Maggi Stir Fry Creations

I was recently invited to try the Stir Fry Creations range from Maggi as part of Product Talk by Nuffnang.

The team at Maggi has discovered that the secret to a great stir fry is the layering of flavours.  Working with Asian cooks, they have developed a way for you to do this at home.  

The unique two-step process allows for the perfect depth of flavour as the paste and sauce come together to create delicious Asian flavours. And by cooking the stir fry in steps the meat stays tender and the veg stays crisp.

The unique-two step process uses an Infusion Paste to coat the meat, so that the meat infuses with flavour as it cooks.  And a Finishing Sauce is added as the final step to complete the dish.

There are clear directions to follow and all you need to do is add meat and veg. In the picture below (taken with my iphone) I used a pack of frozen, stir fry veggies with Maggi Sweet Chilli, Ginger & Lemongrass Chicken, but of course you could use fresh veggies too....whatever ingredients you have on hand really.

 It took only minutes to make and even the fussiest one was impressed.

This one ticked all the boxes for me.

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• A balanced meal for the ones I love.
• I can use the meat and veggies I have on hand (and I know they'll eat)
• I'm often time-poor when it comes to dinners (especially soccer training nights) so these are truly convenient.
• Stir fry's have always been a challenge for me but since using the Maggi Stir Fry Creations, my meals look and taste like I've made it from scratch.  (OK, so everyone now knows that I didn't....don't tell the fam)

A range of five products gives you a diverse set of flavours to choose from – some old favourites like Honey, Soy & Garlic, and other more adventurous flavours in Sweet Chilli, Ginger & Lemongrass.  

I even had a little leftover to fill crepes for lunch the next day. First time making crepes too!

The verdict.....will certainly be repurchasing.

You can pick them up from Coles, Woolworths & Independent supermarkets for $3.29 RRP.

So what's for dinner tonight at your place?

Chocolate & Coconut Bites {recipe}

You know you want it................

 I'm sure many people already know how to make this tempting little treat, but I'm here to share it with you anyway.

I'm forever trying to think up new things for the kids lunchboxes and today I had a little light bulb moment....choc & coconut balls/bites!! It's enough of a little sweet snack to keep a smile on my pickles' faces, yet not so naughty to turn them into sugar OD fiends.

Pickle number one is currently playing "Lunchbox Wars" with his buddies at school and he left this morning with a huge grin, declaring that no one will outdo his lunch box today...WIN!

 Apparently...according to pickles one & two, this is THE BEST THING I have EVER made....in the history of my cooking.....like, EVER.

I'm not sure if I should be honoured or feel insulted?

Here's how you throw this treat together......

In a food processor (I used my trusty Ninja)... pulse a packet of Arrowroot biscuits until they are completely crumbed, them dump the crumbs into a bowl.

Add about 1/2 a cup of cocoa and combine.

Add a small can of sweetened, condensed milk and combine until you have a dough like mixture.

With dampened hands, take little meatball sized pieces and roll into balls, then roll to coat in dessicated coconut.

Place in an airtight container and chill until set.

Eat at least two before they get to the fridge.

Told you it was easy!

Till next time.

ANZAC Slice {recipe}

I love baking treats for my pickles. You may have seen my recipe for ANZAC cookies a while back (recipe here). Well these are EVEN BETTER! Why? Because they are the laziest version I have ever made...I'm not sure but I think they taste better too.......

This golden crumbliness is perfect cut up into bars (or soldiers as I like to call them) and popped into school lunch boxes. I had to hide some from this batch for the kids school lunch box because I made them for an after school snack (with a little fruit and milk). If some don't get hidden then they won't make it to the next day....it's like watching a swarm of locusts attack a field. You'd think I never feed my kids.............

Ingredients:
1 cup (90g) rolled oats
1 cup (220g) brown sugar
3/4 cup (65g) desiccated coconut
3/4 cup (110g) plain flour
1/2 cup (75g) self-raising flour
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup

1. Preheat your oven to 180ºC. Line your slice tin with baking paper and overhang the paper so you can lift out the slice for cutting later.

2. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

3. In a microwave safe jug or in a small saucepan, melt the butter and golden syrup. 

4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together...combine well.

5. Press firmly into prepared slice tin. I use the back of my measuring cup to press down and compact the mixture.

6. Bake for 20-25 mins, until golden. 

7. Allow to cool completely in tin (if you can wait...lol). Slice into squares or bars.

Got some good lunch box recipes you'd like to share? Leave a link to your recipe or write it in the comments box if you like.

Till next time.

Dettol Power & Pure Multi Purpose Wipes {product review}

I like to do a little spring clean in winter, especially on the school holidays as I like to get the pickles to pitch in. So when I was sent a pack of these Dettol Wipes for review, I thought it was a sign to start.

I always have at least one Dettol product in my home at any given time. I love the smell and I know I'm killing germs as I clean. 

I have three boys...three messy boys who don't always consider personal hygiene number one on their agenda. So when I give things a once over with these wipes, I have a little more peace of mind.

The wipes are one of a few different kitchen cleaning products that Dettol offer. I used them all over the house and not just in the kitchen) to "finish off" the sinks and table tops, even the toilet seat!

This week, I've had 2 sick little pickles (nothing too serious) so I wipe over door handles and the telephone....places we usually don't think about disinfecting, but where we can spread some nasties when someone is sick.

Overall, I quite like this product and will probably re-purchase. It's handy to throw in my little cleaning caddy and I might even grab an extra for my makeup kit!

Got any good cleaning tips? Share them here if you like!

Till next time.

Disclosure: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.