Frog in the Pond

Lately we have had some hot days down here in Adelaide and this little house of mine can't take the heat. We have one small wall air-conditioner in the study/play room and that is it. So while this room turns into a freezer, the other rooms in the house are like saunas. Especially poor little Zoe's room - it must be the hottest room of all. I seriously don't know she manages to sleep in there on our really hot days, the air gets so thick you could cut it with a knife.

So feeling sorry for my little lady I decided to give her a little treat for dessert a week or so ago - and what better way to treat a toddler than with a frog in the pond? Nice cold jelly with a chocolate treat to boot.

Frog in the Pond
Makes 2

1 packet of jelly (either lime green or blue blueberry)
2 chocolate frogs

1. Make jelly according to the directions on the packet.
2. Once jelly is set divide into two bowls.
3. Add a chocolate frog to each.

And since I'm sure there are many more hot summer days to come - any tips for keeping an old house cool? Or how to keep your baby and toddler cool?

Dinner with friends, chicken paella and berry meringue smash

Tonight we had a couple of very good friends and their baby over for dinner. It was great to talk about motherhood, parenting and general baby topics, and know that you are not boring the pants off of your guests. It is extremely funny how much one can talk about poop at the dinner table and not be disgusted and put off of their meal, ah the joys of being a parent.

Unfortunately I did not get the chance to take any photos of our dinner, but suffice to say it was quite delicious. We had a chicken paella and simple garden salad for dinner, and then a berry and meringue dessert. Here are the recipes for anyone that is interested.

Chicken Paella (from Super Food Ideas - May 2007)

Serves 6

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp turmeric

6 chicken thighs on bones

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large chorizo sausages, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

4 cups chicken stock

2 cups arborio rice

400g can diced tomatoes

1 cup frozen peas

1. Combine paprika and 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a bowl. Coat the pieces of chicken in the spices and set aside.
   
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, onion and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes or until chorizo is light golden. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Cook chicken on one side for 4 minutes or until golden. Turn over and cook for a further 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of stock to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 8 minutes. Remove the lid. Boil gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until almost all liquid has evaporated.
4. Combine 2 cups of remaining stock and remaining turmeric in a jug. Add rice, tomatoes and stock mixture to pan. Stir to combine. Return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until almost all liquid is absorbed.
5. Add peas, chorizo mixture and remaining stock. Simmer for 5 minutes or until stock is just absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

Berry Meringue Smash

Serves 4

300ml thickened cream

100g meringue

500g frozen mixed berries, thawed

100g white chocolate, chopped

1. Whip cream until soft peaks form.
2. Crumble meringue with fingers into the cream and stir to combine.
3. Gently mash the berries with a fork.
4. Add the berries and white chocolate, and stir to combine.
5. Enjoy!

Flickr Friday - Dessert

1. sweet dessert tonight, 2. And for your Dessert....., 3. Friday Afternoon Dessert, 4. I Found my Summer Dessert, 5. Yogurt Dessert, 6. Summer Dessert, 7. Desserts: Row upon Row, 8. quick dessert for unexpected guests, 9. Way tooo late/early for dessert