Seeing and experiencing how plants grow in your own garden, is amazing. We used to grow herbs back in South-Africa, and I took the next steps and started to grow and maintain our veggie garden. Some veggies did not make it, others just bloomed from the beginning. How I started was taking a whole vegetable…
Instant Dark Chocolate Mousse
Easy chocolate mousse, you can add less or more dark chocolate according to your preference. This recipe uses alot of egg whites, I know. You can use as many as you’d like. You don’t have to use the exact quantity. Ingredients:1 x 70g Instant Chocolate Mousse250ml Fresh Milk for the instant chocolate mousse dessert +…
Sticky Sweet & Sour Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
I made this delicious, mouth watering recipe. It reminds me a lot of the ribs we recently had at Dixie Browns in Taupo. It’s falling off the bone. It’s sticky and yummy. Unfortunately there was nothing left by the time that dinner was finished. Ingredients:8 Chicken Drumsticks1 Packet Sweet & Sour Ready Mix Sauce 1…
Home Made Lemon Curd
I made this home made lemon curd, from all our leftover lemons in our fridge. I added a normal cup of lemon juice as well. This delicious recipe makes 1L lemon curd. Ingredients: 7 Lemons, depitted and juiced (makes 250ml – 1 Cup) of Fresh Lemon Juice250ml Lemon Juice500ml Caster Sugar60ml Condensed Milk4 Egg Yolks2…
All the Cakes I Made (so far)
My passion for cake baking really started when I was in high school. It’s not the quantity that matters, but the quality that you want to set. I was that little girl that dreamed of having my own website, to showcase what I was upto and for my own preference what I am baking and…
Chocolate Mud Cake with Chocolate Caramel Mousse Filling & Chocolate Mousse Buttercream with Chocolate Ganachè & Meringues for our Anniversary & My Birthday
I made this beautiful, delicious, fluffy, yum chocolate cake. It was simply mouth watering and was finished within 2 and a halve days! I decided to make this cake for me and my husbands anniversary as well as for my birthday. It was a delightful way to celebrate both special days by a yummy cake,…
Caramel Mint & Chocolate Mousse Tart
I made another version of this tart, using the new mint thins from Griffin’s. The mint is not overpowering and with the biscuit texture it reminds me of cookies and cream. It is really yum. Base:250g Crushed Biscuits mixed with 50ml Melted butter. Press the biscuit base into a prepared glasss serving dish. Set aside…
Turning 30
I just turned 30, it’s such a liberating age. My younger, 20 self, would be bothered by what people think and said about me. Now that I am 30, passed my early 20’s and early adulthood, I realise that what people think of me is less important and doing what is best for me is…
Dixie Browns
After our snowday, me and my husband was craving ribs, not just any ribs. The mouth watering ribs that falls off the bone and are covered in sauce. As we drove to Taupo, I went on google maps and searched for a good rating place to eat. I read hundreds of reviews and found the…
Mount Ruapehu – Whakapapa
We were looking forward to visit this mountain, since we arrived in Taupo last year. Due to Covid19 we couldn’t visit it, this year we got the chance. Our kids enjoyed the snow so much too. We went on the Gondola, the cable car and our oldest daughter was a little scared but enjoyed looking…
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
Hot Springs is situated next to the De Bretts Spa Resort. It consists of natural mineral pools that is warm and relaxing. We had so much fun swimming in the pools, they have a kids play area as well. The surroundings of nature makes it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the goodness…
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
We went on holiday in the middle of winter to explore the snow mountain in Taupo. It’s something we wanted to do since last year. The days leading up to our mountain exploring were pretty warm and then it became windy. We stayed at a lovely resort in Taupo. As soon as we went inside…
Meringues
I finally made meringues and it came out better than what I expected. After two failed attempts I went back to the drawing board and did some more research and reading. They are crunchy and soft in the inside, fluffy and perfect. A nice treat or as a decoration on cakes and cupcakes. Ingredients:30ml Cocoa…
Silky Smooth Home Made Custard
Silky smooth, yummy home made custard made by me. My own recipe! Enjoy! Ingredients:500ml Fresh Milk3 Eggs Yolks100ml White Sugar40ml Cornflour150ml Extra Fresh Milk45ml Butter40ml Vanilla Essence Method:In a microwave safe bowl, add in the 500ml milk. Place in the microwave and heat up for about 10 minutes till warm. In another bowl, whisk together…
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Delicious and decadent dark chocolate mousse. Perfect for any occasion. Ingredients:100g 92% Dark Chocolate Block3 Eggs Seperated120ml Caster Sugar for the Cream 30ml Caster Sugar for the Egg Whites250ml Fresh Cream1 Tsp Condensmilk Method:In a glass bowl add in 92% 100g chocolate block. Break up into pieces and melt in the microwave for 1 to…
Triple Chocolate & Banana Brownies with Nuts & Dark Chocolate Chips
I made this brownie mixture, using a box of the Betty Crocker triple chocolate brownie mixture. I’ve added some two ripe bananas and tripled the recipe, adding some nuts and dark chocolate chips. It turned out delicious and not sickly sweet, and also not bitter, super crunchy and delicious delight. Ingredients:2 Ripe Bananas, mashed 240ml…
The Unthinkable
We always think the unthinkable will never happen to us. Since Covid19 started it has just been creating chaos wherever it spreads. In South Africa the third strain of the Covid19 have reached new high numbers. Gauteng in South Africa is currently under lockdown, and the vaccine is slowly being rolled out. While all that…
Out of Our Comfort Zones, We Grow
Growing up was the easy part, getting older and being responsible for the decisions you make that have consequences for your actions. You don’t grow when your comfortable, you grow when you are in deep water, swimming to catch your breath and living to survive another day. The same works in the book of life….
I am who I am
I made a lot of mistakes as a mom. I mostly say the wrong things at the wrong time. I do not have an amazing figure or flat tummy, I am certainly not the most beautiful woman in the world, but I am me. I like food. Have more than enough curves and maybe more…
Two is Better Than One
We set up 3 houses together, we traveled half way across the world to a small island with only 4.8 million people, we started a family and went on so many adventures together, we have gone through so many tough times and chewed on many packets of salt together and we always strive for a…
Becoming a Mom
Becoming a mom has changed my whole perspective and outlook on life. How I see the world now, through a different perspective. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes, changes the way you see everyone. To protect them at all costs, to look out for them and only wanting the best for them. After the…
Gem Squash Plants getting Bigger
My gem squash seeds have not only sprouted, but all of them have grown into seperate plants on their own. We got big leaves on all of them and they are very happy. With all this rain we are receiving, they are growing really good.
Home made Caramel & Chocolate Custard Tart
Yummy caramel and chocolate custard tart. Original recipe from BBC Food. I adapted it and doubled it and added a few things to make it caramel custard and chocolate custard. Ingredients for home made Custard:1L Milk30ml Vanilla Essence240ml Caster Sugar8 Eggs, yolks only90ml Cornflour90ml Butter Ingredients for the Caramel Custard Layer:1 Can of Caramel Ingredients…
Double Dipped Crispy Golden Teriyaki & Ginger Chicken Nuggets
My first try with my own mixture of chicken nuggets dip, it was yummy and there weren’t any leftover. Double Dipped Crispy Golden Teriyaki & Ginger Chicken NuggetsIn a bowl add in:30ml Cornflour30ml Lemon Juice 1 Egg, mixed40ml Ginger Powder40ml Teriyaki SauceSalt and Pepper to tasteA little bit of oil and some soya sauceMix everything…
Exploring the Last two enclosures at Auckland Zoo
Our last two explorations at Auckland Zoo, was so much fun. The zoo was packed as usual. Full of kids laughter and kids running everywhere. We saw some alligators and otters as well as some monkeys and big birds and the biggest tortoises I have ever seen, our toddler was so fascinated by them. Here…
Vanilla & Banana Birthday Cake with Strawberry Jam Filling and Strawberry Flavoured Buttercream Icing for my Mum’s Birthday
This year, for my mother’s birthday, I baked her a banana and vanilla cake and it came out delicious. Here is the recipe: The Recipe for the Vanilla Cake: Ingredients:300g Butter at room temperature 320ml Caster Sugar6 Eggs, seperated 750ml Flour3Tbs Baking Powder 220ml Milk80ml Vanilla Essence Method:Whisk your egg whites in a bowl till…
The 90’s Kid
The era I grew up in is long gone but the memories are there, where tamagotchi was a thing and wearing pink eyeshadow was a thing. Where movies was made of VHS tapes and you couldn’t stream movies or series but can get them in a video shop. The 90’s was a simple era, where…
The Immigration Journey
Every immigration journey starts different and also somewhat the same, in the sense that we all start with a suitcase, a new job in a new country and some cash in the bank and a dream to start fresh, all from scratch. The hard part is, leaving all the things you grew up with and…
Old Bee Photography
The older bee, is much more lighter in colour. The older bee is slower in speed as well compared to the younger, faster bee.
Young Bee Photography
The younger bees are the brighter one’s while the older bees are lighter and somewhat a gray colour in my observation of taking photos of them.
Two Bees Photography
It is very interesting to watch two bees on the same plant fighting for territory while giving pollen to the lavender plants. These are the photo I took using the Super Macro function on my phone.
Close up of the Bees Photography
I decided to zoom in on the bees and take some more close up photos of them. It’s amazing the technology of today. I had so much fun taking photos of them, the bees got annoyed with me but it so interesting to learn about them.
Lavender Bees Photography
I had so much fun taking photos of all the bees in our garden, flying between the lavender growing in our garden.
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagna
I made beef lasagna in my crockpot using the slow cooker function and it came out perfect, creamy and delicious. You can follow the recipe of the beef lasagna on my blog, or use your own, to your own preference. This is our go to beef lasagna recipe: https://kristiespantry.com/2020/03/22/beef-lasagna/ The beef lasagna contains ricotta but…
Creamless Chocolate Mousse
I made this chocolate mousse cause I only had eggs and not cream. It forms a layer on top. It is very delicious even though it contains no cream. The condensed milk gives it a delicious taste and not overly sweet. Ingredients:100g 70% Dark Chocolate Block3 Large Eggs Seperated60ml Caster Sugar1 Tsp Condensmilk Method:In a…
Kumara Fritters (a.k.a Sweet Potato)
I enjoy inventing new fritters. And our toddlers approve, they enjoyed it so much. Peel 1 big kumara and cut up into blocks.Place in a microwave safe bowl, and add a little bit of water and a pinch of salt.Place uncovered into the microwave and cook for 20 to 25 minutes till soft.Drain the water…
Dark Chocolate Milk Tart
Another new addition to the milk tart family! I must say this was actually really nice and not too bitter or overly sweet, just perfect! Ingredients:750ml Milk4 Eggs120ml White SugarPinch of Salt250ml Cocoa Powder250ml Boiled Water3 Tbs Cornflour mixed with 3 Tbs WaterCinnamon Powder Crust:250g Krispie biscuits50g melted butterCrush the biscuits up using a food…
Growing Up
Growing up is a funny thing. How would we have guessed that the last time we will play outside, being care free and to have no worries in the world. The last time we will attend school and be surrounded by laughter, silliness and to do homework each day and study for exams and tests…
Dear Me
“Dear me, I am sorry. I’m sorry that you tried so desperately to fix others, when your own hands were shaking. I’m sorry that I didn’t give you enough time to heal, that I let you seal the wounds of everyone else whilst your own were bleeding. I’m sorry that there were days when smiling…
Rare Gift
My daughter handed me her school progress report. Although it displayed a steady stream of positive check marks, there was one check mark standing dejectedly alone from the rest. “How am I doing, Mom?” my child asked with a level of maturity that did not match the small dishevelled person gazing up at me with…
Bubblegum Milkshake
Bubblegum milkshake I have missed drinking since arriving in New Zealand. When I came across this bubblegum syrup I was so happy to have found it. I don’t know if all the South African shops in New Zealand stock them. This bubblegum milkshake syrup is sold at Ossewa in Pukekohe for $7.80. To make the…
Mother’s Day Spoils
My mother’s day gift this year was a goodie box from Lush. My favourite pampering shop since living in New Zealand. Lush Website: https://nz.lush.com/
Mother’s Day Brunch
For mother’s day my husband took me out for brunch. We went to our favourite place, I had the grilled salmon and my husband had the waffle with chicken. Our toddlers had a milkshake each. It was a rainy day but we loved going out for brunch.
Mother’s Day Sunflower Cake with German Buttercream Filling & Sun flowered Buttercream Topping
For mother’s day this year I made a sunflower cake. I had so much fun from baking the cakes to decorating them. This cake recipe is the vanilla cupcakes recipe that I tweaked and changed to form a vanilla cake recipe. It came out better than what I expected and super delicious and yummy. I…
German Buttercream
This German buttercream is used on cakes or cupcakes. It is not so sweet like buttercream, some people prefer German buttercream to normal buttercream. Ingredients: 250ml Custard 70ml Sugar 226g Unsalted Butter at room temperature 1/4 Teaspoon Salt Method: Using an electric mixer mix together the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add in…
Home-made Worcestershire Sauce
This is a really easy and simple recipe. It only have 3 ingredients. Ingredients: 125ml Vinegar 40ml Soya Sauce 2 Tbs Sugar Method: Mix all the ingredients together. Place in the pan with your sausages or any other meat. Fry with the meat until sausages are cooked. Serve with some mash and enjoy!
Slow Cooked Marinated Ribs
Me and my husband absolutely love ribs and marinated ribs is even better. With this easy recipe it is even easier for an easy quick family meal. Ingredients: 1.2kg Marinated Ribs 1 Large Ovenproof Dish Foil for covering the dish Method: Turn the oven temperature to 140 degrees celsius. Wait for the oven to reach…
Gem Squash Seeds started Sprouting
I am happy to report that my gem squash seeds have started to sprout in our veggie and herb garden. Unfortunately our potato plant died due to accidently being poisoned, but I planted some new potatoes so they will see what happens to the new potatoes being planted. I just took gem squash seeds from…
Home-made Custard
Home-made custard is definitely much more delicious than the store bought ones. This custard was used in making German buttercream. Ingredients: 375ml Fresh Milk 10ml Vanilla Essence 150g White Sugar 60ml Cornflour 2 Egg Yolks Method: On the stove heat up the milk on low heat till bubbling. Set aside to cool down completely. Mix…
You Flew Away Today
You flew away today,The skies grew grey,Clouds poured tears on the ground,The Earth grew still not a sound,Rainbows ended and the sun failed to shine,Even the stars did not align.You flew away today,I choose the words to be delayed,Can it all just be a lie,You did not even say goodbye,My world has stopped turning,My whole…
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