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Vegetarian Quorn Toad in the Hole Bites

I’ve been meaning to try these for a while. I love toad in the hole and I wanted to create an egg free recipe. Although the Quorn cocktail sausages do contain egg, you can substitute for a different sausage.

This recipe is super quick and easy especially as the Quorn cocktail sausages don’t need to be cooked beforehand. They tasted delicious – so warm and comforting and the sprinkle of Rosemary is a must to get a hearty taste.

Arjun loved eating them accompanied with cheesy mash and baked beans!

Makes: 4 mini toad in the holes

Time taken: 5 minutes preparation time, 20 minutes cooking time

  • 3 heaped spoon plain flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon sparkling water
  • 1 tablespoon Luke warm water
  • 1 teaspoon dry chopped Rosemary
  • 2 quorn cocktail sausages (or sausage of your choice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter
  • Oil (if you don’t have a silicon baking muffin tin)

1. Preheat oven to 200c.
2. Mix together the plain flour, Rosemary, sparkling water and luke warm water in a mixing bowl.
3. Stir in the water and mix until you achieve a consistency similar to that of single cream. Stir in the butter.
   

 4. Chop the cocktail sausages in to 4 slices and place 2 slices in each muffin tin (if you are not using a silicon one then grease before hand) and pour the batter in to each tin covering the sausage slices

  
5. Sprinkle with a little more Rosemary and place in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

    
Voila!

Serving suggestion: homemade cheesy mash, steamed broccoli and baked beans 

   

 
Plate can be purchased Here (available in three different colours). 
Enjoy x 

For more information about our vegetarian weaning journey, click here.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my blog, then we’d be grateful for your continued support by voting for us to win the “Best Pre School Blog” category in the MAD Blog Awards, it takes 30 seconds to vote! 🙂 : VOTE HERE

  

 

Disclaimer: as when trying any new foods with your baby that you may be unsure about, please check with your health visitor first.

X

Eat.Love.Live
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31 Things I’m Grateful for on My 31st Birthday

It’s crazy how a year has flown by. I remember this time last year sitting on the decking of our beautiful water villa watching the gorgeous sun rays bounce of the crystal blue sea in the Maldives as I wrote my 30 Things I’m Grateful for blog post to reflect on the year that had just passed. This years view is not too bad either – I’m so grateful that the gorgeous sun is shining!

It’s funny how birthdays have changed for me. Where before it’d be all about celebrating and making a fuss, now it’s about counting my blessings. A day for reflection. I feel like today should really be a celebration for my mum – she’s the one that gave birth to me and after Arjun’s birth, I’ve realised how much a mother goes through for her children.

Here’s my 31 things I’m grateful for (in no particular order) on my 31st birthday (OMG 31?! I still act 21!) …

1) My mum. There are no words. Becoming a mother myself has made me respect you so much more. It’s so crazy to think that you too once upon a time were a young girl embarking on the journey of motherhood with a baby, me. You too would have felt some of the emotions, the struggles but equally the joy a baby brings. I am eternally grateful to you mum – you are my strength in my daily life. I take so much reassurance from you. Thank you for your continuous prayers for all your children. I look up to you and hope I can be even half the mother you are to me, to Arjun.

  

2) My Arjun. You fill my heart with love and warmth everyday and although my early days were a struggle and I never felt that “connection” straight away, every single day my love grows for you. You’ve helped me develop so much as a person. Your patience through my struggles, your hand holding while jumping hurdles with me and your beautiful personality make me so proud and overwhelmed to call you mine. You are my knight in shining armour. 

    

  

3) My title, “Mother”. I’m honoured, blessed and eternally grateful to have the title. Especially to Arjun. I pray daily and hope that every woman that has a desire to, is blessed with the same.

  

4) My body. It may not be perfect, I may have stretch marks, a keloid scar, some excessive weight post baby, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. There is so much more to life than worrying about a little bit of extra weight. I am blessed with health. 

5) My Husband. For everything. You work so hard and put your heart and soul in to providing us with the most beautiful life. Arjun is incredibly lucky to have you as his father – one that dotes on him 24/7. There are no words. We are both eternally grateful to you. Thank you thank you thank you.

  

  

6) My best friends, my sisters. I am eternally grateful to you both. We may fight and scream but I am so grateful to have you both as second mothers to Arjun. What you have done for me, I will never be able to repay you for and I count my blessings every single day.

  

7) My soul sister, my big sister, Amrit. For riding through each and every stage of my life with me. I have never met someone that is so in sync with me. For holding my hand no matter what. For always being honest – even when it may hurt. For your patience. For riding my journey with me and letting me ride yours with you. For being an inspiration with your huge warm giving heart. I thank God for bringing Nake in to your life – a true gentleman who deserves you.

 

8) The weather. Thank you God for making it a sunny and happy day today. I’m grateful for the weather everyday. Although sometimes the rain may be an inconvenience for us humans, nature needs it. For that I am grateful.

9) Baby Brain Apparel. I’m so grateful to my customers, followers, my supporters and to God for blessing me with success.

  

10) My Mother in Law and Father in Law. For always getting me out of tight situations (haha!). For always dropping everything for us and for being so patient with Arjun. You are so inspirational to us in how much you do for others. We are blessed to have you.

  
11) Holidays. I am so grateful that we have been able to travel so much in the last year; Singapore, Bali, Abu Dhabi. We have been able to create so many beautiful memories as a family.

  

12) My best friend, my personality twin, Sav. For listening to the trivial things in life and letting me rant. For always being honest with me. For coming through for me when I feel stranded. For being who you are – often misunderstood like me but always doing your best to please others. For showering Arjun with so much love. I wish you all the happiness in the world. 

  

  

13) The Gurdwara. For being my safe haven. The place where I go to rebalance. The place that brings me peace.

  

  

14) My hero, my father. Thank you dad for your love and patience always. For your endless prayers. For your education on so many things in life – Sikhi, property, life, meditation. For being my daily inspiration to be cool and calm. I always tell your story about the match stick burning itself before setting fire to anything or anyone else. Thank you daddy for always dropping everything for us girls. We are so blessed to have you as our father, you have never held back in providing for us in the best way in your power at any given time.

  

15) Our house. I am so so grateful to have the house of our dreams at such a young age thanks to the almighty and Preetam’s hard work.

16) Sikhism. For providing me with a foundation to bring my son up with; to encourage him to share, work hard and remember God always. 

  

  

17) Kirtan. Not only does kirtan provide me with peace and is food for my soul. It has the same impact on Arjun. I am so grateful for that. It has helped me get through life and I hope it does the same for him.

18) Social media. For enabling our journey to reach thousands and help others each month through facebook, instagram and Twitter. For helping the growth of my business.

19) My sister in law, Mané and brother in laws. We have so much fun together. I’m so grateful that I was blessed with such a fun loving family who also shares my love for food! Haha! 

20) My friends. The friends I don’t get to speak to often but I know we pick up where we left from. I am grateful to each and every one of my girlfriends – you each bring something so unique and beautiful in to my life.

21) Our extension. I am grateful that it will be starting soon and we will have a dining table.

22) My blogging besties. Especially Rod  for all your support and encouragement always! And Jenny for just being you. 

23) Peppa Pig. I never thought you’d make my final cut but actually, you’ve taught my son some good things (as well as some not so good things!) but you also baby sit my son when I need five minute of me time. Thank you. Oink.

 

24) Water. For always quenching my thirst.

25) My NCT friends. For being my safe place to talk about everything and anything. For the love and understanding you’ve provided me when things haven’t always been great. We’re a unique bunch and our bond will last forever I hope!

26) My Nani, Masis and Mami Ji. For showering Arjun with nothing but love always. He’s so blessed to have not 1, but 6 Nanis as well as a great grandma. 

  

  

27) Arjun’s cousins. I’m so grateful that he has so many little cousin siblings to grow up with. Each and everyone of them fill my heart with so much joy.

  

  

28) My wonderful loving followers. Many of which have become like an ever growing virtual family. I’m so grateful to each and everyone of you that has taken out the time to read my posts, like our pictures, message me, introduce yourselves to us if you’ve ever spotted us and for always supporting us. We love you all so much. 

29) Nutella. Just because.

30) For being shortlisted as a finalist in the “Best Preschool” blog category out of over 8,000 blogs. I am so grateful to every single one of you that nominated me. If you’d like us to be in with a chance to win, you can vote at the bottom of this blog post.   It would be an honour to win. 

  

31) To God. For all of the above. For everything. For blessing me, my family and my friends with so much happiness over the last year. For always doing things at the right time.

If you’ve enjoyed my blog content, then we’d be grateful for your continued support by voting for us to win the “Best Pre School Blog” category in the MAD Blog Awards, it takes 30 seconds to vote! 🙂 : VOTE HERE

 

Thank you thank you thank you!
I’m off to celebrate baby free with my husband now!x 

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What a C Section Meant for Me

 I’ve been meaning to write this post for ages and given its C Section Awareness Month, I figured now would be a good time to put it together. 

If you’ve read my birth story, you’ll know I ended up having an emergency C section after a 84 hour labour due to a failed induction – something which isn’t very common so please don’t panic!

I always assumed C sections were the slightly “easier” method of delivering a baby. It meant you didn’t have to go through hours of pushing, someone else did the hard part for you, you didn’t have to worry about tears (ha ha), you knew baby would be out within a few minutes.

This is not a post to scare those about to give birth at all. This is about my experience.

  I’ve heard really different C section stories just like I’ve heard many different natural labour stories. Everyone’s birth is its own. Though I do wish someone had shared the below with me so I was a little more prepared and so were the people around me.

Based on those around me, I think it’s fair to say the process of natural labour is probably physically “harder” than the process of delivering your baby through a C section in terms of having to go through contractions, the pushing and all the other energy required. I guess that’s where the term “labour” comes from! However, generally, assuming we’re comparing to a smooth natural labour, I think the recovery time for a C section is much longer. A lot of my family and friends have bounced back pretty quickly from a natural labour. 

I was pretty narrow minded and naive where it came to C sections. I had this great plan that didn’t even consider a C section birth though I was very open minded – ultimately I just wanted my baby to be safe. I really really wanted to deliver naturally – I tried so so hard. 

Before having my C section, I didn’t think …

  • That I’d need staples AND stitches and that I’d feel each and every one of them with any slight movement. Most people have either or, not sure how I ended up with both! Stitches dissolve but staples need to be removed – lucky I had my mummy to hold my hand during that. It actually wasn’t as bad getting them removed as it was living with them! 
  • Having had a fractured skull and major surgery on my head, I didn’t think I’d ever suffer with pain any worse. I was wrong. But I do believe that the pain was heightened because of how tired my body was from the 84 hour labour. I’m not sure a stand alone section would have been as difficult. 
  • The baby would be out within 30 seconds of me getting in to theatre and I’d feel all the pulls and tugs … It wasn’t as bad as it sounds. As I had an emergency section, it all happened so fast. I’ve heard with a planned section, it’s a lot calmer and you don’t feel as much. 
  • The recovery time would take so long. I always assumed you’d be stitched up and “ok” within a few days.  It took me a while to recover and up to my third week I needed assistance getting up, walking, going to the bathroom and showering. It was disheartening, especially as I no longer recognised my body (that’s not me in the picture above!). I was lucky to have the support I did. 
  • The recovery would affect me in ways I never imagined. I’m used to being a control freak. I had no control. I physically struggled to move. I felt helpless and I really hated it. I was so mentally prepared to be a mum (so I thought). I wanted to care for my baby and get to know him, I felt like I struggled to do that in my early days and it impacted me massively later.  I really believe this was a contributing factor to my PND.
  • I could love my sisters and family more than I already did. My sisters changed Arjun’s nappies before I did. They came through for me more than I could ever have imagined but I’m grateful for it as their bond is stronger than ever. 
  • I’d ever see my husband cry the way he did. He cried for days after. I’d never seen him cry before. I guess I can’t appreciate what he must have gone through –  I slipped in to unconsciousness straight after Arjun was delivered and Arjun was prized off Preetam quickly as his temperature dropped. For him, “his world fell apart” at that moment. I can’t even begin to imagine how that felt but the amount of love and support he showed me, I will never forget.
  • There would be over 10 people present in theatre. I always assumed it’d be a couple of people. Again my nativity around what a big procedure it is. 
  • I’d not get to have prolonged cuddles with my newborn because I was so sick after an exhausting labour and then fell unconscious.  I’d meet my baby 4 hours after he was born … I had plans. Plans like every new mum. I had plans to recite paat (prayers) with him the moment he was born. I didn’t get to do any of that till a whole while later.
  • It would be so cold! It wasn’t a relaxing experience lying there having the “hard work done for me” – it was pretty scary and cold. I found out after theatres are always cold to avoid surgeons sweating (gross!) on to the patient. I’d never known that as I was always knocked out for past surgeries. You’re generally not put to sleep for a section.
  • That some would make me feel like less of a mother by not going down the natural route – I tried. I failed. But I still gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. We are all heroes and amazing for carrying a tiny human for 9 whole months and bringing them in to this world – be it through the conventional route or an alternative one.
  • That the time to stitch you up is much longer than the operation itself. I had never though about how serious and major a C section was. They go through seven layers to get to your precious baby. Seven layers. Muscles, nerves, fat. SEVEN friggin layers!
  • I’d need to reserve a drawer for painkillers AND laxatives!! Any kind of motion was so painful, needing the toilet was something I tried so hard to avoid.
  • That it would be deemed that I took the “easy route” – actually, I went through the whole process of natural labour, only to be told my little monkeys head was too high. All 84 hours of it. And even if I hadn’t, a C section shouldn’t be underestimated.
  • My breastfeeding journey would end after a mere 3 weeks and I would never get to solely breastfeed. Because I was poorly straight after, Arjun’s first feed was formula. Preetam was so supportive and suggested that if I wanted to try breastfeeding to do so during the day so he could do the nights so I was able to rest and recover. 
  • That my scar would forever feel tingly
  • I’d end up with a keloid scar – something that I’ve struggled with. Let’s face it, I hardly have a beach body, but having a thick purple raised (by about 0.5cm) scar doesn’t always instilling me with confidence but I’m still grateful that the scar on my head didn’t turn in to a keloid one as apparently my skin is prone to it!

I didn’t fully appreciate the nature of C sections and what it would mean for me. I also know there is a big difference between a planned C section and an emergency one based on what others ave been through both. Everyone’s body is different, everyone’s recovery is different the same as with a natural labour. Ultimately, I delivered a happy and healthy baby and that’s all that really mattered. 

My scar is a reminder of my strength, my ever residing pouch (though the excuse is wearing thin!!) is a reminder that I carried a child inside me for 9 months and as for my stretch marks, I’m a tiger who earnt my stripes!

  

This is just my experience of a C section. I don’t regret the way my labour went as from it I learnt so much and it also meant others got the chance to spend more time with Arjun in his early days more so than they may would have had things gone to plan. I’m eternally grateful for my family and the amazing staff at the hospital – some of which I’m still in touch with!

P.s, as you may or may not know,  out of over 8,000 amazing blogs, I have been short listed for the MAD Blog Awards 2016 Finals in the “Best Preschool Blog” category!! 

The winner will now be chosen based on the public vote and announced at the awards ceremony later on in the year. I will be most grateful for your continued support if you could spare a minute to please vote for me and my superstar here in the “Best Preschool Blog” category if you’ve loved following our journey. It takes less than 30 seconds!

You can VOTE HERE

Thank you thank you thank you! 

 x

Tots100
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Today I did something I never thought I’d do …

Today I did something I never thought I’d do. Something I’ve always had a huge fear of. The thought of it always made me feel panicked.

I took my son to the park. Alone.

Today I’m really proud of myself. Today I faced a long lasting fear of mine.

To most, the above will sound ridiculous and oh so dramatic. I can totally understand why. To the others that also suffer with anxiety or that have followed my journey, you’ll understand what a huge deal it is to tackle hurdles. It was even bigger than me taking on Westfield alone. Westfield was about my belief that I’d be unable to cope if Arjun cried so about something I had control of – my actions. My fear around going to parks is about something I can’t control – scary people. 

It was quite random actually. I was on my way to collect Arjun from nursery, shades on, the sun was beaming, Kiss FM was blaring, I was in a happy place. A happy place always makes me a little braver. The thought crossed my mind.

I didn’t have Arjun’s change bag on me, that meant no nappies and no water.

That would make me a bad mum right?

Would there be more creepers out today as the days are longer?

What if he didn’t hold my hand?

What if he ran off?

I quickly stopped myself and made the decision I was going to take him based on his mood.

I picked him up and he was in great mood. I got to have one of those moments where he was oblivious to my presence and carried on playing in his make believe innocent little world. I always find it so precious and endearing watching his imagination flow. He was playing with a Peppa Pig plush and a trolley. They seemed to be on some sort of mission … Before I could figure out what that mission was, he caught me. He came rushing over and embraced me.

We got in the car and he asked me to put the window down – He was also aware of what a beautiful day it was today. He loves being outdoors. Today was my chance to have one on one time with him in his element. I was feeling brave much to my amazement.

The park is 5 minutes from home and I did consider going back to get his change bag when I pulled up behind the ice cream van outside the park. I stopped myself. I knew I’d put myself off coming back.

We were going to do this. We were going to get ice cream, sit in the sun and play on the swings and slides like “normal” people.

So what if I didn’t have his change bag … He’d just had his nappy changed at nursery.

So what if I didn’t have wipes … I’d use his hoody and a bottle of water that was lying around in the car to wipe his hands and ice cream face.

So what if I didn’t have water … I could buy it off the ice cream man if we needed it.

To answer myself back like I did above was a huge mini break through for me. I’m really good at talking myself out of uncomfortable situations.

I took my jumper off – I knew I’d be running around after him and I’d get far too hot. Plus lots of layers flusters me more!!

We decided to grab an ice cream each first and laughed and ate them as we strolled towards the kids play area.
  

I could see it was packed. This made me feel calmer in one sense as it meant it was hopefully safer but on the other hand I panicked about Arjun having a mini melt down with an audience.

It was too late now anyway.

45 minutes passed by so quick. We had such a blast – all the other mummies there were so friendly and patient. Arjun was on his best behaviour – it was almost like he knew how scary it was for me to take him there alone. I turned in to a big kid with him. We played peekaboo in the tunnel, I went on the slide with him, we squealed on the swings together. It felt like he understood my fears – I’ve said it before. He seems so much more patient during my most fearful times.
           
 
 
It was such an amazingly pleasant experience. Something so simple has made me feel so proud. I hope he enjoyed our time as much as I did. Watching him play with such confidence and being oblivious to my fears made me feel stronger. 

  

  
I hope I pluck up the courage to go again soon. Despite the risk of potential weirdos, normal good people go to the park too. While I was there, I didn’t even think about my fears and anxieties, I was so wrapped up in being in the moment with my little blessing. I had so much fun and I’m so glad we did it so spontaneously. It also enabled Arjun to see a different side to me – one that he’s not been exposed to one on one. How weird is it that he’s almost two and we’ve never been to the park alone?

Thank you my beautiful boy, for continuing to be my teeny tiny but biggest pillar of confidence and support. I love you so so much. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with him – he continues to make me challenge myself and to become a better person in different ways. 
x

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Arjun’s 2nd Vaisakhi … Vaisakhi 2016

Wednesday 13th April was the 317th Sikh new year. If you’d like to read more about Vaisakhi, you can do so in my blog post on Arjun’s first Vaisakhi.

The fundamental teachings of Sikhism by Guru Nanak Dev Ji that I outlined last year are outlined below. Instilling these teachings in Arjun from a really young age is so important to me. I know he’s only little but I believe you’re never too young to learn. On my journey of trying to teach him, I’m also teaching myself.

• Kirat Karo: Work hard and honestly. I always encourage Arjun to be active and hard working. Though he’s too little to have a job in its realist sense, it matters to me that he’s not lazy. We always encourage him to help us in whatever we are doing (as long as it isn’t too messy! Ha!). We’re lucky that he enjoys helping and getting involved and is quite an active little guy be it helping with putting the shopping away, takin care of Bruno or cleaning! When we go to the Gurdwara, although it’s usually quite a quick session, he had his own little piece of cloth that he uses for seva to clean the windows and railings at the Gurdwara. 


• Naam Jappo: Always remember God throughout the day in your mind and soul. If you follow us on Instagram and Facebook, Arjun’s videos of him doing Simran, playing tabla and listening to kirtan won’t be an unfamiliar sight. I really do believe he has a special little bond with God that he was born with. He’ll often say “Waheguru” randomly and he associates it with calm.

• Wand Ke Chhako: Share what you have with the needy – this extends out to langar being offered at Gurdwaras (Sikh temple) for free – one of the most prominent traits of Sikhism. Everyone is welcome to come and eat. Sikhism also strongly emanates equality believing that there are no differences between men and women, races, religions or castes and everyone sits on the floor together and eats – King or beggar. Though he’s not quite mastered the art of sharing his toys, he’s really kind and giving where it comes to food. He’ll always offer his food to whoever is around – it’s really sweet (even Peppa and her family!).

This year, we ended up going to the Gurdwara the day after Vaisakhi as Vaisakhi day ended up being quite hectic with nursery and work. Arjun really enjoyed doing seva and actually lasted longer than 30 seconds (40 seconds is still longer than 30!!) and he understood what to do as soon as he saw his little cloth which is reserved especially for Gurdwara seva. We enjoyed langar and even got to see Nana Ji who was hosting a Gurdwara tour at the same time. I always feel proud of my dad when I bump in to him at the Gurdwara during his Gurdwara show arounds. He does them for tiny tots all the way up to mature students. Seeing the letters written from the little children to say thank you is the sweetest thing. I’m super proud of my dad and once Arjun’s a little older, I can’t wait for him to learn from my dad. He’ll love hearing the stories my dad tells about the Gurus. He’s bursting with knowledge and I’m so grateful I have such easy access to it.

        

We let Arjun pick his Vaisakhi gift this year – we knew it would be Peppa related! He even took Grandpa Pig and his train to the Gurdwara with us.

This year our Vaisakhi craft session was using Arjun’s current favourite material – any sort of writing device! I cut out a flag and coloured it orange and let him doodle with a navy blue sharpie (very brave of me!) and he loved it. He was so proud of his little master piece and held on tight to it for most of the morning.

Last Sunday, Arjun and I went to the Nagar Kirtan and he appreciated it so much more this year than last as he’s now walking and is so much more aware of his surroundings. We went along with my sister Harv and our family friends Pavan and her mum. He totally loved having his Masis at either side of him.

I don’t know why, or if it’s even relatable to anyone else, but every Nagar Kirtan I always find myself totally overwhelmed with emotion – especially when I see the main float with Maharaj (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – our current Guru). The beautiful floral decor, the gold domes, the echoing sounds of kirtan bursting through the streets of Southall, the Panj Pyareh donning the Guru’s uniform, the hundreds of stalls serving food and drink, the sevadars clearing the streets to ensure no litter, the tens of thousands of people that have gathered for the procession. I find it all so overwhelming and I’m so proud to be part of a religion that is so giving. That welcomes all regardless of gender, age, race or colour. I felt complete and calm as soon as we’d done matha tekh (although it was chaotic!). Arjun enjoyed cholleh bhattureh after he’d watched a gatka display – a Sikh martial art which includes all ranges. The little children looked especially cute in the Sikh uniform. Arjun loved watching the bright colours and sea of people slowly float past us as we watched the procession pass. He was in awe and really enjoyed it.

              

We had a lovely Vaisakhi and I’m already looking forward to next year where Arjun will have even more of an awareness.

Hope those of you that celebrated had a wonderful and blessed one x

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Aromatic Vegetarian Thai Green Curry Recipe

Believe it or not, I’m not actually that adventurous in the kitchen and don’t often try new things. Last week I was really craving a warming spicy Thai green curry – something I’d not yet made. It’s always been complicated in my head and the introduction of new ingredients that I’d have no idea where to find in Tesco always put me off! But last week, when Preetam asked for it, I decided to give it a go. After trawling the internet high and low, I decided to pick the best bits (using my taste bud’s imagination!) and try my own. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement! I was really pleased with how it turned out for a first attempt and even my sister (who doesn’t eat Thai food) really enjoyed it!

My next challenge is to make my own Thai green curry paste – I need something with a little more heat!

I hope you enjoy x

Time taken: 40 minutes

Makes: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 150g Quorn chicken style pieces
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 2 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
• 4 broccoli spears, sliced in half
• Red pepper, sliced
• 4 Red chilli, cut in to thick strips
• 2 green chilli chopped finely
• 4 asparagus stalks, tough ends removed and sliced into 2-inch long pieces
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 3 tablespoons Thai green curry paste (ready made from the shop!)
• 400ml coconut milk
• ½ cup water
• 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 kaffir lime leaves finely shredded or 3 strips lime zest
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1½ teaspoons rice vinegar
• Handful of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

Instructions:
1. Place a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of oil. Once hot, lightly fry the garlic for about 30 seconds and then add the onions. Add the vegetables and salt in and cook for a few minutes stirring occasionally. Don’t let the vegetables overcook as you want them to have a slight bite to them.
2. Next add in the green curry paste until aromatic, stirring often.
3. Add the Quorn pieces and green chilli, salt and stir to combine well with the curry paste for 5 minutes, mixing well.
4. Add the coconut milk, water and sugar and mix well.
5. Add the kaffir lime leaves or lime zest, ginger and red chilies. Lower the heat and cover the pot and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the curry slightly thickens and vegetables are tender.
6. Once done, stir the spinach into the mixture and cook for about 30 secodns until the spinach has wilted.
7. Remove the curry from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Season with rice vinegar and soy sauce. Add chilli flakes, to taste.


Voila!

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20 Month Update & Arjy’s Latest Antics

A month late but here it is!

This month has honestly been the month of the whinge! And I think the root cause of it is Arjun’s frustration in not being able to communicate fully yet. Although his speech has definitely progressed this month, he’s still unable to always express how he’s feeling and so ends up whinging/tantrum’ing. It can be tiring to say the least but this month has also provided us with lots of laughs!

 

Here’s an update: 

 

Some of the words he’s learnt: 

  • Says “Bruno” clearly 
  • “Teedo” (Chico)
  • “Mine” 
  • “Doddles” (cuddles) 
  • “arps” (Harps)
  • “Mama”/”Mummy” Finally! 

  • “Bubbles” 
  • “Harveer”
  • “Mane”
  • “Naan” (Shaan)
  • “More”
  • “Botah” (water) 

 

His latest antics: 

  • He absolutely loves feeding Bruno every evening

  • We try and go to the gurdwara once a week and we do sewa of cleaning the windows although it doesn’t last longer than 90 seconds!  

  

  • He screams “bubbles” whenever his nose runs
  • He’s been really whingy – it’s constant moaning or whinging for no apparent reason! But at the same time, when he laughs, he laughs from the pit of his stomach! 

  • He hums “twinkle twinkle”
  • He tried to swim by himself in Abu Dhabi 

  • He’s had his 6th holiday
  • We went to visit Preetam’s Birmingham family for the first time. It wasn’t long before Arjun’s shyness wore off and he was ordering them about! 

  

  • He had his 13th flight 

  

  • Insisted on stepping in poo in the garden! 
  • Cried because couldn’t put orange peel back on the orange 
  • He’s definitely developed sound negotiation skills which gets him out of pretty much every situation with daddy

  • Tried to eat langar from someone else’s plate at gurdwara!
  • He loved dancing to the answer phone tone at our hotel in Abu Dhabi 

  • Mastered a new walk – a side walk jump thing
  • Dunked his biscuit in my tea
  • He loves doing Simran (meditation)

    • https://youtu.be/77HnqC93kDY

  • He bought his shoes to us at 4am and demanded we take him out! After a long cry, he fell asleep hugging his shoes lol 
  • He’s a bit of a ladies man – seems to have them all wrapped around his bossy little finger! 

  

  • Made us a Valentine’s Day card at nursery
  • Almost said “I love you” clearly 
  • He’s obsessed with olives

  

  • Blew bubbles himself and was so pleased with himself! 

  • He went out without daddy or I for the first time ever for Afternoon tea with his masis! 

  

  

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    Holidays with A Toddler … The Dream vs the Reality

    “He’ll get to try lots of different foods as it’s all prepared” … He opts for a bowl of olives. Every. Damn. Time. 

      

    “He’ll relax nice at the pool … Surely he could do with kicking back and chilling” … Yeh right, he prefers to have us running around like headless chickens as he threatens to jump in to the deep pool flashing us a cheeky grin

      

    “His early morning starts will work well on holiday” … Most days he woke up past 10.30am and we just about made it down for breakfast! 
     
    “We can get some poolside down time while he naps” … Nap? What nap?!

      

    “We’ll get to have lovely family dinners” … He would prefer to hang out with the waitress 

      

    “He’ll eat lots of fresh fruit for snacks” … An ice lolly (or two!) all the way 

      

    “He’ll love the play zone at the local soft play centre” … Escalators all the way!

    “We’ll get to lounge in bed and watch movies” … He spent the whole time by the phone calling whichever short dial he could or dancing to the answer phone tone 

    “It’s a great chance to get fab family photos” … After a million takes and there’s STILL one person that isn’t looking at the camera!

      

    “We’ll get to use all the amazing facilities at the hotel for kids” … No thanks, pool please. 

      

    “We’ll get him used to the high chair at restaurants again” … Depending on his mood

      

    “He’ll love the play zone at the local soft play centre” … Escalators all the way!

    “It’s a great time to take a break from social media” … Yeh right, he does way too much cute stuff to not share right now #BloggerLife

    “He’ll love playing in the sand at the beach!” … As long as he’s not sitting on it
      

      

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    Eggless Nutella Oatmeal Cookies

    I’ve had lots and lots of requests for this recipe since I posted a picture of them online earlier, so here it is! 
    It was the first time my sister and I decided to experiment with these and they turned out absolutely delicious! As we were preparing the mixture, I knew exactly how I wanted them to taste. Similar to the famous Starbucks Nutella cookies but a whole lot better. We were definitely not disappointed … The soft cookie oozing with gooey Nutella goodness was DIVINE! 

    Prep time taken: 10 minutes
    Makes: 20 cookies
    Ingredients: 

    • 250g butter
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 white sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups of plain flour 
    • 1 teaspoon salt 
    • 1/2 cup Nutella 
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 cup boiling water
    • 2 cups rolled oats (porridge oats are fine)

    Method: 

    1. Preheat oven to 180c and line an oven tray with baking paper. 
    2. Mix the butter and brown and white sugar. Beat till light and fluffy. 
    3. Add the plain flour and salt and mix well. Don’t be afraid to use your hands – the warmth of your hands will help bind the dough. 
    4. Dissolve the baking powder in the boiling water and add to the mixture and vanilla essence. 
    5. Mix in the oats until you achieve a dough like consistency. 
    6. Use a tablespoon to portion out the biscuit mixture. Roll each tablespoon of dough in to a ball and flatten so it is about 4cm in diameter. Flatten the middle to make a little dip. Spoon in a teaspoon of Nutella and use a tiny amount of dough to cover and lightly seal. 
    7. Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes. 
    8. Leave to cool and voila! 

      

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    Vegetarian Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

    These pinwheels are a favourite in my house!  They certainly haven’t helped my waist but they taste so good! Perfect comfort food … They’re full of cheesy yumminess and are super quick and easy to make. They can be used as part of a main meal with sides or are perfect as party food too. I recently made these on Mother’s Day for an afternoon tea I hosted at our house for our mummies! You can adapt the recipe to include different vegetables/meat to suit your preferences.

    Prep time: 15 minutes

    Makes: 10 pinwheels

    Ingredients:

    • Puff pastry (1 block)
    • ½ red onion
    • ½ red pepper
    • ½ green pepper
    • ½ yellow pepper
    • 3 mushrooms
    • 4 tablespoons passata/ sundried tomato paste
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon basil
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • 300g four cheese

     

    1. Roll out the puff pastry in to a large rectangle that is about 3mm thick. Alternatively you can buy ready roll pastry which is what I tend to use and is much easier to roll. Ensure the surface is dusted with a little plain flour so it doesn’t stick to the work surface.
    2. Once rolled, spread a thin layer of passata evenly over the base. I alternate between passata and sundried tomato paste depending on how flavoured I want them to be. 
    3. Next, finely dice your vegetables and generously top on the base.
    4. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the base.
    5. Sprinkle 2/3 of the herbs evenly. 
    6. From one of the shorter sides, roll up the pastry as tight as possible while ensuring the toppings stay intact.
    7. Once rolled, place in the fridge for 10 minutes. 
    8. Remove from the fridge after chilling and use a sharp knife to slice the roll in to pieces that are about 2cm wide.
    9. Lay flat on a baking tray lined with baking paper and sprinkle to remaining herbs over the slices.
    10. Coat the pinwheels with milk and place in the oven for 25 minutes on 180c.
    11. Voila!