HHC – Meal #6

Dad arrived into town safe and sound around 6.00pm last night and we set about making one of my all time favourite dinners – homemade pizzas!! I first made a dough using rice flour, baking powder and xantham gum and pre-cooked the pizza base for 10 minutes or so.

I topped my pizza with zucchini, sweet potato, mushrooms, mozzarella and goats cheese.

And lots of fresh basil….

The boys opted for salami pizzas but I forgot to take a photo! There were no leftovers so I am assuming they enjoyed them :)      

We also opened a bottle of this Shiraz Durif from Stanton & Kileen which is one of my favourite red wines of all time!

We picked up a few bottles the last time we were in Rutherglen and I figured that last night was the perfect opportunity to open one! It was AMAZING!!! If you love full bodied red wines – I say this is the wine for you!

Training:

Today we are heading up to Penrith for the Nepean Triathlon – as I have signed up for the “Enticer” event. I’ll be sure to post a race report later!!!

Happy Baking!

HHC – Meal #5

Training: Swim squad (1.8km)

I am super excited as my dad is travelling from Melbourne today to spend the weekend with us! Unfortunately I wont be able to see him over the Christmas period - so I am planning on making the most of his company while he is in town. But, of course, that meant last night was filled with cleaning, shopping and generally preparing the guest room etc (hence the late post).

With the cleaning etc on the cards -  I figured a light dinner would be perfect. I LOVE salmon - however it is generally quite expensive so we don't eat it very often. Usually I save it for when we dine out - but I came across a recipe for Pesto Salmon which sounded delicious so I thought I would give it a go at home.

 

The result – DELICIOUS! The pesto was fresh and zesty and the salmon was tender. I made a chunky salsa to go on the side, dressed in a little olive oil and lemon juice, but this salmon would go well with any simply salad or vegetables.

Onto the training….

I just realised that this blog has focused on the 'baking' and not so much on the 'biking'. Time to fix that!

By way of background, I love competing in novice triathlons. I am not a strong swimmer - but have been working hard at feeling more confident in the pool.

As the warmer weather has now arrived - so too has the 09/10 triathlon season. I had my first race last weekend (200m swim / 9km bike / 2km run) and I was really pleased with the result!  It seems that the time I spent in the pool in training really paid off and I didn't feel too uncomfortable in the swim and didn't finish last yay!

I will try an incorporate some race stories/photos into my future posts - as I have quite a few races and events coming up in the next few months :) I will also try an include an indication of my daily training during this time. This morning I had swim squad - which included drills and swimming generally - I think we covered around 1.8km all up. Not a bad effort – although my arms will be tired later!!!

Happy baking :)

HHC – Meal #4

It has been another hot day today- leading me to again crave a nutrient packed salad for dinner.

I found this one in Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Companion – which I was lucky enough to receive for my wedding anniversary.

I soaked the chickpeas overnight then simmered them in boiling water for around 40 minutes – until they were tender.

I then added blanched broccoli, red capsicum, the rind and juice of a lemon, a good handful of mint and some crumbled goats cheese.

 

This salad is FULL of flavour and I am simply bursting!!! The chickpeas add a slight crunch, the goats cheese is beautiful and creamy and the lemon/mint combination is divine. I will certainly be making this dish again and can’t wait to share it with friends at our next bbq.

Happy baking :) 

HHC – Meal #3

Today I had to travel to Melbourne for work – so was up at 4.30am and didn't get home until 6.30pm!!!!

So when dinner time came around, a healthy yet quick meal was on the cards - using the various ingredients we purchased on the weekend.

I settled on a Nicoise salad – made with mesculin, green beans cucumber , avocado (instead of potatoes), boiled egg and tuna – topped with a lemon/dijon dressing.

The ‘crunch’ the green beans – together with the creaminess of the avocado made for a delicious and satisfying meal!

A definite warm weather favourite :)

Happy baking!

A little nutty…

Tonight we were caught up with a touch football game – and didn’t get home until late - so we didn't end up making anything special for dinner.

However, over the weekend I did have time for a little baking….

Mr BBB is a big fan of white chocolate and macadamia cookies – and for some time I have been trying to find a recipe that would produce thick and crunchy cookies :)

I was flicking through the latest issue of Super Food Ideas Magazine on the weekend and came across a recipe that called for the dough to be worked into a log, then frozen, before cutting off rounds for baking. Somewhat intrigued – I thought that it was worth a shot!

 

And the verdict from Mr BBB….”not bad…they are growing on me….” It looks like the quest for the perfect white chocolate and macadamia cookie continues!! Suggestions anyone?

Happy baking!

HHC – Meal 2

Tonight Mr BBB was tasked with cooking up meal #2 in the HHC - lemon/garlic lamb cutlets with a salad of snow pea sprouts, feta, olives and tomatoes. Another delicious summer dinner :)

The recipe called for the lamb cutlets to be marinaded in lemon and garlic - which complimented the lamb beautifully. The salad was also dressed in lemon juice / olive oil.
The verdict...the lamb was delicious - however the salad dressing made the salad too tart for my liking. I think if I was to make this again I would not dress the salad - given that it is already packed with lots of flavour from the olives and feta.

Happy baking!

Homemade Holidays Challenge (HHC) - Meal 1

Summer seems to have arrived early this year - with the temperature sitting around 32 degrees .

I had initially planned on cooking lamb cutlets tonight - however I discovered that our BBQ is out of gas - so I resorted to another of our planned meals.


I kept tonight's sushi relatively simple - just a mix of carrot, cucumber, red capsicum and tuna. (I had bought an avocado to include in the sushi but completely forgot about it - oops!!).

Despite the lack of avocado - these sushi rolls were a perfect summer dinner - and one which I am sure we will make over again as the warm weather continues.




Happy baking!

Homemade Holidays Challenge

I am absolutely stunned that it is November already, and that Christmas is 5 weeks away! It seems the year has flown by so fast - and the next month doesn't look like it will be any different.

I have been very busy over the last 8 weeks or so with a new triathlon training program (filling up my evenings and some mornings) - leaving me with a general lack of motivation to plan meals and try new recipes. My body is craving nutritious meals however I seem to be ignoring those cravings with the excuse that I am "too tired" to cook - or I "don't have time".

So my self-imposed challenge is this.....a 'homemade holidays challenge' with a focus on home cooked meals until Christmas. My 'calendar' is starting to fill up with Christmas parties and functions - however I think that it is during this period that homemade nutritious meals (on the days that we don't have any functions) are ever so important!!

Rules for my challenge:

1. 30 homemade meals between now and Christmas.
2. No repeats - each meal must be different.
3. Follow real recipes - not just "throw together" meals!

I sat down and planned this weeks meals and am very excited about what's in store! A trip to the supermarket, butcher and green grocer later - I have these yummy ingredients to work with (meat not pictured)....


Day 1 of the challenge begins!


Happy baking!!

Pregnancy Update – Week 13

(And finally….the final entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary!)

How far along? 13 weeks 3 days

How big is baby? This week baby BBB has grown to the size of a peach (in length). It’s hard to believe that not all that long ago baby BBB was the size of an apple seed!

How I'm feeling?  I am feeling a lot more energetic than I have been over the last few months, and have even managed to stay up past 8.30pm most evenings lol. Apparently this resurgence of energy is quite normal as one enters the second trimester!

Weight? +0.9 this week (4.2kg overall)

 

  

(I have no idea why my t-shirt looks like this?! All I know is that this is possibly the fugliest weekly photo we have taken thus far lol)

How I'm changing? Physically, I am certainly continuing to grow – with a decent case of chubby cheeks developing eek. But, on the plus side,  I am back to ‘blonde’ and very happy to be rid of my icky brown hair!

What I miss? Poached eggs again! Mr BBB and I went out for breakfast today, and although the scrambled eggs were 'ok' they had nothing on glorious runny yolk poached eggs!

Symptoms? Headaches. Horrible headaches. I have been waking up with them, and they don’t go away no matter how much water I drink, or how much sleep I get. Apparently headaches are quite common during pregnancy, and are attributable to increased blood flow to the placenta (TMI???). All I know is that they are starting to get really annoying!

Cravings? I had a random craving for chocolate brownies this week. Although, once I made a batch, they tasted too sweet and I ended up throwing the whole batch out!

Food Aversions? I still have no desire to eat seafood.

Highlights this week? Being able to share our happy news with more of our dear friends and family. And the blog world of course ;)

Pregnancy Update – Week 12

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary….)

It is with so much heartfelt joy and happiness that I am able to write this diary entry. When I first found out that I was pregnant, I hoped and wished with all my heart that it would not end sadly, as it has done so twice before.

And I am so pleased to say that here I am 12 weeks later, with no complications to report, and feeling ever so grateful for this true blessing that is our growing baby BBB.

How far along? 12 weeks 3 days

How big is baby? This week baby BBB has grown to the length of a plum!

How I'm feeling?  I was mentioning to Mr BBB the other day that I have been so lucky to not have suffered any morning sickness at all during the first 3 months of this pregnancy, and be relatively symptom free. He suggested that perhaps it is a small consolation for all the stress of fertility treatments, injections, scans and blood tests I have been through over the last year - which I think is a lovely and appreciative way to look at things.

So how am I feeling at the moment? truly blessed and gushing with happiness.

 

 

Weight? up 1 kg (and 3.3 overall)

How I'm changing? My body continues to grow - in all the wrong places lol. I guess being 3 months pregnant + weight gain means that your clothes no longer feel right ;) I am still squeezing into some of my regular work clothes, although they are feeling less and less comfortable and more and more 'snug'.

What I miss? My belly button ring! After 15 years, my favourite little piece of jewellery was taken out at this weeks ultrasound. My tummy looks so funny and naked without it (to me at least!) Although I guess it had to happen eventually.

 

Symptoms? While I have been focusing on my 'negative' (albeit minor) symptoms lately, I have forgotten to mention the positive ones! My hair and nails are growing wonderfully - and for the first time in a long time I have long strong nails. Am loving it!

Cravings? Cheese sandwiches. With butter. Hmm - perhaps this is a calcium thing?

Food Aversions? I was watching a seafood cooking show the other night and just the thought of the seafood was making me gag. So I guess its safe to say that I am not in any way craving seafood at the moment.

Highlights this week? Where do I begin???? I had my last blood test with the fertility clinic and was advised that my progesterone levels are strong and I no longer need to take the progesterone pessaries yay! This may not sound like much of a big deal - but after taking them for 6+ months (twice daily for a while), the fact I can now stop them is bliss.

But of course, the big highlights of the week were seeing our precious little plum during the 12 week NT scan, and getting fantastic NT results.

Oh and hearing the reactions of our immediate family when we told them there was to be a new addition to the family come March 2012. Let's just say everyone is super excited (as we knew they would be!)

What a wonderful week it was indeed :)

Pregnancy Update – Week 11

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary…)

How far along? 11 weeks 3 days

How big is baby? Farewell berries, hello citrus fruit! This week we have ourselves a little lime.

How I'm feeling? This has been a rather strange week, as I have been back at work and had more time to focus on how I am feeling (rather than being distracted by my overseas travels). Each day this week I have developed a lingering headache by the end of the day, which I attributed to my lack of afternoon nap? Speaking of which, my fatigue is still hitting hard, and I am generally in bed by 8.30pm each evening. Crazy right!

 

 

Weight? down 0.3kg from last week. Strange….

How I'm changing? This was a big week for me in terms of mental change. While I still have moments of disbelief, I can tell that my anxiety is slowly starting to lessen. I even felt comfortable heading back to the gym this week, and although it was only for short workouts, the positive effect it had on my mood was indescribable. After almost 2 months of little to no 'gym' workouts, this girl was in heaven. I'll have to post about my approach to pregnancy exercise sometime soon.

What I miss? Being able to do up my jeans comfortably lol.  I can get them done up....just.....but are far from comfortable when done up. I see an investment in a belly band sometime soon ;)

 

Symptoms? Fatigue, headaches and hunger. Insatiable hunger. More of the same really ;)

Cravings? I don't know whether it was due to the cooler temperatures that greeted me on my return to Australia, or whether it was a pregnancy craving per se, but this week I was craving rich, comfort meals - loaded with carbs and vegetables. Hence the re-appearance of risottos, soups and stews on the blog.

But hey, given that some of my previous cravings have included fried chicken, I am taking this latest craving which at least includes some vegetables, as being a positive one!

Food Aversions? Nothing springs to mind.

Highlights this week? Oh my goodness this was a wonderful week. Mr BBB and I met with our Obstetrician and saw our little jelly bean lime measuring spot on for 11 weeks with a good strong heartbeat.  The relief and happiness we felt was indescribable!

And, clearly not one to sit around, baby BBB put on quite a show for us during the scan, doing flips and somersaults for our viewing pleasure. It was seriously one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Sadly we didn't get any pictures, but I have another scan next week at 12 weeks so hopefully we get one then!

Pregnancy Update – Week 10

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary…)

This week we said our farewells to the USA, returning home to the “real world”. I suspect today will be a long day back at work after having spent the last month travelling!!

How far along? 10 weeks 4 days

How big is baby? This week baby BBB has grown to the size of a …. prune?! Hmmm, not the prettiest size comparison that’s for sure!

How I'm feeling? This week I seemed to go from moments of disbelief that I am pregnant, to incredible excitement, with constant thoughts of how much I cant wait to share our exciting news with family and friends (in due course!. I did have one total emotional tantrum moment as I uncomfortably squirmed my way through the 14 hour flight back to Australia.  I am blaming pregnancy hormones, and the tiny economy middle seat ;)

 

 

Weight? So on our return from holidays, I am up +2.8kg on the scale. A shock for me to see, but not all that surprising really given the lack of exercise and the "no lack" of food throughout our holiday.

How I'm changing? My lower abdomen is starting to look very soft, no matter how much 'sucking' in I do. And I have already well and truly outgrown my regular bra, opting instead for one without an underwire.

What I miss? I really missed regular sushi again this week, although vegetarian sushi rolls are still proving to be a nice compromise.

 

Symptoms? Aside from bouts of fatigue, that seem to hit me mid afternoon, I am still feeling really good. I did have a couple of lingering headaches during the week, which no amount of water or fluids could fix, so I suspect that they might be pregnancy related?

Cravings? Throughout the last week I have been craving vegemite on (GF) toast. Simple as that. So, I made it my 'priority meal' to have when we returned to Australia. It was the first thing I ate when we got home and I loved every mouthful.

Food Aversions? None. A big contributing factor to my weight gain thus far I suspect lol!

Highlights this week? This week was spent in Las Vegas, where the highlight for me was clearly the trip we took to the Grand Canyon.

Standing atop the Canyon, staring out to the majestic cliffs, it was hard not to feel emotional and incredibly happy. Knowing that this will be our last overseas trip for quite some time (and our last overseas trip without children!) was certainly amazing and overwhelming, both at the same time.

Pregnancy Update – Week 9

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary….)

This week’s milestone was again celebrated abroad, as we continued our travels through the USA. From Texas, to San Francisco, it certainly has been one adventure after another!

How far along? 9 weeks 4 days

How big is baby? This week baby has grown to the length of a green olive.

How I'm feeling? I am still finding that I am hit with incredible tiredness mid afternoon, and have been taking short naps when I can. Perhaps due to this I have then been waking up quite early and finding it hard to fall back asleep. I am normally a really good sleeper (ie. can sleep for 8 hours anywhere without any problem) so these interruptions to my sleep patterns are quite unusual for me.

 

Weight? No idea.

How I'm changing? My body generally feels 'softer', particularly through my mid section, and my breasts continue to grow lol

What I miss? Soft poached eggs for breakfast. Oh how I would love to indulge in such runny yolked goodness *sigh*.

 

Symptoms? Again, aside from fatigue and fleeting moments of nausea, I have been relatively symptom free!

Cravings? This week I had a very random craving for fried chicken (ie. KFC chicken). Seriously, I was sitting watching TV when a KFC add came on and I was literally salivating at the thought of crunchy deep fried chicken. I had to laugh, however, given that pre-pregnancy I could not stand the stuff and thought that fried chicken was disgusting! Obviously I haven't indulged in this craving (due to the wheat content), but it is a funny craving to mention all the same. My milkshake craving on the other hand....

Food Aversions? None. And my waistline has noticed this fact ;)

Highlights this week? Bike riding around the San Francisco Bay!

Pregnancy Update – Week 8

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary….)

This week we continued our USA adventures, travelling from Nashville, through Memphis, and finally, to Dallas.

How far along? 8 weeks 4 days

How big is baby? This week baby has grown to the length of a raspberry!

 

How I'm feeling? My pregnancy fatigue is certainly lingering, however aside from that I feel really quite good.

Weight? No idea

How I'm changing? Nothing major to report here.

What I miss? Sushi! We went to a wonderful sushi place with friends this week, and I really missed being able to order the sashimi. Instead, it was vegetable rolls for me.

Symptoms? I have continued to have fleeting moments of nausea, which appear to come on if I haven’t eaten in a while.  But it really is quite mild and nothing, I am sure, when compared to fully fledged morning sickness.

 

Cravings? I had a big milkshake craving this week, and I indulged without hesitation. This may not seem too strange except for the fact that I normally drink soy or rice milk, and I actually cant remember the last time I ordered a milkshake from a cafe - I think it would have been over 10 years ago! Mr BBB was well and truly in shock when we sat down at the cafe and the first thing I ordered was a milkshake lol.

My vanilla milkshake courtesy of a cafe in Memphis. And it was pure milky heaven!

Food Aversions? Nothing in particular - although salad has started to lose its appeal in favour of carbs.

Highlights this week? Continuing our travels across the USA!

Pregnancy Update – Week 5

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary …ignore the date of the post – it is incorrect)

How far along?- 5 weeks 3 days

How big is baby? This week our little one has grown from a poppy seed to an apple seed!

How I'm feeling? My anxiety has been the big issue that I am dealing with at the moment. My usual way of relieving stress is to hit the gym for a good hard workout, however given our previous losses I just don’t feel comfortable doing so. So, for now, I am trying to take as many walks as I can (and trying to go easy on myself mentally too!)

Weight? down 0.2kg

How I'm changing?  I have noticed a definite 'softening' throughout my body which I attribute to the lack of exercise as well as the combination of fertility drugs and ongoing progesterone pessaries (twice daily ugh). This "softening" is obviously not helping my anxiety issues but, again, I am trying to make a conscious effort to go easy on myself.

What I miss? Exercise. 

Symptoms? My boobs are still quite tender, and like last week, I continue to have a few twinges in my abdomen and some tiredness. But other than that - I am feeling really good at the moment.

Cravings? Nothing really this week. Just a general increase in appetite.

Food Aversions? None that I am aware of.

Highlights this week? Continuing to get great HCG and progesterone numbers in my blood tests, so much so that I don't need to have any more for a whole 7 days woot woot. I also met with my specialist this week who has recommended a dating scan at 7 weeks - when we will be in New York!

Pregnancy update – Week 7

(Another entry from my ‘hidden’ pregnancy diary…remember to ignore the incorrect date shown on the post)

How far along? 7 weeks 4 days

How big is baby? This week baby is about the size of a blueberry.

How I'm feeling? Tired. So very tired. It seems pregnancy fatigue has hit me with a vengeance! I am barely making it through the day without a nap. So although we have been doing a lot of sightseeing, we are taking it fairly slow and I have been going to bed as early as I can each evening.

 

(Excuse the ‘I just got out of the shower look?! I am starting to think that I should have put some more effort into getting ready for these photos lol) 

Weight? No idea.

How I'm changing? My lower belly appears to have grown a little, although I suspect that has more to do with no training and lots of yummy food, rather than anything pregnancy related.

What I miss? This week I really missed being able to have a glass of bubbles when our friends opened a bottle of Moet on our arrival. T'was sparkling grape juice for me instead ;)

Symptoms? I am not having any morning sickness, at all, although I am sometimes getting pangs of nausea in the afternoon which goes away once I have eaten something.

Cravings? Carbs, carbs and carbs. Nachos, potatoes - whatever really!

 

This plate stood no chance when I had an intense desire for crunchy, cheesy nachos in Nashville!

Food Aversions? None thus far.

Highlights this week? Continuing our amazing USA adventures knowing this will be our last overseas trip before we become parents!