MCG Tour

I"ve had Mum and Dad visiting all week and just dropped them back to the airport on Wednesday. We haven't seen them since the Christmas before last, so it was long overdue. The kids enjoyed having them here too. I don't think they're a fan of Melbourne weather (one morning dropped to 1.6 C) after coming from sunny Queensland.
We took a tour of the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), I believe it's the largest sporting stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest in the world (I'm pretty sure that's what our guide said). If you want to know more about the MCG you can go here.

4 pickles = benched

It takes 15 minutes to (slowly) turn the lights on (or Melbourne would be blacked out!)

The boys could give commentary on the actual game, while I would talk about the cuteness factor of the players  ;)

Warming up is important. BTW this was the room for Collingwoods' game last Friday night......They lost.
Did we jinx them????

The next few pics are of the sporting precinct and Melbourne city. Isn't it pretty?

Team Pickle...ready to play!

Nanny & Grandad pickle.

This is the VERY highest seat at the MCG (nose bleed ). I carried a camera bag and the walk to the top had me out of breath, but Mr3P carried #3 and didn't even break a sweat!!!!

These lights keep the field nice and dry and are on 24/7 when there is no game.

I'm always happy to pose for the camera when Mr3P is shooting. As for everyone else?....they just want to get on that train to home.

I highly recommend this tour if you're ever in Melbourne. And while you're here, make sure you visit the National Sports Museum too (it's downstairs of the MCG...but you can't take photos)

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{recipe} Potato Cakes

These potato cakes are so simple to make and taste great. 

1. Coarsely grate a few large (raw) potatoes into a bowl.

2. Add an egg, some salt and a couple of heaped tablespoons on plain flour and mix together.

3. Heat some oil ( I used canola) and fry heaped tablespoons of mixture in a fry pan. Flip over with a spatula after a minute or two (or when it looks golden brown)

4. Drain off excess oil onto paper towels. Serve.

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Winner Pink Pearls

We have a winner.
I had Pickle #3 draw the winner out of a bowl. The pictures aren't great as he wouldn't keep still.

Um, yeah that's Milo yoghurt on his face. I didn't do "final checks" before this shot hehe.

The winner is BJ from Sweet Nothings. Congratulations BJ, I'll be in touch today.

Thanks for everyone who entered.

{Giveaway} Pink Pearls

Here's my very first give away. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been reading and following my blog and who have been leaving some lovely comments. So, thanks :)

This give away is now closed.

I'm giving away some beautiful pink faux pearls. Extra long 96cm (38") by Grace Designer Jewellry valued at AU$48.
To win them, all you have to do is "Follow Me" if you don't already, and just leave a comment. That's it. I'll post the winners name on the blog next week. Good Luck.

{recipe} ANZAC Biscuits

It's ANZAC day here in Australia. 

Every year I make these ANZAC cookies. I make them often throughout the year too as they are Mr 3P's favourite. I found this recipe years ago, from a Smith's Premium Golden Syrup advertisement. You can substitute the golden syrup for honey or molasses (but then they won't be real ANZAC biscuits, will they?)

If you want to know more about ANZAC Day you can go here. And if you want to know more about the history of ANZAC biscuits, you can go here.

An Australian Tradition

ANZAC Biscuits

Makes approx 20
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
3 tablespoons Golden Syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
2 tablespoons boiling water

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Melt butter and golden syrup in a pan over low heat (or in microwave for about 1 minute).

Mix bicarbonate of soda with boiling water and stir into the melted mixture (it will froth up a bit). Then pour into centre of the dry ingredients. Mix to a moist but firm consistency. ( I'm not sure why, but occasionally the mixture can be too dry and crumbly, so I'll add just a little more melted butter)

Wet hands and roll tablespoons sized amounts into balls and place on lined baking sheets. Press to flatten slightly with a fork dipped in flour.

Bake for about 15 minutes in a moderate oven.  190 C/ 375F
Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

{recipe} Hot Cross Buns in the bread machine

It's Good Friday and for the last I don't know how many years, I have threatened to make hot cross buns in the bread machine. This year I actually did! They turned out pretty well and with very little effort on my part.....loving that eh? I don't want to be overly ambitious, but, you could tweak this recipe to make mocha or choc, choc chip hot cross buns.........mmm, maybe next year. Wishing you a safe and Happy Easter weekend.  Don't forget to stay tuned for my first Giveaway, happening straight after Easter. Click here to find out how to enter. (now closed)

Hot Cross Buns


Ingredients
1 1/3 cups of water
2 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cups plain flour
3 tablespoons milk powder
1 tablespoon mixed spice
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons yeast

Mix -ins
1 1/4 cups sultanas
1/4 cup mixed peel (I didn't have any so I just put in the zest of one lemon)

Directions:
1. Place ingredients into baking pan in order listed.
Program your bread machine to it's dough setting
Press start.
Add your mix-in, 6 minutes into the cycle.
I noticed that my dough looked a little too dry at this point, so I added a tablespoon extra of water.
When cycle stops, remove dough and divide into 15 pieces and shape into rounds.
Place dough close together on slightly greased baking tray.
Cover with plastic wrap and stand in a warm position for 30 minutes or till doubled in size.
remove wrap and pipe a cross on top of each bun.
Bake in a preheated oven at 190 C (375 F) for 15-20 minutes.

"Cross" Batter
2 tablespoons water ( I found I needed to add more water. Just add till you get a good piping consistency)
1/4 cup flour
Blend together to make a smooth batter. Spoon into a piping bag.

These would be nice served with Cumquat jam (recipe here) or Fig jam (recipe here)

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{recipe} Caramel Popcorn

 I found this recipe in the April/May issue of Donna Hay Magazine and tweaked it a bit.

Ingredients
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
15g butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
10 squares of chocolate

Pop the corn in the usual way. I use an air popper popcorn maker. Place the popcorn into a large bowl.
Put the butter, honey and sugar in a saucepan over low heat and stir till melted. Continue to stir and bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes till golden and thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.
Pour over the popcorn and mix it in well to coat. Pour popcorn onto a baking sheet that has been lined with baking paper .
Melt chocolate and drizzle over the caramel popcorn.
Lick fingers to remove all melted chocolate.
Allow to set. Break into pieces.
Yum.

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Chic and Crafty Party - The Frugal Girls