Cake Pops

So I've been hearing about these cake pops for a while now and wondering what all the fuss is about.  Well.. let me tell you.  They are amazeballs as my son would so eloquently say... and they are dead easy to make.


 
Just mix your batter


Put a heaped teaspoon into each area of your cake pop machine.  I bought mine from BIG W but I think you can get them all over the place.
DON'T OVERFILL.  Cakes will only take 6 minutes to cook.  Yeah Baby! 6 Minutes!! 








Voila! Now let them cool..

  

For my first batch, I used melted butter and cinnamon sugar.  Ahhhhh aaaaaahhhhhh.............. <choir of angels singing silly> 

Do you people realise how long it has been since I've eaten a real donut?  I'm not kidding when I say, this tastes like the real deal people.  It was a deeply religious experience.

So much so, that I ate quite a few and felt a little bit ick after..





You can use your favourite GF cupcake recipe for the batter or a GF cupcake mix like macro gluten free cupcake mix for example that you can get from Woolworths or there's a recipe at the bottom that came with the machine..








Decorate. Decorate. Decorate.
Go Crazy.

Just a word of warning.. here's the word.. ok here's two.. in moderation

Right then.. I'm off to do 10 laps of the block

There are plenty of GF sprinkles and decorations about.  Here's just a smattering below - found at your regular supermarket.  Oh and just a point.. my machine came with re-usable cake pop sticks but if you damage or lose any, rest assured that you can buy more from cake decorating shops or online.  Happy dayz :)

Gluten Free Cake Pops Recipe

(courtesy of KAMBROOK)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

3/4 cup gluten free self raising flour

1/2 cup gluten free plain flour

1/2 cup caster sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 x 59g free range egg

60g butter, softened

Using an electric mixer, beat all ingredients for 2 minutes.

Leaping Liebsters.. I've been nominated

OK so earlier in the year a lovely lady I know nominated me for this Liebster thingy and although I was just a little bit excited to be nominated for.. well.. ANYTHING.. I was a little dubious about scammy virusy potential computer killers and the like..

I hadn't heard anything about this Liebster stuff.  My good friend GOOGLE couldn't tell me a great deal and so I decided in all of my internety (what? that's a word) wisdom to leave well enough alone.. and so I did.. well.. nothing   

Turns out that this Liebster thingy is actually a gesture of goodwill if you will.  Some friendly feedback.  A good honest pat on the back. A bit of the old 'I like what you do'.. pump up the old ego stuff.. it's all good.  AND my computer is still working. Phew! Thank God 

So first, thanks and apologies for being a big scaredy go to - Denise at Butterflybees and second to my able crafty friend and new blogger extraordinaire - Nikki at A Little Bit of Quiet for snapping me out of it and realising that it's all for the greater good of THE BLOG.

So what is this LIEBSTER thingy?

The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. It is to show new bloggers that they are appreciated, and to help spread the word about new blogs. 


There are a few rules that come with the award..

*Copy and paste the award onto your blog

*Link back to the blogger that gave you the award

*Choose 5 bloggers with under 200 followers (who you think deserve to be recognised) and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they've won the award!


Now, the basis of these RULES varied a smidge between my two nominators whereby Nikki had the additional suggestion that I share 11 random things about myself (yes that's right 11 - not 3 or 4.. 11) and then (yes and then..) answer 11 questions.. OK so I will indulge you, we can still be friends (for now) but you are pushing the envelope

 

11 Random Things About Me

 

My continual amazement in that my eldest son continues to place dirty laundry behind his bedroom door when the laundry basket is 12 steps from said door.. (yes I've counted)

 

More along the continual amazement vein.. Ben's first word was daddy, come to think of it.. so was Abbey's... hmm an evil vendetta against their mother?

 

I wonder why they call it glutinous rice when it contains no gluten..

 

I had no idea I had Coeliac Disease until after my daughter was diagnosed.  I was 39.  I am what you call asymptomatic

 

I love the smell of Pine O Cleen.. I don't sniff it directly from the bottle.. much

 

I hate cauliflower

 

and more along the the continual amazement vein.. how is it that Garrick can NEVER hear any of the kids cry out in the night.. EVER

 

I am a terrible procrastinator.. or a very good one

 

I'm a little bit anal about how I make the bed.. call that a hospital corner.. pffft..

 

I'm a white and one girl for both coffee and tea

 

I'm adopted :)

 

 

Nikki's questions for me

 

Is blogging what you thought it would be?  I guess.  It continues to surprise me that random people are interested in what I have to say.  The aim of my blog was to reach even just one person (hopefully more) that found themselves in the same boat and to help to lighten the load even just a little bit.  When Abb was diagnosed, it was all just a little overwhelming and I would have found something like this really helpful & supportive.  It was probably out there but I was a bit Internet challenged at the time..  things haven't changed much.. but the important thing is I am learning.. 

 

If you could choose any profession in the world, anything, what would it be?  A host on Getaway - that's a profession right?

 

Jeans and a t-shirt or a lovely dress? Sorry mum, jeans and a t-shirt all the way

 

Do you make your bed in the morning? derr..

 

How would you spend your perfect day? Laughing ALOT with Garrick and my perfectly behaved children

 

What do you like best about being a blogger?  I have a thing.  I mean it's my thing.  Garrick can have his Door Slammers game and his remote but this is mine. 

 

What is your most favourite food in all the world? lamb roast cliché I know.. lame even.. 

 

Who would you like to be trapped in an elevator with? Hmm good question.. Jim Carrey, Dexter Morgan, Jack Black, Jack Nicholson, Will Ferrell, Norman Bates (I'm kidding..what's that Mother....?), the guy out of The Notebook, err.. Garrick? That was a trick question right..

 

What's the craziest thing you have done in your life? Packed up our little family and moved across Australia to a little place called Mt Perry where I didn't know a soul.  Crazy?  No. Adventurous - yes.  A great decision as it turned out.  We made life-long friends there.  I loved it and the people were gorgeous.

 

What totally gives you the irrits?  Jai putting his dirty laundry behind his bedroom door

 

What are you wearing right now?  Surprisingly.. a lovely dress

 

 So there you have it.

There are so many great blogs out there. Here's my 5 nominations   Check them out why don't you.

 

Stuff No One Told Mandie
Gluten Free Aussie Girl

the gluten free scallywag
Living on a Latte
green tea & toast


 

 

 

 

Skewerz - Seek and You Will Find

I am finding (as I'm sure you are) that MANY places are offering more and more gluten free options every day.  If there is nothing indicating gluten free on the menu, don't despair.. there may well be gluten free options available or the establishment in many circumstances will accommodate your gluten free request and convert a menu option to gluten free or offer a gluten free alternative.  MOST places are accommodating because they want your patronage.  Hey we're still paying customers!!  and lets face it.. if you keep the customer happy & provide good service, then the customer is going to tell others about their pleasant dining experience.. you then become a 'returning' customer, you then return with friends, the establishment gains more customers.. yaddah yaddah yaddah

Such was the case recently when I took the initiative <yes blowing my own trumpet again> and contacted SKEWERZ head office to ask the burning questions..

If you haven't heard.. SKEWERZ offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine with not only traditional kebabz with fresh fillings but some new Mediterranean options including skewerz and tasty extras.

SKEWERZ were happy to hear from me and more than obliging to answer my questions.

So what I have learnt today I am happy to share with you here.

Both meats (the Doner and the chicken) used for kebabs contain gluten. (I know.. major bummer right?)  Optimal choices for the gluten impaired ( a term of endearment I use for myself but feel free to adopt) are the Garden or Greek Salads and the "skewerz".  Incidentally, the French dressing is gluten free. Now before you lash out... no there are not just salad options...

The skewerz are gluten free but only with the herb and garlic (mild or hot) or Moroccan.

Gluten free sauces include:

Tomato
BBQ
Sweet Chilli
Hot Chilli
Garlic Aioli
Smoky BBQ

The antipasto relish contains gluten

The bread products should never be on the grill or hot plate.

The halloumi and falafels are gluten free for a breadless kebab option - the Skewerz family refer to this option as the cheeky "naked kebab"

It is important to remember, that if you have a medical condition such as Coeliac Disease, you are gluten intolerant or have gluten sensitivity - where special care needs to be taken when preparing and serving your food - be sure to make the staff member aware of your dietary requirement when ordering. They are only human after all.. speak up people - they have only your best interests at heart.

Here in Perth you will find Skewerz at the following locations:

Carillon
Galleria
Garden City
Innaloo
Mandurah

Skewerz Kebabz
www.skewerz.net.au/

Fancy a cuppa? Tea that is..

“There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.”
― Lin Yutang, The Importance Of Living


Nourishment for the nerves, a calmer of all calamities, a fearless friend in times of trouble, it is all encompassing and nurturing.  It is tea.

Did you know tea is a natural antioxidant containing Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, is rich in potassium, manganese, folic acid and calcium? Did you know all tea comes from the same plant. That's right - Camellia Sinesis. No? and.. Did you know tea is gluten free?  Go on...

Tea - the great thirst quencher. Yep! It's right up there with water..
OK so it comes a close second but hey, what a notable achievement for the humble cup of Cha.  Don't believe me?  Read about it here.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of coffee however you can't beat a great cup of tea.  Even better.. a freshly brewed pot of tea.  In my opinion, there's no disputing that loose leaf is the best way to brew the perfect cup of tea however the technique and brewing time is debatable and obviously depends upon the palate.  There definitely is an art to making a great cuppa that's for sure.  Worth practising anyway and dunking biccies in... gluten fee of course ;)

I was fortunate enough to receive a sample of wonderful teas from Nature's Cuppa recently.
Nature’s Cuppa are all about pure organic teas and have confirmed that their tea and coffee products are gluten free excluding their Rich Roast Caffeine Free coffee alternative (contains Barley Rye and Malt).

Nature's Cuppa tea, freeze dried coffee and espresso coffee are 100% eco-organic environmentally sustainable and Fairtrade®.  Benefiting not only the customer, but the growers and most importantly, our planet.  What is Fairtrade®? Get the low-down here

With Nature's Cuppa -  there are no pesticides or chemicals used during the agricultural process.  Good news however you want to look at it.  Nature's Cuppa is certified organic by the National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) and USDA Organic.

With a range that boasts traditional flavours like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, Green Tea for the more health conscious, or herbal infusions like Peppermint, Chamomile or Chai Spice for those of you that want to mix it up a bit - there's something for everyone.  Fresh, flavoursome and environmentally friendly.  Available in unbleached paper teabags or loose leaf.  My personal preference is English Breakfast being the refined lady that I am.. also debatable.. 

According to Wikipedia - dry tea has more caffeine by weight than coffee, nevertheless, more dried coffee is used than dried tea in preparing the beverage, which means that a cup of brewed tea contains significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee of the same size.

If you can't go past coffee though, Nature's Cuppa has you covered there too. With organic rainforest freeze dried coffee made exclusively from 100% organic Arabica coffee beans and organic rainforest espresso coffee (premium Arabica roasted ground organic coffee beans) on offer - everyone's taste has been catered for.

Nature's Cuppa is available at Woolworths, Coles, IGA, selected Foodworks and health food stores as well as online - www.naturescuppa.com

Fancy a cuppa?  Go on.. be a love and put the kettle on.    


“We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing made it worse.
We haven't had any tea for a week...
The bottom is out of the Universe.”
― Rudyard Kipling, The Collected Poems of Rudyard Kipling


Sources: www.naturescuppa.com  www.fairtrade.com.au  http://allrecipes.com/howto/brew-the-perfect-cup-of-tea/ www.healthland.time.com -(article by Michelle Castillo)  Wikipedia  http://www.the-color-of-tea.com  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_tea 

South Bound

Some great pals from sunny Queensland were headed in our general direction so we had planned to meet them at Albany and make our way back up the South West coast together.

The trip south was fairly uneventful considering we had on board a two year old (say no more), an unruly 5 year old and a teenager minus iPod (confiscated for reasons I will not enter into here..) Had Garrick and I gone completely mad? Clearly..

It was crazy windy on the journey down but it was sunny.. sadly that was the last of the sun for a few days.  Bummer.

Bad weather.. meh.. Nothing a few drinks and some shopping couldn't fix.

Those banana benders had arrived in their camper van from Kal.  How 4 girls and 1 fella ever survived in that confined space with so much luggage is a notable achievement. Rumour has it, it was the first and last camper van trip.. ha ha

Albany was.. well.. COLD! Brrrr.. good weather for eskimos.  Those Antarctic winds bounced off the Southern Ocean and straight through my bones - nothing a few drinks and some shopping couldn't fix though.. is there an echo in here? pffffft..

Some great eating spots in Albany for the gluten challenged out there..



Joop Thai
130 Lockyer Avenue, Centennial Park

a few options available at:
Venice Restaurant (menu link via albanygateway.com.au) 
179 York Street, Albany

Tanglehead Brewing Co.
Located within the White Star Hotel
72 Stirling Terrace, Albany

Tanglehead Brewing Co. was by far the standout for me during our stay - kid friendly, heaps of gluten free options, welcoming staff and great food.

Our journey continued along the South Coast Highway enjoying the beautiful countryside of Denmark, stopping to do the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants, then onto Walpole, Pemberton and finally Margaret River.

What can you say about Margs that hasn't already been said before.  Quite simply, my favourite South West destination.  It is beautiful, it is gluten free friendly, it has a myriad of accommodation options and is home to some of the most outstanding wineries in the WORLD.

On this short stay, sadly only time to visit one.  Watershed  located on Bussell Highway was a perfect choice.  With a semi indoor playground to keep the kids entertained while we enjoyed a cheeky bottle of 2008 Cab Merlot, there was nothing to fault.  Beautiful surrounds, great company, sensational food including lots of gluten free options, it was a fantastic afternoon.


The Berry Farm

Settlers Tavern located at 114 Bussell Highway is always a sure bet for great food and a few bevvies.  So many gluten free options, kid friendly and always more than accommodating.  Throw in some shopping, a trip to The Berry Farm located at 43 Bessell Rd, Rosa Glen where everything is gluten free, some touristy stuff and a coffee or three and you have the perfect getaway.


A quick stop at Equinox Cafe Busselton on the way home proved to be a brilliant decision.  Heaps of gluten free options for breakfast including the most sensational home made gluten free bread I think I have ever tasted.  Located at 343 Queen Street, Busselton - you don't want to miss this one.

Busselton Jetty

Home again.  Back to reality for a while..  *sigh*    

Rockpool Bar & Grill? No way..

So a couple of weeks ago Garrick totally blew me away by announcing that 'we' were going to the fabulous Rockpool Bar & Grill.  NO WAYYYYYYYYYY.

I was just a little bit excited..

I had heard so many wonderful things about this place.  OMG 'we' were actually going!!  I had read that this establishment had taken out three awards at the 2011 Gold Plate Awards -  named Best New Restaurant, Best Steakhouse and Best Wine List

Classy, sophisticated, elegant.. it was all that and more.  This place was really fancy schmancy and just quietly,  I was loving it.   I had visited the hairdresser earlier in the day, had on my LBD & cocktail shoes, Garrick was looking spunkalicious - we were feeling pretty spesh.. we strutted in like we rolled off the set of Saturday Night Fever ha ha.. lame..   We were the FIRST to arrive.  What?? Oh God, we didn't want to appear too enthusiastic and give away our carefully constructed ruse of super coolness (I kid of course.. as if..) but unfortunately our game was up at the bar.. Thinking that the safe bet was to order a timeless classic, a G&T, I was bombarded with a barrage of complex GIN options and not only that but in a french accent.. dear me, I was clearly out of my depth.. I looked at Garrick and pleaded desperately with my eyes to salvage this pitiful and clear lack of street smarts but it was hopeless.. Garrick was as clueless as I was.. we had no bloody idea.. what a bunch of amateurs.. I uttered in defeat.. "surprise me".

.... meanwhile Garrick ordered a beer and the whole vicious cycle started again (Dear God we were in pre-dinner-drinks HELL)  This wasn't the kind of place to be expecting a XXXX Garrick.

It turns out my Hendrick's Gin & in-house tonic with a sliver of cucumber was right on the money.  When our friends arrived moments later 2 of our party very stylishly ordered that exact concoction.  I had mixed emotions.. I mean I had somehow managed to order a very cool drink but clearly by default.. When I say we don't get out much.. that is an understatement of the most mammoth proportion,  we have KIDS, we NEVER go out and we had a lot of catching up to do.. we were hacks.

Our party was escorted to our table.  I might add at this juncture, the decor was fabulous.  The floor to ceiling mesh curtains sectioning various dining areas was complimented by warm lighting and some funky background music.  It was perfect, the  ambiance was lovely.  The chairs were super COMFORTABLE.  So important.  BUT the absolute standout for me was the SERVICE.  I wanted this night to be perfect.  After all, I wasn't sure when we we would be venturing out again. I needed this night to be perfect.. I needed to make the most of this opportunity.

I had contacted the restaurant about a week before and I had explained that I was GLUTEN CHALLENGED, I  was in fact, sadly more than that, I was .. a COELIAC.  I explained my dietary requirements and the importance of food prep for 'said affliction' and was seriously expecting to be met with *groan* "Hey Neil.. we've got one of 'those' again.." (ha ha like he was even there..) but I was way off the mark .  Brilliant.  The staff bent over backwards to make sure I had a good night.  Almost as soon as we sat down, a waitress introduced herself and proceeded to go through the entire menu discreetly, highlighting what I could have rather than what I couldn't - and you know what? The pros far outweighed the cons and I'm not kidding. Anything that was a potential risk, they would endeavour to transform to make the dish gluten free. There were minimal menu options that were off limits - seriously. I'm talking pasta (derr) obvious bread dishes but alot could be converted, fried calamari, the hand cut fat chips - but seriously, do you go to a place like Rockpool to have chips? COME ON. So on this particular night this is what I had -

Wood Fired Grilled Fremantle Octopus with Roasted Autumn Vegetables, Preserved Lemon Pesto
A 250g Cape Grim Dry Aged Fillet 36 Month Old Grass Fed
Sauteed Mixed Mushrooms
Charcoal Roasted Peppers and Red Onions with Marjoram
Green Beans with Creamy Anchovy, Chilli and Lemon Dressing, Toasted Almonds

Now I am going to go out on a limb here and say that my starter was possibly the best thing that I have ever tasted. IN MY LIFE. EVER. Big call I know but I'm putting it out there..

The steak.. well.. I mean these people KNOW steaks. They are STEAK PEOPLE.  I'm talking medium rare hot knife through butter.. GLORIOUS

And the sides? The worst thing I can say about the sides is that we had to share.. pffffft
and all washed down with a cheeky red or two..

Dessert? Look, at this point, I was feeling like a fat little bird.. happy and warm and enjoying my wine.  OK so I didn't stop there.. so I partook in some salted caramel merriment? What? DON'T JUDGE ME

I love FOOD.  I will ALWAYS love food.  Thank-you Rockpool. Thank-you for turning it on.
Thank-you from deep inside my being. Thank-you for looking after my Coeliac-ness.  BEST NIGHT out in a long time. I'll be back.

ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL
Crown Perth
Great Eastern Hwy
BURSWOOD  WA

Phone: +61 8 6252 1900
info@rockpoolperth.com

Elmar's in the Valley

Did you know that Elmar's has been around since 1987?  Yes! Initially as a smallgoods outlet in Highgate, then another outlet in Myaree, this german success story led to the birth of a wonderful establishment in Henley Brook.

As a family we have frequented Elmar's in the Valley many times.  Situated in the heart of the picturesque Swan Valley, we really are spoilt for choice - with so much on the menu, fabulous surroundings but perhaps best of all (in my opinion anyway), so much GLUTEN FREE.

Yes my Coeliac friends & gluten intolerant compadres, Elmar's will not disappoint. Their menu options are extensive and delicious (I can vouch for this!) If you would like to peruse their menu click here.



You will notice that many menu options have a © or a ©* next to them.  This indicates that the menu item is either Gluten Free or can be prepared Gluten Free.  Happy days!

Chloe from Elmar's in the Valley was more than happy to speak to me about 'gluten free options' and 'food preparation'.  She referred directly to the chef who advised the following -

“We ensure quality control in the kitchen based on strict HCCP guidelines. This means all food must be cooked, prepared and stored properly. The majority of our sauces are made from scratch so we know exactly what is going into our food, and ensure everything is prepared properly.”

What about the small goods you ask?  Are they Gluten Free?  This from their website -

"Elmar uses only the highest quality products and freshest ingredients in all of his traditional smallgoods recipes. In addition to this, all of the Elmar's Smallgoods products are GLUTEN FREE, and free of any artificial colours or flavours. This allows customers with most allergy problems the ability to happily indulge in Elmar's delicious products without the risk of allergic reactions".

More information can be found about Elmar's Small Goods here

Click here to source other locations for Elmar's Small Goods 

Elmar's also host the fabulous Elmar's in the Valley OKTOBERFEST - Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th and Sunday 21st October - a weekend full of live music, German food and beer (PLEASE NOTE ELMAR'S BEER IS NOT GLUTEN FREE) - but PLENTY of other gluten free beverages available of course!

So it's all good really.  Feel like a trip out to the beautiful Swan Valley?  Go on.. your tummy will thank you for it :)

The restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesday and Thursday and both lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday.

Guten Appetit!

Elmar's in the Valley
8731 West Swan Rd, Henley Brook
Tel (08) 9296 0058 Fax (08) 9296 6356

www.elmars.com.au