Sunday 21 April 2013

TRUST ME, It's Delicious (Mexican Style Breakfast)

This is my new favourite breakfast and it only takes about 10-15 mins to whip up.  It's based  on this Mexican breakfast recipe, but is simplified to cut down the time required.  I love this breakfast because it's very adaptable and you can easily make it for more than one person.  I tend not to use chilli because it can be harsh on the stomach early in the morning, but to be closer to Mexican you definitely should try a spicier version.

Mexican Style Breakfast - Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 egg
1/4 medium red onion
1/2 tomato
1/8 yellow capsicum
1tsp oil or butter (or both - it's tastier and the oil stops the butter burning)
Salt and pepper to taste


Heat a pan on the stove top on a medium heat.
Chop the veges finely, add the oil/butter to the pan and then add your vegetables.
Let them cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are softened but not starting to brown.
Arrange the veges in a circle in the pan, with roughly 12-15cm diameter, and an even thickness.
Crack the egg over the top (being careful not to break the yolk) and let the white run down through all the veges - you can give it a gentle push before it sets to ensure it's around the edges of the vegetables. 
Turn the heat down ever so slightly (I put mine down from 3/6 to 2.5/6) and cover the whole thing with a large pot lid that doesn't touch any of the ingredients.
Leave for a couple of minutes until the edges of the egg are slightly crisp and the rest is cooked but the yolk is runny.
Now for the trickiest part - if you have a non-stick pan you'll probably be fine, but I don't so it's always a risky game for me!
Use a fish-slice to gently lift up your creation to serve the whole thing in one piece. My final photo is a "what not to do", but that is the risk of taking photos of actual meals and not having the chance to do them over!
Season to taste and enjoy with a strong coffee.



Tips (or What Not To Do That I Have Obviously Done This Time):
  • Use a greater ratio of other vegetables to tomato.  The tomato tends to break down and is not conducive to a well-set dish
  • It's important that there is a reasonable amount of egg around the edges of the vegetable disc, so the egg can set around them and it will be easier to remove from the pan.  If you look at my end photo you will see that I made this exact mistake
  • Don't add salt until the end - it will draw water out of the tomatoes and make your dish too mushy otherwise

Serving suggestions:
  • Top with sliced avocado, crumbled feta and coriander
  • Break the yolk and put in a few drops of hot sauce or Worctershire sauce 
  • You could add one or all of the following to your vegetables - chopped chilli, coriander, finely sliced bacon
  • Serve on top of a warmed flour tortilla
  • Serve as part of a brunch meal with toast, bacon, sausages etc
  • Make a larger portion by increasing your vege amount and just cracking all your eggs over the whole lot.
This breakfast is simple, fresh and so tasty - once you've tried this you'll never want boring cereal again.

Enjoy!
Hot mess

Wednesday 17 April 2013

What Are We Waiting For


As I write this, New Zealand Parliament is holding the final debate regarding the legalisation of same-sex marriage.  As I write this, I am watching the live stream of the debate (note - the debate is now finished but this link will still take you to Parliament's live stream - it's fascinating!) and both sides are offering empassioned and stirring arguments.  

I have been following the movement of the bill through its stages and my feelings of support for marriage equality have bubbled up more strongly than ever.  While I understand that everybody is entitled to their beliefs and there are lots of people against it, the question circling over and over in my mind is "why is it anyone else's business who wants to get married apart from the couple involved???!". The more I think about it, the more frustrated and baffled I become, and the more I want this bill to be passed.  

This is the most politicised I've ever been and I'm glad this debate has awakened my political awareness. I want same-sex couples to have the same rights as straight couples, I want people to marry whoever they love, and I want everyone to know it. 

x

18/4 - It's official!! Our Parliament last night voted to make same-sex marriage legal, making NZ the 13th country to legalise it.  So proud NZ xx

Thursday 4 April 2013

Autumn Wish List

5X5 Baby Deer, Fawn, Autumn, All Ears Square Photograph with Black Backing frame

Lemon Meringue: Women's Crochet Mary Jane Slipper Socks





 Mr Robin Bird (8x8" print)

There is no denying it, summer has said goodbye and crisp clear autumn mornings followed by drizzly days are becoming more common. It's a little sad, but kind of nice too. As it gets colder we start wrapping up in cosy clothes, cooking comfort food and - my favourite - curling up in front of a glowing fire while the rain pours outside. I definitely prefer to stay at home over going out, so I secretly look forward to hibernation and going early to bed with a good book...boring for some but bliss for me.

I thought I'd welcome autumn with the above collection of pretty things that remind me of clear days and little creatures flustering their way through crunchy leaves.  I am in love with the deer picture, I wish it came in giant size.  The colour of the scarf just makes me think of fiery bright autumn leaves and the scalloping just takes it over the edge - so pretty. Click on the pictures to go directly to their stockists.