Gluten Free Crepes

One of my all time favourite Breakfast Restaurants is a cafe on Keilor Rd, Niddrie called Cravin Crepes. However taking the kids there is a costly exercise. Normally costs at least $70.

So I found a GF crepe recipe and make our own on the odd occasion. Today I was expecting to pick my daughter up from her week long trip to Bali and thought I would surprise her with a special breakfast. On my way there.. after setting the alarm to get up early on a Sunday morning.. I get told she doesnt need me to pick her up from the airport anymore.. apparently she sent me a message. If I had a received it.. I clearly would have stayed in bed.

Gluten Free Crepe Recipe

50g butter

2 eggs

310ml milk

1 cup GF plain flour

Place sifted flour and pinch of salt in a large bowl. Use a balloon whisk to mix eggs, milk and melted butter.

Gradually mix liquid into flour till no lumps. Refridgerate for 30mins.

Pour 1/4 cup of mixture into a butter greased pan and cook on both sides till golden.

For Choc addiction crepes once turned put chopped choc on half of crepe and fold over once other side is golden. Sprinkle with icing sugar to serve

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Anyway, I was up and dressed and decided I would make them anyway. Todays had an assortment of chopped up chocolate, GF chocolate sauce and nut spread.. It helped soothe my extreme disappointment.. a little :(

Couldnt be bothered Cooking

I've just done 4 early morning shifts at my day job.. errgh

I am a bit fatigued and really couldn't be bothered cooking tonight. I am really being clean with my eating and need to cook something easy.

The only solution is meat and vegies. Ooh Salmon and veggies..yum

Takes about 10mins to cook and steam the veggies.. how yummy does it look??

Fruit Punch

I worked behind the Bar at a 21st last night in a luxurious home in Monomeath st, Canterbury last night. The function was set up in an oversized Marquee on the Tennis court down the back of this picturesque property.

There was an assortment of boutique beers, cider, premix spirits and upmarket wines. My favorite was a homemade Fruit Punch recipe which I have included for you.. looked and tasted yum!

ALCOHOLIC FRUIT PUNCH

750ml Sparkling Wine

750ml Lemonade (Sprite)

160ml Malibu

160ml Vodka

200g Raspberries

1 cup Passionfruit Pulp

Lime Slices

Ice

Serve in a Punch Bowl with a ladle. Its a great drink for parties.

How The Marquee was set up for the function.

7km Walk

I've cleaned up my diet and plateaued with my weight. I havent lost anything. When I was lighter and maintaining it, I was exercising regularly. I havent been exercising regularly since my surgery last year. I am not fit enough to jog, but I can walk.. So I enlisted my gorgeous daughter to walk with me today! Its amazing how much more pleasant exercise is when you have company.

We walked 7km and I could have kept going :)

Meat Safe Tranformation

I purchased this Meat Safe a few years ago on a day trip to a gorgeous country town about an hour car drive away called Daylesford.  I love visiting Daylesford as it has an Hippie Vibe about it. I love wandering the main street, peeking into the shops filled with knick knacks, clothes and rustic home wares. On the trip I purchased this beauty we had ventured out of the main street and went hunting for antiques and second hand furniture stores.

I had always intended on painting it to suit our decor.. so I pulled out the trusty chalk paint to get it into our style.

I used my trusty Annie Sloan Chalk paint in off white.

So now I just need to wax it with the new black wax for a gorgeous distressed finish!

Mulled Wine

Its that time of year in Australia, well Melbourne more so as it is very cold.  I have been trying to shake an annoying Sinus Lurgy for over a month.  I got the hankering for Mulled wine today.  Which is Red wine infused with Spices and fruits and drunk warm.

Here is the Recipe for those of you who may want to try it or want a really good well balanced Recipe.  All I can say is YUM YUM YUM!

 

Mel's Mulled Wine

 

750ml Red Wine
150g Castor Sugar
1/2 Cup Orange Juice
Peel of one Lemon
Peel of one Orange
1 Star Anise
1 Cinnamon Stick
5 Cloves
1 tsp fresh Nutmeg
Pinch of Ginger

 

1. Place all ingredients EXCEPT the wine into a large saucepan and place on a medium heat. Add just a slosh of the red wine to the pan to ensure the sugar is covered and let it cook for 4-5 mins until it becomes thick and syrupy.  All the spices and feel will infuse in this time.

 

 

2. Once the liquid has thickened add the rest of the wine and turn down the head. DONT let it bowl or you will lose the ALCOHOL.. lol   Simmer for about 5 mins and serve hot with slices of fresh Orange.

ENJOY!!

Red Hat Finished

So I realised last night that I'd used the wrong stitches on the Slouchy Red Beanie. The photos of the difference are in last nights post. I remade and I am very happy with the results.

Sits as the pattern picture shows. Pattern purchased from Etsy,

Red Hat

I've been crocheting over my past few night shifts.  I am teaching myself as I only learnt the basics a few years ago. I spent 4 hours the first night only to realise tonight that I had been using the wrong stitch, not the bl dc (back loop double crochet) the pattern required, pretty sure i use using a half double  crochet.. BUGGER!. So I started it again to see what it would look like with the right stitch.. Wow a big difference.
I tried on the first attempt to see how it felt.. you can see by how tired I am that I am extremely tired only having 4 hours sleep last night and this 12 hour shift, nearly done!

Wrong stitch used!

Correct Stitch bl dc used!

Check out the blood shot eyes :(

Looking a little too tired to smile.. lol

Baby Boy Quilt

I've been working on a baby boy quilt for a gorgeous friend from work. She is expecting her first and it's a boy!

Pondering Life

Feeling very frustrated and needing some exercise.

When I feel like this, the best thing to do is to get my ipod and go for a walk.  Today is was a little cold, but the sun was out.  I cleared out the frustration in my mind and walked/jogged 4km

Clothes Drawers Upcycle

My daughters drawers were getting a little small for her hoards of clothes, well mostly Gym gear, but they are always on the floor... lol

Drawers in their original State

I was given these drawer as a friend was throwing them out due to downsizing into a smaller place.  The dark stain doesn't suit our decor.. so I pulled out the trusty chalk paint to get them into our style.

Can still have gorgeous Nails when you are painting.. lol

I took all of the knobs off. Pulled out the drawers so they would be easier to paint.  I painted the cabinet first and then painted each of the drawer fronts.

Waiting for the Paint to dry

Black knobs on the cabinet are the Perfect Finishing Touch!

My daughter was totally THRILLED with the result.  The contrast of the white and the deep stained top of the original cabinet is just Perfect!!!