Make: Muesli Jars

My life lately has been all about organisation. Whatever I can make in advance, I do. These muesli pots have been such a success in the Sew Brunswick household this week. Mr 5 year old demolishes one every morning. He eats the lot, which makes me feel better when I unpack an uneaten lunch box at the end of the day...

They're super simple and a real life saver in the morning. Not that getting a bowl of weet bix or muesli out is particularly taxing, it just gets a bit boring after a while. I simply put four pots on the table and breakfast is served. You could also take a jar with you if you don't have time for breakfast before you leave home.

I make them up the night before but they do last 3 days if needed. Here's how I make mine.

In a 250 mL jar, put 1/3 cup oats, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, a squirt of honey, 2 tablespoons of greek yoghurt and 1/4 cup of milk. Give this a bit of a stir before topping with fruit of your choice. I used mixed frozen berries and stewed stone fruit (not together) this week. I think stewed prunes or dried fruit compote would also work well. Top with 1 tablespoon of crunch muesli (optional). Then store in the fridge overnight for up to 3 days. Yum!

Enjoy with a good coffee!

L x

Make: Lime Marmalade

I like all things citrus and lime marmalade is no exception. I used my normal Citrus Marmalade recipe, simply using only limes as the citrus component and using half orange and half lemon juice.

Lime Marmalade
500g limes
3 lemons
1 cup orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups water
1.5kg sugar

Blend all citrus in food processor until desired consistency. Simmer chopped citrus with juice and water for about 20 minutes until fruit is softened. Add sugar and bring to a rapid boil. Boil hard for 20 minutes or until setting point is reached. Rest for 10 minutes before pouring into warm, sterilised jars.
It is superb!

I spotted these magnolias at the playground this morning. Spring is slowly on its way. Can't wait!!.

L x

Make: Masala Chai Powder

Many years ago, we went to India on our honeymoon. Not the typical honeymoon destination but we're backpacking people, not resort people, so India it was. A truly amazing country. I fell in love with the masala chai (spiced tea) that is served everywhere and brought some masala chai powder home. That soon ran out so I started making my own, which is super easy to do.

Recipe:
1/4 cup cinnamon sticks
1/8 cup cloves
1/4 cup black peppercorns
1/4 cup green cardamon pods
6 black cardamon
1/4 cup whole all spice
1 whole nutmeg
1/2 cup dried ginger powder

Dry roast all ingredients, except ginger, for a few minutes in a fry pan. Grind all ingredients in a spice grinder, food processor or mortar & pestle. I use a mortar & pestle as it is close to my heart. Store in an airtight container.

To serve, add 1/4 tsp of masala chai powder to 2 tsp of black tea and bring to boil in 1 cup of water. Add 1 cup of milk and 2 tsp of sugar and bring to boil again. Strain into serving cup and enjoy!

This batch is on its way to Queensland for a very special masala chai fan.

L x

Harvest: Lemons

My lemon tree is seriously rocking this season! This is the second batch and I'm about to harvest the third. I love all things lemon (except diet coke with lemon = morning fresh...) and am a huge fan of lemon curd.

The Cook's Companion by Stephanie Alexander has the goods. It is the best lemon curd recipe I've found. The key is to strain the lightly beaten eggs as you add them to the hot ingredients. I also use slightly less sugar than suggested as I really like tart lemon curd.

I'm off to make another batch as this jar is already half empty. I'm about to crank the oven and bake some Macaroni Cheese and Lemon Delicious Pudding for dinner tonight!

Have a good weekend!



L x

Bake: Scones

Recipe
3 cups Self-Raising Flour
1 cup Cream
1 cup Milk

Mix all ingredients together. Press out dough to 2.5cm on a floured surface. Cut out dough using a cookie cutter and place on baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush tops with milk and bake until golden in a moderate oven. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy with jam and cream! Plus coffee of course.

L x

Bake: Bread

I bake my own bread. Crazy? Yes. But nothing beats fresh bread. The process is quite simple and even my husband can bake it! I use the basic recipe in Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day and have great success. This basic recipe can also be used to make sticky pecan scrolls, pizza bases and foccacia. Yum!

L x

To Market We Go

Our regular Sunday morning outing is a trip to the Queen Victoria Markets to do the weekly shop. After the shopping we have a coffee and some jam donuts and watch the kids climb over the statues... I love the markets!

My market top on this hot and blustery day is the freshly made Grainline Studio Tiny Pocket Tank (sans tiny pocket). This is a great simple pattern which took about 2 hours to make from cutting out the pattern to hemming (all whilst watching Playschool and Thomas!). It is a bit low in the neckline so I will raise this about an inch in my next version. I made the newly available size 18 but took the side seams in an extra 1cm. I could probably go down a size but I like it loose and cool.

Project Details
Pattern: Grainline Studio Tiny Pocket Tank
Fabric: Navy Hanataba Japanese Cotton from Tessuti Fabrics (remnant leftover from this dress)

On my sewing machine now is the Colette Patterns Ginger Skirt in a navy drill. I am also working on my Autumn/Winter Wardrobe plans, but it is a bit difficult in this heat.

What's on your sewing machine?

L x

Weekend Jam Session

Citrus Marmalade
500g citrus (oranges, limes, pink grapefruit - or any combo)
3-4 lemons
2 cups orange juice
4 cups water
1.5kg sugar

Blend all citrus in food processor until desired consistency. Simmer chopped citrus with juice and water for about 20 minutes until fruit is softened. Add sugar and bring to a rapid boil. Boil for 20 minutes or until setting point is reached. Rest for 10 minutes before pouring into warm, sterilised jars.

Apricot Jam - as per the one and only Stephanie Alexander. Yum!

L x