sauce and water, mixing well to combine.

Stir through cream until combined.

Return prawns to the pan and cover with sauce.  Continue to stir until heated through and sauce has returned to a slight boil (do not boil).

Serve prawns and sauce drizzled over steak.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Herb and Spice Steamed Fish

It has been so long since my last my last post but I have not neglected my treasured hobby - in fact my absence saddens me as I love nothing more than cooking a delicious meal and then of course bragging oops I mean blogging about! 


I have been so overwhelmed with my work load of late and of course the Christmas period otherwise known as the Silly Season, where everything is frantic. I have to admit not a great deal of new recipes have been cooked most nights it's been trusty old favourites but I do have a few dishes I want to share with you....

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This was one recipe that had always enticed me.  I firmly believe that we do not eat enough fish although we do tend to eat seafood.

The combination of the herbs and spice was delightful especially teamed with the lemon.  The fish itself was very tender and I was surprised considering I cooked it in the oven as the steamer I have wasn't big enough for all the fish fillets.  Next item on my shopping list is a large bamboo steamer and then I will try this recipe again as I really enjoyed it.

Herb and Spice Steamed Fish

(recipe sourced from WW Secrets of Success Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 6

2 teaspoons Master Foods Moroccan Seasoning

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

800 grams fresh flake or other firmish white fish
1 medium fresh lemon, sliced

Combine the seasoning, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander and oil in a large bowl. Add fish, turn until coated in the mixture, refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Line base of a large steaming basket with a sheet of baking paper. Lay fish pieces side by side on the paper. Lay lemon slices over fish.

Cover with the lid or a sheet of foil. Place basket over a wok or saucepan of simmering water, without the basket touching the water. Cook for 10 minutes or until fish is just cooked through.

Alternatively cook fish in a covered baking dish in a 180°C oven for 15 minutes or until cooked.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken Potato and Bacon Casserole

With being so busy recently with studies, work and family this meal is definately a one pot wonder and I have to admit there is nothing better than roast chicken with gravy.

This casserole was no exception with all the vegetables cooked amongst the chicken and the gravy.  The potatoes were beautiful and soft.  The hint of bacon amongst the casserole gives it a little lift making it stand out when it comes to mid week casseroles.  Such a flavoursome dish.

This is a lovely homestyle recipe that is not only easy but can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Chicken Potato and Bacon Casserole

(recipe adapted from WW Secret Recipes Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 9

cooking spray

8 chicken drumsticks, skin removed

600 grams potatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

3 large carrots, sliced

150 grams button mushrooms, sliced

175 grams 97% fat free bacon, chopped

6 tablespoons chicken gravy powder

3 cups water

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Coat a large dish with cooking spray.

Coat a fry pan with cooking spray, heat and brown the chicken.  Arrange in the prepared dish.

Top with potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms and bacon.

Combine the gravy powder and water, mix well.  Pour over the chicken and vegetables.

Cover and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are soft.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea and Rocket Salad

I recently made this lovely salad as we were invited for a BBQ at our dear friends' Tanya and Pete's house for Melbourne Cup Day yesterday.  In true tradition I had to make a "different" salad and I immediately fell in love with the sound of this recipe and the taste also.

Very easy to make just don't dress it too early or it will go soggy.  Be quick as it goes very fast - trust me!!

Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea and Rocket Salad

(recipe adapted from Good Taste March 2009)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 3

2 large red capsicums, halved, deseeded

cooking spray

750 grams Kent pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces

1 large red onion, halved, thinly sliced

1 x 400 gram can chickpeas, rinsed, drained

200 grams baby rocket leaves

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

2 teaspoons caster sugar

salt

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat grill on high. Place the capsicum, skin-side up, on a baking tray. Spray with cooking spray. Cook under grill for 8-10 minutes or until charred and blistered. Transfer to a sealable plastic bag. Set aside for 5 minutes (this helps lift the skin). Peel and discard skin. Cut the flesh into thick strips.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 190°C. Spray baking tray with cooking spray. Place the pumpkin on the tray. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.

Combine the capsicum, pumpkin, onion, chickpeas and rocket in large bowl.

Combine the vinegar, juice, oil, mustard, salt and pepper in a small jug or jar.  Mix to combine well and sugar is dissolved. Pour over the salad just before serving and toss to combine.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)