The post 5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Guest post by Simone Emery from Play with Food.
My favourite tool to have in my parenting arsenal is a good afternoon tea. A good afternoon tea sets the kids up for a decent window of opportunity to be productive without the “I’m bored” and “I’m hungry” complaints during the witching hour*.
*Actually, let’s be honest it should read hours. Next to afternoon tea is having something ready to occupy the youngsters. (Unless homework is in the picture for you and that is causing a whole lot of other “fun” at your place.)
Here are 5 foodie ideas to get through the afternoon that don’t require too much preparation. You should have most of the ingredients / resources on hand.
1. Vegie Painting
Using some vegetables, try painting (or drawing around) them onto paper. You can make an edible paint by mixing a teaspoon of yoghurt with a drop of food colouring. Vegetables that make good brushes include asparagus, broccoli, rosemary stalks and carrot tops. Or you can cut a potato into two and make circle / oval stamps.
2. Grouping and Counting with Vegie Scraps
This is great if you have potato / carrot / sweet potato or the outer leaves of a leek available. Have the children tear them into pieces and then line them up in order from smallest to biggest. Or put them in groups of similar size pieces. Then they can tally up the number of pieces they have sorted out.
3. Mystery Sensory Challenge
In a shoe box, place some dry rolled oats and some small mystery fruits and vegetables for the children to find and determine what they are just by feeling them. This works well for small items like apricots, plums, cherries, beans, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. You could use shredded paper, dry rice or dry pasta to surround the mystery foods too.
4. Bubble Painting
In a small beach bucket over a messy mat or outside, place some detergent, food colouring and water. Put some paper over the bucket and poke a straw through it. The child then has to blow OUT to make bubbles that will reach up and colour the paper.
5. Food Sculptures
A great way to use their imagination and also to make some use of your scraps again too. With toothpicks, get them to try and make things like a car, digger, castle or dog out of food items. This can be simply done on a placemat on the floor beside you while you are making dinner.
Simone, from Play with Food, has plenty of tips to help you master your family mealtimes, especially with fussy eaters. She always aims to delight the taste buds and imagination of children with food.
How do you incorporate food into play? Tell me in the comments.
The post 5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post High Tea At Home With Tea Infused Jelly + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The school holidays are a great time for things a little extra special for the kids. The latest craze seems to be mothers enjoying high tea with their daughters however I have two boys that I know would love to attend one. Then of course my two year old tea party mad daughter would not miss it for the world. I cannot take all of them, my husband and my newborn baby to a fancy pantsy high tea.
So instead we have improvised! High tea at home is just as special and without the added stress of my children being loud, animal like or fretting over something being broken.
Aeroplane Jelly sent me an amazing pack of tea infused jelly, gorgeous tea cups and a cake stand to share the experience with my family. We have definitely enjoyed it. In all honesty, we have now attended several high teas (at home) and the kids have helped prepare the food.
We have enjoyed: croissants, scones, brandy snaps, fresh fruit, raspberry licorice jelly cheesecake, mini trifles, melted snowman and vanilla mudcake cupcakes. Beverages have included: tea, coffee and juice.
We used some of the new tea infused Aeroplane Jelly to create a mixed berry trifle, unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to photograph it before the kids got into it. Take my word for it though, it was delicious! The fragrant new jellies are low in sugar and calories but do not lack in taste. They are full of flavour and there is a range to suit every taste. My favourite is the raspberry licorice, which really surprised me as I am not the biggest licorice fan. Other flavours include: Peach tea, lemon tea, orange blossom, raspberry licorice and mixed berry tea.
I have included below the recipe for the Mixed Berry Breakfast Trifle.
Number of Serves: 8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Set Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
1 x 9g sachet Aeroplane Jelly Light Tea Infusions Mixed Berry Tea, made to pack instructions.
1 apple or pear, grated
½ cup quick oats
½ cup almonds, chopped
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup flax seeds
1 cup yoghurt, natural
Method:
For more recipes and ideas on All Mum Said click here or to see what else Aeroplane Jelly has to offer click here.
5x WINNERS!!
Each Prize includes: tea cup shaped patty pans, and the complete range of the new Aeroplane Jelly Lite tea Infusions range.
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
The post High Tea At Home With Tea Infused Jelly + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Get Nude! With Your Food + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>I am always looking for creative ways to pack the kids’ lunches. I don’t mean the fancy bento lunches that you see on Facebook that look like they have taken hours; I simply mean by using different containers that can eliminate the need for plastic clip seals and glad wrap. We like to use nude food where possible and as a result love our Nude Food Movers!
I will also be honest in saying that if you are expecting to see any lunches here that go above and beyond, you will be very disappointed. I do however like to ensure the kids get a good mixture of foods over the week so it isn’t a sandwich and yoghurt every day. They will have fried rice, homemade sausage rolls, sandwiches, meat and salad wraps, quiche or anything else they could request. Just not fiddly little pieces that will take me hours to achieve.
I was lucky enough to receive a pack full of Smash Nude Food Movers to test out and while we were already fans of the items we already owned, I was not aware the range was as extensive as it is! The rubbish free lunchbox was already a hit in our home but I was so pleased to see that they also offer a mini version. The smaller option is great if you don’t need the extra snack space beyond a sandwich, piece of fruit and nuts/eggs/cheese/etc. These are also compatible with a cool bag so your food will stay cooler for longer.
Each of my kids utilise a different container more than the others. The older two who attend primary school; frequently use the lunchboxes, sandwich box and snack box. Whereas my toddler makes the most of the snack tubes because we can stack 3 completely different snacks separately but with the convenience of only taking one container when screwed together. Think cut up fruit, cheese cubes and ham and biscuits.
We are a very practical family that as a result of being busy look for convenience in our lunchbox and food storage options. The Nude Food Movers provide all the ease we need whilst being great for the environment as well. Not only do they eliminate waste but they are also BPA free which is why they are so popular with families. Since reviewing and learning about some of the other options available, we have extended our supply to suit our requirements and the kids couldn’t be happier! If you haven’t tried the range already, I recommend you check them out and also don’t forget to enter the giveaway below in celebration of Nude Food Day in October for your chance to win a Nude Food Mover pack!
Prize includes: $50 Nude Food Movers pack (Winner can select colour preference – pink, black or blue).
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received Nude Food Movers products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
Nude Food Movers believe in saving the planet one lunch at a time. Reduce, re-use and recycle with a handy range of products to help you on your ‘nude food’ adventures. Available in all good retailers. For more information on the Nude Food Movers range by Smash visit www.nudefoodmovers.com.au | Facebook: Nude Food Movers | Instagram: @nudefoodmovers
Nude Food Movers is the brand behind Nude Food Day, a nationwide program and event held in primary schools nationwide during October. Whether you are a parent, carer, school or simply want more info on how you can do your bit for the environment sign up today at www.nudefoodday.com.au | Facebook: National Nude Food Day.
The post Get Nude! With Your Food + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Easy ANZAC Biscuits Recipe appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Each and every year as ANZAC Day approaches, we bake Anzac Biscuits. Not just because they are delicious and easy to make but because it is also a way to remember the courageous Australians that served and gave their their lives for their (and our) country.
I don’t know where I acquired this easy Anzac Biscuits recipe as I have been making them for years but I do know you won’t be disappointed. Regardless if you like them crunchy or soft this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
1 cup Rolled Oats
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Plain Flour
3/4 cup Desiccated Coconut
125g Butter
2 tbs Golden Syrup
1/2 tsp Bi-Carb
1 tbs Boiling Water
Method
1. Combine dry ingredients (excluding bi-carb).
2. Melt butter and golden syrup over gentle heat.
3. Mix bi-carb with boiling water and add to the butter mix.
4. Stir butter mix into dry ingredients.
5. Place tablespoon sized balls of mixture onto lightly greased tray (allow room for spreading)
6. Bake in oven at 180°c. For soft chewy biscuits cook for 8-9 minutes. If you prefer them crunchy cook for 15 minutes.
7. Loosen while warm and then cool on cooling rack.
Mixture makes approx. 35 Anzac Biscuits.
Click for more biscuit recipes.
Do you like ANZAC Biscuits?
When was the last time you ate or made them?
The post Easy ANZAC Biscuits Recipe appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Quick & Easy Sausage Rolls Recipe appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Have you been looking for a quick and easy sausage rolls recipe? Well look no further because this is the last sausage rolls recipe you will ever want or need. It is perfect for party food, dinner, lunch and basically any time you feel like a snack. This quick and easy sausage rolls recipe results in delicious flaky pastry and a mouthful of flavour that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
2.5x sheets puff pastry
10x chevaps (skinless sausages)
Tomato paste (I use one with herbs in it)
1x egg
Method
1. Cut pastry into 4 even squares.
2. Add small line of tomato paste across the top of each square.
3. Place chevaps on top of tomato paste.
4. Roll the pastry.
5. Use fork to seal pastry and roll over so seal is on bottom (to avoid pastry unrolling)
6. Brush with egg.
7. Bake at 180°c for approx. 30 minutes.
Serve with mash and sauce. ENJOY!
These are so delicious and leftovers are perfect for school/work lunches.
Click for more beef recipes or if you are looking for pies, the chicken and mushroom and chunky steak recipes can not be beaten.
The post Quick & Easy Sausage Rolls Recipe appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Festive Christmas Cookies + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>A few days ago I shared a delicious Christmas Cookies recipe and D.I.Y gift ideas that make perfect Christmas gifts for teachers, neighbours, etc. Together with McCormick we are getting festive and sharing another gift idea and recipe along with a fantastic giveaway for All Mum Said fans. This one is perfect for not only adults but the kids too.
My kids love getting involved with cooking and we encourage them to try new things, invent flavours by mixing and matching herbs/spices and food. The kitchen is a place for creativity and vision. Which is why the idea below from McCormick is perfect!
This is a wonderful idea for the kids to get involved and get creative. They can create their very own magical fairy dust for Santa’s Christmas Cookies or make some fairy dust for their teachers. Simply add a teaspoon of four of your favourite spices into the bag, then follow this recipe. If making these as gifts just add a tag with the recipe on the back.
Santa’s Christmas Cookies
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Makes: 42 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, chopped
1 cup caster sugar
1x 60g egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups plain flour
1 tbsp McCormick Festive Fairy Dust mix
1/2 tsp ground salt
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°c. Line baking trays with baking paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Gradually beat in flour, fairy dust mix and salt until well mixed.
3. Roll dough into 1/2 tbsp balls and place on prepared trays. Flatten with a fork.
4. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool Christmas cookies on baking tray and remove when cool. Store in airtight container.
*Christmas cookies recipe courtesy of McCormick. You can see more of the McCormick holiday cooking recipes here.
3x PRIZES UP FOR GRABS
Each prize contains: McCormick All Spice Ground 30g, McCormick Cinnamon Ground 32g, McCormick Cinnamon Sugar 60g, McCormick Cloves Whole 25g, McCormick Mixed Spice 30g, McCormick Nutmeg Ground 30g, McCormick Vanillin Sugar 65g, McCormick Ginger Ground 25g, Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter Set, Christmas Stocking. RRP $35.00 (Total prize pool: $105.00)
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
The post Festive Christmas Cookies + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Christmas Cookies recipe + D.I.Y gifts appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>I love Christmas time. Not only for the magic and tinsel but also the food. The warm aromatic spice-filled food. Actually just make that all food. Today I’m sharing with you a very quick and simple recipe for festive cookies that make the perfect gift for teachers, neighbours, plates of food for class parties, etc. They taste like what I imagine Christmas would if it had a flavour. Each bite is full of texture, warm spice and deliciousness.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/3 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup oats
3/4 cup chocolate buttons/smarties (we used red and green)
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tbsp McCormick ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp McCormick ground Nutmeg
½ tsp McCormick ground All Spice
1 egg
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
METHOD – Standard Cookies
1. Pour all dry ingredients into a bowl.
2. Mix egg, butter and vanilla extract into dry ingredients.
3. Use spatula or large spoon to work it all together.
4. Roll cookie dough into table spoon size balls, place on baking tray (lined with baking paper) and bake at 180°c for approx. 10 minutes or until golden. If you want crunchy cookies leave for an extra 4-5 minutes.
5. Let cool for a few minutes before moving them to cooling rack.
METHOD – Mini Muffin Cookies
1. Follow steps 1-3 as shown above.
2. Spray/grease mini muffin tray.
3. Roll balls to approx. 1/2 teaspoon size and add to mini muffin tray. Bake at 180°c for approx. 7-8 minutes or until golden.
4. Let cool for a few minutes before moving them to cooling rack.
Cookies In a Jar
1. Layer all the dry ingredients in a jar.
2. Put some Christmas ribbon around it.
3. Add cooking method including wet ingredients for the gift recipient.
Method for tag: Pour dry cookie mixture from the jar into a bowl. Mix 1 egg, 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into dry ingredients. Use back of large spoon to work it all together. Roll cookie dough into tablespoon size balls, place on baking paper lined trays and bake in preheated oven 180°c for about 10 minutes or until golden. Makes 24 cookies.
*This recipe is thanks to McCormick.
Wrapped
1. Cut a piece of baking paper large enough to fit a few cookies in.
2. Pull the baking paper up around the cookies and secure with some Christmas ribbon.
These are great gift ideas as they are cheap, easy to make and delicious!
You can find more recipes and gift guides on All Mum Said.
The post Christmas Cookies recipe + D.I.Y gifts appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Chipolata sausage cassoulet & garlic bread {recipe} appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>I am always trying new recipes that give old ideas and ingredients new life. If you have the same old meals on the menu every week you become bored so it’s always nice to have something exciting and different. When you hear the ingredient sausages you instantly think of bangers and mash or a sausage sizzle and while these are delicious comfort foods, this chipolata sausage cassoulet recipe with parmesan cheese garlic bread is to die for!
Ingredients
500g chipolata sausages (can be pork, beef, lamb)
4x bacon rashers, sliced
1x brown onion, sliced
1x tbs crushed garlic
1x tsp finely chopped parsley and/or rosemary
1x 400g can cannelloni beans
1x 400g can diced tomatoes
Instructions
1. Halve sausages on diagonal. Brown them in pan.
2. Add sliced onion, garlic, herbs. Mix through and fry until sausages are almost cooked through.
3. Add cannelloni beans, tin tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water. Mix through salt, pepper and 1 tsp of sugar. *Sugar stops tomato going bitter during the cooking process.
4. Reduce liquid on simmer heat.
Ingredients:
Ciabatta loaf, sliced
Butter
Garlic, crushed
Parmesan cheese, shaved
Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Mix butter, garlic and parsley together.
3. Brush one side of ciabatta bread slice with butter mix and top with parmesan cheese.
4. Put in oven until cheese is browned and crunchy.
ENJOY!
If you want to find more inspiration and meal ideas check out the recipes page. You will also find snacks, treats, cakes and breakfast recipes that will be a huge hit with the family over and over again. If you try any of the recipes you find on All Mum Said I’d love you to pop back over and leave your feedback on the post.
What is your favourite sausage meal? Do you enjoy sausage stews like this one?
The post Chipolata sausage cassoulet & garlic bread {recipe} appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Make your own TMNT pizzas + giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>I think it is pretty safe to say that every kid will soon be nuts for Turtles – those 4 rad buddies, you know the ones. With all their quirks they are the perfect theme for some great pizza ideas! Which is perfect timing as it’s school holidays and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Old Friends, New Enemies’ is out now on DVD. As we all know the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles love nothing more than a good pizza – it is after all where they get their power! You can join in the fun with these easy pizza recipes for kids, using inspiration from their favourite TMNT character!
Michelangelo pizza
Michelangelo is the carefree ninja turtle, who loves to have fun!
Make sure your pizza uses a lot of different coloured ingredients including tomatoes, pineapple, capsicum and ham. Make sure you spread all of the ingredients around- have fun with it!
Leonardo pizza
Leonardo is the leader of the turtles, he displays lots of courage and shows the others who’s boss! Make sure your pizza is even and neat- just like Leonardo would like it! Use great ingredients like ham and salami to make you big and strong like him!
Raphael pizza
Raphael is the mischievous ninja turtle, who is always up to something cheeky!
Mix a bunch of ingredients that don’t usually go together, like lollies and chocolate, then you’ll be a mischief maker just like him!
Donatello pizza
Donatello is a scientist, and engineer, and he loves things to be in order!
Make sure your pizza has the same number of each ingredient, and arrange them in shapes!
3x PRIZES UP FOR GRABS
Each prize contains: 1x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Old Friends, New Enemies (RRP $ 19.99). Total prize pool: $59.97
Casey Jones steps up and takes on pure evil. Meanwhile , the Turtles learn a shocking secret about April’s past, and they come face-to-face with another mutant turtle called Slash, a rewired Metalhead, a fungus mutant spreading through the sewers, and the Rat King!
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
If you are wanting to enter more giveaways click over here.
The post Make your own TMNT pizzas + giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Meal Plan Week 39 – 2014 appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>This week we have enjoyed a lot of chicken, mainly because it takes minimal effort to make something hearty and full of flavour. But also because it was on special and you can’t complain with saving a few dollars.
Last week I shared my homemade chunky steak pie recipe (just click the link if you want to check it out); it’s so easy to make and tastes amazing! Anyway I will get onto Meal Plan Week 39 – 2014 now so scroll down a little for this weeks menu.
Week commencing (22/09/2014)
Monday: Chicken Caesar salad
Tuesday: Paella
Wednesday: Spaghetti Bolognese
Thursday: Chicken noodle soup with bread rolls
Friday: Chicken stroganoff on rice with side vegetable
Saturday: Chicken kebabs with mash and salad
Sunday: Chicken curry pasta and vegetables
This weeks menu (Meal Plan week 39 – 2014) is full of quick and easy but delicious dinner ideas. We have had a very busy week and needed simple and filling meals to get us through. Most of these meals are budget friendly as well which is always welcomed.
What have you got planned this week for dinner? Was there anything in my menu that caught your eye?
Check back each week for the new meal plan.
The post Meal Plan Week 39 – 2014 appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>