A favourite risotto recipe

This is one of our favourite risotto recipes which I wanted to share so you too can enjoy the magnificent flavours.

Don't be scared by the word RISOTTO. Its not one that you are tied to the stove stirring for most of the night. Most of the absorption is done in the oven. Now I will admit, not being made the traditional way, its probably not the most succulent risotto ever but if you're not a fussy Italian, then I'm sure you'll love it all the same.

Enough with the sales pitch, here's whatcha do:

1 tbsp oil
500g chicken breast or thigh (i used breast)
1 onion finely chopped
1 long, red chilli finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 kaffir lime leaves (i left whole and removed but you can finely slice and keep in the mix)
1 1/2 cup aborio rice
1/4 cup red curry paste
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup coconut cream
2 tbsp fish sauce
200g green beans

note: missing chicken and onion as I remembered to take this AFTER they were added!

 Preheat oven to 180C
Heat oil in an ovenproof dish and brown off chicken.

Remove chicken and reduce heat slightly on the stove. Add in the chilli, garlic, lime leaves and onion.

Cook stirring contstantly for 2-3mins until onion is soft.

Then add in the curry paste and rice, coating the rice with the paste for a further minute

Return the chicken to the pan along with the stock and another 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer then cover and place in the oven for 25mins or until the liquid has almost been absorbed

Remove from the oven and stir in the coconut cream, fish sauce and beans.
Cover and stand for another 10mins

 Then VOILA, you're done!

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Its also great to double up so you can keep extras in the freezer for those lazy nights.

Enjoy, let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: This is not my own recipe but one i found in the local paper so I cannot link up to original source

A boy and his trainset

I mentioned the other day how I grabbed this bargain trainset from Target. I bought it for great intentions to give to him on his birthday in a couple of months but Husby had different ideas. And I gave in. Well, just because it was SUCH a good deal, I didn't think it would hurt to give to him now :-S !! Spoilt much!

He didn't take to it too well at first but later in the arvo the pictures tell a different story. However, you will notice that most of the time its his cars going round the track! He was loving it!
I had to show you some snippets of his hour of fun! I love how he can just occupy himself now and its so fun watching him use his imagination!

A winter arvo walk

We are lucky to have a lovely bike/walking trail right at the end of our street. One way it ends up taking you to McLaren Vale-wine country. We didnt go that far but thought i'd share some images of our adventure.

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Enjoying a winter arvo walk. Gumboots and all!

I found some beautiful images from last weeks here.

Joining in with once again with Jodi



You're 23 months

I cant believe you're almost 2!

:: You're speech is coming along. Something new every day. You are starting to put a couple of words together now and you understand so much. I love our conversations and listening to you talk to others.

:: You can easily count to 10 out loud and we can make out the ABC song even though not all the letters are clear. The tune definitely is.Along with Intsy Wintsy and Baabaa Black Sheep.

:: Still with the transport. You still point out every single bus. Even managing to find them before I do.

:: Your eyesight is impeccable. I love the way you view the world. You take everything in. Stuff which us adults just take for granted. I love learning with you.

:: You have now given your beloved Seahorse a name-Seesaw. Love.

:: You make every word sound so cute. Sushi, Taco, Seesaw, snuggles, the list goes on. Daddy and I make you repeat so many things just to hear your cuteness!

:: You're bed is filling up with all your favourites. Some are regular characters like Yoshi, Monkey, Hoot, port car and Seesaw but sometimes you sneak in an extra car or train, Brown bear book and one day even your new massive bus to bed!

:: You now call my brother , your uncle, Matty. Again said with delightful cuteness.

:: Unfortunately you have caught your first cold. And im sure its one of many again this winter. lets hope your immune system is slightly better than last year.

:: You mostly love food. Still struggle with the veggie side but we continue to try. Some days are much better than others but hey, youre not starving so that the main thing!

:: We see slight glimpses of tantrums but we certainly cant complain. And its usually because your tired or just having a grumpy day. But because youre generally so good, I panic at the sign of one thinking you've turned into a monster! But then you calm down and snuggle up for cuddles and I feel like I won that battle...for now.

:: You LOVE watching videos of yourself on Mummies phone. 'Photos' 'Photos' you say. Youre quite Iphone savvy now. My little tech baby!

:: Oh and you dont mind watching DVD over and over and over and over again. The latest craze is Justine Clarks DVD with the 'Dinesaur' song. You LOVE dinosaurs too :) Such a boy.

We love you to the moon and back Little Man. We are always so, so grateful to have you in our lives.

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Taken on our morning walk this morning

 

 

Joining in with Jodi

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He loves to 'go for snuggles' in our bed with his favourite bedtime toys.

Mind you this is 5pm in the arvo!

 

 

Last weeks fav was Penny on her swing. And in Italy as well!

 

Linking up with Jodi