Broccoli, Feta & Pine Nut Fritters

I was scrolling through Facebook earlier this morning when a recipe from here caught my eye...
Broccoli, Feta and Pine Nut Fritters.

WELL! I thought.. Who the hell has the time and energy to make such an elaborate snack? I kept scrolling but I thought I would just check out the ingredients and method... Looked easy enough and lo and behold I even had all of the ingredients in my kitchen! Including the pine nuts.

Well I did make a few changes but they still turned out just fine.

I had leftover coconut rice in my fridge from a last minute Thai craving so I teamed them with that and some sweet soy sauce. You could also serve them with a salad and some caramelised balsamic vinegar.

INGREDIENTS:
(Makes 8 fritters)

1 medium sized broccoli
3 garlic cloves finely chopped (I used minced garlic because I'm a lazy person and I hate my knife)
4 eggs
1 small bunch of parsley, chopped. (I used coriander because its all I had)
150g of flour (any flour inc gluten free etc)
50g extra flour just incase mixture is too wet
80g feta cheese (I just threw a handful of plain grated cheese in..)
1/2 cup pine nuts
Salt and pepper
Coconut oil

Chop broccoli finely and microwave for 2 minutes.
Beat the eggs in a bowl and add flour, garlic, salt, pepper and parsley.
Chop feta into small cubes and throw in mixture.
Toast pine nuts in a dry pan on stove (low heat) for 4-7 minutes and add to mixture.
Add 50g extra flour if mixture is too wet (how the hell are we supposed to know if its too wet?)
Heat large frying pan on moderate heat and add coconut oil.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture onto the pan and flatten slightly with a spatula.
Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

ENJOY!!

36 Random Facts About Me.

So.... Maybe you knew these random facts, maybe you didn't.

But here you go. Feel free to pay me out later.

1. In the last 10 years I have had 8 surgeries and 6 general anaesthetics.

2. When I was 8 or so, my brother smacked me over the head with a tennis racquet, while  I was lying on the floor watching Play School and chipped half of my front tooth off. This is why my front tooth (cap) constantly looks yellow. Thanks Luke.
Look how cute I was before it happened.

3. I am left handed.

4. After my first child I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Pupura. (Try telling that to people when you have had too much to drink!) Its a rare blood disorder and means you have a low/no platelet count. This caused many problems and trips to hospital for me.

5. I lost a baby in-between my 2 children. I was 3 months pregnant with a very much wanted baby and at my second ultrasound, found out my little jellybean had died. I was sent straight to hospital to have it removed as apparently the little thing had passed some time prior with no indication but the hospital sent me home, distraught, for the night and to come back in the morning for the procedure. Needless to say, worst night of my fucking life.

6. I have NO maths skills. Why the fuck have I chosen to complete a business degree at university?? I can't even help my son with his maths homework. It affects my life greatly. Below, is a picture from my Business Analytics textbook. Yeah..... no.

Look at it. LOOK AT IT!!!!!


7. My dream in life (besides having kids) is to go to Disneyland!! I don't see myself ever being able to go there though. I really thought I would be there by 30, and lo and behold, I am 30 and a poor student!! Disney is my ultimate obsession. I want to be Belle. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite movie and last year I had them tattooed for my birthday. Don't judge me.

Stop judging me.

8. I am a rather large child and will never grow up. I am fascinated with all things girly, pink, pretty, Disney, Barbie, Hello Kitty, you name it. Did someone say glitter? I even did a Barbie photo shoot.... Just for fun.

9. I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers. 

10. I have been to 11 different schools, not counting TAFE and University. 

11. I never did year 7. (This is probably why I was so dumb in high school). High school is just for meeting boys, right?? Right. 

12. I failed everything in high school and quit when I was 15.

13. I moved out of home at 15.

14. I lost my virginity when I was 15. (To a guy 5 years older. In a laundry. I don't regret it).

15. 15 was a big year for me!

16. I started drinking and taking drugs when I was 12. (Sorry mum!!)

17. I smoked cigarettes from the age of 12 - 16. I have never smoked since.

18. I can't whistle. Don't try and teach me, I will never get it. 

19. My first ever concert (besides Big Day Out) was Pantera, in 2001. My last ever concert was Hanson, last year.

20. I had my FIRST EVER Birthday party this year for my 30th. It was pink and black themed and I loved every minute of it. These are my 2 high school best friends. There was a 20 minute very embarrassing, but amazing video of my teenage life. It was the best night of my life. 

21. I have 6 tattoos. I got my first one at 17.

22. My funeral song will be November Rain by Guns N Roses. I have loved it ever since I was little and its still my favourite song today. 

23. I have done various photo shoots, catwalks and promotions for 10 years now. Here are some recent shots.

24. I do not take myself seriously on the job.

25. I have 2 kids but I have never given birth. (Thank fuck). Before you think badly of me, I had 3 days of labour and couldn't give birth. Shut up. 

26. I have been in a movie. It came out at the cinema and EVERYTHING. Famous yo!

27. I refuse to swim in the ocean. Plus I hate sand, wind and water.

28. I never wore make up in high school. Just body glitter and fuckloads of it. 

29. My first ever job was a chicken shop and I was the dish pig. I was 16. I spent my first pay check getting my tongue pierced.

30. I am not religious but I pray every night.

31. I wanted to have all my kids before the age of 25 and I did.

32. My first ever formal occasion was my own wedding.

33. I do not watch TV. 

34. I am a qualified teachers aide.

35. I was in the choir in primary school and sand in the Sydney Opera House.

36. I took medical steroids for a year. NOT FUN!

Rikkiliane xxx

The Best Damn Chocolate Crackles You Will Ever Eat!

Who doesn't love a good chocolate crackle? As a kid, I looked forward to these bad boys at every kids party. I still love going to kids parties for the food and hope that there will be these little cases of chocolate goodness.

Im so disappointed when there's not.

Recently, I went dairy free and vegetarian as well as already eating a gluten free diet. Sucks, I know, but its for health/medical reasons and it seems to be working so I'm sticking with it. Im actually having an awesome time looking up and trying new recipes! Im eating way more vegetables than I ever have before (what else... is there?) and I'm loving it! Of course there are my favourite foods that I am adapting and there is stuff that I just absolutely have to miss out on (BACON!). But I'm surviving and feeling great! I feel so much better already.

So I have been feeling like chocolate crackles lately and decided I would give them a go, vegan style.

SO MUCH EASIER AND BETTER THAN I EXPECTED!!!

Like, why haven't we always made them like this?? Who the hell made up the recipe with disgusting copha when they could have used coconut oil?? I will never make them the traditional way again!!

I have seen these made with melted chocolate... Its not dairy free. I have seen these made with Mars Bars... Also not dairy free.

Here is a vegan (and way healthier and better tasting) way! YAY!!!

I totally laugh when people hear that I have restricted my diet and say "OMIGOD you are going to lose so much weight!"

Yeah.... Right!

Jasmine very excited to have one after dinner!

Dying to have another!!

Makes 24

You will need 24 cupcake papers

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup icing sugar (pure for gluten free)

1/3 cup of cocoa (I used raw cacao powder for added health benefits and better taste)

4 cups of rice bubbles or coco pops (can use the gluten free version if required)

150g solid coconut oil

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan on the stove and let cool for a minute or two.

Add the melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Refrain from eating the mix as is, or you will have none left.

Spoon into cupcake pans and place in the fridge to set!

ENJOY!

Rikkiliane

High Fibre Chocolate Protein Balls

Poo balls. Well, thats what I'm calling them. I made these little healthy chocolate balls to increase the fibre in my diet. I hope to god that it works!! Everything in these little balls of goodness is high in fibre and have numerous health benefits!

First up, Cocao powder. Its amazing. Not only for making these balls taste like christmas day but for the health benefits such as:

•   An excellent source of antioxidants

•   Contains one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium

•   One ounce has an amazing 9 grams of fibre

•   One ounce contains 4 grams of protein 

•   One ouch contains 6% of daily value of iron

•   Contains over 300 compounds includes calcium, protein, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron

•   Super high concentration of antioxidants

•   Contains 4 different neurotransmitters that promotes a positive outlook and acts as an anti-depressant

•   Contains essential fatty acids which help to decrease appetite

•   Can help to decrease appetite

•   Can help to decrease blood pressure

•  Source

Next is chia seeds:

•   Excellent source of healthy omega fatty acids - 700% more than salmon

•   Contains 500% more calcium than milk

•   More antioxidents than flaxseeds or blueberries

•   Excellent source of dietary fibre with 6g

•   Contains 20% of easily digestible protein

•   Source

Almond meal/flour:

•   Helps to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure

•   A natural energy booster

•   Loaded with protein, calcium and fibre

•   High in antioxidants

•   Can help to reduce the risk of heart disease

•   Source

Coconut Oil:

•   Super high in lauric acid

•   Rich in antioxidants

•   Contains natural microbial and anti-bacterial agents

•   Helps to improve metabolism

•   Improves cholesterol levels

•   Source

Seseame Seeds:

•   High in calcium at 35% daily value

•   Excellent antioxidant

•   Daily value of 44% manganese and 31% magnesium

•   Daily value of 73% copper and 29%iron

•   Helps to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol

•   Source

Protein Powder:

•   Facilitates muscle toning and endurance

•   Antioxidants, vitamins and mineral

•   Suitable for vegetarians and gluten free

•   18.8g of protein per serve (the drink made up, not the balls)

•   High protein, low fat, low carbs

Because these babies have protein and coconut oil, they will fill you up for longer and keep you satisfied. Increased fibre in the diet also contributes to numerous health benefits including keeping regular and lowering cholesterol. 

There are so many possibilities with these! They are awesome! You can roll them in anything you like for even more of a benefit - Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, carob powder, cacao nibs, chia seeds, coconut (i used this) or even hemp seeds.

These are the exact ingredients that i used, you can change brands and use organic for added benefits.

Recipe below!

Ingredients 

I cup of almond flour/meal (I used meal)

I scoop (or serving) of chocolate protein powder (any brand, i used BODY - shaping protein for women)

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup cacao powder

1/2 cup nut butter (i used almond and chia)

1 tbsp melted coconut oil

2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup (i didn't have this so i used extra coconut oil)

Combine all ingredients, roll in balls and roll in preferred coating. 

These will make 10 large balls or 20 small balls

Keep in the fridge! 

Pink Champagne Cupcakes (2 Ingredients!!!)

I did NOT think these would work. Cupcakes with only 2 ingredients? What?

I just had to try it! The recipe, from here, states that you can use any flavour soft drink and a packet cake mix. I chose pink champagne and creaming soda. I LOVE pink!!!

All you need is 1 cup of soft drink and 1 box of packet cake mix. I used a gluten/dairy/egg/nut/wheat free mix so my cakes are gluten, egg, dairy, nut, wheat free and vegan!

So….. They're healthy, right?

Mix together your ingredients with a wooden spoon and bake for 15 mins. I used a Barbie cupcake set that i got for my 30th birthday recently and sipped the rest of the champagne. Can't waste that now, can we?

They turned out (they turned out!) awesome!! 

I was so excited (and getting tipsy!) I decorated these babies and went about taking pictures of them with decorations left over from my birthday. We tried them after dinner and loved them. Definitely winners in this house! I can't wait to try other flavours! The recipe here suggests:

Raspberry soda - for raspberry cupcakes

Orange soda with chocolate cake mix - for jaffa cupcakes

Creaming soda - for pink cupcakes

Soda water - for plain cupcakes

Mineral water - for plain cupcakes

Champagne - for adult cupcakes

Corona with a dash of lime - for beer cupcakes

Carbonated Mojito or Midori mix - for fun cupcakes

Rekoderlig Strawberry Cider - beautiful!!!

Below is the box and champagne i used. I also made a batch of creaming soda cupcakes and the colour and flavour were perfect! (I used a drop or two of pink colouring for the champagne ones as the mix remained white). 

Rikkiliane

Journey of my day x

Ever wonder what I get up to every day?

I didn't think so.

Well incase you were wondering…. This blog post will show you just that. I took snapshots of my day, on the hour, just for you. I was going to post a fabulous CND shellac nail tutorial but I am too lazy to get up and do my nails. My toes have whats left of my black glitter nail polish from 2 months ago.

Maybe I should get started on that one sooner rather than later!!

Friday 29th August. 

6am - Zeppelin and I are awake! He came in for a quick morning cuddle so I snapped a pic! 

7am - I have a big day today so I'm up doing my hair and makeup (as usual) and having a talk to a cranky Jasmine who wanted to take one of my necklaces to school. Sorry love! #mumlife

Stop looking at my messy bathroom……

8am - I felt the need to clean the bathroom after the last pic…. ok, i was forced too. There is a photo shoot happening here at 1:30pm.

9am - Kids have gone to school so I am leaving for uni. Bad driver I know but I assure you, there are no kids in the car and I was going vvveerryyy slowly down my street!!

10am - Arrived at uni, managed to get a park on time and have sat down for my Business Analytics tutorial with my hot chocolate. Best hot chocolate. University is making me very fat. 

Its exam time and I am freaking out. I am extremely bad with numbers. The guy next to me is making me laugh and the tutor refers to me as a 'princess' (not in a good way). 

11am - EXAM COMPLETE!!!! I didn't answer all the questions with the greatest of detail. Analytics is not my strongest point (in fact I cannot even do basic maths…) I had to study extra hard for this horrible piece of assessment. 

(I have since received my grade for this exam and got 73 out of 100%. Fuck. Yes.)

12pm - Stoked the exam is over, I am in my car about to head back home to prepare for a photo shoot for Potion Products. They make organic, vegan and cruelty free products! 

1pm - My gorgeous friend has asked me to have a quick lunch and drink with her at the local cafe! Of course I said yes! I am kid free and the other model and photographer are not due for an hour or so! 

(So much for 'not eating' on the day of a shoot!)  We have decided on some chips and a couple of apple ciders. 

2pm - Photo shoot is underway for Potion Products! Here we have our beautiful beach babe smothering herself in the coffee scrub! My whole bathroom has turned brown! Lucky for you, my input into these photographs didn't fall within my hourly pictures!! 

3pm - I have showered and snuck away to pick the kids up from school. Here they are having an afternoon snack (from what they didn't eat in their lunch boxes!!) (its free dress for book week day… they don't always wear this).

4pm - Photo shoot done, bathroom cleaned, perfume sprayed to mask the coffee smell. We are off to our friends house down the road for a few Friday drinks before the school disco! 

Kids have scooted off on me :)

5pm - Having a drink with my friend. Kids are MIA. No doubt, trashing the house or chasing the chickens/dogs/kids from across the road.

6pm - I have busted the kids in a darkened room, dancing to music! CUTE! I used to do this when I was a kid except the music did not come from an iPad and it was usually madonna. 

7pm - School disco is in full swing! Parents are sitting awkwardly on the sidelines and I am manning the toilets… (Joys of being the daughter in law of a lady who has worked there for 20 years). 

This is Jasmine with her 'current' best friend. #preplife

8pm - Back at our friends home for one last play (ok, drink) before going home. Frozen pizza is on the menu! YUM!

9pm - Got home to discover that our dogs had been out for god knows how long!!! Naughty doggies! I have locked them in the laundry as Andy is out fishing and unable to fix the fence that they ruined! Im not going out there. I can't find a torch and I have a date with more drinks and Facebook. 

So there you have it. A day in the life of Rikkiliane xxxx