Dario always gets me something for Mother's Day and I have had some amazingly unusual gifts in the past, all of which I have kept. But this year I thought I would use this blog to put a wishlist out there into the ether, and who knows, maybe you can all find something here too. I wandered about Amazon and came up with some great deals (in some cases enormous discounts) and some very stingy ones - one had a 99 cent discount on a $349.99 product. Why bother with all the paperwork? But it was the cutest item on my wishlist so I have kept it there. This is it and then lots of other cool stuff, including a raspberry version, below it. Subscribe to my mailing list … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Wishlist!
Vanilla, Chocolate Cake – gluten-free & low FODMAP
I have been determined to make a gluten-free sponge cake and I thought this recipe might be it but it wasn't. Adriano is really enjoying it for breakfast but he prefers a dense cake and this one was that. It looks tall and pretty and it is disappearing really fast but it isn't a sponge. I got the recipe at www.lowfodmap.com. This week hasn't been great for me. I tried introducing garlic to my diet and I haven't been feeling the best since but there could be any of a number of factors affecting that, so I will go back on a pure FODMAP diet for a bit longer and then try again. A little cream is low Fodmap but if possible find lactose-free cream. Vanilla, Chocolate Cake Print Ingredients For cake 8 eggs ¾ cup caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla 4 cups of my gluten-free flour 1 tsp baking powder 80gms/2.8oz melted butter 2 tbsp sugarless strawberry jam Whipped cream For the icing 1.5 cups icing sugar 1.5 tbsp cocoa 2 tbsp milk 2 tsp butter ⅓ cup coconut … [Read more...] about Vanilla, Chocolate Cake – gluten-free & low FODMAP
Kiwifruit Custard Tarts – gluten-free
This is my first gluten-free pastry and I don’t think I have quite mastered it yet. The pastry stayed together well but was delicate and crumbled upon eating. I will have to practice more. The filling worked well and was smooth and tasty. It did get a little dark on top because it took so long for the custard to set in the oven. But then again I do have a wonky oven. We Googled our oven for reviews and everyone who has this Delonghi oven has the same problems. It does make me wonder how they can make such a crappy, very expensive oven. On Friday, I went to see the dietician attached to the gastroenterology centre I had my breath tests at, and she is pleased with my progress. I have now been exclusively on this low FODMAP diet for over six weeks, and my symptoms have reduced considerably. The next step is to re-introduce, one at a time, examples of each of the FODMAPs. I don’t have to worry about lactose because I know I am not intolerant, or fructose because I know I am. But I … [Read more...] about Kiwifruit Custard Tarts – gluten-free
A Note of Gratitude
As you all know, my e-cookbook, Afternoon Tea, has been out now for a few weeks, and I need to publicly thank all the wonderful bloggers who have reviewed or mentioned it. Many have made recipes and then posted about them. It has been a humbling experience to get so much support from the blogging community and I am more than grateful. Nancy from Spicie Foodie made my neenish tarts and had this to say: "This past week I had the pleasure of adding a wonderful cookbook to my small collection. The book is called “Afternoon Tea” and it is written by Suzanne Perazzini, who is also the talent behind the Strands of My Life food blog. Afternoon Tea is an e-cookbook with 107 pages of beautifully photographed treats perfect for tea time. Congrats Suzanne on writing a beautiful, easy to follow cookbook with delicious recipes!" Maureen from Orgasmic Chef made the pumpkin tarts and said: "If you or someone you love has issues with food but they still want to feel human and enjoy real, … [Read more...] about A Note of Gratitude
ANZAC Biscuits – a salute to our soldiers – low FODMAP
The 25th of April is Anzac day in New Zealand. It was originally a national holiday in honour of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers, my grandfather included, who fought in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. The Battle of Gallipoli was one of the allies greatest failures. It took place on the Gallipoli Peninsula in modern day Turkey between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916, during the First World War. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture Constantinople and secure a sea route to Russia. There were heavy casualties on both sides and resulted in one of the greatest victories of the Turks. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The day is now a national day of remembrance for all New Zealanders and Australians who served in all wars. Last Thursday was Anzac Day and I made these special Anzac biscuits in commemoration of the soldiers. My grandfather never spoke about his war experience which included getting wounded and being sent … [Read more...] about ANZAC Biscuits – a salute to our soldiers – low FODMAP
Yummy Pics by Nancy Lopez-McHugh
I have often been asked about my photography but I am far from an expert. I hadn't really picked up a camera until the beginning of last year when I started this blog. My first efforts were laughable and can still be seen somewhere on here, unfortunately. I have learned through trial and error and with a little help from my son as well as some online research. And now along comes this amazing book which contains everything I could ever need to know about taking beautiful photos. If you have never been to the blog, Spicie Foodie, you are in for a treat. She takes the most incredible moody photos and has now written this book, Yummy Pics, A Food Blogger's Guide to Better Photos. Only $8.99, by the way. But this is not a book just for food bloggers, it is for anyone who wants to get the best out of their camera. Nancy guides you step by step through all the most important functions of DSLR camera. It is also about you developing your own style of photography, a style which comes … [Read more...] about Yummy Pics by Nancy Lopez-McHugh
