Ribs Anyone?

Hi C

I've been thinking a lot about ribs lately. It was our anniversary yesterday, which made me think of Adam's rib. And then of course I fixed Roberto's favorite meal, barbecued ribs.

I used my simple recipe of simmering the ribs on the stove top in a little water with some seasoning and onion for a while. Then I baked them in a sauce of ketchup, brown sugar and a little vinegar. Probably not what the Aussies would consider proper ribs, but hey matey, we enjoyed them. 

But the real reason I have been thinking about ribs a lot has to do with little boy having a bath at grannies house. You know that deep tub I have, well wild child loves it and knows no fear. So grannie of course is right there tub side, hanging on to him in slippery waters. As he makes a dive for a tub toy, I dive with him and hit the side of the tub with, you guessed it, my left rib cage. I actually heard something pop. Ouch! Roberto always said there is nothing more painful than a bruised rib, and there's nothing really you can do but wait it out. Apply ice, take motrin and bind it up with some kind of a corset. Lovely. Maybe I should make a mustard pack with the mustard that I didn't use in my rib recipe. 


At any rate, you can see there is a common thread that winds through my thoughts. It sticks to my ribs.


Love,


Ribnotta

Beets salads beeter than the rest

Hi R

The Rowers - a favourite haunt

Sydney has had wet weather!! Plan B was 'Lunch at the Rowers' and due to the deluge, was a pleasant alternative to Plan A which was a walk around Middle Head fortifications with overseas friends.  I hope you are warming up over there - Autumn is here but unfortunately we really haven't had a summer this year.  When you visit me, I will take you to the Rowers - the ghosts of many old flames are still there.  You can have a R and R dance on the first Sunday of the month possibly with one of them if they are still alive.
Clara



Beetroot relish makes a great
bed for Kangaroo fillets

I chose BBQ'd Kangaroo fillets on a bed of beetroot relish served with a balsamic reduction as it really isn't something I cook at home (but will in future). I decided that I had to do beetroot relish as it was the perfect accompaniment.



Beetroot relish

For 4 cups - (because it keeps really well but obviously you can cook just for the meal)

1.25kg / 2.5lb beetroot, peeled and grated
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar (or more if you choose to have a sweeter version)
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
Place the beetroot, onion, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, pepper and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring to the boil and cook for 30 minutes or until reduced and syrupy. Spoon the hot relish into sterilised jars - for use in sandwiches and wraps.
* Beetroots tend to bleed when cut, and stain anything they touch. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves, and place a sheet of baking paper on your chopping board to prevent stains.

Beetroot and spinach salad with goat's cheese and walnuts

A simple elegant salad

2 tbs lemon juice 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 firmly packed cups (about 70g / 3oz) baby spinach leaves 1/2 firmly packed cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
450g can baby beetroot, drained, quartered 100g soft goat's cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup (75g) toasted walnuts

Make the dressing by whisking lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Place the spinach leaves and chopped parsley in a large bowl, reserving about 2 tablespoons of parsley to garnish. Add half the dressing to the spinach mixture and toss well. Divide among 4 serving plates (or leave in the large bowl if desired), then scatter with beetroot, goat's cheese and toasted walnuts. Garnish the salad with the remaining parsley.

It would be great to receive your feedback or suggestions. Click on "0 comments". You can choose 'anonomous' from the drop down menu if you don't have a google account. Or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Beets beat the rest in nutrition benefits

Hi R
Thinking of you coming out of winter - I'll never forget my first winter in Wisconsin - it was actually the coldest in a decade!  The the ground hog came out and I thought that spring was almost there.  But no, it took seemingly months before the magical renaissance of renewal took place. 

We went out to lunch this week, where I chose BBQ Kangaroo fillets served on a bed of beetroot relish.  It was so delicious that I had to find my favourite beetroot recipes.  But first, how to cook and serve them - no not only in salads  - the relish was warm and the perfect accompaniment to BBQ meat or a roast.  I'll post the recipes later in the week after you have maybe bought some beets.
Keep warm and have faith that spring will eventually arrive.

The humble beetroot is rich in health-boosting nutrients
and can be served hot or cold.

Called a superfood, this common root vegetable is packed with health-promoting antioxidants and nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C and iron. It is also an excellent source of soluble fibre. The purple pigment contains antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage, prevent the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as protecting brain health.
NB While the experts are not saying that there are super foods which make you live longer, they are agreeing that foods rich in anti-oxidants may help you to be healthier as you age, and reduce the likelihood of age-related diseases.

Beets are particularly nutritious when grated raw - toss with coriander, mint, lemon or orange juice and served with Greek yoghurt. The attractive leaves are also nutritious and are great in salads, dressed with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

Beetroot contains some carbohydrate but is still considered a low GI choice. If you are short on time, canned beets are convenient and even though they usually contain additional concentrations of sodium and other preservatives, they are still beneficial to your health. I like the the whole baby beets which when cut into quarters, are great in salads.

Fresh beetroot is fabulous and cooking it is relatively easy Heat the oven to 180°C/ Cut the tops and stringy rootsoff, leaving a crown of stalk left on the root in order not to break the membrane. and stringy root. Reserve small, young leaves to use as part of a salad).

Wrap each beetroot individually in foil with a tablespoon of water, place it in a roasting pan and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes (20-30 minutes for baby beetroot). Pierce one with a skewer to test if it is soft. When roasted the skin will wrinkle - cool, covered, for 10 minutes before removing the foil, as this will help the skin loosen. Cut a cross at the top and gently push off the flesh with your fingers but if you don’t plan to use them straight away, leave the skin on.

Balsamic vinaigrette works well as a dressing.
Makes about ½ cup (125ml)
1½ tbsp balsamic
1tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Whisk together all the ingredients, season then drizzle over the salad.


I like to make more than I need as it keeps well - transfer into a lidded container and pour over dressing.
Beetroots tend to bleed when cut so wear disposable gloves and protect your chopping board with baking paper.

lt would be great to receive your feedback or suggestions. Click on "0 comments". You can choose 'anonomous' from the drop down menu if you don't have a google account. Or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

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Move Over Meryl

Hi C,


One of AJ's favorite songs is Old Mac Donald. So this is for AJ.

Love,


R

First Kiss. Was it worth it? Definitely!

Happy Valentines Day to all from Australia

Hi R and all
Valentines Day wishes to you.  I have included your post re First Kiss to fit in with the occasion.
Love from Clara
ps Do you remember your first kiss?

 "I just made it through the show (fashion) in the nick of time with a strange "scratchy" throat feeling. The next day I was in bed with the worst cold I have had in years. I know what you are thinking, over worked herself, not enough sleep etc. But actually, no that was not the case. A few days before I was babysitting little AJ who was sneezing. He's so sweet, so when he planted not one but two kisses on me, I knew right away what the consequences would be. Would I do it all over again? ABSOLUTELY. Was it worth it? POSITIVELY!"

R

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Going grey gracefully?

As if?

Hi R
Wondering how your new red hair has changed your life. 
An article by Shonagh Walker in the Sunday Telegraph was headed 'Going grey gracefully'. 
She suggests that "In the past when a silver strand appeared, we raced to the colourist immediately.  Keeping up the colour on rapidly greying hair (I prefer 'silvering') is time consuming and expensive.  The natural solution is to let it be, well, natural." 
At least she is somewhat conditional and sensitive to those of us who are "just not ready to go there." (and I'm wondering how old you are, Shonagh?)
So then a few guys such as Emiliano Vitale from Sydney's E Salon, get up and say,"There is a swing towards embracing grey. It can be polished and flattering."
And then we get the list of the 'brave folks' who have taken the gigantic step - Dames Helen Mirren and Judi Dench.  Even younger celebs, including Pink, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, are having silver threaded through their locks. 

The article then becomes practical and had some good suggestions as to  how you can overcome transition periods, regrowth  by 'reverse highlights to blend' etc

Will talk more on this subject.  In the meantime I seem to have some sort of scalp condition  which appears like scaley cradle cap, so I am very threatened that I may have to eventually face this decision!

Clara


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In the Bag

Hi C,


You're feeling "dippy" and I'm in the bag, making bags that is. Made this fun school bag for AJ. It's big and roomy enough for all his stuff like his blankey and favorite stuffed animal. Little guy goes to skool 3 mornings a week to get play time with other children. If you email me some photos I'll make one for your little guy.

Love,


R

Road Warriors

Or Long Day's Journey...

Hi C,

I had a great adventure last week when I flew out to Scottsdale, Arizona to meet up with my daughter, Mary Beth. We rented a car and drove west through the desert to downtown LA where we shopped for the store in the "fashion district". We met up with Jen from nextdoor and her friend Patrice, who was so kind to be our guide into unknown territory. It was great fun! We stayed at the historic Biltmore Hotel, built in 1923, known for its architecture and famous guests. Thought you'd enjoy a few photos of our trip.

R

    Renting the Car                 The Desert Mobile       Ready to Hit the Road

Quartzsite, Arizona...a bead lovers dream come true, Need to go back there!

The Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA

Street scenes and shopping the fashion district

Scarves for shelter give hope and warmth to many

Hi R
Loved the article about your project.  I thought I would post the details so others could read about this 'feel good in every way' project.   I almost wish it was cold enough here so I could wear one of them.   Clara

1. Scarves for Shelter

The piece shown here is one of many, all designed in my studio in limited editions or as one of a kind. They are part of nextdoor's community project, Scarves for Shelter. A portion of the proceeds go toward the production of the shelter scarves. This year we will be knitting 500 scarves for Hope Center in Waukesha. Thanks for your support and helping us stick to our knitting.

This year our goal is to deliver 500 scarves by the end of the year. For more ways to contribute, check out our Community Events page and follow us on facebook.

Renotta Thompson  Project Knitway

Thank You 30 West!
Read the full article on 'Thank You 30 West!' http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/2011/12/blogblog-blog.html

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Why not be a perfectly natural red head?

Hi R
I have been dying to talk about hair, mainly about issues to do with dyeing it or not - and now you have provided me with the perfect timing.   I have cut out articles from magazines etc, have observed brave friends who have taken the au - naturale road (no no no! Not me! Silly girl!),  so feel I am quite expert at the subject; and I am totally with  you.  Why not be a perfectly natural red head?  I agree with Lynee - you look like a movie star!  More to come on this strand but in the meantime, I am wondering how it has changed your life.
Clara of blonde tresses

Red, Set Go...
self portrait taken with my iPhone and photo shopped just a tiny bit

Have you ever just wanted a change? You know something to brighten your day, set your world on fire? Well that was me yesterday at the hair salon. Why not go red? After all I was born a red head.My father's nick name was Red. I have fair skin and freckles, perfect for red hair. So I pulled the plug (on the bottle)and unleashed the real me. Reddy, set, go. What do you think?
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Happy Chinese New Year heralds in the Year of the Dragon

Hi R

Happy Chinese New Year.

In China, the New Year is known as "Spring Festival" so we were asked to dress in bright colours in order to attract wealth  when we went to a magnificent dinner party hosted by a chinese friend, to herald in the Year of the Dragon.

龍 Dragon

辰 Chen

February 5, 2000

January 23, 2012

February 10, 2024

 

Our hostess cooked a magnificent dinner but we brought a few pre dinner nibbles / finger food.  Here is the recipe for my Asian Chicken Bites, which everyone seemed to enjoy. Usually I would serve them with a dipping sauce but decided just a squeeze of lemon juice was all that was needed.

Happy healthy wealthy chinese new year to all.

Clara

Asian Chicken Bites
These tasty little chicken balls are ideal for party / finger food. I hope the dragon likes them!
500g minced chicken
2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 tbsp ginger finely grated

1 to 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 birdseye chilli finely chopped and/or 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 spring onions finely chopped or 1 onion
1/4 bunch coriander finely chopped
1 egg white, beaten (you can use the whole egg if desired)
Soy sauce to taste
squeeze of lemon juice
Vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients then roll into small balls, (using damp hands to assist this process.) Pan fry in oil until golden, or for a lighter dish, arrange chicken in a baking dish, on baking paper and cook in a hot to moderate oven for approx 20 minutes until turning golden. (For best results start with a hot oven and turn down a little after 10 minutes) Makes approx 30 bite sized balls. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and garnish with coriander or mint.



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School reunions a blast from the past

Hi R
Yesterday was a blast from the past as I attended a High School reunion.

School reunions are fun / confronting / interesting / but most of all, they make one realise how much time has passed. I'm not going to mention it publicly as I am in denial, even though if you go to www.babyboomerconnections.com.au and read the 'Memoirs of a Babyboomer', you will get a fair idea.

No-one mentioned the piano accordian
I was required to play at school functions.
Best forgotten perhaps!
What is the definition of a great accordian player?
Answer - One who is a great player of the accordian
but doesn't.

Enough time has passed to mould our lives into a rich and complex tapestry, with more than two generations adding the colourful threads of their lives. The two lunch tables of lovely women exchanged details and empathy re those years, mainly about relationships, past work and present day retirement.

I didn't count, but there seemed to be many of us who pursued the teaching path,(which by the way, has held me in good stead in rocky times and involves me still in the joy of relating to children). My theory as to why I became a teacher, is because of the expectations of the girls' school we attended. In those days, you were encouraged to be a teacher / nurse / secretary - going to University wasn't explored in depth. If ever you strayed towards being less than compliant, the threat was that you wouldn't be eligible for a Teachers College Scholarship.   The teachers were good role models and at a time when the social fibre for women was changing, we were encouraged to achieve our best potential, even though it seemed to be limited at that stage. 
I
 took Home Economics as a  subject and I'm really thankful for the practical background it gave me. To this day, I am an avid cook, was a competent dressmaker, and still use many of the basic principles I learnt then. These are skills which are meaningful, useful, and fulfilling and I believe they are neglected today.

One of my memories, is of being late and having to go to the headmistress (can't remember her name but she was scary) who said to me, " Your hair is a very strange colour." Which was unfortunate because it was actually my natural blonde colour!  I add here that, I made my own school uniform and had adjusted the design slightly to make it more alluring. 
Another, was of Miss ....., Help - with severely dyed black hair, cut in a dramatic bob with short fringe - English teacher who acted out so many of our texts. One in particular, was "We of the Never Never", where she acted out the scene where cup handles were threaded on her fingers as the character adjusted to colonial life. 

I must have been going through a time where how I looked was important (possibly nothing has changed), when I was distracted from class by looking at my nails. She said, "My nails, my nails, by beautiful nails, my interest in you never fails, I dream about you day and night and sometimes even take a bite."
They were good times and there was a good sound background. We were lucky and to this day, I would recommend a single sex school.

I have been actively working on what makes for a successful retirement through the blog, which documents day by day events and ideas. What I have come up with beyond the need to keep active etc is fairly simple - mainly that we need to work on this period of life and not just let it happen; to be interested and engaged in something which makes you want to get up in the morning; and social interaction beyond just the family.

I would be interested in your thoughts.
I have posted the photos - a bit fuzzy for some reason, probably the lighting - but that's OK. I quite like 'fuzzy' these days!

Clara

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Grey nomads on the road again - with Elvis

Hi R
And a few other friends have been on the move, touring around Australia and have survived - even enjoyed it!  Being a grey nomad has not been a popular choice in our family where I refer to caravans as the "C" word.  G keeps moving slowly but surely in that direction  - buying a 4 wheel drive and then putting a tow bar on it (very subtle!)

Must admit our friends looked wonderful on their return and had some great tales to tell. Hmmmmmm.

We had a celebratory dinner with the nomad theme where much fun was had by all, as you can see from the video.  We all dressed up as nomads, but I just couldn't do it, so I dressed as a female Elvis.  Why you ask?  Because the only way I could be lured in this direction, is if there is a purpose / destination of interest such as the Elvis festival which is on in Parkes this weekend.

Reluctant nomad
Clara
ps - I suppose I could still be a blogger.

Click on arrow below for important grey nomad interview.

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I'm excited too re winning the battle of the bulge

Battle of the Bulge by
Lynee Follow That Girl who could write a book about jeans; styles, length, what shoes and tops to wear.
She says about me (generously) "My boss has this friend from Australia, Clara -who coincidentally writes a blog called "Fit in Your Jeans Cuisine". How perfect.
The photo's of the finished recipes are gorgeous and mouth watering."
Thanks Lynee, for your kind words. Can't wait to hear how you went and what you were wearing when you cooked your meal.
Clara

It's getting to that time of year. You know, THAT time of year. It's when my husband watches in disgust as I jump, lay on the floor, do a dance routine, lunges or cry to get on my skinny jeans. After I painstakingly inch the zipper up and nearly lose a nail buttoning them, I promise myself that "Today, I'm only eating water." The next thing I know I'm eyeing up something that looks like this...

I am announcing today that I will wear my skinny jeans with comfort all year around. And no, I cannot survive only eating water.

So what am I going to do? I'm going to actually follow Clara's recipes, and make sure I only eat my small portion! I'm excited, and so is my husband. You see, I'm not a very good cook. I screw up scrambled eggs, burn the toast, overcook the noodles and dry out the chicken. So, I plan to write about my "Fit in your Jeans Cuisine" diet once a month, my wins, my failures... my poor husbands love while he eats it even when it's awful (of course I'll throw in what awesome outfit I'm wearing from Next Door while I slave away in the kitchen). Are you excited? I'm excited!

Lynee

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Red, Set Go...

Hi C,

self portrait taken with my iPhone and photo shopped just a tiny bit

Have you ever just wanted a change? You know something to brighten your day, set your world on fire? Well that was me yesterday at the hair salon. Why not go red? After all I was born a red head.My father's nick name was Red. I have fair skin and freckles, perfect for red hair. So I pulled the plug (on the bottle)and unleashed the real me. Reddy, set, go. What do you think?


love 


R 

In Australia, we do things to Pizzas that no self respecting Italian would do - with delicious results

Hi R
Thought I would continue to warm you up by showing you more of our magnificent coast line and to share a wonderful meal we had there.  You could substitute the seafood for left over ham if you have any left, and garnish with capers or olives etc.  In Australia, we do things to Pizzas that no self respecting Italian would do -  with simply delicious results!
Clara

Nambucca Nosh

John's OK delicious Pizza served at sunset

Star ingredients but you could substitute
with that ham if there is any left

Secret is having a thin base -
this one is a commercial wholemeal version

Spread some tomato pizza sauce

Add the seafood (and if you wish some salami slices - hmmmm)

Add red onion slices and artichoke hearts

Finish with a slurp of sweet chilli sauce and a
light sprinkling of mozzarella cheese
Bake in a moderate to hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Enjoy, with the sunset at Nambucca Heads

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Hi R
I hope you are relaxing and taking it easy after yet another huge year. 

Had a lovely time but this is how I felt after Xmas

We spent a few recovery days at Nambucca Heads which is a delightful, relaxing coastal destination about a 5 hour drive north of Sydney.   I'll let the video below take you there.  Clara

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New Year's Resolution to fit in your jeans

Hi R

Time to reflect and move forward with or without a New Years' Resolution. Oscar Wilde wrote," A New Year Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other."
and "Good resolutions are simply cheques that men draw on a bank where they have no account."

I like this one by Hal Borland - "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."

So do we or do we not make one???? I found some of Sonja Lyubomirsky's hints to be helpful from her recent book 'The How of Happiness'.
A summary of a goal's / project's ideal characteristics.


Identify what you expect to accomplish

* Imposed by self
* Approach rather than avoidance
* Flexible and be able to work with other aspects of your life
* Activity based - not relying on circumstance


Identify and Imagine the most positive outcome of your goal and the biggest obstacle that stands in the way. (The obstacle bit apparently is the tricky part which most of us don't think through.) They give the example re specific details of when and where and how the person wants to act in critical situations.
For example; If the goal is to "eat more fruit and vegetables", the subject might think of how they will act in restaurants, when travelling , and at other situations where they may be tempted not to follow through with the goal. Then they have to specify the behaviour they would do with an ..."if I am at a restaurant and they ask about dessert, then I will choose options with fruit, not cake."
Have fun

Happy healthy New Year
Clara

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