Fun in the kitchen :)

Generally, I love having my little ones help out in the kitchen. Some days I get frustrated when they want to help because it slows everything down, but when I remember that I am teaching them to love cooking (and how to cook), I try to be patient! A few deep breaths and we're on our way. :)

Saraya is just getting to be a genuine help. Today we made a nice fruit platter for afternoon tea, and she managed to peel and cut up the kiwi fruit, banana and strawberries all on her own! Oh, and Elijah washed everything at the tap. 3-year-olds and water..... it's fun and games!





I made my very first-ever meat pie for dinner tonight. Stuart LOVES meat pie, and it's always something I've wanted to try but haven't- partly for fear of it not turning out! Thankfully, it did and Saraya's words "Mmmmmmm, can you make this again Mamma?" summed up what everyone thought of it. I was very very happy!



My recipe for Meat Pie:


Saute a finely chopped onion in some olive oil.
Add a few chopped mushrooms, and about 700grams of diced casserole beef. I would like to have added some chopped garlic too, but was doing this with a baby in one arm so didn't manage it. :)

Season it well, add some ground coriander and curry powder and brown over high heat to seal the meat. Reduce heat, and add about a tablespoon of plain flour and a little stock, stir gently. I also added about a teaspoon of soy sauce for extra flavour.

Cover tightly with a lid, and cook very slowly for about 3 or 4 hours. Stir occasionally. If it gets too dry, add a little water. You want it to be like a thick gravy consistency.

Brush a pie dish with a little butter or oil. Lay in a sheet of puff pastry, letting the edges hang over the sides. Spoon in the meat mixture. Cut another sheet of pastry to fit the top. Lay on top, and fold the edges of the bottom sheet over, pressing together to make a "rustic" look. :) Brush with a beaten egg to make it golden.

Bake in a 190 degree oven for about 35 minutes, or until pastry is cooked. Enjoy!!!