My new favourite- Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a popular decadent sweet caramel type sauce in Thermo world at the moment.
It used to be the boil in the can caramel made from sweetened condensed milk and boiled for a couple of hours on the stove.  If I hear about something  three times I tend to investigate it  (works for holiday destinations!)

Pronounce it  DULS SAY DE LETCHAY in any kind of Spanish, Portuguese, French or Latin American accent that takes your fancy.

 If I hear about something three times I tend to investigate

With a Thermomix you can whip it up in 50 minutes  and its ready to pour quite neatly into a couple of jars for use with a spoon (if you know what I mean.) Anyhow the Thermo does all the work for you - reducing, browning and caramelising in its set and forget type of way. (You do need to put the steaming basket on top  to stop the splashes while it mixes away). 1 Litre of milk, the two sugars, cream and bicarb made two jars of this delectable sauce. 

I tried the recipe from the ForumThermomix.com Dulche de Leche

What can you use it for???

Whip this  up when you don't want to just take chocolates

If you don't eat it all off the spoon you could try...

• caramel sauce in cakes, biscuits or waffles, 
• filling for small caramel tarts
• sauce over or through icecream 
• spread it over pancakes or on your morning toast 

Do you  think it could go well inside a muffin?

I quickly whipped up a jar last night to take to a friend's place as a "thankyou " when you are told not to bring a thing.

While a bit of fancy ribbon and cellophane would have dressed it up - my host's not the eat it off the spoon type of girl so I made some shortbread tart cases and some shortbread bikkies to go with it.  Yummmm.

If you are dairy free you don't miss out . Quirky Jo told us about her version  Quirky Jo's Dairy Free Dulce De Leche

Hope you enjoy your new treat - get practising DULS SAY DE LETCHAY,
DULS SAY DE LETCHAY, DULS SAY DE LETCHAY
cheers Robyn

Thermomix baby rusks

My daughter is just up to the baby food/ teething stage with little Oliver (or Lollie or Ovilla) depending the language development of the cousins.
She's really happy with these rusks found on the recipe community which cooked in 30 minutes Baby Rice Rusks

After grinding the rice for 30 seconds , add in a banana and form into shapes

Make up your own shapes and a couple extra for the preschooler

and I think they are a hit with little Ollie too

If you are just cooking for one- freeze a few 

 Happy chewing darling from  (Thermo) Nanny

Quirky Jo comes to town

Today the Illawarra was graced with a visit from Quirky Jo Whitton of Thermomix Quirky Cooking fame. She's a Thermomix consultant, blogger and cookbook writer. One of the originals who inspired us through her blog and then met our needs with a very comprehensive bible of healthy eating and Thermomix recipes.

Her  recipes are largely aimed at allergy free cooking but appeal to those interested in healthier cooking options and getting more from your Thermomix experience. If you are gluten, egg, nut or dairy  free or vegetarian this is the go to book.

220  keen Thermomixers packed into Thirroul Community Centre to hear more and sample a few of the recipes.

Jo on the left being thanked for coming to the Gong

The Beetroot Ciabatta topped with Macadamia Pesto was delicious and I'll definitely be trying Jo's suggestion of Caramelised Onion and Olive Bread. One little tip she gave us was to cook bread on a pizza stone and to place  a tray of water in the oven to steam while the bread was cooking. (Maybe adjust the cooking time and heat if too hot)

During the two hour seminar Jo took us through the making of spreadable butters, sweet and savoury nut butters, coconut cream, Flourless Chocolate Coconut Cream Cake with marbled ganache, breakfast smoothies and others.  I get the impression this lady will do anything for Chocolate provided its made with "the good stuff".

A few audience recommendations for savoury meals were to try the Grain Free Lasagne, Nasi Goreng, Coconut Satay, Lamb Hot Pot, and the Beef Stroganoff, Jo herself loves Whole Chinese Chop Chicken with Chili Ginger sauce, Vietnamese Fish Curry with Sticky Rice.

When I first  received the book as a birthday gift I was overwhelmed but Superkylz took me through a few recipes and now my favourites are Spicy BBQ Chicken all in one meal  and Huevos rancheros (ranch style eggs).

She's so confident now she made Chili Chocolate Black Bean Mole for Easter dinner and a chocolate flavoured dip and egg free mud cake for dessert  inspired by Jo.

Black Bean Chili Chocolate Mole

Jo's demo today reacquainted me with the features of her book- meal plans. substitution lists and other tips and of course the variety of recipesto suit all needs. I'm a member of her very supportive facebook group Quirky Cooking Chat Group and you can sign up at her blog for her newsletter.

I need to write a TO DO list! I'm inspired.

Please note I attended today at my own expense and with my own book, my consultant and a few of her clients.  
Cheers Robyn

Indulge but be environmentally friendly.....

I've got an interest in sustainability, food waste and recycling. No need to tell you the statistics for thrown out food. I'm sure we are already crushing down our bins.
So relevant at this time of year. Boxing Day is National Leftovers Day. Take a look at this site, stick it in your memory box for next year.... she says as she is still eating the chicken and pork roulade from Festive Flavours which made heaps..... lol

Foodwise Foodwaste- National Leftovers Day  They even have some great suggestions for using up leftover herbs, lemons, breads etc

The Thermomix Festive Flavours Cookbook provided many recipes

 What are your secrets for cutting down on waste? There are only so many meals which can be dished up breakfast, lunch and tea for more than two days. And there are often so many "what a waste" salads, fruits, meats competing with plastic and rubbish in the bins.

I plan not to shop as there is plenty in the fridge and  freezer 

 

I'm having a New Year Pizza and Pav night which will be incorporating leftovers- I plan not to shop as there is plenty in the fridge and  freezer ( salami, vegies, cheese, ham and fruits for the Pav). Would you believe there is even frozen pizza base?

My top 6 tips for a waste free holiday season.

• Cook sweets with a long life or plan to whip up desserts with items which have at least a  January shelf life such as pastry cases, fruit cakes, Pavlova eggs, tinned or preserved fruit.
• Have a few standby salad recipes which use "pantry salad" items eg chick peas, noodles, nuts, pasta, quinoa, rice etc
• Buy Loose Fruit and Vegetables. Purchase  fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, capsicums bananas in  quantities that you need rather than bags of tomatoes, capsicums, mushrooms). 
• Source lemons, rosemary, herbs from neighbours and "borrow" only what you need.
• Share with friends. Cut roasts in half, divide up boxes of seafood. Offer some to neighbours or those who only cook for themselves and need small portions. 
• Portion control- a meat recipe which says "feeds 8 portions" will be plenty for twenty for lunch if other meals are being provided. Make smaller sized tarts, pastries even rum balls.  Coordinate meals with guests. Don't be afraid to not dish out a salad or dessert. Cut down on the befores.

LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS!  

If you have a Thermomix  then you'll know what to do with left overs. Head to the Facebook pages or recipe community for suggestions. Be food safe.

• fruits, berries, cream-  pancakes
• cream- freeze or make butter
• yoghurt- savoury dishes, dipping sauces or cakes 
• milk- make yogurt
• meats, vegetable, antipasto, cheese- make pizza,  risotto, pies, quiches, fritters
• stone fruits, pineapple, bananas, berries or citrus- add ice and serve up sorbets 

Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website

Lastly- recycle interesting bottles and jars to use for hamper items on Mother's Day or next Christmas.

Tis the season for hampers.......

We hamper lovers are great people to gift to  because you can give us the same thing again next year.  

These treats act as bring a plates and hamper items- everyone likes a rum ball

I like receiving a hamper. We aren’t a gift giving family as we do a decent Secret Santa instead. Occasionally my husband’s boss sends us  a hamper or we receive a thankyou gift from an acquaintance or grateful client. 

After Christmas my husband and I seek out the treats to snack on during those long summer nights- nuts, morsels of cake, chocolates. Any alcohol is demolished in the first few days as are the plates of home cooking we’ve been lucky enough to receive from family and friends each year. Auntie Pat’s Almond Bread was always the first to be savoured. 

Make a little extra for yourself or emergencies

More so in my playgroup days when we were cooking for multiple end of year functions some of my friends got into the spirit of things and  shared a box, tin or plate of their specialty. One friend and I sent the same container back and forward for years until it broke.

Times have changed- people have plenty and ideas for gifts are few and far between. Some people are time poor and cashed up double incomes buy the first thing in site. Age old Christmas cooking traditions have been lost. 

Step up the Thermomix and the incredibly inspiring and helpful communities of people who share recipes, resources, tips.  The Thermo has made us confident and enabled quick cooking solutions. Desserts  are whipped up in minutes, fudges cooked in a flash.  Members of the facebook support groups trouble shoot , photograph even post hard to find items. In addition there are an incredible number of bloggers who email out recipe links for yummy Christmas ideas.  

Forget the Department store hampers which are overpriced. Instead build up a repertoire of jams, relishes and even scrubs. Plonk in a bottle of homemade Baileys. Mass produce this effort and teachers’, colleagues’, Grannies’ and Secret Santa gifts are sorted. Believe me there are sites out there covering recipes for gifts for everyone from vegetarian to  dairy free and allergic to fussy and everything in between.

British Spice Rub from Festive Flavours with herbs sourced locally

BBQ specialties Caramelised Onion Jam , Red Onion Relish and Beetroot and Orange Relish

From me friends and relatives are receiving the tried and true and much anticipated  Robyn’s Shortbread Bikkies. I haven't 100% Thermofied my recipe yet but they tell me Grandma's Shortbread from the Recipe community is great and works well when stamping.  Most of my friends holiday at this time and BBQs are the meal of choice as they spend time with their families. So relishes and rubs are also waiting under the tree and the rest will end up on the Christmas table with our gourmet Thermomix Christmas Dinner.   See my Gourmet BBQ sauce recipe

5 tips for avoiding hamper hassle.

•  Write your hamper gift list, decide on recipes and nessities early in the year.
•  Search for ideas on Pinterest, Christmas sites and recipes books well in advance
•  Source or save jars , bottles and gift containers well beforehand  (buy up marked down decorations, Christmas labels in January if possible)  Search for suitable jars, interesting bottles, bowls, containers and baskets at Op shops during the year. Order online early.
•  Calculate quantities so when you are inspired you are ready to make items.  (We all know inspiration happens when the shops are closed or the babies are asleep.
• Work out wrappings and other fillers early.

Closed facebook groups who will Gladly accept you when you request membership.
These are great for inspiration, recipe  and tip sharing. Thanks for all your support and advice.

• THERMOMIX TM5 HINTS.TIPS AND RECIPES
• Thermo Xmas Gift Ideas
• Cooking with Tenina

Blogs for recipes and ideas for fudge etc
These are my favourites for hamper recipe sites. There are so many to choose from. Dont forget the Thermomix Recipe Community .

• Thermofun
• The Road to Loving My Thermomix 
• The 4 Blades
• The Super Kitchen Machine  

My blog is nearly one year old ... thanks for reading along....  Merry Christmas to you all 

Robyn xxxx   

Waste not.... Want not

I shared this picture on Facebook the other day and it’s  got me thinking. 

A few days earlier I had been telling the grandkids about milk bottle recycling and how 50 years ago (sad eh) we used to collect up soft drink bottles and return them to the milkbar to exchange for lollies or drinks. I added that when my brother was in the scouts we used to collect beer bottles etc to raise money.

Then I explained that sadly they did away with that and replaced them with non recyclable plastic bottles and steel cans.

Cringe – we dumped all that packaging for how many years?

I mentioned how 25 years later their mother and her sisters used to crush aluminium cans and get pocket money from the recyclers. 

Their first question was why not recycle when it seems so logical and appealing to cash strapped kids today. I could never understand that decision as an 8 year old myself.

I’m sorry kids but it was people of my parent’s generation who made this ghastly decision and created all this waste and land fill. Here you are when the world has changed so much three generations later asking “WHY???” And here I am 50 years on thinking ...”I told you so.”

I hope we can get the politicians to see sense and bring in a deposit system and that they don’t bow to manufacturers whims or pressure. 

Cringe – we dumped all that packaging for how many years? 

These days we bottle water, drink copious amounts of sugary drinks and handy packaged products. I cringe at amongst other things- the waste in the packaging.

Finally supermarkets have seen some sense in supermarket management and are working towards zero waste policies and therefore lower landfill. Left over food and waste are being responsibly distributed and reduced.

Thermomixers...think of all the butter and buttermilk that’s being made with reduced for quick sale cream and all the tomato paste being whipped up and wizzed in Thermomixes all over the world.

It’s not all about bottles but packaging and excess waste amongst less than perfect vegetables etc is also a big factor.

Messages go around Facebook promoting waste wise strategies- make butter and buttermilk from reduced cream.

Groups like Food Fairness Illawarra are promoting lower waste policies and feeding those with low food security. I love my Thermomix and all my Thermomix Facebook friends on sites such as THERMOMIX TM5  Hints tips and recipes,Skinnymixers, Cooking with Tenina, Thermomumma-Lailah Rose. We are a powerful force of thinking men and women and children. 

Let’s hope our “ littlest” Thermomixers who are learning so much more about healthy habits, reducing waste and sustainability will be our future leaders in sustainable and responsible resource use. I think there is hope for the future.

5 ways Thermomixers can save waste or recycle:

1. Make chutneys, stocks and sauces from less than perfect and aging vegetables. Reuse your glass jars and bottles.
2. Make your own smoothies and coffee- refill your own container.
3. Buy in bulk and reduce packaging.
4. Make your own lunchbox treats to reduce snack pack purchases and waste.
5. Refill bottles with water rather than purchase. Make your own juices and cordials from local or homegrown produce.

 
 
 

Welcome Little Oliver

Well it has happened again - another baby born while we are holidaying overseas. This makes 4 out of the 5 grandchildren we have-all born while we were away.
Daughter Tracey had promised to stay put until we were home but little Oliver had other ideas.
After a 20 hour flight from Canada and USA we opted to drive home and sleep before meeting the little lad the next day.

The severely jet lagged Thermo Nanny had planned to do some cooking for the new Mum and family but hubby (also jet lagged) had other ideas. He wanted to drive the 1 1/2 hours to Sydney and get home before he fell asleep again!

Thank goodness for my Thermomix I didn't arrive empty handed. With not enough time for cooking even a 30 second coconut cake I had to think quickly.

Ah yes - I found a frozen meal of Skinnymixers Butter Chicken and  a tupperware container of Energy Bliss Balls from the fridge. A Chocolate Caramel Slice whipped up and cooked in under 1/2 hour meant I didn't have to arrive empty handed.

Chocolate Caramel Weetbix Slice

Chocolate Caramel Weetbix Slice

10 minutes prep time and twenty minutes to cook

125g  butter

3 weetbix 

150 g  plain flour

1 TB baking powder

120g sugar

1/2 tin sweetened condensed milk 

20g butter extra

40g Golden syrup

185 g melting chocolate

Base
Melt chunks of butter 2 mins 50 degrees speed 4
Add weetbix in last 5 seconds of melting to crush
Add flour and baking powder. Blitz for 10 seconds until combined
Press into Rectangular Slice Tin and bake for 15 mins 180 degrees
Caramel topping
Grate chocolate 10 seconds speed 9
Melt Butter , condensed milk, grated chocolate and golden syrup in bowl for 2 minutes 90 degrees 
Pour over cooked slice base and cook for a further 5 minutes at 180 degrees.     

Little Oliver with big brother Orson and mum Tracey