These are cute little pouches filled with rice. You can use any microwave-proof material, such as cotton or felt. Instead of rice you could use lentils. Pop into the microwave for a minute or so, and hey-presto! small little hand warmers to hold in your pockets!I cut two circles, and sewed them inside out, apart from a little opening. Then I turned them the...

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Trying to pass the time I made this bookmark. It's made with different coloured pieces of felt cut into a right-angled triangle, then sewn together using a blanket stitch. The words are embroidered using a simple backstitch. I then added a small tassel to the corner.  ...

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Simple Mexican-style wraps.    Ingredients:Serves 4450g minced beef8 wraps1 packet mexican spicelow-fat natural yoghurt1 small can corn 1 onion, slicedlettuce1 red pepper, sliced1/2 tbsp brown sugarDirections: Heat some sunflower oil in a saucepan and cook the onion gently for about 2 minutes, then add the brown sugar and cook for 3 minutes more until softened. Add the pepper and cook for a further 5...

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A tangy soup, great served with some yoghurt.   Ingredients:Serves 415ml / 1tbsp sunflower oil1 onion, finely chopped1-2 garlic cloves, crushed2.5cm / 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped5ml / 1 tsp cumin seed, crushed450g ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped115g / 1/3 cup red split lentils1.2 lts / 5 cups vegetable or chicken stock15ml / 1 tbsp tomato pureesalt and...

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The traditional Irish Guinness stew. It is very important to use the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, not the normal Guinness, as it won't achieve the same thick consistency. Best made a day in advance. Ingredients:Serves 4 200ml Guinness Foreign Extra Stout400g stewing diced beef1 medium onion, diced1 large carrot, diced1 large celery, diced1 large parsnip, diced1 cup mushrooms, quartered1 lt of thick beef stocksprigs of...

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This is the more-or-less generic recipe for rice salad. I usually throw in whatever I find in the kitchen, but the following are the staple ingredients :) Ingredients:Serves 4 2 cups rice1/2 cucumber, diced2 medium sized tomatoes, diced1 large tin (200g) tuna1 red pepper, diced1/2 cup pickled onions, diced2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped1 small can (150g) corn1 cup olives, halved1/2 cup capers3 tbsp mayonaise1 tsp...

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These apple pie alternatives were a great hit over here, getting more praise than the original apple pie. They are a lower-fat alternative, with a delicious taste enclosed within a crunchy shell. Serve warm, with custard or ice-cream. For the dried berries I used a mix of cranberries, raisins, sultanas, blueberries and cherries, however simple sultanas will do. Ingredients:Serves 2 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored...

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A filling broth, just as my mum makes it.Ingredients:Serves 4 400g chicken liver2 carrots, chopped2 celery sticks, chopped1 chicken cube1/2 cup peas2 tbsp tomato paste3 lt water1 1/2 cups small shell pastaDirections: Put everything except the pasta in a large pot, bring to the boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Throw in the pasta, and serve when the pasta is ready.  ...

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A simple loaf recipe that tastes great and is easy to prepare. Great served for morning or afternoon tea with butter.  Ingredients:Serves 10-121 1/2 cups self raising flour1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda1 tsp mixed spice1 cup chopped walnuts100g butter3/4 cup brown sugar1/2 cup water1 1/2 cups chopped dates1 egg, lightly beatenDirections: Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Place flour, bicarbonate of soda, mixed...

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A fast-to-fix dish with a great Mediterranean flavour.Ingredients:Serves 4 2 cups zucchini1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms2/3 cup chopped green pepper1/2 cup chopped onion1 tbsp olive oil2 garlic cloves, minced1 can (425g) chopped tomatoes12 pitted ripe olives, halved1/8 tsp pepper1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheeseDirections: In a large skillet, saute the zucchini, mushrooms, green pepper and onion in oil until vegetables are...

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After the Arm Knit Scarf and the Moss Stitch Headband I decided to do a pair of simple fingerless mittens to match. I used size 10mm needles again, and nearly a whole skein of 50g. I know they don't exactly look like store bought, but they look quite cute :)Instructions:Cast on 14 stitches.For the cuff:Uneven rows, starting Row 1: K2, P2 acrossEven rows, starting Row 2: P2,...

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Some time ago I knitted the Arm Knit Scarf. I had about half a skein left (25g) so I decided to do a headband to match the scarf. It was quite quick to do; taking about two hours or so, and the wool was exactly the right length! I used size 10mm needles for the chunky wool.Instructions:Cast on 8 stitches.Knit moss stitch pattern: Uneven rows, starting...

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Indulgent little truffles with a touch of booze.Ingredients:Makes about 403/4 cup / 165g caster sugar1 cup / 150g hazelnuts, roasted, peeled750g dark chocolate, chopped150ml pouring cream100g butter, chopped1 1/2 tbsp brandyhazelnuts, roasted, peeled, to decorateDirections:Line a large oven tray with baking paper. Place sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, using a pastry brush...

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Usually, there exist the apple pie (pastry top and bottom), and the apple crumble (no bottom, crumble topping). Separately. I find this to be such a pity. I love both the pastry bottom and the crumble topping. Thus I created this Apple Pie Crumble. Ingredients:Serves 6 (10x8 inch pan)Sweet Pastry Crust, pre-bakedFor the crumble:300g plain flour, sieved with a pinch of salt175g unrefined brown...

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A Sweet Pastry Crust which is ideal for various desserts such as tarts and pies, especially those filed with fruit and/or cream. The pastry is usually pre-baked. While common practice is to line and fill the unbaked pastry crust with pie weights or rice before baking to prevent the pastry from shrinking and puffing up, you can simply place the unbaked pastry crust...

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A cottage pie variation with lentils.Ingredients:Serves 4 (generous portions)175g / 1cup green lentils225g extra lean minced beef1 onion, chopped2 celery sticks, chopped1 large carrot, chopped1 garlic clove, crushed425g can chopped tomatoes1 tsp curry1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 bay leafFor the topping:450g potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks450g parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks60ml / 4tbsp low-fat natural yoghurt45ml / 3 tbsp snipped...

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A light pastry dish. Ingredients:Serves 42 small zucchini, diced300g potatoes, boiled and diced1/2 cup chopped parsley100g feta, crumbled1 red pepper, diced8 sheets filo pastry50g butter, meltedsalad, to serveDirections: Preheat oven to 220°C. Cook zucchini for 4 minutes in a small saucepan of boiling, salted water, until softened. Drain well on paper towel. Combine zucchini with potato, parsley, fetta and capsicum in a medium-sized bowl. Season...

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Nice and filling, a great winter dish.   Ingredients:Serves 41 cup tomato, coarsely chopped (about 1 large tomato)3/4 cup uncooked small macaroni shells1/4 cup onion, chopped (about 1 small onion)1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper1 tbsp chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried basil leaves1 tsp Worcestershire sauce1 clove garlic, finely chopped1 can kidney beans, drained1 can  chick peas, drains438ml  chicken brothDirections: Mix all the...

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Not-so-classic crêpes recipe. Fill with whatever you fancy!Ingredients:Makes 3 large pancakes1 egg1 tbsp brown sugarabout 250ml skimmed milk6 tbsp flour pinch of cinnamon1/8th tsp vanillaNutella/chopped hazelnuts/biscuits/coconut or any other fillingDirections: Whisk lightly the egg in a bowl. Add enough milk to have 250ml. Add the vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon and then add the flour little by little. You should end up with a...

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