Cheese...and cake?.....Am I hearing you right?

This has got to be my all time favourite dessert and since I made my first one, no shop bought cheesecake has been good enough since. I've been a lot busier since starting this blog. Keeping my shopping bill down to a minimum, does incur a bit more effort in the kitchen, but who can moan when the end results are a raspberry ripple cheesecake. The only downside is you will become really popular all of a sudden, people will want to travel from miles to share it! I had to share this one with 6 family members. My hubby hates it and is very vocal to announce his disgust when people come for dinner. The recipe/method here is for a basic raspberry cheesecake. You can do anything you like to make it your own. Swap the digestives for chocolate biscuits, gingernuts or even oaty biscuits make a nice crunchy base. Add flavours to the filling, chocolate, vanilla, lemon curd...anything let your imagination run wild! The decorating is the best part, and it really isn't hard to make a cheesecake look pretty. It's a bit like putting make-up on Miss World, she's already stunning but with that extra help...wow! Yes, I just compared a cheesecake to Miss World. It really is that good.

For the base:

250g biscuits

100g butter

For the filling:

400g cream cheese

80g icing sugar 

200ml double cream

Grease a 23cm flan dish

In a food processor (or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin) place the biscuits and blitz/bash into crumbs

Melt the butter and mix with the sandy crumbs

Line the base of your greased dish with the buttery biscuitness (I sometimes get possessed by Nigella sorry..) and pack it down with a spoon until firm.

Place in the freezer while you make the filling to set.

                                                     
In a mixer (or a bowl with some elbow grease) Place all the filling ingredients and mix until combined and fluffy At this stage if you were adding something else to the filling put it in now

Now for the best part. Take the base out of the freezer and put the filling on top all that's left is to decorate.

Unfortunately when I did this part there were no kids around and I had to lick the bowl clean (the sacrifices I make)

After decorating mine, there were a few too many raspberries so I made a coulis (raspberry sauce)

Push the raspberries through a sieve and add some icing sugar to taste

I simply dropped some blobs on top of the cheesecake and used some to smear artistically on the plates, nobody actually cared about this and I was left somewhat disappointed....

            

Compliment challenge

Here are some sheep, don't be a sheep....

Have you noticed how easy people find it to rip into each other these days? It makes me sad to see so much negativity, especially on-line. Wouldn't it be great if we could all just get along? Ha ha, I laugh as I know how unrealistic this sounds, but wait, just what if? Yes, I have a dream (well it was good enough for Martin Luthor King...) that instead of tearing each other down, we could maybe build each other up? Help one another to become better people, instead of stamping on each other to get to where we want to be. Just maybe, my Brady bunch style world, would be a nice place to live. Of course we can all disagree on matters and have opinions, that's what makes us unique after all, but it doesn't mean we have to hate each other. Anyway, that's my biblical rambling over with (I really need a coffee) I challenge you to give out just three compliments randomly throughout your day. Give them to whoever you see fit, strangers, family, friends and see their faces light up. Best thing is, if you enjoy it, you can carry on giving them, they're free! Heck you could do it all day long if you wanted, the gift is yours to give. I'm not pretending I'm Mary Poppins, (who's practically perfect in every way!) I have indeed spent time, over a brew slating people. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth and I'm not talking about the brew. I have also given out random compliments and do you know what? It felt good, really good. Not just for the person on the receiving end, but for you too. So, I'm making a plea to you all (is there anybody there?....) take part in my compliment challenge and notice how different it makes you feel.

Birthday's on a budget

My son Chase on his 1st birthday

Nobody likes to think they're having to budget for someone's birthday, especially their own children's. Unfortunately in this day and age we haven't all got the funds to be buying our teenager, or indeed our 6 year old, the latest gadget. So how can we combat the feeling of guilt for not spending as much as the 'Jonses' up the road? Well, it's simple really, the gift of time is the one they will remember more than the latest fad, (that will probably be forgotten when replaced with the shinier newer version they year after.) I remember when my eldest, Olivia, was 6. I planned a cinema trip, something a lot of people do on a weekend for fun, however I told her we were going for a girly night out, just me and her. We spent the afternoon getting dolled up, doing our hair, putting lippy on and got in the car.

Olivia on her 6th birthday ready to go out

She was so excited, not knowing where she was going and that she was on a 'girl's night out'. I took her to Mcdonald's, which she was very happy with and then onto the cinema. We watched Shrek the 3rd, actually that's a lie, I watched Shrek the 3rd. Olivia thought when the adverts had finished it was time to go! She played musical chairs and asked constantly is it finished yet (maybe not the best of ideas!) But the point being, she still to this day (she's 14 almost 15 now) remembers our night out. Would she have remembered getting the pink Nintendo D.S she really wanted that I couldn't afford? Does she remember being disappointed she didn't get it? No. She just remembers the fun night out she had with mummy. I can guarantee you any moment you make special will be remembered and even carried on for generations to come. Try it when you are stuck for something to buy, even if it's because they have too much and you don't know what to buy them. You don't have to be skint to make memories, rich people can be happy too.....

My daughter Neve on her 4th birthday

Chilli gone barmy and nom nom nachos

With the cold spell we are having at the moment, (it makes for some beautiful pictures) this tea is perfect. It was going to be a chilli con carne, however I forgot to buy some of the ingredients and had to improvise and do you know what? It tastes better for it! This is a good one for this time of year as it's filling, healthy and cheap! Have it on it's own, with the nachos, jacket potato, rice, pasta or chips, it's your choice. I have a very slap dash approach to cooking just lately and want to stress to you all even though I give you a recipe, feel free to play around and make it your own. The nachos make a lovely supper or an accompaniment to a Mexican meal, these however are probably not as good for the waist line. Then again with the weather at the moment we need a little fat on our bones.....right?

Nachos

Tortilla chips (Asda's own brand are only 46p for a 200g bag!)

Rocket (optional)

Sweet chilli sauce

Cheese grated

Layer the crisps and cheese and grill until the cheese melts

Dish up on top of the rocket (it makes you feel less guilty)

Dribble on the sauce and enjoy!

My son Chase, hubby Paul and Louie the lab enjoying the snow!

For the chilli

500g minced beef

Red pepper diced

Onion sliced

Passata 500g carton (Lidl)

Tin kidney beans

Tin baked beans

Tsp cumin

Tsp chilli powder

Tsp paprika

300ml beef stock (oxo and water)

Fry off the mince and drain off the fat

In a pan with some oil add the pepper and onion and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes with the cumin, chilli and paprika

When the onion and pepper are soft add the drained mince, passata, beef stock and give a good stir

Add both tins of beans and leave to simmer for at least 20 minutes serve as suggested above!

Its that easy...Here are some more of my snow pictures to enjoy

Louie is such a poser

Barbeque bean bake that won't break the bank

Try saying that after a few...Okay so this one is thanks to the fantastic Jamie Oliver and his money saving meals however I have tweaked it slightly and you are welcome to do the same. That's the secret to cooking, there is no right or wrong, just somebody else's way and yours! I also did this with Jamie's cheesy croutons (ciabatta torn into chunks, cheese grated over the top and oven for 20 minutes at 180) however, with the jacket potato as well, it was a bit too much for me. I would suggest these deliciously smoky, sweet beans with either the jacket potato and some salad, maybe as a spicy version of beans on toast with the ciabatta halved and grilled or throw in some sausages! Have fun with it, throw in the remains of the tomato pasta sauce that's been sitting in the fridge all week (I did) Also the best part, it's good for you! I used good old baked beans for this but you could use kidney, cannellini, mixed beans, any you like.

2 tins baked beans

2 carrots chopped

2 red onions sliced

500ml passata (It's just tomato sauce, use chopped tomatoes if you like)

100ml bbq sauce (I'm intrigued to know how brown sauce would taste with this too!)

Tsp cumin powder (Leave it out if you haven't got it)

Tsp chilli powder/flakes

1 and half tsp paprika

Rosemary

4 large potatoes 

Preheat the oven to 180

Pierce the potatoes, rub the skins in oil, sprinkle on some salt and place in the oven on a baking tray

Place the chopped carrots, onions, rosemary, spices and a drizzle of oil in a roasting tray and put in the oven for 20 minutes

They should be nice and sticky and soft

Pour on the beans, tomato and bbq sauce and give it all a stir before returning to the oven for 40 minutes

It should be reducing nicely now, stir it again (if you are having the croutons stick them in now) and return for 20 minutes when everything should be ready together. 

Don't blame me for the aftermath....you know what they say.....beans, beans good for the heart...

Healthy and humble honey and lemon chicken

This is a delicious meal that is not only cheap and yummy, wait for it.....it's healthy too! So if there are any of you wanting to lose pounds, not money, and you don't want to spend a lot, or sacrifice taste either, then this is for you. If you don't have fresh rosemary, use dried. If you don't have any dried rosemary, use thyme, if you don't have that then leave it out, it doesn't matter. I've tried all ways and all are as tasty. I serve this with garlic potatoes and salad (I know I said it's winter, however coupled with the warm honey and lemon sauce it's a must) I've always found when I eat this I'm full, even though it doesn't look a lot, as it takes longer to eat with having to pick at the chicken. The kids love it too...bonus!

1Kg chicken thighs

2 lemons

5 cloves of garlic

Rosemary

Tbsp honey

Baby potatoes

Bag of salad

Preheat the oven to 200

Place potatoes, unpeeled garlic cloves and some rosemary in a pan and cover with water

In an oven proof dish put the chicken and lemons and rosemary together

Pour over the honey and squeeze the juice out of the lemons (leaving the lemon in the dish to cook with the chicken)

Put the chicken in the oven for 50 minutes 

After the chicken has been in for 30 minutes baste with the juices and leave to cook for a further 20 minutes 

Turn the potatoes on to boil for 20 minutes

When the potatoes are soft and cooked drain off and remove the garlic

Gently squeeze the cloves and the garlic should easily pop out of it's skin

Season generously with salt and pepper and mash with a fork

Coat the potatoes with the garlic and some butter 

When the chicken is cooked drain off the juice into a small pan on a high heat and boil

Serve on the salad with the potatoes and pour over the sauce 

Simple steak and ale pie

I actually thought I had already blogged this, my memory is terrible at the moment, something I'm blaming on the kids. I just have to walk through a door and my memory is wiped clean. So my steak and ale pie is a delicious winter warmer, don't forget it is actually still winter put those salads away!! As with the beef bourguignon, it really doesn't matter what beer you use. For mine I used the cheapest bottle I could get my hands on, Golden goose 90p from Lidl and it tasted yummy! Perfect served with mashed sweet potato and some greens.

350g diced stewing steak

250g mushrooms chopped
Onion chopped
500ml bottle ale/beer/stout whichever you like
Tbsp tomato puree (leave it out if you have none it doesn't matter)
Flour tbsp
Oil tbsp
Puff pastry

Coat the meat in flour and pepper
On a high heat brown the meat in the oil
When the meat's browned place into a large pan and pour over the beer, add some water if not covered
In the frying pan cook the mushrooms and onions for 5 minutes and add to the pan with the meat
Stir in the tomato puree and place on a medium heat until simmering
Turn down low and leave for a couple of hours remembering to stir so it doesn't burn
If the liquid is not as thick as you want it after it's been cooking then add some gravy granules
Pour the mixture into an oven proof dish and top with puff pastry
Cook in a preheated oven at 200 for 25-35 minutes or until pastry is golden

Beat the January blues

My beautiful children and niece

Okay it's that time of year already, the Monday of months. January. After ramming adverts about luxurious food and drink down our throats for three months, now is the time we get made to feel like crap about it and told we now need to work it all off. It's a load of rubbish I say, be kind to yourself in January. Who says that just because Christmas has finished that the season of goodwill has to end? Or that we can't treat ourselves and have magical family times together? It's all up to you. Don't be made to feel bad by the latest celebrity that's lost a few pounds (and a few more with the help of photoshop!) If you really feel like you have over indulged and want to get back into shape then take small steps and make a few changes. Cut back on portion sizes, sugary treats and drink plenty of water. Take walks instead of driving, make it fun. Take a camera and snap everything red/ things that move/animals or challenge yourself by seeing how long it takes you to get somewhere and then try to beat it next time. The best thing is if you are feeling down because money's tight, or just because, then getting out in the fresh air is the best medicine in the world.

I love a walk on the beach 

If you have had a good clear out of the toys your children no longer play with, or clothes you don't need, why not sell them on a free site such as Facebook and then put the money in a family saving pot. When you reach a target amount do something together, go see a movie or a trip to the zoo? Buy one of those money boxes you have to open with a tin opener so you won't be tempted to borrow from it, they sell them in Poundland. Sit and plan 12 family dates for the next year, one for each month and then you will have something to look forward to. These don't have to be expensive they can be cheap or free, remember the breakfast picnic from my earlier post? Apply the same magic throughout the year as you do at Christmas it costs nothing. Just remember be kind to yourself, and others it costs nothing!

357 days to go!

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New year with your family and friends, I know we certainly did! We overindulged, argued over games, partied too hard and are now sick of the sight of each other. Operation Christmas success! Now to do the dreaded thing and mention Christmas 2016. I know it doesn't bare thinking about just yet, but with a bit of forward planning you can take some of the stress away from next Christmas. I understand money is tight enough in January, but if you can spare any at all, then I would advise shopping in the sales for next years gifts. It's fun to go and see what you can get. If grandma likes bath stuff for then get it now, or you have an that aunty that loves candles, these things don't go off find a bargain! If you can't stretch to gifts, then get your cards and wrapping paper. Sainsbury's were selling boxes of cards off for 25p each box! The main thing is, to be careful not to buy rubbish. There's no point buying a gift that is falling to bits just because it has £20 off. If it's a gift box that is damaged on the other hand, the contents will still be fine, just re-box them yourself in a box you have left over from a gift set. I always think personal presents are much more exciting as you don't know what's going to be in them. My daughter loved her girlie box I made up from an old Johnson's baby box. Most importantly don't forget to ask for money off, even if it's already in the sale just try it and see after all they can only say no.

Olivia and her girlie box 

Neve excited to death

Chase with his Iggle piggle

Chase and grandad