thousand threads

D.A.N.C.E

2012-01-21T14:14:00.005+11:00

That's an Instagram photo from a few months back. I can't remember where I was but they played that Yeah Yeah Yeahs song with "dance dance dance til you're dead" in the lyrics, and my friend thought it was appropriate to write on my arm with a sharpie. Maybe I should get the tattoo?!

Anyway, I was out dancing last night and the DJ had some kind of 90s brit-pop slash indie hipster rock thing going on. We loved it!

Over breakfast this morning, I made a list of some of the songs that were played then turned it into a YouTube playlist, so now you can dance around your bedroom and/or next house party:

And the list:

The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You
Kaiser Chiefs - Everyday I Love You Less and Less
Muse - Time Is Running Out
Crystal Castles - Not In Love (feat Robert Smith)
Pulp - Common People
Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
Kasabian - Fire
The Cure - Close To Me
The Smiths - This Charming Man
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
Cloud Control - There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight
Modest Mouse - Float On
Phoenix - 1901
The Knife - Heartbeats
The Strokes - Reptilia
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark
Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
The Kooks - Naive

Okonomiyaki

2012-01-09T22:38:00.000+11:00

Okonomiyaki means something like an "as-you-like-it pancake". Having been out for proper okonomiyaki in Japan, I decided to see if I could make something remotely close to the same dish, and vegetarian! It's really just the bonito (fish) flakes they put on top that needed to be left out. You can interchange pretty much all of the vegies except the cabbage, but condiments are essential. This version was adapted from the Just Hungry blog.

Ingredients:

1/4 cabbage, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 leek, finely chopped
1 small potato, grated
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (you could also try sushi ginger)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 cups plain white flour
1 egg
2 cups water
1 tsp vegetable stock powder
Kewpie mayonnaise (to serve)
Bull-dog tonkatsu sauce (to serve; I didn't have it this time and felt the dish was slightly lacking without!)
Sriracha sauce (to serve; optional)

Method:

In a reasonably large mixing bowl, dissolve the vegie stock in 1 cup of boiling water, then add 1 cup of cold water.
Beat the egg into the stock water, then add the potato and sesame oil.
Sift the plain flour in and mix until you have a thick batter.
Add the other ingredients to this mixture as they're chopped (i.e. cabbage, red onion, leek, and ginger), then stir until everything is coated.
At this stage, I divided the mixture into four portions, being careful to get an even amount of the liquid "batter" in each. (You could just spoon it out from the same bowl for each pancake though.)
Heat a little canola oil (or peanut oil; anything without a strong flavour) in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat.
Spoon out a quarter of the batter to make the first pancake, let it cook for a few minutes until the edges look a bit brownish then flip it over.
Let it cook for another 10 minutes or so (I had to lower the heat so it wouldn't burn).
Repeat with the other three portions.
Serve with kewpie and tonkatsu (and chopped spring onion, and Sriracha if you're that way inclined!)

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-31T12:03:00.000+11:00

Goodbye 2011! Hello 2012!

The Twenty-First Meredith Music Festival

2011-12-11T22:47:00.002+11:00

Graveyard Train get the "The Boot"

As you might have noticed, I'm a music festival junkie (I've been to a fair few over the years!) - something about getting out of town, being in a crowd of people and listening to the bands you love, it's just brilliant. Anyway, this weekend marked the 21st birthday of the Meredith Music Festival so I thought I'd share one of my photos. It's a tiny snippet of a truly magical weekend, a phenomenon called "The Boot" whereby the audience raises one shoe in the air as a sign of appreciation for the band... immediately after this photo was taken my shoe was in the air too!

This song makes me happy

2011-12-08T22:08:00.000+11:00

Go on, have a listen.

White Rabbit Says

2011-12-07T22:38:00.000+11:00

A friend of mine has some damn fine artwork up on Society6, including this gem:

I must start living by this.

Onigiri

2011-12-05T23:10:00.001+11:00

You're probably aware by now of my slight obsession with Japan (have you seen my other blog?), so this recipe post shouldn't be a surprise. These are onigiri, which are Japanese rice balls. There's a neat little intro to them over here. おいしい！

I've adapted the recipe from a few places to come up with something that works for me. Now tested it out a fair few times so it's ready to be posted...

Ingredients:

2 cups sushi rice (I use SunRice brand)
1 small brown onion
A handful of mushrooms (any kind will do; I use 4-5 button mushies)
2-3 pickled gherkins (yep, the ones in a jar)
Small handful of frozen peas
2ish tbsp Mirin
1ish tbsp soy sauce
1ish tbsp rice vinegar
Furikake to sprinkle on top (I use a vegetarian version. Cut nori sheets would work too, or no seasoning at all... they're still good)

Rice Preparation:

The full article on rice prep (including photos) is over here, but I cheat a little with the timing, and use a rice cooker (check the packet instructions if you don't have one).

Rinse your rice like you've never rinsed rice before - put it all in a saucepan with running cold water, swishing with your fingers, then tipping out water and doing it again - over and over and over until the water runs clear.
Set it aside in a strainer to drain for at least 30mins.
Put it into your rice cooker (turned OFF) with 3 cups of cold water. Cover and leave to soak for at least 30mins.
Turn ON the rice cooker and let it do its thing. Usually about 15mins but might vary.
Turn OFF the rice cooker (i.e. don't leave on "keep warm" setting) and leave rice to cool for a few mins. Your rice is now ready to use.

Filling Preparation:

This is the bit I made up, but it works really well. There are some other filling ideas over here.

Finely chop the onion, mushrooms, gherkins and pop into a small saucepan.
Add the peas and sauces (mirin, soy and rice vinegar) then keep stirring until everything is warm and sauce has reduced a little (about 10mins).
Take it off the heat and place in a small bowl, ready for serving.

Putting Together:

Someone else has already explained this better than I can, so go ahead and read their post then come back. In case the link ever disappears, here are the basic steps:

Using a smallish bowl (8cm diameter or thereabouts), line it with Glad Wrap (i.e. cling film) so it overhangs the edge by quite a lot.
Pop a pinch of salt in.
Spoon in a good dollop of the cooked rice (almost a full cup, depending on how big you want your onigiri to be).
Press down in the centre with a teaspoon so the rice gently spreads with a hole in the middle, but don't pierce through to the bottom.
Spoon in 1-2 teaspoons of your filling.
Gather the Glad Wrap and pull it out of the bowl so you can shape the ball, ideally so the rice encapsulates the filling in a triangular-ish shape.
Gently unwrap the Glad Wrap and place onigiri on your plate.
Sprinkle with furikake or just leave as is.
Eat!

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

2011-11-30T23:16:00.000+11:00

Um. This is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Watch both.

I Was Young

2011-11-03T09:30:00.002+11:00

I've been yearning for new music recently, Shazam-ing songs left, right and centre, including this gem by Gossling. Incidentally, she's playing at the Northcote Social Club next Friday, with Jen Cloher too. Hmmm...

Things That Amaze Me

2011-10-07T01:40:00.008+11:00

"I'm having one of those "it's an amazing world" moments. You know when you forget for a while then something makes you remember again? Yeah."
- me, just then, on Twitter.

Kinda just inspired myself to write this list! In no particular order...

Google Street View
Being able to take a virtual walk through a faraway city you've never been to. Google kindly provides some recommendations if you don't have a globe handy to spin and plant your finger.

Shazam
You know the app that listens to a few seconds of a song and then tells you what it is?

I <3 my iPad & purple headphones!

Apple
My MacBook, iPhone, iPod, iPad... I know it's shallow to place so much appreciation on material objects, but they truly improve my life. Pretty much all of them. It seems particularly relevant today with the passing of Steve Jobs. What a brilliant man.

Google Goggles
Have you tried this? Take a photo of something and Google figures out what it is. Actually I suppose it's visual Shazam, huh? I know it's the second Google mention, but it's worth it. Trust me.

So I'm really saying, modern technology amazes me (among other things!). If you're reading this, you're in the 30 percent of the world population with access to the Internet, which is pretty damn amazing too. Consider yourself lucky.

In closing, I think everyone should listen to Louis CK's take on the modern world, just for a little perspective: "Everything's amazing, nobody's happy".

Goodnight x

High Noon

2011-09-23T00:33:00.003+10:00

Street festivals are fun, aren't they? Something about the road being closed and a bunch of people in one place. This was the High Noon festival in Northcote last weekend. I spent most of the day just walking around, but something about it was just... nice.

Guilty pleasure

2011-09-12T19:34:00.001+10:00

I'll admit it, I'm excited to hear new Florence & The Machine.

Oh, Japan.

2011-08-17T00:12:00.002+10:00

I've just come back from Japan, and this has to be one of my favourite photos from the trip...

DON'T DEATH, LET'S HAPPY!

It was some kind of street art poster in Tokyo. I've also put up a few Fuji Rock photos on my Japan blog, and will probably update that with more tidbits over the next few weeks.

The only problem with going on an awesome holiday is that it makes you want another one. Immediately.

Blue Valentine

2011-07-09T17:20:00.001+10:00

I watched Blue Valentine today - it tells the story of a relationship over a number of years, showing both its beauty and dysfunction. I'll warn you, it wasn't a rom-com but I really enjoyed it.

<- MOONCHILD ->

2011-07-08T00:23:00.001+10:00

I'm rediscovering my inspiration, starting with this. I like the mood of the film, but for a better look at their clothes go to the Fall/Winter Collection ♥

Moonchild - E.C.H.O.E.S (FW 11-12) from moonchild on Vimeo.

Leave of Absence.

2011-07-03T18:59:00.000+10:00

Not really posting anything here at the moment. Can't stop thinking about the impending trip back to Japan! Started another blog about that for me and my fellow travellers: Yeah Japan. Might get back to this one soon, not really sure.

Huevos Rancheros

2011-04-24T12:50:00.004+10:00

Ingredients:

8 eggs
8 plain tortillas
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 small brown onion, chopped
1 small clove garlic, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp vegie salt (similar to vegie stock; use regular salt if unavailable)
Grated cheese (to taste)
Jalapenos (to taste)
Tabasco sauce (to taste)

Method:

Fry the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft, then add the kidney beans, tomato, paprika and vegie salt.
Cook until heated through then divide the mixture evenly between the tortillas.
In the same pan, fry up the eggs.
While they're cooking you can place the other ingredients on top of the bean mix (sliced avocado, jalapenos, grated cheese and tabasco).
When the eggs are cooked, placed them on top of everything else.

Serves 4 hungry people, or 8 less hungry people.

One time when I was feeling particularly motivated I made the tortillas from scratch using this recipe (well worth the effort).

Thai Pumpkin Soup

2011-04-24T12:44:00.005+10:00

Ingredients:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups coconut milk
1 tbsp red curry paste
4 cups chopped pumpkin
2 cups vegie stock
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup loosely packed Thai basil
3 kaffir lime leaves, finely shredded

Method:

In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil with 1/2 cup of the coconut milk.
Add curry paste and stir over low heat for 5 minutes.
Add pumpkin and stock and simmer until pumpkin is cooked.
Cool, then puree in blender (or with a Bamix) then transfer to a saucepan and season with sugar.
Stir in Thai basil and remaining coconut milk, then divide between individual serving bowls and garnish with kaffir lime leaves.

Serves 4 as an entree.

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Bread Bowl Dip

2011-04-24T12:37:00.005+10:00

This one's quite the party favourite. Having made it again for a party this weekend I thought I should record the recipe somewhere... this blog seems to have turned into my recipe archive so here it is!

Ingredients:

1 large cob loaf
1 packet frozen chopped spinach, thawed but not hot
1 jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated tasty cheese

Carve out the top of your cob loaf to make a well in the centre (careful not to cut through to the bottom). Put the loaf in a metal oven tray, with the leftover bread around the outside.

Combine all other ingredients in a saucepan and stir until well mixed and warmed through. Place this mixture into the well in the bread, and put the whole thing in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes (the bread should be warm, but not too toasted).

Leftover dip can be put in a separate bowl to serve with corn chips or cracker biscuits. Turkish bread is great to serve with the bread bowl dip too.

Things I'm going to do when I go back to Japan

2011-03-08T23:48:00.007+11:00

Go to Fuji Rock!

Visit Kyoto.

Eat at R Burger in Roppongi.

Hit up Golden Gai in Shinjuku (near where the photo was taken).

Pretend I'm Scarlett Johansson with a cocktail in the Park Hyatt bar.

Sing karaoke til sunrise.

And, if I don't run out of time, relax at an onsen.... aaah...

Fried Mozzarella Balls

2011-03-08T23:12:00.008+11:00

Ingredients:

About 3 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
500g bocconcini cheese (drained & patted dry; roughly 2 small tubs)
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups plain, fine, dry breadcrumbs

Method:

Triple coat the bocconcini by dipping in the eggs, then breadcrumbs, and repeating. Transfer to a bowl as you go (they can stack on top of each other).
When all the cheese is battered, heat the oil in a heavy saucepan, being super careful not to let it spatter on you when it gets hot (this took about 5 minutes on high heat for me, until a breadcrumb dropped in will sizzle immediately).
Fry in batches of 4-5 balls at a time, lowering in on a slotted spoon until golden brown, turning occasionally.
Lift out and place on paper towel until ready to serve.

Sauce:

We also made a simple tomato sauce to go with these, by frying up 1/2 a brown onion (chopped), one clove garlic (crushed), 1-2 cups passata (tomato puree; a can of diced tomatoes would be fine too), and a splash of red wine.

Adapted from Epicurious iPhone App (credited to Gourmet, January 2009)

Tortilla (Spanish Omelette)

2011-03-08T23:09:00.006+11:00

Ingredients:

1 onion
275g small desiree potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
5 large eggs

Method:

Peel and cut the onion in half, then thinly slice each half and separate the layers into half-moon shapes
Thinly pare the potatoes using a potato peeler and slice them into thin rounds, working quickly so they don't brown
Once sliced, rub in a clean tea towel so they're as dry as possible
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large frypan
When it's smoking hot, add the potatoes and onions
Toss them around to coat in the oil, then reduce to the lowest heat, sprinkle with salt and pepper and put a lid on the pan
Allow them to cook gently for 20 minutes or so, turning halfway and shaking the pan occasionally to stop them from browning (they should just stew in the oil).
Meanwhile, break the eggs into a large bowl and lightly whisk with a fork (don't overmix)
When the onions and potatoes are cooked, add them to the egg bowl
Return the frypan to the heat, add remaining oil, then thoroughly mix the potatoes, eggs and onion before pouring the whole lot into the frypan
Keep on the lowest heat and let cook slowly, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes
Every now and then, draw the edge in gently with a palette knife to give it a nice rounded edge
When there's virtually no liquid egg left on the surface, place a flat lid or plate over the pan and invert it, turning the pan over, then return pan to the heat and use the palette knife to transfer the omelette back into the pan.
Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes. It should be cooked through but still moist in the centre.
Serve hot or cold, cut in wedges.

Adapted from Delia's How to Cook Book One (published by BBC Worldwide Publishing)

Roasted Tomato and Fennel Salad

2011-03-08T23:03:00.009+11:00

This is the first in a series of recipes all made for my housemate's Spanish fiesta birthday dinner back in January. Unfortunately the photos aren't wonderful, but they're all I have!

Ingredients:

2 large fennel bulbs with fronds attached
3/4 cup olive oil
2 pints cherry tomatoes
Pinch of oregano (fresh or dried)
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 can cannellini beans

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 Celcius.
Chop enough fennel fronds to measure 1/2 cup and set aside.
Trim fennel bulbs and cut in half vertically, then into 1/2 inch wide wedges.
Heat oil in a large saucepan until very hot then add fennel wedges and sprinkle with a little salt.
Cook until fennel begins to brown and soften, stirring occasionally; about 10-12 minutes.
Add tomatoes, oregano, garlic and stir.
Transfer to an ovenproof dish and put in the over for about 30 minutes, or until fennel and tomatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.
Mix in cannellini beans and chopped fennel fronds, then bake for another 5 minutes to heat through.
Serve warm or room temperature.

Adapted from Epicurious iPhone App (credited to Bon Appetit, August 2010)

Vegetarian San Choi Bao

2010-12-30T14:11:00.004+11:00

For days when you have too much lettuce in the fridge! The following ingredients serves 3 people as a main, if you add a side of steamed silken tofu. Ingredients are:
~ 9 large fresh lettuce leaves (cos or iceberg is best)
~ 425 can baby corn spears
~ 230g can water chestnuts
~ 190g can whole champignon (little mushrooms)
~ quarter of a brown onion
~ chopped fresh garlic
~ chopped fresh ginger
~ 2 tbsp soy sauce

1. Chop up the corn, water chestnuts and champignons then set aside.
2. Finely chop the onion, and fry with a little oil, garlic, ginger & soy, for a few minutes (or until soft).
3. Add the other prepared vegies and cook until heated through (again, a few minutes should do it).
4. Wash, dry and place 3 lettuce leaves on each plate, then top with the vegie filling.

(I adapted this recipe from a version on Taste.com.au)

Quinoa and Roast Vegie Salad

2010-12-30T14:07:00.003+11:00

Having never eaten quinoa before, I had no idea what to do with it until I was given a packet recently. According to Wikipedia, it's so high in protein and other nutrients that NASA are investigating its use as a space food!

I made this salad with:
~ 1/2 cup quinoa (cooked to packet directions, using 1 cup water)
~ 1 chopped, roasted sweet potato
~ 1 chopped, roasted red onion
~ fresh chopped cilantro (continental parsley) stirred through at the end
~ steamed asparagus (to have on the side)

Reversible Doormat

2010-12-30T14:01:00.004+11:00

I bought my Dad an ambigram doormat for Christmas (by Suck UK). It's welcoming at first...

...and then hilarious when viewed the other way:

Silken Tofu with Soba Noodles

2010-12-30T13:52:00.006+11:00

I would say 2010 was the year I developed my obsession for Japanese things (I blame it on the trip to Tokyo), so naturally I've been eating a lot of soba noodles and silken tofu. This dish is super easy. To serve 3-4 people, you need:
~ about 100g soba noodles
~ 2 or 3 spring onions (scallions), chopped
~ 200g silken tofu
~ 1 tbsp rice vinegar
~ 1 tbsp soy sauce
~ 1 small red chilli, chopped (seeds removed for less spice)
~ some chopped fresh ginger
~ Japanese pickled ginger (to taste)

1. I cook the noodles first (according to packet directions) then put them aside.
2. Steam the tofu with the soy & vinegar.
3. Lightly stir fry the remaining ingredients - you can also add things like chopped red capsicum, celery, and mushrooms.
4. Serve in bowls with noodles at the bottom, then vegies, and top with the tofu & pickled ginger.

New Bedsheets

2010-12-30T13:48:00.002+11:00

One of my Christmas presents this year was the Folk Birds bedsheet set from Urban Outfitters. I pretty much want to buy everything they sell.

Halloween Skeleton Cookies

2010-12-30T13:44:00.005+11:00

I made these cookies for a Halloween party - basically they were just gingerbread men with appropriate icing decoration. A Google image search for "skeleton cookies" provided an abundance of inspiration ;)

Eggs Florentine

2010-12-30T13:22:00.003+11:00

Hollandaise sauce is one of the unhealthiest things you can eat, but also the most delicious. Funny how that happens. I make it with:
~ 1 egg yolk
~ 30g butter
~ 1 tbsp water
~ a squeeze of lemon juice

1. Separate the yolk and white (I save the egg white to add to my poached egg later)
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over very low heat - the absolute lowest - then add the water, lemon juice & egg yolk.
3. Continuously stir until the mixture is smooth. You'll notice the yolk sortof cooking through, which is perfect, just don't overcook or let it curdle.
4. Turn off the heat and put aside until your other breakfast ingredients are ready. I like it with poached eggs, spinach and toast.

Cheats Baked Potato

2010-12-30T13:18:00.005+11:00

My favourite 5-minute dinner is a microwaved potato, filled with whatever mangy leftovers I have in the fridge (like here I had chopped tomato, avocado, grated cheese and Sriracha chilli sauce). Red potatoes work best - pricked with a fork then microwaved on high for 5-6 minutes, turning once.

Wabi Sabi Salon

2010-08-26T00:32:00.006+10:00

This is a post about Japanese food, no surprises there. Ever since my recent Tokyo jaunt I've become a little obsessed. One of my favourite luxury lunch options is the vegetarian bento box from Wabi Sabi Salon (94 Smith Street, Collingwood). Particularly when they include croquettes and edamame beans. The ingredients vary day to day but it's always good.

Winter in Melbourne

2010-08-01T16:41:00.003+10:00

This is the view from my balcony today. The city looks particularly blue. I've been napping, drinking tea, and listening to Bon Iver. Life is good.

My Favourite Chair

2010-07-20T21:31:00.002+10:00

I love this chair. We call it the "womb chair" because it makes you want to curl up and be comforted by it's furry goodness (especially at the moment since it's so damn cold). Here are some other things I like about winter, in no particular order:
~ soup
~ knitting
~ wearing tights, and scarves, and mittens
~ my morning coffee
~ anywhere that has a fireplace
~ staying in

Castlemaine

2010-07-18T17:17:00.004+10:00

Having been sick with a cold all week, I probably should've stayed home in bed this weekend. Instead, I took a trip out to the country for a friend's birthday, where we stayed in a lovely cabin at the Castlemaine Goldfields Retreat - complete with 12 man jacuzzi, outdoor fireplace and a golf putting green!

We also saw our friends The Lloyd Weir play at the Theatre Royal (in town), then spent today perusing the local shops and cafes. I think the country air did me good, I'm feeling a lot better.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

2010-06-23T23:29:00.003+10:00

Until I find enough inspiration at home, the Tokyo posts will continue! This giant bronze Buddha statue was truly incredible, I'm not sure if the photo does it justice. Apparently the building it was housed in got washed away by a tsunami in 1498, then the base was destroyed by an earthquake in 1923, but he's clearly staying put.

The Loot

2010-06-20T16:48:00.003+10:00

Here are the things I bought in Japan (less a bottle of Sake)... it's not much really! Chopsticks, toe-socks, origami paper, a fan, creepy Kewpie dolls, bath salts, mini pegs, and a few presents I have yet to distribute. My favourite shopping experiences in Tokyo were Tokyu Hands, Muji and the market stalls in Asakusa. I was on a budget this time around but next trip I'll be buying clothes!

Tokyoyoyo

2010-06-16T00:32:00.002+10:00

Oh my poor neglected blog, I haven't forgotten you. I was tempted to scrap all posts to date and start again, but putting that in the 'can't-be-bothered' category I'll just keep going.

So.

I got home from Tokyo yesterday! It's a place like nowhere else. The people were all polite, friendly and helpful, even when they didn't speak English (which was often). I did a poor job of learning the language, but will work on it for the next trip! I've even kept some yen and a Pasmo card just in case.

Highlights:
~ Bathing at a Japanese onsen (yes, naked)
~ Escaping the Melbourne winter in exchange for 26°C days
~ The slightly hard to find Golden Gai area in Shinjuku
~ Lots of karaoke!

Lowlights:
~ The Tsukiji fish market... just wasn't for me
~ Not seeing Mount Fuji (we tried in Kamakura but it was too cloudy)
~ Having to leave after only 10 days

Chocolate Caramel Slice

2010-04-26T22:42:00.002+10:00

I tore this recipe out of The Age a few years ago and have only just today got around to making it. They've named it "New York Special" but it should probably be called a Heart Attack.

Bottom layer ingredients:
~ 100g margarine
~ 2 cups biscuit crumbs
~ 2/3 cup desiccated coconut
~ 1/2 cup sugar
~ 1/3 cup walnut crumbs
~ 1/3 cup hazelnut meal
~ 3 tablespoons cocoa
~ 1 free range egg
~ 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Middle layer ingredients:
~ 50g margarine
~ 1.5 cups icing sugar
~ Half a packet of "vanilla flavoured instant pudding mixture (dry)" (I used Cottees brand)
~ Milk

Top layer ingredients:
~ 80g dark chocolate
~ 1 tablespoon butter

What to do:
1. Grease a 22cm tin.
2. For the bottom layer, melt margarine and mix in sugar and cocoa. Set aside. Mix together biscuit crumbs, coconut and nuts. Mix into this the egg and vanilla, then mix in the sugar/cocoa/margarine mixture.
3. Press into the tin and place in the fridge.
4. For the middle layer, melt margarine and mix with icing sugar and pudding mixture. Add enough milk to make this spreadable onto the first layer (1-2 tablespoons to start), then spread and return slice to fridge.
5. For the top layer, melt chocolate and butter over very low heat then spread on top of middle layer.
6. Allow to cool/set in the fridge, then cut into little squares. Keep in the fridge, if there's any left.

French Onion Soup

2010-04-26T22:20:00.003+10:00

I saw the film Julie & Julia a few days ago (based on Julia Child and a food blogger), hence all this recipe blogging madness!

Yesterday I embarked on a new challenge: French Onion Soup. It's one of those things I don't even bother asking if it's vegetarian at restaurants anymore because it inevitably is not (always a beef stock base). I found a recipe on Gourmet Traveller and slightly adapted it. Be prepared - it takes about 2.5 hours.

Ingredients:
~ 1 kg of brown onions, finely sliced
~ 50g butter
~ 1 litre "beef style" vegetable stock (I used Massel brand)
~ 1 teaspoon thyme
~ 1 bay leaf

What to do:
1. Melt the butter in a very large saucepan then add the onions and cover.
2. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon every 5 or so, until onions are soft.
3. Remove lid and cook for another hour (yes, 60 minutes), stirring every so often*.
4. Add stock 1/2 cup at a time and stir after each addition for 5 minutes, until 2 cups of stock have been added (about 20 minutes).
5. Add the remaining stock, thyme and bay leaf then simmer for another 40 minutes.
6. At the end of all of this, the soup should be brownish and thick. Take out the bay leaf then serve straight away (cheese on toast is a recommended side, but the soup is good on it's own too).

*I chose to watch 20 minute episodes of Weeds and stir after each one, but that's just me.

Vegetarian Pho

2010-04-26T22:04:00.003+10:00

To be honest, I can't 100% remember how I made this Vegetarian Pho but it was loosely based on this recipe. It's the kind of meal you can make up if you're feeling adventurous.

Ingredients:
~ 200g rice noodles
~ 250g Firm tofu, chopped into 1cm cubes
~ 100g dried shiitake mushrooms
~ Small packet of mung bean sprouts
~ 1 small piece ginger, finely chopped
~ 1 red chilli, finely chopped
~ Vegetable stock, to taste
~ Soy sauce, to taste
~ Rice wine, to taste
~ Lemon juice, to taste

What to do:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to packet directions (usually soak in boiling water for 5 minutes) then drain.
2. In a giant saucepan, put all of the ingredients (including cooked noodles) and let it simmer until everything is heated through. Taste it along the way and play with the ingredients - you can also add things like bamboo shoots, water chestnuts or chopped spring onion.

>> Fun fact: The Vietnamese name for Vegetarian Pho is phở chay (thanks Wikipedia!)

Leek & Potato Soup

2010-04-26T21:55:00.003+10:00

This soup is something I've stolen from my Mum's repertoire - it's cheap to make, easy and tasty.

Ingredients:
~ 1 large leek, chopped
~ 4 large potatoes, diced into small cubes
~ 2 tablespoons butter
~ 1 cup water
~ 3 cups liquid vegie stock (or 3 extra cups of water, and 3 teaspoons of vegie stock powder)

What to do:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan then add chopped leek and fry until soft.
2. Add the water, vegetable stock and potatoes and boil until potatoes are tender (test with a fork).

That is literally the whole recipe... two steps! You can puree the soup in a blender if you're that way inclined, but I like to leave it chunky. You can also easily adjust the quantity by adding more or less water to cover the vegies, and more or less stock to taste. Yum.

Devilled Eggs

2010-04-26T21:34:00.002+10:00

I made these Devilled Eggs as an hors d'œuvre for a recent 1960s party - they're a decadent delight!

Ingredients:
~ 6 free range eggs
~ 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
~ 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
~ paprika (optional)

What to do:
1. Hard boil the eggs. (Sounds easy enough, but if you're not a seasoned egg boiler: place the eggs into a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring this to the boil on highest heat, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Voila! Your eggs are hard boiled.)
2. The eggs will need to be cooled by draining the hot water and replacing with cold, or letting them sit for a while (even in the fridge overnight if you're making them ahead of time).
3. Once cool, peel off the shells and cut the hard boiled eggs ever so carefully in half.
4. Scoop out the yolk into a bowl - don't rush it or the white will break - then mix in the mustard and mayonnaise.
5. Spoon the gooey yolk mixture back into the egg white 'cups' and sprinkle with paprika.
6. Congratulate yourself on being a domestic god/goddess.

Ode to Aesop

2010-03-30T00:53:00.002+11:00

It's dawned on me that I'm becoming a girly girl. The first sign was vintage dresses creeping into my wardrobe. The next was a red lipstick I purchased a few weeks ago, having barely ever worn lipstick before. Now I'm in love with my Aesop products, as purchased with a voucher given to me by friends. The only trouble is, when they run out I'm going to have to buy more!

Mushroom and Parsley Risotto

2010-03-17T21:23:00.003+11:00

Every time I make this risotto it seems to get better. The recipe was torn out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine (September 1999 issue), so I assume it was from my Mum - she likes to pull out articles and recipes for me, and I like getting them! Thanks Mum :)

Anyway, I've adapted it a little bit. Here's what you'll need:
~ 300g mushrooms, sliced
~ 5 cups vegetable stock
~ 2 tablespoons olive oil
~ 1 brown onion, finely chopped
~ 1 carrot, finely chopped
~ 1 stick celery, finely chopped
~ 1.5 cups arborio/risotto rice
~ 2 tablespoons grated cheese
~ 1 tablespoon butter
~ small handful of chopped fresh parsley

What to do:
1. In a small saucepan, bring vegie stock to the boil and add sliced mushrooms. Cook until just soft then remove mushrooms with a slotted spoon and put aside for later. The stock can keep simmering on a low heat.
2. In a separate, larger saucepan, heat oil and gently fry onion, carrot and celery for about five minutes, stirring.
3. Add rice and mix well for one minute, then add 1.5 cups of the simmering stock and stir through. Be careful not to let the rice stick to the bottom at any stage.
4. When almost all of the stock has been absorbed, add another half cup, stirring continuously. Continue adding stock in this way until it's all in, and rice is almost cooked (approx 20 mins).
5. Stir in the precooked mushrooms, cheese and butter, then season with cracked black pepper.
6. Cover and let rest for five minutes or longer. This helps the rice finish absorbing the liquid.
7. Remove lid and stir through chopped parsley. Serve and eat!

This recipe makes six small serves, or four large ones. My final word of advice is this: don't rush adding the stock - it really needs time to absorb and mix through, possibly longer than the suggested 20 minutes. The whole process will take about an hour, but the end result is worth it.

Checking in...

2010-02-26T22:43:00.003+11:00

I can't remember if I've ever used this photo for a blog post before. I've had it as my profile picture all over the place for a long time so I think it's almost time to go; a new beginning and such. My February resolutions will stand (including #3!), I'm just postponing until March, or maybe April. Seeya then!

>> Typically, this photo was taken during my last trip to New York, which was too long ago. Perhaps I need to go back to get a new one?

Roast Beetroot Salad

2010-02-07T22:19:00.002+11:00

I went to the Queen Victoria Market for fruit and vegetables today and realised (again) what a huge difference it makes to the cost and quality of my weekly shop... in a good way! These fresh beetroot were boiled, peeled, chopped then turned into a roast beetroot salad, along with:
~ red onion, finely sliced
~ baby spinach
~ butter beans
~ balsamic vinegar
~ flaxseed oil
~ crushed garlic

Baked potatoes and crusty bread are a cheap and easy way to fill out a meal. Yum yum.

>> The salad recipe is another one from The Low GI Vegetarian Cookbook by Jennie Brand-Miller, Kaye Foster-Powell, Kate Marsh and Philippa Sandall.

My own little New York City

2010-02-06T23:40:00.003+11:00

On June 21st last year, I happened to post this miniature New York set to my Tumblr page then on January 26th this year, someone who I doubt would have seen that post gave me the very same set as a present! There's something wondrous about that.

What: City in a Bag 'New York'
From: Muji
Cost: US$14

Resolutions

2010-01-28T22:10:00.000+11:00

My first blog post from the iPhone! Can't believe it took me so long, although typing with one finger is not ideal... might be a short one.

As per my latest tweet, here come some resolutions for the year beginning Monday 1st February 2010. Yes, you heard me, February. That's just how I roll.

1 ~ I will go to Bikram yoga once a week.

2 ~ I will start AND finish a new creative project each month.

3 ~ I will keep blogging.

4 ~ I will spend time away from the computer, and resisting the urge to use the Internet on my phone (tonight doesn't count!).

5 ~ I will take more photos.

6 ~ I will get more sleep.

7 ~ I will try going vegan for a month.

8 ~ I will become a member of my local library.

9 ~ I will start a herb garden.

10 ~ I will choose to be happy most of the time, even when it's tricky.

I think these are very achievable. Wish me luck!

>> I'm putting the iPhone down now.

Looking back

2010-01-18T23:30:00.006+11:00

I'm slowly getting back into some kind of routine, but life is busy at the moment! To recap 2009, these are my favourite posts of each month from my blog (no explanations, you can just peruse them if you feel like it):

January ~ Giving my powerboard a plug
February ~ Laneway Festival
March ~ I heart NY
April ~ The Greenstore
May ~ The best vegan pumpkin muffins
June ~ Learning to sew on a button
July ~ All you need is love
August ~ Le béret bleu
September ~ Green salad
October ~ Country weekend
November ~ I took a blogging hiatus!
December ~ Niagara print

...and since it's the start of a new year, I can't help throwing in a plug for Maxihuge Calendars! You can buy them here ;)

>> The photo is me in my pretty new dress, thanks to some very generous Christmas vouchers. Lucky me!

Van Diemen's Land

2010-01-06T23:34:00.004+11:00

I've been in Tasmania for a week, it's very pretty down there! I wasn't ready to be back at work today, but alas I couldn't afford a longer holiday.

Highlights:
~ The Spirit of Tasmania ferry
~ Emiliana Torrini, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear and Kaki King at Falls Festival
~ The lightning on New Year's Eve
~ The Taste Festival in Hobart
~ Salamanca Market

Lowlights:
~ Many unfavourable people at Falls Festival
~ Sunburn
~ Seeing a lot of roadkill
~ Having to come home so soon

Niagara print

2009-12-27T13:19:00.002+11:00

"It's Not You, It's Me" by Niagara

This was one of my Christmas presents, just in time to replace the 2009 New York Calendar on my wall. I love it!

>> More like this available at Outre Gallery (249 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne).

Google holiday logos

2009-12-24T23:10:00.004+11:00

I have a habit of taking screenshots whenever the Google logo changes - I have a picture folder on my computer full of them! The latest "Happy Holidays" set are quite cool cause they're building on it each time. There's a comprehensive history of Google holiday logos here.

>> 11.15pm on Christmas eve and I'm blogging about internet search engines. Yep, this is my true nerd coming out. Again.

Christmas presents!

2009-12-24T22:38:00.004+11:00

Last year's Christmas presents were stamped on brown paper, but this year we've gone with festive bows thanks to some $3.99 ribbon from Australia Post! The trick will be remembering which present is for who...

Merry Christmas everyone! x

Vintage furniture

2009-12-24T22:32:00.004+11:00

I have serious house envy for this place, and here's just one of the many reasons why: a vintage red couch and armchairs! I wonder if Santa will bring me some just like it? I fear not. Better start saving some pennies instead.

Inspiration board

2009-12-16T22:35:00.003+11:00

I see people blogging about inspiration boards all the time and finally decided to make one for myself. I think I should've got a bigger size though... like cork to cover a whole wall.

What: Quartet Espresso Corkboard (430x580mm)
From: Officeworks
Cost: $29.92

Banana Choc Chip Muffins

2009-12-10T22:22:00.003+11:00

I did a little baking tonight in preparation for Meredith Music Festival this weekend (hopefully it's not as wet as last year, but I'm packing gumboots just in case). Anyway, they're Banana Choc Chip Muffins... yum!

Ingredients:
~ 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
~ 2 cups self raising flour
~ 1/2 cup castor sugar
~ 1/2 cup milk
~ 2 eggs
~ 60g butter
~ 1/2 cup dark choc bits

What to do:
1. Preheat over to 200 Celsius.
2. Prepare your muffin trays (I used two 6-hole trays).
3. Sift flour in a large bowl then stir in castor sugar and choc bits.
4. Melt the butter, then beat in milk and eggs.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, and incorporate the mashed banana (don't overmix).
6. Spoon the mixture into the muffin trays and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

>> Recipe courtesy of Taste.com.au

Tumblr Mosaic Viewer

2009-12-10T19:59:00.002+11:00

I'm loving Tumblr, and feel like I'm developing themes with the things I reblog (NYC, Paris and girly photos... among others). I made a collage of all the things I've posted to date with the Tumblr Mosaic Viewer. Nerdy fun.

Photo booth fun

2009-12-08T16:48:00.003+11:00

My little Macbook is so clever - it has a built in camera that's opened me up to the world of Skype video chatting to friends all over the globe! It also has a nifty little program called Photo Booth, where you can either take regular photos or use a preset effect like this one, which has turned my kitchen into a comic! I'm easily amused.

Stuffit

2009-12-07T22:57:00.005+11:00

These Stuffit bags are so useful - I keep at least one in my handbag at all times, and tend to get complimented at the supermarket checkout for it! As the website says, they're:
~ Strong
~ Compact
~ Child safe
~ Eco-friendly
~ Machine washable
~ Australian owned and designed
~ Made from 100% polyester

What: Stuffit Swing Bag (this one is Leopard, but there are other colours/designs)
From: Ingenie
Where: The Greenstore (385 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy)
Cost: $20

>> I've seen these for sale all over the place, and the price will vary depending on the type/size of Stuffit bag you're buying. Also available online at Biome.

Gin & Titonic

2009-12-07T22:44:00.005+11:00

I had an early Christmas this weekend - it was a whole day in the kitchen, followed by a feast of antipasto, roast vegetables, salads and gourmet deserts. Now I've given away some of the presents, I can post them here! This one is a Gin & Titonic novelty ice tray, which creates sinking ship and iceberg shaped ice blocks... genius.

What: Gin & Titonic
From: Fred
Where: Kleen Design (296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy)
Cost: $15

iTunes Genius Mixes

2009-12-03T23:38:00.004+11:00

I am constantly amazed by modern technology - most things created by Google, the iPhone, planes, even wireless internet! How does data get sent through the air? I'll never get my head around that one.

Anyway, my latest discovery are the new Genius playlists in iTunes. Somehow it decides what songs will work together, and it's usually pretty right! It's like having your own personal radio station. JesskaFM.

What: iTunes Cards (on sale)
From: Apple
Where: Myer (til 11 Dec) and Big W (til 9 Dec)
Cost: 2x $20 iTunes Cards for $30 (Myer), or $45 iTunes Cards for $36 (Big W)

Guacabowle!

2009-12-03T23:20:00.005+11:00

The "guacabowle" is pretty much the coolest item in my kitchen (although it's neck and neck with the Bamix). It's encouraged me to make guacamole more often, which is great! For my version of the recipe you'll need:
~ two ripe avocados
~ one tomato, finely diced
~ half a red onion, finely diced
~ a squeeze of lemon juice
~ a few drops of tabasco sauce
~ salt and pepper to taste

Mash the avocados in a bowl, then add everything else and mix it through, before transferring to the (now famous) guacabowle!

What: Guacamole Bowl
From: Progressive
Where: Homewares stores everywhere, I'm guessing
Cost: US$13.45 (Amazon price)

Maxihuge Calendars

2009-12-02T01:01:00.005+11:00

Maxihuge Calendars are awesome. Okay, I'm a little biased with this one since I work for the company who designed them... but it's true! ThreeThousand likes them too :) I use one in my kitchen to keep track of bills, birthdays, events etc. Mine has been scribbled all over so this photo is just a dummy shot, shhh.

What: Maxihuge Calendars
From: The Internet
Where: Available in Australia now, overseas soon!
Cost: $59 (comes with 12 calendar sheets, month stickers and Magnart)

Finding Colours

2009-12-02T00:57:00.002+11:00

Here's something nifty - it's a colour palette generator. I started with a photo found on Tumblr, then went to DeGreave.com and turned it into swatches I could use for my blog. Cool, huh?

frankie ~ issue 32

2009-12-02T00:51:00.004+11:00

I'd be pretty happy if I got a frankie subscription for Christmas! That's, err, if I hadn't already renewed it after 12 months of fabulousness. All killer, no filler.

What: frankie magazine
From: frankie
Where: Delivered to your door!
Cost: $51 per year (for us Australians, more if you're overseas)

Oh, Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T00:44:00.006+11:00

This little guy is going to be my Christmas tree this year (still a few decorations to be added), and after Christmas he's going outside to (hopefully) be reused again next year, and the year after, and the year after...

What: Christmas Tree
From: Fitzroy Nursery
Where: 390 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Cost: $31.95

It's not goodbye, it's see you later!

2009-10-26T21:17:00.007+11:00

One post a month is all I've been managing, so I think it's time I took an official hiatus. I'm hoping to come back at some stage with a clearer idea of what I want this blog to be about.

In the meantime, I'll be:
~ learning French (albeit slowly)
~ getting healthier with regular dance, yoga and bike riding
~ starting a new job
~ spending time in the real world, you know, away from the computer

I'm still very much followable on twitter (if you're into that), and have a tumblr page full of pretty things (I think of it like an online inspiration board). Other people are tumblr-ing too - like Little Lost Love, and Friend For Keeps!

Il n'est pas au revoir, il est à plus tard...

Bye for now xx

Country weekend

2009-10-13T22:21:00.006+11:00

I spent last weekend in Tolmie, Victoria - the town itself is just a pub and a general store. There were 14 of us on "Person Camp", as it was called, staying in a borrowed house all with our own creative projects to work on. I brought lots of half finished knitting and crochet things, but only came close to finishing one (the beige beret). Two days wasn't nearly long enough... I want to go back!

>> That's an actual polaroid I took, by the way. No cheating.

Just a minute... in September

2009-09-25T13:00:00.004+10:00

While my blogging is almost at a standstill, I'm still tweeting and tumblr-ing! Here's the September roundup anyway:

Reading... the last of the Twilight books, so kill me (pardon the pun). Next on the list is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies!

Watching... The Wire - just finished Season 1, ready for Season 2. It's addictive.

Listening... to Florence and the Machine, and a mish-mash of other things (as usual).

Eating... vegetarian food!

Knitting... the beige beret - it's taking quite a while though, hard to find knitting time.

Learning... French! I'm hanging in there (thanks again to Sabine for helping me), but it's a slow process. Some language learning tips I'm trying to implement:
- watching French films and TV shows
- write out shopping lists in French on one side, English on the other
- put labels on things all over the house with their French name
- visit Paris (yes, wishful thinking)

>> Just a Minute is an August Street thing in case you want to "officially" join in.

Green salad

2009-09-06T17:42:00.003+10:00

There's something to be said for a simple green salad. I tend to like iceberg or cos lettuce best, and add any number of the following:
~ tomato
~ red /green capsicum
~ avocado (not negotiable!)
~ cucumber
~ red onion
~ cubed fetta/tasty cheese (or soy cheese)
~ black olives
~ carrot
~ snow peas

I generally don't have bottled salad dressing, so just mix up one part olive oil with one part balsamic vinegar to serve. Yum!

Baked raisin, date and walnut apples

2009-08-24T23:23:00.002+10:00

Winter deserts are the best! To make these I used:
~ granny smith apples
~ currants (although the recipe called for raisins)
~ dates
~ walnuts
~ orange juice & zest
~ ground cinnamon
~ ground cloves
~ apple juice

>> Another one from The Low GI Vegetarian Cookbook by Jennie Brand-Miller, Kaye Foster-Powell, Kate Marsh and Philippa Sandall.

frankie ~ issue 31

2009-08-24T17:35:00.002+10:00

Oh, frankie... it's so nice to see you again.

Just a minute... in August

2009-08-24T13:34:00.004+10:00

I completely missed the July just a minute round-up, but I'm back in time for August!

Reading... the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. It's so trashy, and yet I'm so completely addicted.

Watching... Gossip Girl - anything set in New York gets my attention!

Listening... to lots of new music, like Grizzly Bear, the Dark Was the Night compilation, and the Dirty Projectors.

Eating... lots of asian-inspired noodley dishes, like Shiitake, ginger and tofu hokkien noodles, and Tofu, peanut and noodle stir fry.

Knitting... another one of the berets, in beige this time.

Learning... more French, albeit slowly, thanks to my French For Dummies book, and Sabine! J'aimerais aller en France pour l'utiliser un jour! (sometimes I cheat and check words in Google Translate, shhh)

Tofu, peanut and noodle stir fry

2009-08-23T21:08:00.003+10:00

Another picture-perfect dinner! Actually very similar to the last one I posted, but this time ingredients were:
~ hokkien noodles
~ firm tofu
~ red capsicum
~ brocolli
~ onion
~ peanut butter
~ soy sauce
~ fresh ginger
~ crushed garlic

>> This recipe is taken from Kitchen Classics: Gourmet Vegetarian by Jane Price

Happy birthday to me...

2009-08-21T17:28:00.003+10:00

This vintage-style am/fm radio was yet another birthday present! It's going to sit proudly in my bedroom corner with the New York calendar. Today is the best day ever.

Little birthday cupcakes

2009-08-21T17:01:00.002+10:00

These Little Cupcakes were actually part of a present for someone else (we have the same birthday), but if I'm lucky I'll get to indulge in just one or two with him! Mmm... cupcakes!

Birthday post #4 - a squirrel on the wall!

2009-08-21T00:26:00.003+10:00

As you may know, I have a bit of thing for squirrels, so this is possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen! I haven't named him yet, but he's going to live on the kitchen wall so I get to look at him all the time :) Truly, it's the perfect present for me, I'm so happy!

Thank you Hollie! xx

>> I'm not sure if I should send you to the Hokey shop, little lost love, or Vegan & Vintage... how about all three! You can also find her at the Rose Street Artist Market this weekend too.

Birthday post #3 - Ananya

2009-08-21T00:14:00.003+10:00

I have so many wonderful things to say about the girl who gave me this (she too has a blog you should visit). It may look like any other perfume, but to me it's a favourite smell that cannot be bought in Australia (as far as I know), and another thoughtful present... still on it's way from the other side of the world!

Merci beaucoup, Sabine! x

Birthday post #2 - the bicycle bag

2009-08-21T00:06:00.002+10:00

It's after midnight so I'm officially older! Hooray! (perhaps I shouldn't be so excited?) Anyway, the lovely Suzie of Button & Squiggle gave me this bicycle bag - very appropriate now that I'm riding my bike more often... including a 3 hour ride last weekend!

Thanks Suzie - I love it!

Birthday post #1 - Able & Game

2009-08-20T23:57:00.003+10:00

I have to say, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world today (and it isn't even my birthday for another 3 minutes!). This is the first in a series of birthday present posts, because I just couldn't resist... I hope they don't mind!

If you haven't heard of Able & Game, check out the website - really cool, quirky cards! You can also find them at the Rose St Artists Market this Saturday & Sunday.

Thanks Anna!! :)

Vegan Wares shoes

2009-08-20T23:49:00.001+10:00

Whether or not you're vegetarian/vegan, I highly recommend Vegan Wares non-leather shoes! They also make belts, wallets, bags... and custom made shoes if you can't find something you like, or the right size.

Shiitake, ginger and tofu hokkien noodles

2009-08-18T23:05:00.004+10:00

I didn't realise it had been so long! Miss me? I decided my dinner tonight was worth sharing (well, the photo at least) - it came out just like the recipe book! That never happens... I don't have it in me to type out the whole recipe, but here's the ingredients:
~ hokkien noodles
~ firm tofu
~ shiitake mushrooms
~ baby corn
~ sugar snap peas
~ choy sum
~ red chilli
~ fresh ginger
~ garlic
~ soy sauce

>> The recipe came out of The Low GI Vegetarian Cookbook by Jennie Brand-Miller, Kaye Foster-Powell, Kate Marsh and Philippa Sandall.

Le béret bleu

2009-08-02T15:32:00.004+10:00

I was given this beret pattern by Hollie of little lost love (also Vegan and Vintage), and have been wearing it religiously since I finished a few weeks ago, but alas have not taken time to put it in a post (due to severe blog neglection). Here it is!

Stitch: stocking stitch
Needles: size #10 (3.25mm) & #8 (4mm) - both circular
Yarn: 100g (2 balls) bamboo yarn (Moda Vera brand; 70% bamboo, 30% cotton)
Pattern: Using the 3.25mm needles, cast on 91 st.
Work in garter stitch for 4 rows, ending with a WS row.
Change to 4mm needles.
Row 1 (rs): [k8, inc in next st] 10 times, k1. 101 sts.
Row 2 and every following alternate row (ws): purl
Row 3: [k9, inc in next st] 10 times, k1. 111 sts.
Row 5: [k10, inc in next st] 10 times, k1. 121 sts.
Row 7: [k11, inc in next st] 10 times, k1. 131 sts.
Continue in this way, inc 10 sts on every rs row until the following row has been worked:
Row 17: [k16, inc in next st] 10 times, k1. 181 sts.
Row 19: knit.
Row 21: knit.
The next part is shaping the top...
Row 23 (rs): [k16, k2tog] 10 times, k1. 171 sts.
Row 25: [k16, k2tog] 10 times, k1. 161 sts.
Row 27: [k15, k2tog] 10 times, k1. 151 sts.
Row 29: [k14, k2tog] 10 times, k1. 141 sts.
Continue in this way, dec 10 sts on every rs row until the following row has been worked:
Row 53: [k1, k2tog] 10 times, k1. 21 sts.
Row 55: [k2tog] 10 times, k1.
Break yarn and thread through remaining 11 sts. Pull up tight and fasten off securely.

>> Abbreviations: k=knit, k2tog=knit 2 together, st=stitch, inc=increase, dec=decrease, rs=right side, ws=wrong side.

Brunch and happy things

2009-08-02T14:36:00.006+10:00

I was recently tagged by the lovely Sabine (who is helping me with my French!) to write a list of things that make me happy. Since it hasn't changed much, I'm going to cheat and refer to two lists I've made before:

#1 - A list of 10 things that make me happy (inspired by The Rockstar Diaries, one of my favourite, favourite blogs)

#2 - Another list of happy things (this time only 6 of them; tagged by August Street)

>> The photo here is from my brother's birthday brunch this morning - vegan muffins, scones, fresh fruit, tea, and blueberry pikelets! ...yes, food is another thing that makes me happy :)

All you need is love

2009-07-08T23:57:00.006+10:00

It's 4 years with my boy tomorrow - he's given the most thoughtful presents:
~ "French for Dummies" since I keep talking about learning
~ The Shins "Oh, Inverted World" on vinyl
~ Aesop moisturiser

...I'm the luckiest girl in the world, and not just for the presents <3

Just a minute... in June

2009-06-29T18:46:00.003+10:00

Scraping in at the end of the month! Here's what's been occupying my time:

Reading... less than I should. Need to find a good book to carry me through the cold weather.

Watching... free DVDs thanks to a Quickflix trial. We've had The Wackness, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Science of Sleep and Broken Flowers - all good!

Listening... to Michael Jackson and Jackson Five songs. Also discovering "Ben" was written about his pet rat.

Eating... winter warmers like soup, curry, stir-fry and porridge. Not all at once.

Knitting... slippers, slippers and more slippers.

Learning... a language! At least that's what I hope to do soon. Either pickup my French again, or start Spanish. German is another contender.

>> I'm wondering if this blog is on wind down, or if it's just a "slow phase". Haven't decided yet.

frankie ~ issue 30

2009-06-29T18:38:00.003+10:00

The prettiest magazine in town, inside and out.

Learning to sew on a button

2009-06-16T22:48:00.002+10:00

Out of necessity (because my jackets were falling apart) I learnt how to sew on buttons today. About time. The 5 simple steps I followed:
1. For heavy fabrics, like my jackets, use strong linen thread.
2. Cut 20cm thread and feed it through a large needle.
3. Pull through so it's doubled over, then knot the end and snip the excess.
4. Hold the button slightly away from the fabric as you loop the thread through the material then the button.
5. I did about 3 "loops" then tied off the end, and snipped the excess.

>> YouTube is helpful for knitting, sewing and crochet tips cause you can actually see what's being explained.

Progress report #3: House Slippers

2009-06-16T22:30:00.005+10:00

I'm calling these House Slippers cause that's about the only place you'll be able to wear them, but wear them you will! Here's how I made them (hope the instructions make sense):

Stitch: garter and rib.
Needles: size #5 (5.5mm)
Yarn: 1 ball brown and 1 ball bright blue (both 8 ply acrylic, pretty sure)
Pattern: Cast on 6 stitches (brown only).
Row 1 - K 6.
Row 2 - K 6.
Row 3 - Inc 1, K 5, inc 1 (should have 8 stitches total now).
Row 4 - K 8.
Row 5 - Inc 1, K 7, inc 1 (should have 10 stitches total).
Row 6 - K 10.
Row 7 - Inc 1, K 9, inc 1 (should have 12 stitches total).
Row 8 - K 12.
Row 9 - Inc 1, K 11, inc 1 (should have 14 stitches total).
Row 10 - K 14.
Row 11 - Inc 1, K 13, inc 1 (should have 16 stitches total).
Row 12 - K 16.
Row 13 - Inc 1, K 15, inc 1 (should have 18 stitches total).
Row 14 - K 18.
Row 15 - Inc 1, K 17, inc 1 (should have 20 stitches total).
Row 16 - K 20.
Row 18 - [K 1, Inc 1] repeat to end (should have 40 stitches total).
Row 17 - Hold in second colour (eg. blue) then K 40, holding both together.
Row 19 - P 1, [K 2, P 2] repeat almost to end, P 1.
Row 20 - K 1, [P 2, K 2] repeat almost to end, K 1.
Rows 21 to 48 - Repeat rows 19 and 20 over and over (this is the ribbed section).
Row 49 - K 40.
Row 50 - Stop using the second colour (eg. blue) then K 40 (just with brown).
Row 51 - [K2tog] repeat to end (should have 20 stitches total).
Row 52 - K 20.
Row 53 - K2tog, K 16, K2tog (should have 18 stitches total).
Row 54 - K 18.
Row 55 - K2tog, K 14, K2tog (should have 16 stitches total).
Row 56 - K 16
Row 57 - K2tog, K 12, K2tog (should have 14 stitches total)
Row 58 - K 14
Row 59 - K2tog, K 10, K2tog (should have 12 stitches total)
Row 60 - K 12
Row 61 - K2tog, K 8, K2tog (should have 10 stitches total)
Row 62 - K 10
Row 63 - K2tog, K 6, K2tog (should have 8 stitches total)
Row 64 - K 8
Row 65 - K2tog, K 4, K2tog (should have 6 stitches total)
Row 66 - K 6
Row 67 - K 6
Row 68 - Cast off.

Once finished you should have one big piece that goes "small-big-small" - this is your slipper! Fold it in half, so the small ends are touching, then you'll need to stitch together in 3 places - the front, the back, and the top (the "top" is the 6 stitches at each end, which is best to join last, after the front and back).

>> Abbreviations: K=knit, P=purl, inc=increase, K2tog=knit 2 stitches together

Progress report #2: Granny Square Blanket

2009-06-16T22:26:00.002+10:00

Another from the "why the hell haven't I finished this?" pile - my 70s style granny square blanket! The downside of having a date-stamped blog is that it's blatantly obvious how little I've achieved since my last post about this back on Monday 20 April. Oh dear.

Progress report #1: Green Fingerless Mittens

2009-06-16T22:22:00.003+10:00

You may recognise this pattern from the last pair of fingerless mittens I made - unfortunately these ones have taken a lot longer (partly due to a number of false starts) but will still be toasty warm in time for the second half of winter!

Taking it easy

2009-06-08T12:45:00.003+10:00

I took an unplanned break from blogging the past few weeks, I guess that'll happen. On the other hand, my tweeting has been out of control, and new love for tumbling may last for a while too. In the end we have to just do the things that make us happy, right?

Speaking of happiness, check out this post from the rockstar diaries (also known as Taza and the Prince) - it inspired this list of things that make me happy:

1. fingerless mittens
2. bon iver
3. soy chai lattes
4. anything about new york city
5. drive-in movies
6. beach holidays
7. my macbook
8. polaroid photos
9. red wine in winter
10. black boots

...I could probably go up to 100 (or 1000?) but I'll leave it there.

>> Also, if you like lists, Stuff White People Like is pretty funny.

Just a minute... in May

2009-05-24T22:52:00.003+10:00

These are my favourite posts because they force me to recap what I've been doing over the past month, and I'm pretty sure that's good for my brain! Thanks, as always, to August Street for the 'Just a Minute' theme. Here goes:

Reading... vegetarian cooking books like the Moosewood Cookbook, trying out new dishes like Baba Ganouj (eggplant dip).

Watching... NBA playoffs! Blame it on my boyfriend.

Listening... to songs like "Buttons" by Sia, and "Dance Anthem of the 80s" by Regina Spektor and planning to buy both of their new albums very soon.

Eating... lots of vegan muffins (as you may have noticed)

Knitting... all the same projects I was working on in April, but getting closer to finishing the slippers, mittens and granny square blanket - stay tuned!

Learning... how important it is to get enough sleep, eat well, do exercise, and take time off work every now and then. It sounds so simple when you put it in one sentence, huh?

More muffins! (Banana walnut ones)

2009-05-24T22:44:00.003+10:00

Yes, two muffin posts in a row! These vegan banana walnut muffins went down quite nicely with soy chai tea and an afternoon of knitting. I was inspired to bake these after seeing photos on Where's the Beef? but the recipe was originally posted by Vegan Visitor.

>> My obsession with food has well and truly taken hold of this blog, is this going to be a problem? Hmm...

The best vegan pumpkin muffins

2009-05-14T15:50:00.002+10:00

This recipe came from Vegan with a Vengeance and is self-proclaimed to be The Best Pumpkin Muffins... This is already the second time I've made them, so I'm tending to agree!

The dry ingredients:
~ 3 cups self raising flour
~ 2 cups raw caster sugar
~ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
~ 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
~ 1/2 tsp ground ginger
~ 1/4 tsp ground allspice
~ 1/8 tsp ground cloves

The wet ingredients:
~ A chunk of pumpkin, chopped, boiled then pureed (about 1/4 of a normal sized pumpkin worked for me; apparently you can also get pumpkin puree in a can)
~ 1/2 cup soy milk
~ 1/2 cup vegetable oil
~ 2 tablespoons golden syrup

What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 200 Celsius, and lightly grease a twelve hole muffin tin (or two 6 hole ones) - I just used the tiniest bit of oil to do this.
2. Sift the flour, sugar and spices into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then mix.
3. Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full each, then bake for 20 minutes (or until a skewer inserted comes out clean).

>> This batch is destined for stitch n' bitch at Hollie's (of Vegan & Vintage) tonight - knitters need sustenance ;)

The NEW Lost+Found Market

2009-05-14T00:59:00.003+10:00

I've been to the new Lost+Found Market (12 Smith St, Collingwood) a few times, and finally remembered to take photos when I was there yesterday - must be something to do with having this week off work cause this is more blogging than I've done in months! Anyway, I didn't buy anything (which is surprising) but there are all sorts of vintage treasures to explore if you find yourself in the area. Even worth a special trip!

>> I had to put up two photos to get the full inside-outside experience; the store goes over multiple levels, and all sorts of different areas, so it was hard to narrow it down to two!

Baba Ganouj

2009-05-13T18:20:00.003+10:00

The Moosewood Cookbook strikes again! I made this Baba Ghanouj a few days ago and it's still good! Here's what you need:
~ 2 medium-small eggplants
~ juice from one lemon
~ 1/2 cup tahini
~ 3 cloves garlic, crushed
~ salt & pepper
~ 1/2 cup finely-chopped parsley
~ 1/4 cup finely-chopped spring onions (optional)
~ 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

Then how to turn it into a delicious dip:
1. Preheat the oven to 190 Celsius.
2. Cut off the eggplant stems and prick all over with a fork.
3. Place on the oven rack without a tray and roast until wrinkled and soft (about 50 minutes).
4. Remove from the oven and wait until cool enough to handle.
5. Peel off the skin or scoop out the flesh and mash well - or if you have a bamix or blender, use that!
6. Add all the other ingredients and keep mixing.
7. Chill before serving (the recipe suggests drizzling olive oil over, but it's delicious both with and without).

>> Spelling of "Baba Ganouj" has been corrected to match the cookbook, but not sure it's right!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T00:11:00.003+10:00

Breaking my "one photo only" rule here, but both of these were picked up at the Rose Street Artists Market as Mother's day gifts, and I couldn't pick just one! The first is a card by the ever so talented Able & Game, and the second is an elephant brooch created by Shonah. Both mothers involved were pretty chuffed with their presents, I think.

Yume

2009-05-10T23:59:00.004+10:00

I know I've mentioned it before but I had dinner at the Japanese restaurant Yume (367 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy) again last night, and it was delicious! I'm always surprised when there's hardly anyone in there - it's great food, and the menu has recently changed to include more vegetarian options, which rates well with me.

Recommended dishes:
~ Nasu Dengaku $6.80 (eggplant served with sweet white miso and dark miso sauce)
~ Vegetarian Gyoza $7.80 (served with lime soy sauce and salad; 5 pieces)
~ Vegetarian Tempura $7.80 (assorted vegetables lightly battered and crispy fried, served with basil soy)
~ Tofu Don $8.80 (soft tofu, stir fried mixed vegetables with teriyaki sauce on rice; pictured above)