tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560635608366021772024-03-13T14:56:09.811+11:00Miss Kitty-Cat goes to townThe musings of a thirty something Sydneysider who has never lost her Melbourne heritage - or style!Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.comBlogger420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-79339846500213222712014-11-26T17:38:00.001+11:002014-11-26T20:06:04.419+11:00Christmas Gifts: Five under $25 for foodiesBuying Christmas gifts can be stressful, there's no escaping it. And the less stress we can all be under at this time of year, the better! Over the next few weeks I will be shaing some gift guides that will help you with some ideas that even the hardest nut to crack will enjoy.<br />
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The first group is The Foodie. We all have friends who adore their grub and sometimes they can be among the hardest people to buy for, especially when you are on a budget or when you want to buy something small as a thank you. Flowers are always nice, and a box of Lindt balls or bottle of wine usually goes down a treat, but sometimes you just want something MORE. More thought. More effort. MORE.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kncflois2c0/VHV0fpY9xMI/AAAAAAAACk0/CI2Afj49WY0/s1600/dark_sea_salt_truffles_open_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCEeup8uN8A/VHV0fY5IwVI/AAAAAAAACkw/LRgYwMBhF1k/s1600/SUCK%2BUK_Cookie_Stamp_Customisable_1_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCEeup8uN8A/VHV0fY5IwVI/AAAAAAAACkw/LRgYwMBhF1k/s1600/SUCK%2BUK_Cookie_Stamp_Customisable_1_LRG.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Baker: The personalised cookie stamp <br />
This is an awesome idea for those who love making cookies and treats - you can choose your own wording and make personalised biscuits for loved ones, teachers, etc. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Shop at <a href="http://shop.until.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=72_77_443_450&products_id=3183&zenid=21d7dbda75bc028d0ebf0610b5db5dd4">ShopUntil</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUrMUrZBz40/VHV0czMBskI/AAAAAAAACkg/uzzKdFzuHJg/s1600/540360-Large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUrMUrZBz40/VHV0czMBskI/AAAAAAAACkg/uzzKdFzuHJg/s1600/540360-Large.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Tea Drinker: A great tea cup<br />
There is no denying that lovers of tea will also be lovers of great china. Everyone loves to drink their favourite brew out of a nice tea cup, and Robert Gordon makes some fabulous well priced options, especially when the budget doesn't stretch to Limoges or Wedgwood! My pick of the bunch are these two options - which you can purchase <a href="http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Robert-Gordon-Goldie-White-Teacup-Saucer.aspx">here</a> and <a href="http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Robert-Gordon-High-Tea-Society-Silver-Teacup-Saucer-Set.aspx">here</a> - both are nicely under budget and very glamorous, perfect for a great Christmas gift. And there is enough cash left over to pop in a box of your favourite tea.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKywDQRqtxY/VHV0gN98HXI/AAAAAAAACk8/wthlLXLW70A/s1600/original_caramels_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKywDQRqtxY/VHV0gN98HXI/AAAAAAAACk8/wthlLXLW70A/s1600/original_caramels_1.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Chocoholic: let it be said that there is chocolate, and there is Chocolate. The two options I present to you here are the latter - the best of the best. Give someone either of these options from <a href="http://www.charbonnel.co.uk/products/chocolate-truffles/dark-sea-salt-caramel-truffles.html">Charbonnel et Walker</a> or <a href="http://artisanduchocolat.com/salted-caramels-original.html">Artisan du Chocolat</a> and you are on a sure fire winner. They come beautifully packaged and are absolutely delicious. And if the time frame doesn't allow for the overseas shipping, you can purchase a limited range of Charbonnel et Walker chocolates from David Jones.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFa5A_WuI68/VHV0c80eosI/AAAAAAAACkc/lDw2-JTZTJk/s1600/851284-Large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFa5A_WuI68/VHV0c80eosI/AAAAAAAACkc/lDw2-JTZTJk/s1600/851284-Large.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The Cheese Fanatic: We all have a friend who loves cheese more than anything. This is the perfect gift for that person. No one makes cheese knives like Laguiole and presenting <a href="http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Laguiole-Debutante-Ivory-Cheese-Set-2pc.aspx">this gift</a> with an accompanying wedge of soft French cheese will make you an instant gift giving star.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijSNduu_g_k/VHV0eVN8ARI/AAAAAAAACks/uCKNQfWp11M/s1600/Campos%2BSuperior%2BBlend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijSNduu_g_k/VHV0eVN8ARI/AAAAAAAACks/uCKNQfWp11M/s1600/Campos%2BSuperior%2BBlend.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The Coffee Snob: Everyone seems to have passionate feelings about their coffee. If you know what kind of machine your friend has, that makes life a lot easier. Nespresso fiends are easy to buy for - you can just walk into the company stores and ask for a recommendation, but if your host is a true hard core coffee lover (like my husband) then whole beans from a boutique roaster are the way to go. <a href="https://www.camposcoffee.com/store/product/campos-superior-blend.aspx">Campos</a>, in my opinion, makes some of the best coffee around and whilst a 500g bag of beans will just break the budget, at $27 it is the perfect gift for a coffee lover.<br />
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Do you have any tried and tested gifts for foodies? What are your go to options?<br />
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KittyMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-49313338216902341452014-11-18T13:15:00.002+11:002014-11-18T13:15:33.031+11:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Afghans cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZupX-kPYDY/VGqreSYThpI/AAAAAAAACkI/xum87xKb3vQ/s1600/10249185_371223733036204_1711585085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZupX-kPYDY/VGqreSYThpI/AAAAAAAACkI/xum87xKb3vQ/s1600/10249185_371223733036204_1711585085_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other day I was going through my cupboard and found a box of cornflakes perilously close to their use by date. I can't remember purchasing them, and as I don't eat cereal, I can only imagine they were purchased for some kind of baking activity. Georgie and I have really been getting our bake on recently. Well, Georgie has
been stirring and I have been wiping a lot of flour, cocoa and sugar off
the floor... <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3fLrSmhS9c/VGqreesoLzI/AAAAAAAACkE/cm5LJQ1U8Ds/s1600/9780143008637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3fLrSmhS9c/VGqreesoLzI/AAAAAAAACkE/cm5LJQ1U8Ds/s1600/9780143008637.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
So when I found the cornflakes, I thought that there was really only one appropriate use for them - afghans! If you haven't ever come across these little morsels of Kiwi goodness, you are in for a treat. They are fudgey and chocolately with a decided crunch from the cornflakes. The recipe for these afghans comes from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Ladies-Plate-Alexa-Johnston/9780143008637">Ladies, a Plate</a>, by Alexa Johnson, an old style New Zealand baking cookbook filled to the brim with fabulous and easy recipes. Many are toddler friendly (lots of stirring, crumbling, pressing) and all are delicious. If you don't have it I heartily recommend adding it to your collection. <br />
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<b>Afghans</b><br />
Makes 20-25 medium sized cookies<br />
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Ingredients</div>
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For the Biscuits</div>
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170 g butter</div>
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100 g brown sugar</div>
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180 g flour</div>
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3 tbsp cocoa</div>
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½ tsp baking powder</div>
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60 g cornflakes</div>
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For the Icing</div>
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3 tbsp water</div>
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45 g caster sugar</div>
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45 g butter</div>
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190 g icing sugar</div>
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3 tbsp cocoa</div>
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24–30 walnut halves</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and line two baking trays
with baking paper, or grease them lightly with butter. Break up the cornflakes
with your hands and soften the butter.</div>
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Cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and
fluffy. Add the sifted dry ingredients, then knead in the cornflakes. Put in
teaspoonfuls on the trays, leaving a little space around each biscuit. Flatten
them slightly with a fork and bake for 12–14 minutes. Cool on a rack.</div>
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To make the icing, gently heat the water, caster sugar and
butter until the butter melts and simmer for one minute to form a syrup. Beating
all the time, pour about ¾ of the syrup onto the sifted icing sugar and cocoa.
Add the remaining syrup if necessary to make a smooth, fudgy icing. Add a
little hot water if it's still too thick. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Put a teaspoonful of warm icing on each biscuit, plant
a walnut half on the top of each, sinking it into the icing, and leave to set
firmly. Store in an airtight tin. They'll stay fresh for 3–4 days. </span><br />
<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-85763441918563281022014-11-17T08:00:00.000+11:002014-11-17T08:00:00.630+11:00Cobalt rulesThis summer, fashion seems to be all about bright blues. Electric. Cobalt, if you will. So many fashion labels seem to be using it in their Spring/Summer fashion palettes.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_mWSAf2LC4/VGWNTFNQhTI/AAAAAAAACjg/dXGB9-I1G_Q/s1600/BT-D-SP14-04e-3T.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_mWSAf2LC4/VGWNTFNQhTI/AAAAAAAACjg/dXGB9-I1G_Q/s320/BT-D-SP14-04e-3T.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div>
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This <a href="http://www.bohemiantraders.com/Dreamer-Dress-in-Electric-p/bt-d-sp14-04e.htm">gorgeous dress</a> is from Bohemian Traders. Stunning. I love the lace detail. I have seen it on both <a href="http://icurvyworld.com/2014/11/aussie-curves-races-2/">iCurvy</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vJ31_hoYrn/?modal=true">StylingYou</a> over the past few weeks and it looks amazing on both of them. The sizing is generous, but for someone who feels better in more tailored options, I worry that the floatiness (which would be amazing in the heat of the summer) would be a bit too muu muu-esque on moi. But as a casual dress, it is perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQAJyAzQgMw/VGWNR1a6g-I/AAAAAAAACjM/noQIaHFFCcM/s1600/14WSUM_WH648_BLU_D01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQAJyAzQgMw/VGWNR1a6g-I/AAAAAAAACjM/noQIaHFFCcM/s320/14WSUM_WH648_BLU_D01.jpg" width="247" /></a> </div>
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The <a href="http://www.bodenclothing.com.au/en-AU/Clearance/Womens-Dresses/Day-Dresses/WH648-BLK/Womens-Black-Francesca-Ponte-Dress.html">Francesca Ponte dress</a> from Boden comes in a couple of different colours but it's the cobalt that really caught my eye. Now, I've been banging on about Boden and their great quality for years and they have finally realised that Australians love their clothing, as it's now easier to shop with them. The Francesca is structured but the gathered waist gives it a bit of a twist. I could see myself wearing this with boots and tights in winter over a shirt and with sandals in summer. I think it's a great trans-seasonal dress. And the best thing? It's on sale!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeoKOH0tc7s/VGWNSOWyZ4I/AAAAAAAACjQ/7asfkDK_yBg/s1600/A737272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeoKOH0tc7s/VGWNSOWyZ4I/AAAAAAAACjQ/7asfkDK_yBg/s320/A737272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.target.com.au/p/layered-asymmetrical-dress/56518955">Target dress</a> is the bargain buy of the bunch. It comes in a variety of colours, including electric blue. I could see it with a pair of flat sandals and a denim jacket for a Sunday brunch outfit. It looks comfy but the asymmetric hem detail provides a bit of interest.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyJz48GCf78/VGWNSUUn3BI/AAAAAAAACjU/1oxIlvOl_gA/s1600/528972_in_xl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyJz48GCf78/VGWNSUUn3BI/AAAAAAAACjU/1oxIlvOl_gA/s320/528972_in_xl.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div>
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And for those just looking for a little splash of blue, this <a href="http://www.theoutnet.com/en-AU/product/Rag-and-bone-JEAN/The-Classic-slub-cotton-jersey-tank/528972">Rag and Bone singlet</a> provides just the right hit of cobalt. They also do it in a <a href="http://www.theoutnet.com/en-AU/product/Rag-and-bone-JEAN/Classic-slub-cotton-jersey-T-shirt/528973">tee.</a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jHEvqP3cjw/VGWNs5ks6DI/AAAAAAAACj0/cS7w9up3HKY/s1600/WOYV3H840003BLU_1_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jHEvqP3cjw/VGWNs5ks6DI/AAAAAAAACj0/cS7w9up3HKY/s320/WOYV3H840003BLU_1_large.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
And this <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/178597">Saint Laurent bag</a> - SWOON!!!<br />
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Will you be partaking of the cobalt frenzy this summer?<br />
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K xx Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-68263358002490589662014-11-16T08:04:00.000+11:002014-11-16T08:04:00.563+11:00Peonies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHIjy_XMcGo/VGVwQ1fBLRI/AAAAAAAACi8/MdzOGRzdVpQ/s1600/peonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHIjy_XMcGo/VGVwQ1fBLRI/AAAAAAAACi8/MdzOGRzdVpQ/s320/peonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You know that summer is just a whisper away when peony season starts.<br />
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I honestly can't help myself. I know they only last a few days, but the season is so short, I find myself buying as many as I can find. Their beauty is fleeting but it makes me so happy to watch them bloom into ruffly pretty pom poms, before dropping their petals across the table.<br />
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What says that it's the start of summer to you?<br />
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K xxMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-56478652059071792002014-11-15T07:37:00.000+11:002014-11-15T07:37:00.465+11:00Blazer Lovin.I have always had a thing for blazers. They dress any outfit up. Take a blazer, a pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt or tank and a pair of flats and you can conquer the world. Or at the very least, the daycare pick up (where I have been known to rock up in trackie pants after a hard day with the pencils, but that is a tale for another lifetime).<br />
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Being a curvy lass, I find structured, tailored options work better on my shape. Having said that, I have had a hard time finding blazers that are neither too voluminous (aka the boyfriend look), or too "Hi honey, I just arrived home from my job at the bank". It's slim pickings out there and getting the fit on a blazer is crucial if you don't want to look like a bank teller.<br />
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Here are three options that worked for me.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJrd-q-zCa8/VGVpRJGuA6I/AAAAAAAACic/P-UENDE73_M/s1600/68_079258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJrd-q-zCa8/VGVpRJGuA6I/AAAAAAAACic/P-UENDE73_M/s320/68_079258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I found <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/au/store/women-soft-jersey-blazer-0792580026.html#colorSelect">this blazer</a> at Uniqlo in New York when we were there in May. It's fab. What works about it is that it's made of a heavyweight jersey (almost old skool tracksuit material) which has a good shape but means it moulds to your curves. It's also easy to wash and wear (no dry clean! YAY!). It's almost a cross between a blazer and a cardigan. Full marks. And you can now buy it from Uniqlo in Australia. It comes in a great range of colours and textures and it's a great bargain buy.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHxAZoBsNlg/VGVpVt2ZtXI/AAAAAAAACis/bnz2Mp1KAaA/s1600/pepperberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHxAZoBsNlg/VGVpVt2ZtXI/AAAAAAAACis/bnz2Mp1KAaA/s320/pepperberry.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I am a fan of Pepperberry from way back. They make clothes that are more generous in the bust to allow for those of us with ample cleavage. <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/coats/jackets/ponte-blazer/black/pc138blk/?level=2">This blazer</a> runs close to the "Commbank employee style" of blazer but with the right styling, it really does work. I have the same blazer in Navy from last year, but alas it's a smidge too big in the shoulders (which is highly annoying). I like the navy colour better than the black (which is a big statement from me), but the black makes a very good crossover blazer when you have to attend an interview or more formal occasion. The fact that it's made from Ponte material means creases drop out easily and the fabric is easy to care for. If you only have room for one blazer in your wardrobe, I would say this is it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC9ex7fN20w/VGVpRMR_1RI/AAAAAAAACig/WlPJmo9mHms/s1600/90007_black_1_320_530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC9ex7fN20w/VGVpRMR_1RI/AAAAAAAACig/WlPJmo9mHms/s320/90007_black_1_320_530.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
I have never purchased anything from City Chic before, but I was in there on the hunt for a <a href="http://www.citychic.com.au/LACE-LOVE-TOP.aspx?p6384916">peplum top</a> (to cover the food baby!) and I stumbled on <a href="http://www.citychic.com.au/GET-SMART-JACKET.aspx?p6342437&cr=stbq__011646">this jacket</a>. I had seen it on <a href="http://www.spijkerkatscloset.com/">Spijkerkat's Closet</a> <a href="http://www.spijkerkatscloset.com/2014/09/aussie-curves-favourite-piece.html">here</a> and really liked it on her but didn't think it would work on me, given I am tall and prefer my blazers longer to balance my short waist. But it does work. It nips in at the waist, giving me more of an illusion of an hourglass shape. The hook closure in the front and the tuxedo lapels make it a little more on the formal side at first glance, but it just means that this baby can pull double duty as a casual piece that also works on a corporate level. I do need to layer longer to pull this one off, but it's a flattering and comfy piece that is getting a lot of wear around here. I bought it in an XS which is a generous 14.<br />
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Do you have a favourite Blazer style? Are you more boyfriend style or Ralph Lauren Preppy? Tell me EVERYTHING!<br />
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K xx<br />
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<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-91177332500494652292014-11-14T12:36:00.002+11:002014-11-14T12:36:51.734+11:00All about the stripes.Once upon a time I gave up buying clothes.<br />
<br />
The End.<br />
<br />
Now, we all know that's clearly not true. It can't ever be the end. I gave up buying things for a while and then - slowly but surely - I have started purchasing again. It's not like I have loads of space (I don't have any, to be honest!). I don't really NEED much (do any of us?) but the thrill of finding something lovely and then wearing it for the first time cannot be denied.<br />
<br />
I am trying to limit myself to things I either very much need (in the broader sense of the definitition) to round out my wardrobe, things that are very cheap, and "investment pieces" (things that are expensive but that I can justify because they are absolute workhorses of the wardrobe).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sty5XZeMDQA/VGVUjJCu7nI/AAAAAAAACh0/m6q9U8-DuDg/s1600/015794440_navy_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sty5XZeMDQA/VGVUjJCu7nI/AAAAAAAACh0/m6q9U8-DuDg/s320/015794440_navy_01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I have been wanting to add some nautical stripes to my wardrobe for some time now but I needed to find the right stripe for me. Everything either had stripes that were too thin or too much white... I wanted the stripes to be predominantly navy with a smaller white stripe. I liked the idea of a skirt - the pattern adverse part of me could deal with a smaller block of pattern. I toyed with the idea of the gorgeous Bohemian Traders skirt but when I found <a href="http://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/short-stripe-skirt-navy">this one at Sussan</a>, I was hooked.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymm3b4uv4DI/VGVUjotOxyI/AAAAAAAACh4/W6yyhWlGmns/s1600/015895440_navy_01_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymm3b4uv4DI/VGVUjotOxyI/AAAAAAAACh4/W6yyhWlGmns/s320/015895440_navy_01_1.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<br />
Following fashion Icon <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vKCtGMkUxn/?modal=true">Redcliffe Style</a>, I paired it with <a href="http://www.sussan.com.au/linen-button-down-shirt-navy">this gorgeous linen shirt</a> which was drastically on sale (thanks for the tip!) and a white Witchery cami so I can layer and use the shirt as a bit more of a jacket style if I want.<br />
<br />
To dress it up, I would wear The Jewel Collective <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/tara-necklace.html">Tara necklace</a>, featuring gorgeous Tahitian and baroque freshwater pearls, or the <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/aphrodite-necklace.html">Aphrodite </a>which has a very pretty white sapphire central element, set in sterling silver.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SO4FilL3LU/VGVUYjUFDCI/AAAAAAAAChk/VfjsuQWvb9g/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SO4FilL3LU/VGVUYjUFDCI/AAAAAAAAChk/VfjsuQWvb9g/s320/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NPyHVc6b34/VGVUcSyhopI/AAAAAAAAChs/F6a0nuighyY/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NPyHVc6b34/VGVUcSyhopI/AAAAAAAAChs/F6a0nuighyY/s320/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Throw on a pair of flats or espadrilles (I like <a href="http://www.theiconic.com.au/Original-Canvas-Dali-167054.html">these ones</a> from The Iconic) and a Metallic handbag and you are set!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhPwL4HExPs/VGVb4sYjCVI/AAAAAAAACiM/qbWAWf8azEI/s1600/katies-00094732_-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhPwL4HExPs/VGVb4sYjCVI/AAAAAAAACiM/qbWAWf8azEI/s320/katies-00094732_-2.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
Now I am hooked on stripes. I am considering getting this <a href="http://www.katies.com.au/STRIPE-TEE.aspx?p6383074&cr=3rer__123037">tee shirt from Katies</a> (because CUTE!). And maybe even digging out <a href="http://misskitty-catgoestotown.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/ahoy-mateys.html">my old striped canvas bag</a> from pre Georgie days!<br />
<br />
What other stripey things could I add to my wardrobe?<br />
<br />
Kitty xMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-80465658929527669272014-11-10T14:59:00.000+11:002014-11-10T14:59:00.039+11:00Christmas List: What's on yours?Every year it gets to this point in time and I am ready. Ready for Christmas. I have decided what I am going to bake, I have lists, I have ordered Christmas cards, I am ORGANISED.<br />
<br />
This year? Well, this year... Not so much...<br />
<br />
At the moment I am procrastishopping. Building a list of things I'd like for Christmas (which will basically be bought by me in the post Christmas sales at this point). But a girl can dream - or post suggestions on her blog for her husband... Hint Hint...<br />
<br />
So, this is what's on my list:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4BImYAbpQo/VFrwHEMQdaI/AAAAAAAACgY/Tj9GYKrd_Dk/s1600/LargeCandleWhiteBackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4BImYAbpQo/VFrwHEMQdaI/AAAAAAAACgY/Tj9GYKrd_Dk/s1600/LargeCandleWhiteBackground.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.tandamodern.com/product/large-soy-wood-wick-candle">TANDA MODERN candle</a> in Lychee and Black tea. It's just the best smell! Seriously. My gorgeous friend Alyson makes the loveliest candles, and I am so super fussy about scents. Hers are amazing. Before she launched I only used to buy Diptyque candles but hers are better. Truly.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcI63Ztg58E/VFrwJzXUBII/AAAAAAAACgs/772j_owGyjE/s1600/WOARCB860004BLK_1_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcI63Ztg58E/VFrwJzXUBII/AAAAAAAACgs/772j_owGyjE/s1600/WOARCB860004BLK_1_large.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
An <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/456279/Alexander_McQueen/the-de-manta-printed-silk-satin-clutch">Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch</a> in Jewel Print. I already have two of these and they make the best evening bags. And this one has JEWELS on it! Winner!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-xE_DDdZWA/VFrwHKz8ddI/AAAAAAAACgc/eRU0U5GLzbI/s1600/phillippa-s-home-baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-xE_DDdZWA/VFrwHKz8ddI/AAAAAAAACgc/eRU0U5GLzbI/s1600/phillippa-s-home-baking.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/phillippa-s-home-baking-phillippa-grogan/prod9781921383311.html?source=pla&gclid=COj2m4eF5cECFVSSvQodPpQAxw">Phillippa's Home Baking</a> - filled with amazing, easy to bake recipes, this will no doubt be a well thumbed classic in my kitchen. Georgie is a keen baker (she is a top level stirrer and cake batter eater) and it's something we like to do together. I know it sounds naff, wanting to expand her baking repetoire, but there are only so many chocolate cakes a mummy can eat before she loses her mind...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5UikB_5_vk/VFrwG9jxcFI/AAAAAAAACgU/9SABs5BtjpI/s1600/540010-Large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5UikB_5_vk/VFrwG9jxcFI/AAAAAAAACgU/9SABs5BtjpI/s1600/540010-Large.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
Now anyone who has been reading this blog for any length of time knows of my long and abiding love of china. By that I mean porcelain, not the country (although I am a fan of dumplings... but I digress)... It's such a nana hobby but I really do love it. Now that I have completed my Limoges collection, I wanted to start collecting a new set. Determined not to rush into anything, I stumbled across the <a href="http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Waterford-Monique-Lhuillier-Embrace-Place-Setting-5pce.aspx">Waterford Michelle l'Huillier Embrace pattern</a> one day and it was love at first sight. LOVE. Now I must have it, so I think I will be collecting places for each birthday and Christmas for the next few years.<br />
<br />
What is on your Christmas list this year?<br />
<br />
K xx <br />
<br />
<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-23172263852972933322014-11-09T07:58:00.000+11:002014-11-09T07:58:00.243+11:00The Jewel Collective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtQy_iCWf0g/VFr-k0cCV5I/AAAAAAAACg8/UrwG7EGfAXw/s1600/Jewel_Collective_limoges_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtQy_iCWf0g/VFr-k0cCV5I/AAAAAAAACg8/UrwG7EGfAXw/s1600/Jewel_Collective_limoges_01.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last weekend, after 15 months of hard work, we launched The Jewel Collective.<br />
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The Jewel Collective is the epitome of affordable luxury.
Born from the idea that everyone should be able to wear beautiful jewels made
from natural materials and gems at a reasonable price, the pieces are designed
to be worn and enjoyed both everyday and for special occasions. The Jewel Collective
designs are classic, timeless and stylish, with a bit of an edge to make them
truly original.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The launch of the website and business is the culmination
of more than a year of planning and work by my husband and I. A life long
passion for jewels and pearls led me to give up an almost two decade career in
public relations to follow my dream and harness my consumer and online
experience to create a destination for beautifully designed and hand crafted
jewellery. It was important to me that the pieces we designed were high quality
and beautiful yet still affordable for customers. I wanted to provide stylish
women with another option for their accessories collection, other than costume
jewellery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-0QmYmXptw/VFr-oIzWe-I/AAAAAAAAChE/uVweih7blU0/s1600/Jewel_Collective_silver_and_gold_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-0QmYmXptw/VFr-oIzWe-I/AAAAAAAAChE/uVweih7blU0/s1600/Jewel_Collective_silver_and_gold_05.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pieces from the first collection prices start at $125 and
go all the way up to $3500 for a “one of a kind” strand of <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/tahitian-multicolour-pearl-necklace.html">hand selected Tahitian pearls</a>. Many of the pieces in the collection feature precious and
semi-precious stones, such as sapphires, garnet, agate, citrines and pearls, as
well as South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls, sterling silver and high
quality gold vermeil. The first collection contains earrings, necklaces and
bracelets.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-walXG9-NAZ4/VFr-uKzOWeI/AAAAAAAAChM/qTJ6WS0AtPE/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-walXG9-NAZ4/VFr-uKzOWeI/AAAAAAAAChM/qTJ6WS0AtPE/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_12.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/hera-necklace.html">Hera</a> pendant, $350</div>
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<br /></div>
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When designing the pieces for the first collection, I drew
on my own experiences of collecting jewellery over the years and my love of
natural stones and pearls. Every piece is something I would wear, love and
cherish.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qwJwZla9Y8/VFr_gp_BIII/AAAAAAAAChU/J7zke3RHmzs/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qwJwZla9Y8/VFr_gp_BIII/AAAAAAAAChU/J7zke3RHmzs/s1600/Jewel_Collective_deep_etch_21.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/fortuna-earrings.html">Fortuna</a> earrings, $150 </div>
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<br /></div>
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You can see the collection at <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/">http://www.thejewelcollective.com</a>
or follow us through social media on Instagram (@jewelcollective) or Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jewelcollective">https://www.facebook.com/jewelcollective</a>).</div>
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<br /></div>
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And, as a special friend of The Jewel Collective, to
celebrate the launch, we are giving you 10% off all products in the Mythology
collection. Just enter the code FRIENDS1114 at checkout. The code is valid until the end of November.</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I hope you love The Jewel Collective as much as we
loved designing and creating all of the pieces in our launch collection. We are
so excited about our launch!</span>Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-51930116506810361192014-11-08T07:41:00.000+11:002014-11-08T07:41:00.861+11:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Cinnamon rolls.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-nBrCFMdTU/VFq-ia9U-bI/AAAAAAAACgE/T2HavIVWTBM/s1600/1598932_732018386854114_183251660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-nBrCFMdTU/VFq-ia9U-bI/AAAAAAAACgE/T2HavIVWTBM/s1600/1598932_732018386854114_183251660_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
My new best friend is The Pioneer Woman. She doesn't know it but we are like sisters. Truly. We have a shared love for baked goods, fancy kitchenwares, Wolf ovens and butter. Lots of butter.<br />
<br />
But she lives on a farm and I hate the outdoors (a little secret - I don't even really like going to the park in case I get tan bark or sand in my shoes. True fact). And I hyperventilate at being more than about 10 minutes away from a shopping centre and she lives in Oklahoma on a cattle ranch, about a squillion miles from anywhere... So maybe we are just a little different... <br />
<br />
The one thing we definitely both LOVE are these cinnamon rolls. She seems to make them for practically everyone she meets. I made them for a friend who was in hospital last week, having given birth to a gorgeous new baby. Everyone who has ever breastfed knows how you have to inhale food in gargantuan quantities to keep making mama milk so this was a perfect hospital gift.<br />
<br />
I make them in half batches (which still made enough for two trays) but if you have enough people to share these amongst, the full batch doesn't take much extra time and effort to make. I didn't have maple flavouring for the glaze so I just use maple syrup instead (the Costco one or the organic Macro one from Woolies are both pretty good) and reduce the amount of milk, adding it splash by splash until you get the right consistency. And Mr K (who is usually an eschewer of all things icing related) says it really adds something to these rolls so it is worth making.<br />
<br />
The only disadvantage is that they don't keep much longer than a day as they do start to dry out a little, even with the glaze. And they don't freeze (because of the icing). And they are best eaten warm, just after the glaze has oozed and settled into all those gorgeous pillowy folds. So basically, stand over the sink and try not to get too much icing on your top as you inhale a few while they are still warm.<br />
<br />
Food of the gods. You heard it here first. <br />
<br />
K xx<br />
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<b>The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls</b></div>
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From <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/">The Pioneer Woman</a> </div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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1 quart (1 Litre) Whole Milk</div>
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1 cup Vegetable Oil</div>
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1 cup Sugar</div>
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2 packages Active Dry Yeast, 7g Packets (total 14 grams)</div>
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8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Reserved) All-purpose Flour</div>
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1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder</div>
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1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda</div>
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1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt</div>
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Plenty Of Melted Butter – about 1 1/2cups total.</div>
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2 cups Sugar</div>
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Generous Sprinkling Of Cinnamon</div>
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<i>Glaze:</i></div>
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1 bag Powdered Sugar (450g)</div>
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2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring (substitute maple syrup if you
can’t find it and drop the milk down to a few splashes)</div>
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1/2 cup Milk</div>
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1/4 cup Melted Butter</div>
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1/4 cup Brewed Coffee (espresso is fine, or if you are
making this to share with kids, just add more milk instead)</div>
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1/8 teaspoon Salt</div>
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</div>
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For the dough, heat the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a
medium saucepan over medium heat to just below a boil. I found it was perfect at about 75-80 degrees celcius. Set aside and cool until just
warm, about 40 minutes or so. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit on the milk for 1 minute.</div>
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Add 8 cups of the flour. Stir until just combined, then
cover with a clean tea towel, and set aside in a relatively warm place for
1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda,
salt, and the remaining 1 cup flour. Stir thoroughly to combine. Use the dough
right away, or place in a mixing bowl and refrigerate for up to 3 days,
punching down the dough if it rises to the top of the bowl. (Note: the dough is very sticky at this point and unless you are in a huge hurry, it is
much easier to work with if it’s been chilled for at least an hour or so
beforehand.)</div>
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Preheat the oven to 180°C.</div>
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To assemble the rolls, remove half the dough from the pan/bowl.
On a floured baking surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30 x
10 inches. The dough should be rolled very thin. Try and make the rectangle as even as possible to make sure your rolls are nice and even in size.</div>
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To make the filling, pour 3/4 cup to 1 cup of the melted
butter over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to spread the butter
evenly. Generously sprinkle half of the ground cinnamon and 1 cup of the sugar
over the butter. Don’t be afraid to drizzle on more butter or more sugar! Gooey
is the goal. It's messy but worth it.</div>
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Now, beginning at the end farthest from you, roll the
rectangle tightly towards you. Use both hands and work slowly, being careful to
keep the roll tight. Don’t worry if the filling oozes as you work; that just
means the rolls are going to be divine. When you reach the end, pinch the seam
together and flip the roll so that the seam is face down. When you’re finished,
you’ll wind up with one long buttery, cinnamony, sugary, gooey log.</div>
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Slip a cutting board underneath the roll and with a sharp
knife, make 1/2-inch slices. One “log” will produce 16-20 rolls. Pour a couple
of teaspoons of melted butter into disposable foil cake pans and smear with a
pastry brush to coat. Place the sliced rolls in the pans, being careful not to
overcrowd. (Each pan will hold about 8 rolls.)</div>
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Repeat the rolling/sugar/butter process with the other half
of the dough and more pans. Cover all the pans with a kitchen towel and set
aside to rise on the countertop for at least 20 minutes before baking. Remove
the towel and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown. Don’t allow the
rolls to become overly brown.</div>
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While the rolls are baking, make the maple icing: In a large
bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, butter, coffee, and salt. Splash
in the maple flavoring. Whisk until very smooth. Taste and add in more maple,
sugar, butter, or other ingredients as needed until the icing reaches the
desired consistency. The icing should be somewhat thick but still very pourable.</div>
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Remove pans from the oven. Immediately drizzle icing over
the top. Be sure to get it all around the edges and over the top. As they sit,
the rolls will absorb some of the icing’s moisture and flavor. They only get
better with time… not that they last for more than a few seconds around here.</div>
Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-77468469215677152432014-11-07T07:01:00.000+11:002014-11-07T07:01:00.353+11:00For the love of a handbag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A few years ago, Mr K, G and I found ourselves in London. For my sister's wedding (a very happy occasion). <br />
<br />
I decided on this trip that I wanted to buy myself a nice handbag. Treat yo'self. A everyday bag that was both stylish and practical but still beautiful. An investment bag (well an investment in my happiness and a dent in my credit card). However, in my search for the perfect bag, I made possibly THE DUMBEST TRADE EVER. I gave up business class seats to and from Europe for a nicer handbag (dumb for a number of reasons - not the most insignificant of which was the 18 month battle I had with coccyx pain which was started by a seat on the Air France flight home, but I digress).<br />
<br />
I really really wanted a Chloe Marcie. Really wanted one. But when I got to London, I started to question my decision, so in Paris I bought a <a href="http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/pont-neuf-gm-epi-000556">Louis Vuitton Pont Neuf GM</a> instead - which is a fab bag, but - let's be honest - practically useless when juggling a toddler... And totally impractical on visits to the park and there is just nowhere to stuff the wipes pack...<br />
<br />
So it sits in its dust cover, waiting for the appropriate time to use it... Which might be in about 10 years at this rate... Don't get me wrong - I love it and it's the bag I will leave to my daughter in my will but for this Mama's Stage of Life, it wasn't a great buy.<br />
<br />
My love of the Marcie never went away. When we were in Hawaii last year, I saw a really hot turquoise one. Stunning. But my heart was set on black. And the black one wasn't on sale. For a good 12 months I regretted not buying that bag. It was a fantastic price and I would have loved it. It would have had a very happy home with me. We would have had a lot of fun together.<br />
<br />
Fast forward and 12 months later we found ourselves in New York (ever the jetsetters, with a toddler and 17 pieces of luggage - it's not glam I tell you, traveling with a rambunctious toddler). I am standing in Bergdorfs, in front of the Chloe display and I just want one. Mr K sensibly talks me out of it, appealing to my inner bargain seeker through his inner tight arse - saying that by the time we factor in local tax, GST incoming into Australia and currency exchange, it would be cheaper to buy it online.<br />
<br />
He was right.<br />
<br />
Three weeks after we got home, I found my lovely on Reebonz at a truly bargain price and I have honestly never been happier with a bag purchase. It really was a great price (for a Chloe Marcie) and I have used it almost every day since. It's the medium size - not too big, not too small. Just right.<br />
<br />
A bag worth waiting for.<br />
<br />
PS: I'd still like one in turquoise. Just between you and me.<br />
<br />
K xxMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-39267553950836581912014-11-06T10:32:00.002+11:002014-11-06T12:18:41.653+11:00The Will to BlogThis morning, I woke up, and for the first time in ages, I felt like blogging.<br />
<br />
Huh.<br />
<br />
I was talking about this very issue last week (and a few months ago, even) with my lovely friend <a href="http://maxabellaloves.com.au/">Bron</a>. She said that my blogging mojo would eventually come back and she was right. Unfortunately at possibly the most inconvenient time (busyness wise). But, back, it seems it is!<br />
<br />
So, what has happened in my world since I last blogged?<br />
<br />
Lots, and not very much really. Life.<br />
<br />
I <a href="http://www.thejewelcollective.com/">launched my new business</a> last weekend. That took up LOADS of time. Pretty cool! It was something I loved doing but, mother of all that is holy, could someone have please told me how tired I would feel this week? It somewhat goes towards explaining why I had no time to blog...<br />
<br />
We are still living in our little hovel, just the three of us - plans *should* go to the structural engineer early next week. Maybe. Who knows? But it's getting increasingly difficult to run two businesses and live in what is effectively a 2 bedroom house. With a toddler who runs everywhere. RUNS. If anyone has any suggestions on how to speed thing up (that don't involve murder or DIVORCE - both of which are threatened on a regular basis) then I am all ears. <br />
<br />
We went to America for 5 weeks in May. That was fun. But goodness, it was no holiday (well it was mostly work). A holiday is something we are all in desperate need of at the moment.<br />
<br />
So I guess that just goes to show that life really is like Bold and the Beautiful - you can watch it for a while and then go away and come back four years later and Brooke and Eric are still having the same conversation and you feel like nothing has changed. Except, what happened to Ridge?<br />
<br />
Huh. There you go. And who said soap operas weren't realistic?<br />
<br />
But I digress. So I am back. Talking about what? I don't know yet. Bags? Shoes? Frocks? Cakes? Kids? Jewels? Cats? Houses? Stay tuned. Could be none or all of the above, you lucky people.<br />
<br />
There's this week's cliffhanger for you.<br />
<br />
Kitty xx Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-29692607969190028762014-02-05T09:29:00.000+11:002014-02-05T09:29:29.818+11:00Miss Kitty bakes: pumpkin and feta loaf<br />
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<br />
I could start this post by apologising profusely for my absence, but I sense it might be a bit of a theme this year (we have so much going on) and the blog is a bit of a low priority at the moment (amongst other such life changing discussions as "build me a house" and "shall we try to have another child?" etc.). So I will be back and forth, posting when I can or when people ask for specific recipes.<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't you just love instagram? <a href="http://instagram.com/mrskittycat">I live on it</a>. And that's where I saw a variation of this recipe, from the gorgeous Rachael Finch. The recipe originally appeared on her website. I am trying to convince Mr K that we should eat less meat, somewhat unsuccessfully, but if I can find more things like this then I think I am in with a shot.<br />
<br />
I didn't have enough almond meal for the recipe and although I had raw almonds and could have made some, I also had a bit of quinoa languishing at the back of my cupboard, so I decided to adapt the recipe to suit what we had. It was delicious. I will definitely be making it again.<br />
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The best part for me was that it actually held together! So many of my quinoa experiments have been failures as I have yet to find the right texture and binding agents. My quinoa patties always fall apart. I just tend to throw it in salads or serve it as a side with meat or a stew, but this time it really worked well.<br />
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Here is the link to the <a href="http://rachaelfinch.com/pumpkin-bake/">original recipe</a>, which I have adapted below. Rachael actually adapted it to fit what she had in her cupboard, so it is a very forgiving loaf. You could add whatever veggies you like to it - I think it would be great with roasted eggplant, zucchini and capsicum and served with a chunky tomato sauce in winter, or do as we did and serve it with a salad. This served three hungry people easily, but you could fiddle with the amounts and make a larger loaf to feed more.<br />
<br />
<b>Pumpkin and quinoa loaf</b><br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
1/2 a small butternut pumpkin<br />
1/3 cup almond meal<br />
1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts<br />
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed well<br />
Handful sundried tomatoes, sliced<br />
100g feta cheese, roughly crumbled<br />
3 free range eggs<br />
1 tablespoon chives<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
Salt & pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.<br />
<br />
Remove the skin from the pumpkin, cut into bite size cubes and roast on a greased tray for 20
minutes or until coloured and soft. Let the pumpkin cool.<br />
<br />
Cook the quinoa in a pot over a low heat and allow to cool.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, mix together eggs, milk and almond meal, quinoa then add all other ingredients. Fold gently to mix well. Pour into baking tin lined with baking paper & bake for 30-40mins, or until crisp on top.<br />
<br />
Let the loaf cool for about 5 minutes before removing from tin. Serve with a salad or steamed veggies.<br />
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<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-58523405762208038092013-11-30T14:31:00.000+11:002013-11-30T14:31:20.092+11:00Busy Busy Kitty!Two steps forward, one step back.<br />
<br />
Or that's what life seems like at the moment for the Kitty folk.<br />
<br />
Just as one gets better, the next comes down with some mutant strain of bleeeeaaauuugghhh... At the moment Mr K is laid up with it but I was unwell mid-week and Little G was sick the previous week. It seems to get worse everytime it moves from person to person. Lord knows how we will cope with the move to 2 days daycare next year.<br />
<br />
We purchased a block of land 5 weeks ago (very exciting and something that has been on the cards for a couple of years for us) and, despite our best efforts to have plans sorted out before settlement, we are waaaaay behind schedule. Majorly. I guess I have to look forward to this being my life for the next few years, right? Unsurprisingly, life gets in the way of the best of intentions, nothing ever goes to plan when you build, right? Right...?<br />
<br />
At this point, we are all looking forward to a relaxing week over Christmas with my parents and my brother and sister and their families. We just have to get there. Hopefully in one piece.<br />
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Kitty xxMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-72608530843359180692013-11-03T20:49:00.000+11:002013-11-03T20:53:29.810+11:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Gateau au Yaourt a la framboise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When all else fails, bake.<br />
<br />
This seems to be my motto at the moment, along with the Kitty Family mantra: Never Knowingly Under-catered. The two go hand in hand.<br />
<br />
When my brain is about to explode, filled with <u>so much going on</u>, it is sometimes the only form of release I have.The mindless therapy of stirring and beating and mixing and pouring, then waiting for the house to fill with the glorious sweet scent of home baked cakes and treats. It's so soothing for me and helps keep the chaos of my mind slightly more ordered.<br />
<br />
Today was such one day - I felt compelled to bake. Beyond all reason. G has come down with a cold very suddenly - one minute fine, the next, a streaming mess of clingy toddler snot. Mr K is completely bogged down with work so once G went to sleep for her nap (albeit a very small one), I just had to make something.<br />
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This Gateau au Yaourt, or Yoghurt Cake, as it is known in English, is simplicity at it's best. You can use whatever sugar you like - either white or golden castor or brown sugar, and you can flavour it with whatever you like: sliced peaches work beautifully when they are in season, lemon zest and blueberries work all year round, poached quinces or pears are lovely for a winter treat. But this variation with raspberries and almond meal is my favourite. The almond meal makes it a little more rustic and dense - you can replace it with a little more flour if you choose.<br />
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The recipe is a traditional French treat, often made by children with their mothers. The simplicity comes from the fact you can use a single yoghurt pot as a measuring cup for the majority of the ingredients. I simply use a half cup measure - French yoghurt pots are 125ml each, or half a cup. I got the recipe originally from Clotilde at <a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2004/05/raspberry_yogurt_cake.php">Chocolate and Zucchini</a>.<br />
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Despite her cold, Georgie ate an entire piece of this magical creation. So it must be good. It lasts well but it never lasts long around here.<br />
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<span class="hrecipe"></span><br />
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<div class="tl">
<div class="tr">
<span class="instructions">
<b>Gâteau au Yaourt à la Framboise</b><br />
<br />
2 tubs (or 1 cup) of plain yogurt, I used Jalna organic fat free because that's what I have but any yoghurt works in this cake<br />
<i>Use one of the empty tubs to measure out :</i><br />
2 tubs of brown sugar (or 1 cup)<br />
1/2 tub of oil (1/4 cup - I use vegetable oil but you could use coconut or light olive if you like)<br />
3 tubs of sifted plain flour (1 1/2 cups)<br />
1/2 tub ground almonds (1/4 cup)<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>You will also need :</i><br />
3 eggs<br />
1 Tbsp baking powder<br />
a good pinch of salt<br />
300 g raspberries (fresh or frozen -- no need to thaw them if they're frozen)<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Copiously grease and line a 9-inch (22 cm) round cake pan with baking paper.<br />
<br />
<span class="hrecipe"><span class="instructions"> In a medium bowl measure out then combine the flour, the baking powder,
the salt, and the almonds. </span></span>In a large mixing bowl, <b>combine </b>the yogurt, the oil and the
sugar with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring after
each addition. Add the flour mixture to the batter in three
or four additions, and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. <br />
<br />
Alternatively, use your food processor to mix the batter, adding the ingredients in the same order as indicated above.<br />
<br />
<b>Pour </b>half the batter into the cake pan. Cover evenly with half
of the raspberries. Pour the other half of the batter, and arrange the
other half of the raspberries on top.<br />
<br />
Put into the oven to <b>bake</b>, for 50 to 60, until the top is
springy and a cake tester comes out clean. If it looks like the top of
the cake is browning too quickly, cover with foil for the rest of the
baking time.<br />
<br />
Let rest on the counter for ten minutes -- I repeat : let
rest on the counter for then minutes -- then run a knife around the cake
to loosen it, and turn out on a rack to cool completely.<br />
</span></div>
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<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-74404829716244575712013-10-01T15:51:00.003+10:002013-10-01T15:51:56.987+10:00Miss Kitty Cooks: Chinese Chicken salad<br />
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Okay, I'll admit, this isn't exactly "cooking" (unless you count roasting or poaching the chicken), more assembling. It's a very easy and quick summer's dinner. You can make it with freshly poached chicken, or - do as I did - roast one you have in your fridge (Thanks Vic's Meats Market Day!). Or, you can always do what I <b>usually</b> do - which is use the white meat from a store bought rotisserie chicken. Delicious any way you look at it.<br />
<br />
It's an adaptation of a recipe my mum used to make years ago. She got it, I think from a US recipe book, or maybe she had it in a restaurant once? I forget the provenance but the recipe is that good it has stuck around for years. That's testament to a delicious salad in my book! <br />
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The salad measurements are loose - it's the dressing that has to be spot on. I always make sure I have all of the ingredients on hand. It makes a fast and easy supper on nights when you just can't face cooking again.<br />
<br />
<b>Miss Kitty's Chinese Chicken salad</b><br />
<br />
Serves 2 hungry people<br />
<br />
2 cooked chicken breast fillets (either roasted or poached), skin removed and meat shredded<br />
1 lebanese cucumber, sliced<br />
4-5 large cos lettuce leaves, sliced<br />
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted<br />
3 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted<br />
1/2 packet Changs Fried Noodles (leave these out if you want a healthier version)<br />
1 avocado, diced<br />
1/2 cup coriander leaves <br />
<br />
<i>Dressing</i><br />
<br />
3 tablespoons Hoi Sin sauce<br />
1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce<br />
Juice from one lime (more if your lime isn't all that juicy), you are after 3 or so tablespoons<br />
One tablespoon rice wine vinegar<br />
A few drops of sesame oil, about 1/2 teaspoon<br />
1 tablespoon soy sauce<br />
<br />
Combine all of the salad ingredients into a large bowl, tossing gently to combine.<br />
<br />
Add all of the dressing ingredients into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine. Taste dressing for balance - I often find I need to add more lime juice to make it a little more tangy. You are looking for a good balance of sweet, salty and tart in this dressing.<br />
<br />
Pour dressing over the salad and sprinkle with more coriander.<br />
<br />
Eat with gusto. Try to share. Don't be too distressed if you can't. You could also make a vegetarian version with fried tofu (yum yum).Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-12236004688025724552013-09-30T09:19:00.001+10:002013-09-30T09:19:50.809+10:00Miss Kitty Goes: Honkers<div style="text-align: center;">
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Another day and another apology. Since we got back from Hong Kong we have been overwhelmed by STUFF. Things to do. It's party season here for the little bug so we are busy trotting off to those on weekends and there is an awful lot of work to be done for the Jewel Collective over the next few months. Plus we are attempting to buy a house... It's never just one thing is it?<br />
<br />
We met lots of lovely potential suppliers at the trade show in Hong Kong. Alas, there wasn't an awful lot of time left for other, more fun things. We had a few dinners out (one reasonably posh one) but the rest of our meals were very utilitarian, unfortunately. Ahhh - the joys of travelling with a child. For work. The best of both worlds!<br />
<br />
We did manage to squeeze in a little bit of fun - a small amount of shopping for the bug. Some yummy food. Suffice to say we are looking forward to another trip next year.<br />
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Yummy Katsu from Ginza Bairin and pork buns from Tim Ho Wan:<br />
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And leopard print macaron boxes from Laduree. I mean, did you EVER??<br />
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<br />
I did manage to buy a few small things for myself - a couple of scarves at Zara, a <a href="http://www.shanghaitang.com/shop/accessories/bangles/mosaic-enamel-bangle-large-2538-20.html">bangle from Shanghai Tang</a> and this little amethyst and pink sapphire beauty from the Trade Show from a Thai jeweller who had the most spectacular things... <br />
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Despite the heat, I even managed a few good hair days:<br />
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Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Frappucinos: I miss you so much, but my thighs do not miss you at all.<br />
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<br />
Georgie scored well - two pairs of Melissa shoes and this awesome fur gillet from Zara. They do have fantastic kids clothes!<br />
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<br />
And we toasted the end of our trip with a few cocktails at Aqua, whilst watching the gorgeous lights of the harbour below us.<br />
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Honkers, you never cease to amaze us with your beauty and fast pace. Hopefully we will see you again next year!Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-35395845515811153222013-09-06T10:18:00.002+10:002013-09-06T10:18:46.139+10:00Miss Kitty Does: My new project<br />
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<br />
First up, apologies for the silence slash sporadic posting over the past few months. Georgie is going through a bit of a delightful phase at the moment and it's really hard to tear yourself away from them when they are just this cute. Really cute. And occasionally snotty (which is even more high maintenance)...<br />
<br />
Also, I do have news to share with you all. My new baby. For the last four months or so I have been working on my new business idea, The Jewel Collective. We are heading off to Hong Kong next week to meet with manufacturers and potential suppliers. It's very very exciting but also nerve wracking. Occasionally I feel like I want to vomit with so much going on (and more than occasionally just having a very quiet freak out over here) but I am loving the whole process, even the mundane stuff. Jewellery is something I have been passionate about, ever since I was a little girl, so it just feels right for me to move into this space. <br />
<br />
I am currently on track to launch in March 2014 (fingers crossed). I would gladly appreciate any advice you have about running a small business, online or otherwise. It's a big call for someone who has never done it to start working for herself. But I am excited and thrilled to be launching something of my very own.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more news and sneak peeks of the first collection!<br />
<br />
Kitty xx<br />
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<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-59427250431278842472013-09-01T13:39:00.000+10:002013-09-01T13:39:07.176+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: spiced apple cider fruit bread<br />
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Mr K is a fairly undemanding spouse. When I asked him what he wanted me to bake him for Father's Day, he said immediately: "a loaf of bread."<br />
<br />
"A loaf of bread? <u><b>Just</b></u> a loaf of bread? Not a cake, or something, I don't know... Challenging?"<br />
<br />
"Yes. A loaf of bread," he replied.<br />
<br />
So a loaf of bread it was. However, knowing him and his likes, I decided to make it a little more special than just your average white loaf. He has a soft spot for my <a href="http://misskitty-catgoestotown.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/great-hot-cross-bun-adventure.html">hot cross buns</a>, so I thought I might make something like that but in a loaf form.<br />
<br />
I adapted a recipe from one of my newest cookbook acquisitions, the <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-great-australian-bake-off-cookbook-the-great-australian-bake-off/prod9780857981134.html?gclid=CP-NkfieqbkCFY5fpQodOHwAWg">Great Australian Bake Off Cookbook</a>. It's actually a really great book, full of good tips and hints and excellent recipes for everyone from the basic baker through to the most polished of patissiers.I really enjoyed the TV show and have already earmarked a number of the recipes to try at home.<br />
<br />
This is a fairly easy bread to make. the dough is quite stiff in the beginning but it does rise well. The main changes I made to the recipe include substitution of fruit (we had no currants and we don't like mixed peel) and upping the spice levels. We have been nibbling away at it for most of the morning - the heady cinnamon and spice smell in the house keep drawing us back to the loaf. It would be fabulous toasted, but frankly, I don't think it's going to last that long here.<br />
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And Mr K's all important verdict? Delicious. That says it all, really.<br />
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<b>Miss Kitty's spiced apple cider fruit bread</b></div>
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(adapted from <a href="http://gabo.ninemsn.com.au/recipes/2013/08/06/20/45/moniques-spiced-fruit-cider-bread">this recipe</a>) </div>
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¾ cup raisin</div>
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¾ cup sultanas</div>
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335ml bottle of dry apple cider, warmed (I used Monteith’s
Apple Cider)</div>
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3½ cups white bread flour</div>
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Zest of one orange</div>
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3 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div>
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½ teaspoon ground mixed spice</div>
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½ teaspoon ground allspice</div>
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¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg</div>
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</div>
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½ teaspoon salt</div>
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1 x 7g sachet dried yeast</div>
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Soak the raisins and sultanas in the warm cider while you
measure out the other ingredients. Add the flour, spices, zest and yeast to a
warm bowl and make a well in the centre. Strain the cider from the fruit,
reserving the fruit. Add the liquid to the dry mixture. Knead well (15—20
minutes by hand or about 7-8 minutes in a kitchenaid) until the dough is
stretchy. Add a little more water (2-3 tablespoons) if the dough doesn’t come
together. Cover and leave in a warm place until doubled in size — about 45—60
minutes. I popped my dough back into the Kitchenaid bowl and into a sink half
filled with warm water – our kitchen was cold this morning.</div>
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Knock back the dough and add the fruit. Knead until the
fruit is evenly distributed. Shape into an oval loaf and place on the baking
tray. Cover with baking paper and a clean tea towel and prove a second time for
30 minutes.</div>
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Towards
the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 220°C. Dust the loaf with flour
and score it with a sharp knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the loaf is
golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack and eat slathered in
good butter.</div>
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<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-36747762075953728092013-08-25T15:07:00.001+10:002013-08-25T15:33:45.008+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Roasted vegetable, goats cheese and hazelnut salad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFbqsgFeJ6Y/UhmQ4_bKUII/AAAAAAAACbs/XUmE41ICWQY/s1600/WinterVeggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFbqsgFeJ6Y/UhmQ4_bKUII/AAAAAAAACbs/XUmE41ICWQY/s320/WinterVeggies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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August is a funny time in Sydney. One day, the weather is warm and springlike. The next, the wind whips up and you have to swathe yourself in winter woolens again.<br />
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<br />
This is a recipe I made up last week when we had a range of rather sorry looking root veggies in the fridge. We were desperate for something green and leafy but the urge for comfort food has not quite left. This salad fits the bill perfectly: the comforting warmth of the cinnamon honey roasted vegetables combined with the smooth goats cheese and crunch of the hazelnuts makes for the perfect late winter salad. You could serve it without the rocket (maybe with some steamed beans or brocolini instead), but I think the peppery nature of the greens is an excellent foil for the dish and elevates it to a lighter plane.<br />
<br />
I wasn't going to blog this (because it seemed somewhat simple) but I have had quite a few email/Facebook/Instagram requests after I posted the picture on Instagram, so I assume people are feeling like we are - a little desperate for some comfort food in a salady world.<br />
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Enjoy! We certainly did. So much so, we are having a version of this again for dinner tonight.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span class="null">Miss Kitty's warm winter vegetable salad</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="null">1 small sweet potato or kumera</span><br />
<span class="null">1 large parsnip, peeled</span><br />
<span class="null">2 carrots</span><br />
<span class="null">A piece (maybe 300g) of butternut pumpkin, peeled</span><br />
<span class="null">2 tablespoons Coconut oil, melted</span><br />
<span class="null">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="null">1 tablespoon honey</span><br />
<span class="null">2 large handfuls of rocket, washed and dried</span><br />
<span class="null">100g goats chevre (we used Meredith Dairy chevre)</span><br />
<span class="null">50g hazelnuts, roasted, peeled and roughly chopped</span><br />
<span class="null">Caramelised balsamic vinegar to drizzle </span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Chop the sweet potato, parsnip, carrots
and pumpkin into even pieces and place in a bowl. In a cup or jug, combine the melted coconut oil, cinnamon and honey, stirring well to combine, then pour
over vegetables. Mix with your hands until everything is fully coated. Work quickly as the coconut oil may reset if your veggies are cold.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Spread the vegetables out in a roasting tray
or baking sheet(s) in one layer. Roast for approximately 45 minutes at 180 degrees
or until golden brown, tossing once or twice during cooking. Allow to
cool a little on the tray.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Place the washed and dried rocket onto a
platter and top with the veggies and a handful of chopped roasted
hazelnuts. Dot with the crumbled goats cheese and drizzle with caramelised balsamic.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Serves Four as a accompaniment - we had ours with BBQd lamb chops. </span>Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-32957080255689106062013-08-03T15:17:00.000+10:002013-08-03T15:17:00.066+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Carrot, zucchini and banana muffins<br />
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As I have previously mentioned, Georgie is a veggie hater. A genuine skeptic. But in order to try and get some green nutrients into her I have resorted to hiding veggies in other food. I grate every type of vegetable imaginable and pop it in bolognese. My "tomato pasta sauce" has about seven different vegetables in it. And then there are these muffins.<br />
<br />
There's nothing revoutionary in including zucchini in a muffin. Zucchinis, when cooked, take on a lovely sweet flavour that complement the carrot and banana. You could always add nuts or raisins to the mix to add a different dimension but we seem to prefer this classic version and everyone in the house likes them which is also a bonus. This recipe makes a rather large quantity but the muffins freeze very well so it's worth making the full amount, then you always have a healthy, veggie laden snack on hand for morning or afternoon tea.<br />
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<b>Zucchini, Carrot and Banana Muffins</b></div>
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Adapted from: The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread via <a href="http://delectablymine.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/zucchini-carrot-and-banana-muffins.html">DelectablyMine</a></div>
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Ingredients</div>
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1 1/2 cups (220 g) plain flour</div>
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11/2 cups (220g) wholemeal flour </div>
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1 1/8 cups (227 g) sugar</div>
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2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon</div>
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2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda</div>
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1 teaspoon kosher salt</div>
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3/4 teaspoon baking powder</div>
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3 cups (340 g) carrots, peeled and grated</div>
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2 cups (255 g) zucchini, grated</div>
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1 cup (270 g) mashed, ripe banana (equivalent to 3 smallish
bananas)</div>
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4 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (120 g) vegetable oil</div>
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2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div>
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Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.</div>
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, cinnamon,
baking soda, salt and baking powder. Set aside.</div>
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In another medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and
vanilla. Set aside.</div>
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In a large bowl, gently toss together the carrots, zucchini,
and bananas. Pour the liquid egg mixture over the grated vegetables and
bananas, and fold in gently to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and
fold in until just combined.</div>
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Scoop the batter gently into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake for 8 minutes at 200 degrees, then rotate the pan and reduce the
temperature to 175 degrees. Bake for an additional 9-11 minutes, or until a
toothpick comes out clean. Leave muffins in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove
from the pan and place on a wire reach to cool completely before tucking in.</div>
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Yields: 24 muffins <br />
Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-5910867815910216972013-08-02T20:42:00.001+10:002013-08-02T20:42:50.933+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Slow cooked lemon and garlic chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9oSaMDekF8/UfuMw9OjRpI/AAAAAAAACbM/U_CDRwL4keE/s1600/nigellachicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9oSaMDekF8/UfuMw9OjRpI/AAAAAAAACbM/U_CDRwL4keE/s320/nigellachicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
When I think of winter, I think of long slow braises and soft unctuous roasts that spend hours and hours in the oven. We spend a lot of time with the oven on in this house - the benefits of which are twofold: 1. we get lovely, yet easy food and 2. it keeps the kitchen snug and warm.<br />
<br />
<br />
This delicious Nigella Lawson dish is no exception: minimal fuss, high reward for effort and a lovely warm kitchen to boot. And it reheats very well so you can spread the three minutes worth of effort over two meals. It seriously can't get much better than that!<br />
<br />
We sometimes make this with a whole chicken cut into pieces, or marylands, or chicken thigh pieces on the bone. It's a very forgiving dish. And a delicious one. It's a winter staple in this house. Give it a go!<br />
<br />
<b>Nigella Lawson's Slow Roasted Lemon and Garlic Chicken</b><br />
(From <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/slow-roasted-garlic-and-lemon-chicken-203">Nigella.com</a>) <br />
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1 chicken (approx. 2.25kg / 4½lbs) cut into 10 pieces</div>
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1 bulb of garlic (separated into unpeeled cloves)</div>
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2 unwaxed lemons (cut into chunky eighths)</div>
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1 handful fresh thyme</div>
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3 tablespoons olive oil</div>
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150 ml white wine</div>
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Black pepper</div>
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Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/gas mark 3/325ºF.</div>
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Put the chicken pieces into a roasting tin and add the
garlic cloves, lemon chunks and the thyme; just roughly pull the leaves off the
stalks, leaving some intact for strewing over later. Add the oil and using your
hands mix everything together, then spread the mixture out, making sure all the
chicken pieces are skin side up.</div>
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Sprinkle over the white wine and grind on some pepper, then
cover tightly with foil and put in the oven to cook, at flavour-intensifyingly
low heat, for 2 hours.</div>
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Remove the foil from the roasting tin, and turn up the oven
to 200°C/gas mark 6/400ºF. Cook the uncovered chicken for another 30-45
minutes, by which time the skin on the meat will have turned golden brown and
the lemons will have begun to scorch and caramelise at the edges.</div>
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Serve the chicken straight from the roasting tin strewn with
your remaining thyme alongside yummy roasted potatoes and a green salad.</div>
Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-67188370314429583422013-07-25T14:43:00.002+10:002013-07-25T14:49:51.980+10:00Georgie: on eating<br />
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It's been a while since you have had a Georgie focused post, so I thought I would give you a round up on what she loves and doesn't like when it comes to that subject that seems to obsess most mothers (after sleeping, that is): food.<br />
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I always assumed I wouldn't have a fussy child when it comes to food. Neither my husband nor I are particularly fussy. We eat reasonably well. When she turned 4 months old, we started her off on purees but moved to baby led weaning when she was about 6 months old and decided she didn't like purees any more. We have had mixed results. There is no denying that Georgie is a reasonably fussy eater. <br />
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If you listen to Georgie, Vegetables are the Devil's Work. Enemy #1 is peas. Georgie won't touch anything that has touched peas (more on that below). Pumpkin, potatoes and sweet potatoes follow closely in succession (maybe it was ODing on orange food when she was little?). Salad vegetables are also verboten as are broccoli, beans and broccolini. The few vegetables she does eat are zucchini (surprisingly), carrot and corn. And cooked tomatoes (like in pasta sauce). Mum is getting very good at smuggling veggies into things. My "tomato" pasta sauce contains pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, onion and just enough tomato to make it look red enough to pass for tomatoes. <br />
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In terms of protein, Georgie is a bit of a champion. Salmon, tuna, flathead, whitebait are all favourites. Lamb chops and slow roasted lamb always go down a treat. Sausages, home made chicken nuggets, mince... She loves houmous, which is great. Sometimes I wonder if we aren't raising a toddler who has popped herself on the Atkins Diet. Her favourite protein is Pig: ham, proscuitto, bacon. Love it!<br />
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She is also a bit of a dairy fiend: cheese and yoghurt are both staples. She is quite fussy about brands - she loves the 5AM pouches of yoghurt (hates spooning it) and Mainland Tasty is her favourite cheese. She is not a fan of kids singles or plastic cheese. Milk still presents problems - she reacts badly to it, no matter what we try: Organic, lactose free, skim, full fat.... We are going to try rice or almond milk next but to be honest she doesn't seem to bother with it. She's more than happy on just a little bit of toddler formula, but if we stopped, I don't think she would miss it.<br />
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On carbohydrates, she is a bit hit and miss. She loves Pasta. Wholemeal, penne, butterflies.... You name it, she hoovers it. Rice is great, except for risotto. Eggs and crumpets also seem to be winners. When we go out, she'll eat fried rice at Chinese (even the peas, despite the at home aversion!). Bread? Well, sometimes. It you make her a sandwich, she will eat what's inside and give you back the bread. Toast is a bit more successful. She likes muesli but not porridge. Muffins, yes. We try and stuff as many nutrients into home made muffins as possible. The combinations can get a bit weird - the latest batch is carrot, banana and zucchini, but she seems to like them and that's all that matters. She doesn't have much of a sweet tooth - she's not really interested in cake, but does have a fondness for the occasional "cookie" which can encompass anything from a rice cracker to a shortbread or marie biscuit.She doesn't eat lollies or chocolate and she doesn't drink juice. <br />
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Our one great success has been with fruit. She eats a very wide variety, which is great: mandarins, bananas, strawberries, kiwi fruit, blueberries (or booberries as they are called here), raspberries, apples, pears.... Most things she will try at least once before making a decision, unless they are green :)<br />
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Over the last few months I have really started to obsess over what she will - or rather, won't - eat. I worry about her getting enough nutrients. I worry about her using food as a weapon, that mealtimes will become battlefields. But the more I speak to other mummies, the more I realise she is completely normal. All kids do this. It's the start of their independence: deciding what they do and don't like to eat. Making first choices for themselves.<br />
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I have come to realise that the problem is really with me - and my reactions to her defiance. Having to cook four different dishes for dinner (as well as a different main meal for the adults, because Mr K isn't a fan of eating corn, pasta and ham for dinner 3 nights a week) before she finds something she really does like or will eat can be a bit soul destroying and you do get stuck in a bit of a rut. Protein and pasta is our staple when all else fails and we have it more than I would like. New things are approached with a bit of trepidation, mostly on my part. I still think she is too young to understand the repercussions of not eating her dinner so I do tend to fill her up on banana, yoghurt and cheese if I don't think she has eaten enough for her main meal.<br />
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At the end of the day, I am coming around to the idea that she is one of those kids who just eats when she is hungry and she favours plain food over adventurous eating. If she's not hungry, nothing will tempt her. She is happy, more than active enough for her age (one might say very active) and thriving. More often than not, she sleeps well. She is amongst the tallest of her peers. If all of that means she doesn't eat her peas then I will settle for my happy, well adjusted child over a pea eating one. <br />
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Kitty x<br />
<br />Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-51660008432247068252013-07-22T18:49:00.000+10:002013-07-22T18:49:00.342+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: Sour cream and lemon cupcakes with cream cheese frostingRecently a very good friend of mine, <a href="http://theflourybaker.wordpress.com/">The Floury Baker</a>, had a birthday. She is an absolutely awesome chick who has her hands full with two gorgeous yet spunky kids under the age of two. Now, I complain about having no time to myself but she really has no time, yet she juggles mummyhood, baking and a blog with aplomb.<br />
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<span itemprop="recipeInstructions"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sf7N1uQsIMA/UevKnfLLMPI/AAAAAAAACaE/nmyqYZ6wGd0/s1600/lemon+cupcakes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sf7N1uQsIMA/UevKnfLLMPI/AAAAAAAACaE/nmyqYZ6wGd0/s320/lemon+cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </div>
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I made these cupcakes for her - she had a bit of a crap week and I wanted to give her a bit of a pick me up for her birthday. They were delicious and I hope they did the trick in lifting collective spirits. The sunny happy zesty lemon yellow certainly made my day and I will make these babies again and again. The sour cream gives the cake a delightful delectable softness yet the crumb remains moist and delicious.They are super easy to make and will have your friends oohing and aahing about your baking prowess.<br />
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<b>Lemon sour cream cupcakes with cream cheese frosting</b><br />
(Original recipe from <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/1402/lemon_sour_cream_cake">SBS Food</a>) <br />
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<span itemprop="ingredients">Cake:</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">125 g soft butter</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">220 g (1 cup) caster sugar</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">Zest of one lemon</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">3 medium eggs</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">2 tbsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">150 g (1 cup) plain flour</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">60 g (1/3 cup) self-raising flour</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">100 g sour cream</span><br />
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<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat oven to 180C. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with patty cases. Fancy ones, if you have them.<br /><br />Cream
butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl down to make sure all the butter has been incorporated. Add lemon zest, then add eggs
one by one, fully incorporating each one before adding the next. Stir
through lemon juice. The mixture may look a bit curdled at this point, but press on.<br /><br />Sift flours together and fold in carefully, alternating with sour cream. Mix to incorporate well.<br /><br />Spoon into patty cases. Try not to eat too much of the batter - it really is delicious. Bake
the cakes for 20 minutes. Test the cakes are done by inserting a skewer. If it comes out
clean the cakes are ready; if it doesn’t, cook for a further few minutes and
test again. <br /><br />Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then remove cakes from tin and place on a rack, ready for icing. </span>
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Frosting:<br />
40g soft butter<br />
125g cream cheese<br />
Zest of one lemon<br />
1 tbslp lemon juice<br />
3 cups sifted icing sugar<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients until smooth and spread or pipe on cooled cupcakes. Makes enough for 24 cupcakes, but you know you'll make these again. Keeps covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-62827573548826507572013-07-21T21:25:00.002+10:002013-07-21T21:25:45.735+10:00Oh Hai! There you are!Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Apologies for the lack of communication over the past few weeks. It's been a bit manic over at Maison du Kitty. Babies (well, a rather large toddler) and varying degrees of sickness around the traps have translated into not a lot of time for Kitty and no time for blog. The time that has been left (oh, about 4 seconds a day) has been spent comfort baking (don't you just love winter?) and filling my freezer like no-one's business.<br />
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I am hoping to get back on the wagon shortly, and thank you to all those kind souls who have sent both virtual and real shout outs to check on our well being. We are all fine, just stretched. I think we all go through phases like this, and in my particular case, I had started to wonder if I had run out of things to say. But alas, no, just time in which to say them.<br />
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I also have an exciting new project that I am spending most of my free time working on. Hopefully it will debut early next year but I will keep you well informed in the interim and hopefully over the next few weeks/months I will have more exciting news on the work front to share. It's certainly something I have been thinking about for some time and finally have the courage to do. Or at least start. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.<br />
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More later, but in the interim, I promise to update with fun things like baking a little more frequently.<br />
<br />
Kitty xxMiss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456063560836602177.post-30938930065020129152013-06-21T21:21:00.000+10:002013-06-21T21:21:05.438+10:00Miss Kitty Bakes: pumpkin, leek and feta pie with olive oil pastryIt's been a bit of a tough fortnight in the Kitty house - we have all been laid up with colds and it has hit some (me) harder than others (Georgie and Mr K). As a result, I have really felt like food that is full of goodness and supremely tasty (to make up for my loss of tastebuds).<br />
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I first saw this recipe last week and was intrigued. The only pumpkin pies I have ever had the pleasure of eating have been sweet rather than savory. And then there's the issue of Mr K believing a meal is not a meal without meat. Despite these challenges I pressed on, convincing him to try and give it a go.<br />
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I will say, it is a bit of a time investment, but it's definitely worth the effort. The pastry is vegan (shhhhh!! Don't tell Mr K!!) containing just flour, water, olive oil and salt. Very easy to make and easy to work with. Once cooked, it is firm in texture with no butter to shorten the pastry and is more reminiscent of a bread casing than traditional pastry. The filling takes a bit more time to prepare but it's definitely delicious. The combination of the leeks, pumpkin and cheese make for a yummy flavour combination and the addition of walnuts give it a welcome crunch.<br />
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Mr K has agreed to trial one meat free day a week, so long as we keep eating vegetarian meals as good at this one. The challenge is now on! Having said that, we did have to eat steak tonight for dinner... But no matter, we start small and work from there!!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dsA2VmPptc/UcQ2VYrap_I/AAAAAAAACZs/CVISpSLKEf4/s1600/fb8656a6d98111e298d422000ae80031_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dsA2VmPptc/UcQ2VYrap_I/AAAAAAAACZs/CVISpSLKEf4/s320/fb8656a6d98111e298d422000ae80031_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </div>
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<b>Pumpkin, leek and feta pie with olive oil pastry</b></div>
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(Recipe from Karen Martini on <a href="http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/recipe/pumpkin-and-feta-pie-with-oliveoil-pastry-20130409-2hi5f.html">GoodFood.com.au</a>)</div>
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<b>Short olive-oil pastry</b></div>
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500g plain flour</div>
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½ tsp salt</div>
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60ml extra virgin olive oil</div>
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250ml cold water</div>
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<b>Pie Filling</b></div>
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1.5kg kent (jap) pumpkin, seeded, peeled and cut in 2cm dice</div>
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Salt flakes</div>
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Freshly ground black pepper</div>
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Extra virgin olive oil</div>
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Knob of butter</div>
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2 leeks, white part only, finely sliced</div>
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5 eggs</div>
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60g grana padano parmesan, grated (the original recipe
called for 120g but I felt half the amount was more than sufficient)</div>
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200g feta</div>
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4 gratings nutmeg</div>
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1 tsp ground cinnamon</div>
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A handful walnuts, toasted and roughlychopped</div>
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Method</div>
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1. Preheat the oven to 165 degrees fan-forced, 185 degrees
conventional.</div>
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2. To make the pastry, whiz the flour and salt in a food
processor. Drizzle in the oil, then add 250ml of cold water while processing
until a ball forms.</div>
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3. Tip onto a floured surface and knead briefly until you
have a smooth ball. Rest in the fridge for an hour, wrapped in cling film.</div>
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4. Season the pumpkin with salt and pepper, toss in oil and
roast until well cooked and the flesh has dried out and concentrated, about
30-40 minutes — the pumpkin should not colour too much. Leave to cool.</div>
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5. While the pumpkin cooks, melt the butter in a small pan
and sweat the leeks until softened.</div>
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6. In a food processor, add half the pumpkin, four of the
eggs, the parmesan, half the feta, the nutmeg and cinnamon. Puree until smooth.
Season if necessary.</div>
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7. Raise oven temperature to 170 degrees fan-forced, 190
degrees conventional.</div>
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8. Grease a 30cm pie dish and line the base with baking
paper. Roll out the whole round of pastry into a large even circle, allowing
enough so that the edges can be folded over to form a lid (this doesn't need to
cover the whole of the filling, but allow some to fold on top). Lay into the
dish.</div>
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9. Pour in the pumpkin puree and distribute evenly. Press
the remaining pumpkin pieces into the puree, then spread over the leeks, sprinkle
over the remaining feta and scatter the walnuts on top. Pull the edges of the
pastry in to form a lid, working around the pie, pleating the pastry to form a
petal-like pattern, leaving a hole in the centre of the pie. Beat the remaining
egg and glaze the pastry.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">10. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until golden brown. Remove
and leave to cool. The pie can be eaten warm or cold, but we preferred it warm, served with a rocket and cucumber salad. The pie served a very hungry man and his wife for dinner and then two subsequent lunches.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>Miss Kitty-Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15799389451342532485noreply@blogger.com5