I’m a huge quinoa fan and given the chance I would eat it everyday! I’m lucky that H also loves it, so I make it often.  Sometimes served as a meal, like this roasted pumpkin quinoa salad could be, and other times I will just season it and have it as an accompaniment to another…

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I’m a huge fan on homemade granola – it is so easy to make and well worth the effort.  This is a nut-free granola with quinoa, seeds and goji berries and it is delicious.  So good that I have eaten it for breakfast and dessert for the past week!   The quinoa adds l lovely nutty…

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This Spiced peach quinoa porridge is a lovely warm and comforting breakfast – perfect now that the weather is getting a little cool. It has quite a savoury taste without the addition of fresh peaches on top and the maple syrup.  If you like things a little sweeter, stir through some sweetener of your choice after…

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I have been making a version of this dish for years.  It is a perfect mid-week meal – easy to prepare, super tasty, it all happens in the one pot so there isn’t a lot of clean up, and it’s always a hit.   The spices are balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the currants…

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Quinoa Granola – It’s a bit of an understatement to say I love this stuff.  I’ve made it so many times now and it never lasts very long.  I eat it as is with yoghurt for breakfast or as pictured here as a topping for chia pudding.  I also love it on top of ice-cream with another drizzle…

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This recipe is adapted from Movida restaurant in Melbourne and it is so good!  It would make an impressive side dish, light lunch, or even main course.  The rich flavours are balanced beautifully by the sharpness of the quince and although it does take a little time to prepare, I promise it will be worth…

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Puffed amaranth is an ingredient that I stumbled upon at my local health food store recently and I love it.  It is great to add to dishes like muesli bars and on your breakfast.  I love to add it to yoghurt.  It sort of melts into it and make it very fluffy.   I have…

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 This is my go to super easy lunch/dinner for Little Big H if I haven’t had time to prepare anything.   He loves it and its ready in 15 minutes. It’s best served cold, so make it ahead of time if you can.  If you don’t have a lots of fresh veggies on hand, it’s just…

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Big H loves this salad and it is super easy and quick to make.  Shelling the broad beans is a little time-consuming but you could use frozen shelled broad bean instead if  you like.  

I had no intention of putting these mini lamb koftas on the blog when I made them for Little Big H’s lunch today, but they were so yummy and he loved them so much that I though – I have to!   I made them using lamb loin (because that’s all I had), so I was…

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 You may have seen this recipe a million times on the internet, but I couldn’t resist putting it on the blog for anyone who hasn’t.  It is perfect for babies from 6 months old – and its delicious.   My favourite topping is mango and passionfruit but use whatever fruit is in season. It takes…

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I was browsing my favourite mummy blogs and noticed I had been tagged by Katie from Owls and Monsters to take part in ‘The Mommy Tag’.  I thought it sounded like fun and it is a great way for you all to get to know me and my experiences of motherhood thus far a little better.

I couldn’t resist buying these super cute minikin pumpkins.  I have stuffed them with pearl barley and mixed veggies and it did quite nicely for a healthy meat-free dinner. Slice into portions or scoop out the flesh along with the pearl barley and mash for your little one.

Super light and crispy kale chips make a delicious snack.  Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables around, and is particularly high in vitamin K, A, and C  My toddler loves them and I’m sure you little ones will too.  Just make sure they are nice and crisp.  That way they just melt in your mouth…

A delicious green smoothie that isn’t at all leafy tasting.  H just loves it – he finished the glass in a matter of minutes!

These pretty little roasted rhubarb chia pots make a wonderful breakfast or healthy dessert. The rhubarb is roasted with strawberries, orange juice, zest and a good drizzle of honey – the only sweetener in this recipe. The chia pudding has 3 ingredients only and will thicken in the fridge after an hour or so. I…

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Amaranth porridge with peach, passion and pomegranate is a new favourite breakfast.  It’s nutritious, has a lovely nutty taste, it’s a good protein source and it’s naturally gluten-free – a perfect way to start the day. Amaranth take 25 minutes to cook on the stove, so for busy morning soak the raw amaranth in water…

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I’m a huge fan on homemade granola – it is so easy to make and well worth the effort.  This is a nut-free granola with quinoa, seeds and goji berries and it is delicious.  So good that I have eaten it for breakfast and dessert for the past week!   The quinoa adds l lovely nutty…

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Breakfast…  I was never into it before having H, but now it is one of mine and Harry’s favourite meals of the day. It’s always quick to prepare and usually made up of whatever we have in the fridge.  It is the one meal I usually let H decide on so regardless of what he decides,…

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This Spiced peach quinoa porridge is a lovely warm and comforting breakfast – perfect now that the weather is getting a little cool. It has quite a savoury taste without the addition of fresh peaches on top and the maple syrup.  If you like things a little sweeter, stir through some sweetener of your choice after…

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Parfait’s are a favourite breakfast of mine.  They really are so easy to make and you can fill them with just about anything you have on hand.  This mango and puffed amaranth parfait is a new favourite combination.  Summery, light and so delicious.  It would also make a great healthy dessert.  Puffed amaranth is available…

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Chia seed pudding is one of the first recipes I posted on this blog.  H and I both love it, and I love the convenience of it when served for breakfast.  I always make it the night before and it is ready to go in the morning.  It is so easy to make and requires…

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Quinoa Granola – It’s a bit of an understatement to say I love this stuff.  I’ve made it so many times now and it never lasts very long.  I eat it as is with yoghurt for breakfast or as pictured here as a topping for chia pudding.  I also love it on top of ice-cream with another drizzle…

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We eat a lot of fruit in our house.  The little dude just loves it, so I always like to mix things up a little.  This fruit salad has a lovely orange vanilla glaze drizzled over the top, then I added a dollop of my homemade mascarpone and some toasted almonds.  It would make a…

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H and I went to the Northside Produce Market last weekend and bought these gorgeous fresh figs.  It was our first time there but we will definitely be going back.  We also bought a huge box of cherries, rhubarb, golden beets, zucchini flowers and H’s favourite, tomatoes… NORTHSIDE PRODUCE MARKET , NORTH SYDNEY  

I was browsing my favourite mummy blogs and noticed I had been tagged by Katie from Owls and Monsters to take part in ‘The Mommy Tag’.  I thought it sounded like fun and it is a great way for you all to get to know me and my experiences of motherhood thus far a little better. 1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum? I am currently a stay at home mum.  I have just finished 12 months maternity leave and was very lucky to have it extended another 12 months.  I have a small jewellery business – CRISTIE.com.au, that has been very neglected since Big H came along and I also love to paint.  I’m hopeful that I will get back into both in the next 12 months 2. Would you have it any other way? No, I love staying at home with H.  I would miss him too much if I went to back to work full time No, we have a really soft bed and I was always concerned he would roll and not be able to breathe.  I do occasionally pop him in with me of a morning now that he is older – and it is so nice 4. What is your one must-have item for your baby? The Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier was great in the early days.  It made it a whole lot easier getting Big H to sleep.  Especially of an evening when he was particularly fussy.  Now – at the 12 month mark, the IKEA EKORRE Toddle wagon/walker.  You can tighten the wheels so it can’t get way from them.  He loves it and it has saved my back. 5. How many kids do you plan on having? I think it will be just the one But I do love it so much, I could have had a whole bunch! 6. Date night? How many nights per month? 7. Your childs favourite show? My little guy is only 12 months, so no TV for him just yet 8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using? Lots of cute baby shoes and outfits that he outgrew before he got a chance to wear 9. Your child’s favourite food? There are a few standout favourites.  Avocado, tomato, cheese (although not too keen on blue, but I’m working on it) and grapes 10. How many cars does your family have? We have two cars.  A 4-wheel drive and a 2 door car.  Cam takes the 4-wheel drive as it is better on fuel.  I have perfected getting H into and out off the 2 door, but it’s getting harder the bigger he gets! 11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now? My weight has never varied much.  During pregnancy I gained about 15 kg and was fortunate to lose it very quickly.  I think it was mostly due to breastfeeding 12. Dream holiday with your kids? Umm, anywhere would be nice!  Europe maybe 13. Dream holiday without your kids? I think I may be a little obsessed with my child!  I don’t want to go away without him 14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?  It has changed massively, but for the better.  It is such a rewarding experience to watch him grow and learn and to see his little personality develop 15. Finish the sentence: ‘It makes my heart melt to see … ‘  Harrison look up at me with his big blue eyes (when I am breastfeeding) and give me a beautiful/cheeky smile – it gets me every time 16. Where do you shop for your kids? Locally and online.  County Road, Indie Kids, Seed, Target, Bonds, etc.  17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?  I do put a little makeup on everyday.  I feel better and look a whole lot better for it!  I use Clinique Super City Block sunscreen as a moisturiser under my makeup, Clinique Anti-blemish foundation.  Stila lip & cheek stain in passionfruit crush.  Dior powder eyebrow pencil.  Covergirl mascara, Revlon eyeliner and that’s about it for everyday wear.  Huggies.  I’m not sure that we have Pampers in Australia 19. Have you always wanted kids?  Yes,  I always said four.  I think I probably started a little late to have that many though.
20. Best part about being a mum? It is just such a wonderful experience.   I love every aspect of it.  I never though I could love anyone as much as I love Harrison – he is my everything I tag all of you mummies to take part, and would love for you to post your links below so I can take a read! Stephanie |  Never the same spice twice Christine & Janene |   More than Mommies Michelle |  Our Three Peas

 This is a really tasty dish and it was a huge hit with H.  You could substitute the vegetables in the recipe for ones you already have in the fridge.  You could also prepare ahead of time and keep in the fridge until ready to steam and serve.

Print Pin

• 200 g chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces (or chop extra fine for baby)
• 2 teaspoons sake (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Japanese soy sauce (salt reduced)
• 1 leek , finely sliced
• 1 carrot , sliced or finely chopped for baby
• A handful of spinach , finely chopped
• A handful of arame – Japanese sea vegetable (you could substitute with a tablespoon of dashi granules if you are unable to find arame. If using dashi add to custard mixture below)

• 2 1/2 cups (625ml) water
• 1 tablespoon Japanese Soy Sauce
• 4 eggs

• Place chicken pieces in 4 heatproof bowls. Combine sake and soy and divide between each bowl
• Divide the vegetables between the 4 bowls

• Combine eggs, water and soy in a jug, pour custard into the 4 bowls
• (if using dash granules dissolve in a little boiling water and add the custard mixture, strain equal amounts into the 4 bowls)
• Cover bowls with foil, place then in a steamer and cook on high for 30 minutes

Depending on your bowl size you may want 6 bowls to allow the chicken and vegetables to come only half way up the bowl – this will allows enough of the custard mixture in each bowl. Adapted from The essential asian cookbook

Pickled veggies may not appear to be the most toddler friendly of dishes but my little one certainly approved.  The pickling liquid isn’t too heavy on the vinegar so give it a try, you can always add a little extra sugar if you think it is still too vinegary. This is my favourite salad to serve…

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Broccoli is my favourite green vegetable and H is a pretty big fan as well.  In this recipe the broccoli taste is very subtle because of the huge amount of herbs, but I love that there is another veggie in there.

I very quickly pulsed the broccoli in a food processor to achieve a rice like consistency and then cooked it for few minutes in salted boiling water.  You can eat broccoli raw so feel free to skip the cooking and add it directly to the other ingredients if you wish.  I serve it as a side with fresh fish, chicken, on a wrap or served traditionally as part of a mezze platter.

This recipe was published on the I Quit Sugar website,  you can find it here…

It has been so long since I have cooked lamb shanks – I’m not sure why! There is something so satisfying about cooking a tough piece of meat and turning it into something super tender and melt-in-your-mouth. This dish is just that… the tomatoes and spices produce a rich chunky sauce, and the chickpeas add…

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Who doesn’t love a sausage roll…  my little guy certainly does so I was keen to make a healthier version.  These veggie sausage rolls are made using chickpeas, carrots and feta and are super simple to make. Simply add most ingredients to a food processor and then combine the remaining with your hands.  Add the…

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I have been a little sweet potato mad lately – but it has to be roasted.   Something really magical happens when veggies are roasted and I can’t get enough of them.   H on the other hand has decided he likes everything served raw.  Now I’m not complaining.  He will happily sit down and eat…

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I just had to include the picture above.  Check out the lower left hand corner.  It’s a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex!  I noticed it when I was going through my photos – too cute!  These shots were the best of the bunch, as that spice in the dish was everywhere and he was using it as…

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  I’m excited to show you a little of where I grew up and spent most weekends as a teenager.  The beautiful beaches of Newcastle.  My girlfriends and I would catch the train every weekend in to town and go to the beach.  My family still live in Newcastle so I go back home often….

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Amaranth porridge with peach, passion and pomegranate is a new favourite breakfast.  It’s nutritious, has a lovely nutty taste, it’s a good protein source and it’s naturally gluten-free – a perfect way to start the day.

Amaranth take 25 minutes to cook on the stove, so for busy morning soak the raw amaranth in water the night before to reduce the cooking time or cook it completely and reheat in the morning.

Top with fresh seasonal fruit. I have used peach, passionfruit, pomegranate, coconut, bee pollen and chia seeds.

Print Pin Prep Time 5 minutes minutes Cook Time 25 minutes minutes Total Time 30 minutes minutes

• 1/2 cup amaranth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Fresh fruit to garnish (peach, passionfruit, pomegranate)

• Rince and drain the amaranth.  Add to a saucepan with the water, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.  
• Bring to the boil, cover and then simmer for 25 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Add more water if required.  
• Once cooked stir through the milk and maple syrup.  Top with fresh fruit.  I have used sliced peach, passionfruit, pomegranate, coconut, bee pollen, and extra maple. 

Suitable for babies if you omit the maple syrup

If you make my amaranth porridge, be sure to take a picture and upload to Instagram with the hashtag #littlebigh so I can check out your creation. xx

Homemade fresh tomato sauce is so handy to have on hand.  I make a large batch and freeze it for a lazy day.  I use it to add to pasta, as a pizza sauce, meatballs, a quick ragout, ratatouille, etc.   So next time you go to the farmers markets grab a few kilos and make it fresh, it’s…

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