Happy Mother's Day! 

Today's the day that all mums get to kick back a little and enjoy someone else cooking the Sunday breakfast.  In our house it is more like brunch but if someone else is cooking I can wait.  As I type twiddling my new earrings that are shaped like angel wings, one of my many beautiful gifts, I am happily basking in the glow of my beautiful children who are now young adults.  I can hear my dad saying to me "Ya did good kid, they turned out OK." 

My youngest has decided that she would cook me pancakes, Banana & Blueberry pancakes from one of my recipes; and although she has eaten these many times before she was surprised by how easy they were to make.  She was further excited that these pancakes were actually really tasty; in our house it's cook's privilege to eat the first pancake out of the pan or the tester pancake.  What I am most proud of is that she is starting to change the way she thinks about food and understand that there are some very good alternatives to a lot of basic ingredients.  Most excitingly she had made the decision to put 'ice cream' on top.  But allergy free 'ice cream'.  She got the Yonanas machine out and put a couple of frozen bananas through it and Voila! Banana ice cream.  She topped it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and desiccated coconut.  I know this cook was very impressed; her kitchen definitely rules.

It really is nice to know that the youth of today are starting to realise that they have a choice where food is concerned and contrary to popular belief this 'alternative' food is not just 'awesome' but quick and easy to make.

So even if you have to do the cooking yourself have crack at these Banana and Blueberry pancakes it's a great way to reward yourself for another years hard work and even if your not a mum you can still enjoy these delicious pancakes whatever the celebration.

Enjoy your day.

Lee xx

Here in Melbourne we have had some beautiful weather for Autumn or Fall until today that is. Today is drizzly, overcast and generally not very inviting.  This morning child no. 2 asked IF we wanted the heater on.  "Well I'm no Scotsman" was the reply from the bedroom, roughly translated it means "heck yeah".  It is also a clear sign that winter is definitely on its way.  This can only mean two things; time to get the beloved tracksuit and moccasins out and time for my famous Yuletide hot chocolate. Ok I know it's not Christmas but when this recipe was created it was Christmas time in the U.S. and other parts of the world and that equals freezing cold weather.  And because I care so much about you all I feel obliged to provide you with comfort food/drink that is seriously good for you and tastes "AAAAAAAAAAAmazing" (direct quote from child no.2).

Another exciting aspect of today is the school sports carnival which brings to mind images of teenagers fervently cheering on their team mates as they lead their School House to victory over the others.  Although not to me; working with teenagers on a regular basis conjures up something completely different in my mind.  On one hand there is the extremely competent and physically superior individual that wins all the events and is somehow prematurely comfortable in their own skin and then there is the goofy, still growing and not yet in control of their limbs kid with a heart of gold and hours of entertainment for onlookers.  Which ever category these kids fall into, they are all having a go and having to brave the (now pouring with rain) weather. 

So this afternoon when my little drowned rat gets home, blue and shaking from the cold, I will have towels at the ready, the heater on and the smell of Yuletide hot chocolate wafting through the house. Athletic prowess aside, all participants would be well rewarded and lovingly warmed by a cup of Yuletide hot chocolate both filling the belly and satisfying the taste buds. The real star of the day though is you for having the good sense to make this delicious and soothing beverage and the astuteness to pour yourself a cup at the same time.  Good job you and well done to all the junior athletes out there that braved Melbourne's appalling weather.

Enjoy your day.

Lee x