Stone fruit season – yay…  H and I recently went to the Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard to pick our own nectarines.  It is one of the few orchards that let you eat as many as you like as you pick – bonus.  H didn’t stop eating them!  I lost count at 6…

We managed to pick a few kilos and I had all intentions of making pies, tarts, jam or maybe even preserve a few for the winter months, but they didn’t last that long.  I did however make this nectarine and honey semifreddo with the last few that were starting to get a little overripe. The perfect consistency for this dessert as they were soft and super sweet.

It is the perfect dessert for little folks and big kids.  It is sweetened naturally with a quarter cup of organic honey – bought raw from the orchard, and is actually very simple to make.

You simply beat the eggs and honey until thick and creamy, whisk on the stove for 5 minutes, add the nectarine puree and fold through the cream.  Once frozen, turn it out and top with whatever fresh fruit you have on hand.

The Apple Shack is located in Darkes Forest, about an hour south of Sydney.  They are open daily, have farm tours, tractor rides, and lots of pick your own fruits to choose from.  We are definitely going back to pick the blueberries and raspberries that were just starting to ripen when we were there.

 I also used their organic white gum honey is this recipe – so delicious…

Apple Shack, Glenbernie Orchard
259 Darkes Forest Rd
Darkes Forest NSW 2508

• 3 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup honey
• 300 ml thickened cream (whipping cream)
• 6 ripe nectarines; pitted

• nectarines, , cherries, pomegranate & passionfruit ,or top with whatever you like

1. Add the nectarines to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. A few chunks will be fine.
2. Line a loaf tin with plastic wrap allowing the sides to overhang. Add the eggs, yolks and honey to a bowl of an electric mixer. Whisk on high speed until it is thick and creamy. It should have almost doubled in size.
3. Now place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk for 5 minutes or until it has doubled in size. Add the nectarines and whisk to combine.

4. In a separate bowl, add the cream and whisk until soft peeks form. Add half to the nectarine mixture and fold through. Add the remaining cream and fold through ever so gently.

5. Pour into the tin and freeze overnight.
6. To serve turn out onto a serving plate and top with fresh fruit.

I don’t own an electric hand-mixer so I whisked by hand over the simmering water. You could use a hand mixer if you have one.

Love my little monkey – he’s the best fun…

Be sure to take a picture if you make this Nectarine and Honey Semifreddo, and upload to Instagram with the hashtag #littlebigh so I can check out your creation. xx

Making raw halva truffles is a great rainy day toddler activity.  They are super easy to make and require no cooking.  H had a great time rolling the balls that I passed to him in either cocoa powder, sesame seeds or coconut.  Be warned however, it is a pretty messy activity, so a nice sunny day outside would be just as fun, with a lot less clean up.  I adapted this recipe from the Coles magazine.  I used what ever I had in the cupboard that was similar to the original.  Such as popped amaranth, because I love the stuff, but don’t go out and buy it especially for this recipe, add a bit of something else that you have on hand and experiment a little.  Just be sure to use the tahini, it is the magical ingredient…   They also freeze really well, so make a large batch and freeze them for another day – did I mention they are also healthy!

• 1 cup medjool dates loosely packed (pits removed, no need to chop)
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup popped amaranth
• 1 tablespoon honey
• coconut , sesame seeds (natural or toasted) and cocoa powder to coat balls

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until the mixture is finely chopped. Check to see if you can roll a ball from the mixture, if it is a little dry add a little more tahini.
2. Roll a tablespoon portion of the mixture into balls
3. Place the coconut, sesame and cocoa powder into separate bowls and pass the balls to your little ones to coat

I often serve these delicious little French cheese pastries as an appetiser at dinner parties – everyone loves them, they are really really good!  

I have always found they work out best by mixing by hand but you could give a stick blender a go.  It does take a little effort to get the eggs combined but it will be worth it…..  Enjoy xx

• 250 ml water
• 150 g butter , cut into cubes
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 200 g plain flour
• 5 eggs; at room temperature
• 120 g gruyere cheese , diced into 1/2cm (1/4 in) cubes
• Extra egg , beaten, for egg wash

1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees (400 degrees F)
2. In a large saucepan put water, butter, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to the boil while stirring constantly – very important or it will split
3. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the flour. Combine and keep stirring for one minute until well combined and a dough forms
4. Immediately incorporate one egg at a time into the dough – I use a whisk. Tap the whisk on the sides of saucepan to loosen the mixture if it gets stuck in the whisk – its hard work but worth it. Once all the eggs are combined, stir through the cheese
5. Using a tablespoon, spoon onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. With a pasty brush, egg wash just the tops – not letting it run down the sides
6. Bake for 25 minutes; serve

Makes about 16 large gougeresThe recipe insists on using greyere cheese but I have used all sorts (manchego, gouda, etc.). Not very authentic I know, but they still taste greatYou can also freeze raw gougers. Put them straight into the oven frozen and allow an extra few minutes cooking time

Adapted from Jacques Reymond – Cuisine du Temps

Chunky sesame prawn toasts are sure to be a hit with young and old.  They are super crispy, quick to make, tasty little triangles that are great served at parties, for lunch or as a starter to your main meal. 

I have used delicious plump fresh prawns for this recipe but frozen would work just as well.  All you have to do is chop the prawns, add the remaining ingredients and coat in sesame seeds.  

I have then cooked these babies in the oven until golden brown.  Go ahead and fry them if you like.  Not as healthy but I’m sure even tastier!

• 6 slices of bread; crusts removed and cut into quarters (I’ve used white rye)
• 300 g raw prawns; chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 egg white; lightly whisked
• pinch of salt
• sesame seeds to coat (black or white)

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 C / 350 F. Combine the prawn meat with the ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, egg white and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Add the mixture to the bread triangles. About a tablespoon per triangle. Put as much on them as you can. Coat the triangles in the sesame seeds and place on a oven tray.
3. Cook for about 20 – 25 minutes or until the prawns are cooked and nice and golden. Serve warm.

I chopped my prawn quite chunky. If finely chopping reduce the cooking time a little.

 My little man has been off his food due to croup, so I made him a smoothie that I knew he would love.  Its packed full of goodness, but it still tastes great.  H loved it… 

A really simple cookie recipe that makes a great afternoon snack or even breakfast on the run.  Toddler approved.

 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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I often serve these delicious little French cheese pastries as an appetiser at dinner parties – everyone loves them, they are really really good!   I have always found they work out best by mixing by hand but you could give a stick blender a go.  It does take a little effort to get the eggs combined but it…

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I grew up eating my mums salmon patties and they are a family favourite.  They are so comforting and remind me of home.   They are so simple to make and are a great first finger food for little folks.  I have make these mini sized so they are easy for H to pick up.   The mixture…

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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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H and I have been doing a stack of baking lately – homemade bread, pizzas, cakes and muffins.  I think the winter weather has something to do with it!  I’ve experimented a lot with muffin recipes and I have to say, I think I’ve found a winner.  These healthy zucchini, corn and tomato muffins are easy to make and are pillowy soft – just how I like them.  The trick is to not over mix.  When adding the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stir with a wooden spoon until just combined and you are ready to go.  

Muffins are perfect for a light lunch and are great for the kids lunch boxes.  The recipe makes a large batch so freeze what you don’t use for another day.  I personally love having a few healthy savoury muffins in the freezer ready for a quick snack or to pack for the little guy if we are heading out for the day. 

I’ve used zucchini, corn, tomato and cheese but feel free to substitute other vegetables.  If you are using particularly dry ingredients and the mixture feels a little dry, just add a splash more milk till you achieve a thick but loose mixture.  It shouldn’t be in any way runny – I need to start taking some action shot, what do you think, would that be helpful?  

Enjoy xxx

Healthy Zucchini, Corn and Tomato Muffin

1. 1 cob of corn (ear of corn)
2. 1 tomato
3. 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
4. 1 cup grated tasty cheese (reserving a little to sprinkle on top before going in the oven)
5. 2 cups self-raising flour
6. 1 egg
7. 1 cup milk
8. 150 grams butter; melted
9. salt & pepper (optional)

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F). Combine the dry ingredient (flour, cheese, zucchini, corn, tomato, salt and pepper) in a bowl and mix a little to combine.
2. In a small bowl combine the egg and milk and light whisk with a folk. Add the melted butter. Add the mixture to dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Don’t over mix or you will end up with a tough muffin! If the mixture feel a little dry add a splash more milk.
3. Spray the muffins tins with oil or grease with butter. Fill tin 3/4 full of the mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Test with a skewer, if it comes out clean, they are ready. Serve warm

1. Makes 12 large muffins and 12 mini muffins.
2. Don’t be tempted to overfill the muffins – fill only 3/4 of the way up the muffin tin. They will work out a lot better.

Little Big H http://littlebigh.com/

Green smoothies are to H what lollies are to a lot of kids – he absolutely loves them.

Guaranteed if we walk past a juice bar, he will drag me kicking and screaming until he gets one – he loves to choose the ingredients and it has become his little treat after daycare a couple of times a week. 

This one was made up of kale, cucumber, pineapple, and mint.  It is lovely and refreshing and not overly green tasting.  A good intro to green smoothies if your little one is not used to them.  

Enjoy xx

Watch our little video of H making this smoothie all on his own – and taste testing of course. Click play to watch it here… 

Green smoothie with kale, cucumber, pineapple and mint

1. 1/4 large fresh pineapple
2. 1 apple
3. 1 cucumber
4. 1 cup water
5. a few springs of mint
6. 3 stalks kale
7. handful of ice cubes

1. Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender; blend until smooth.
2. *to sweeten add your sweetener of choice (honey, maple, fresh dates, etc)

1. This makes enough to serve two people plus a little left over for the next day.

Little Big H http://littlebigh.com/

This quick crispy potato with nigella seeds recipe happened when I was in a bit of a rush.  I was going to boil some potatoes but noticed my nigella seed mix sitting there and decided to give my potatoes a quick toss in the pan, with some oil and a tablespoon of the spice mixture – they were delicious. Better than plain old boiled potatoes lets say! 

The nigella seeds spice mixture will make more than you need for this recipe, so keep it in a jar and add some to your sautéed veggies, potato salads, tomatoes salads, cous cous, quinoa salads, etc.  

Quick crispy potatoes with nigella seeds

1. 1 kg chat potatoes (or as many or few as you like)
2. 1 tablespoon nigella seeds
3. 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
4. 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
5. 1 tablespoon oil
6. Salt & pepper
7. parsley leaves to serve; roughly chopped

1. Wash the potatoes well because we are leaving the skin on. Chop in half and add to a pot of salted water and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, add the spices to a mortar and pestle and bash/grind until ground.
3. Add 1 tablespoons oil to a frying pan over high heat and add the potatoes. Give the pan a toss so the potatoes are evenly browned. Once golden add a tablespoon of the spice mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm garnished with parsley.

Little Big H http://littlebigh.com/

This quick crispy potato with nigella seeds recipe happened when I was in a bit of a rush.  I was going to boil some potatoes but noticed my nigella seed mix sitting there and decided to give my potatoes a quick toss in the pan, with some oil and a tablespoon of the spice mixture – they were delicious. Better than plain old boiled potatoes lets say! 

The nigella seeds spice mixture will make more than you need for this recipe, so keep it in a jar and add some to your sautéed veggies, potato salads, tomatoes salads, cous cous, quinoa salads, etc.  

Quick crispy potatoes with nigella seeds

1. 1 kg chat potatoes (or as many or few as you like)
2. 1 tablespoon nigella seeds
3. 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
4. 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
5. 1 tablespoon oil
6. Salt & pepper
7. parsley leaves to serve; roughly chopped

1. Wash the potatoes well because we are leaving the skin on. Chop in half and add to a pot of salted water and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, add the spices to a mortar and pestle and bash/grind until ground.
3. Add 1 tablespoons oil to a frying pan over high heat and add the potatoes. Give the pan a toss so the potatoes are evenly browned. Once golden add a tablespoon of the spice mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm garnished with parsley.

Little Big H http://littlebigh.com/

This quick crispy potato with nigella seeds recipe happened when I was in a bit of a rush.  I was going to boil some potatoes but noticed my nigella seed mix sitting there and decided to give my potatoes a quick toss in the pan, with some oil and a tablespoon of the spice mixture – they were delicious. Better than plain old boiled potatoes lets say! 

The nigella seeds spice mixture will make more than you need for this recipe, so keep it in a jar and add some to your sautéed veggies, potato salads, tomatoes salads, cous cous, quinoa salads, etc.  

Quick crispy potatoes with nigella seeds

1. 1 kg chat potatoes (or as many or few as you like)
2. 1 tablespoon nigella seeds
3. 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
4. 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
5. 1 tablespoon oil
6. Salt & pepper
7. parsley leaves to serve; roughly chopped

1. Wash the potatoes well because we are leaving the skin on. Chop in half and add to a pot of salted water and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, add the spices to a mortar and pestle and bash/grind until ground.
3. Add 1 tablespoons oil to a frying pan over high heat and add the potatoes. Give the pan a toss so the potatoes are evenly browned. Once golden add a tablespoon of the spice mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm garnished with parsley.

Little Big H http://littlebigh.com/