I made healthy muffins this morning. They are pretty filling because they are wholemeal based.

1 cup chopped, dried mixed fruits (apricots, dates, raisins, apples, pears etc)
1 1/2 cup wholemeal self raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup oat bran
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cup skim milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon honey

- In a small bowl, soak dry fruits with boiling water (about 1/4 cup) for about 5 mins.
- In a large bowl, sift in flour and baking powder, returning the husks into the bowl.
- Stir in oat bran and sugar, make a well in the centre.
- Combine, milk, egg, oil, honey in another bowl.
- Add the soaked fruit and milk mixture all at once to the dry ingredients.
- Fold in gently until combined, do not overmix.
- Spoon mixture into greased muffin tray, bake for 20 mins or until golden brown.

Oh, this was lovely to open (and eat). Thanks Penny!

I ate 3 cookies after writing this!

We invited my brother in-laws up for dinner this weekend, and we cooked spaghetti and meatballs!

When I make meatballs, I like to make them big! I think it’s more fun to eat them this way. You can’t really tell from the pictures, but that’s two huge meatballs per plate:)

Niina brought animal cookies and mango flavoured sparkling wine, which tasted so good!

A much heathier burger option:)

1 large tuna can (lemon pepper flavour), drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup wholemeal breadcrumbs
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 tablespoon chopped thyme
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

- Combine tuna, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, thyme, parsley and lemon zest in a bowl and mix well.
- Form into even-sized patties.
- Cook on both sides on a frying pan, until browned.
- Serve with a hamburger bun or turkish bread. Eat with fresh salad and mayo.

Instead of flavoured tuna, you can also use plain tuna and substitute lemon zest with lemon juice.

Come over now, we will cut you a slice:) xoxox

And then my brother-in-law, Aaron arrived for dinner!
For starters, we tossed Yee Sang.

Yee Sang is like a cold salad dish. The dish is surrounded by colourful shredded vegetables like ginger, papaya, turnip, carrots plum sauce, sesame seed and five spice powder. We usually have this dish during the Lunar new year. Everybody will gather around the table and we will all toss and mix the dish together with our chopsticks. While tossing, we’d wish good things for everyone, in hope that all our wishes will come true:)

Our main meal for the night was steamboat. We got this steamboat from my parents as one of our wedding gifts. It’s like a hot pot, and we put the pot filled with soup stock in the middle of the table and add in meat slices and vegetables. If you come and visit me, I’d most likely cook steamboat because I love the idea of sharing a meal from one big pot.

I like cozy cafes with fresh bread and pastries.
I like menus written on chalkboard.
I like girls in aprons.
I like my coffee milky.
I like sitting by the window.
I like people-watching from the window.
I like the word ‘old fashioned’ and will most likely order an ‘old fashioned apple pie’ than a tiramisu.
I like bread take away in a brown paper bag.

Hello! Happy 2010!

I had such a great holiday. We spent time with the in-laws during Christmas and I ate turkey 3 days in a row!

We also watched a boxset of Rodriguez movies (big mo’s idea). We watched El Mariachi, Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico all in one day. What were we thinking?

New years was a little quieter and between the two of us we made udon, drank some Tiger beer, played Katamari Damacy on playstation and put on a funny dvd.

This week our friends and family are flying in from overseas for our wedding. Things are getting a little bit crazy…I can’t believe this is my last week and by the end of the week I’ll be writing Mrs on forms. So so weird! I also kinda wish I could roll all my anxiety away like a Katamari ball.

Anyway folks, happy new year and here’s wishing you all a great 2010, filled with lots of love, joy and creativity! I also hope you’re using your Little Mo calendars!

Summer fruits
Sticky fingers
Rosy cheeks
Lemonade
Mangoes
Paddling
Summer playlist
Vast blue sky
Sunset roads

What’s yours?

Here’s a simple equation:
chocolate + art + love = a very happy helena

If you follow this formula, you too will be feeling giddy with delight.

Also when you’re having pink and white marshmallows with hot chocolate, it’s only logical that you match it with a pink and white cup set. Don’t you agree?