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Friday, November 29, 2013

So...an update at last

I know I've been bad, I haven't updated at all about our move...but as most of you who have moved know there is not much to talk about and a whole lot to do, so we have been keeping ourselves busy and settling into our new home.  A month down the line I can honestly say we are all happy to be here.
Here's a few snaps of what we've been up to (the few times I remembered to take photos in the chaos)














45/52 - Crochet Bottle

I was trying something out for another project I have planned and this was the result...I think it looks ok as a decorative bottle or candle holder

Thursday, November 21, 2013

43 + 44/52 - Chicken Stock & Marinated Sun dried Tomatoes

I didn't have time to upload my photos last week so am combining last week's and this week's post today.

Firstly these may not look like much but trust me when I say they are delicious, marinated sun dried tomatoes. 

I covered the sun dried tomatoes with boiling water and let them sit for about 5 minutes to rehydrate them, before draining the water.  Then I mixed half a cup of olive oil, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, a teaspoon of dried oregano, a teaspoon of dried basil and a bit of salt and pepper, tossed it with the tomatoes and packed them tightly in a glass jar.  Pour over any of the remaining olive oil mix and top up with olive oil until your tomatoes are covered.  Pop in the fridge and eat whever you want...they will be ready almost immediately but as they marinade the flavour increases.  Also remember oil does solidfy in the cold, so don't get a fright if your tomatoes look white!

Secondly we had a roast chicken this last Sunday and I try always use the carcass to make a nice chicken broth.  Just cover the carcass with water and bring to the boil.  Chuck whatever else you want into the pot and simmer for several hours before draining.  In this pot I have onion, celery, carrot, garlic, parsley and some seasoning.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

42/52 - Ant Trap


There are quite a few ants outside our new kitchen and I'm worried about them finding their way in and making a nuisance of themselves, so we are actively trying to kill ahem, discourage them.
I'm using a combination of diatomaceous earth, lavendar oil and these ant traps which I've baited with equal parts of honey, sugar and borax mixed together.
Fingers crossed it helps!