in the lunch box - lemon cookies

Well hello here, sorry it's been a while since the lunch box got a new addition but I've been just cooking up a few of the old favs as requested by the tribe here!

This week though, I have a new one for you to try. They are super yum and make use of the abundant stash of lemons I know you have in the fruit bowl!

Lemon Cookies -

1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vinegar
125g butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
grated lemon rind of 1 lemon (less if you want yours not too strong)
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix your milk and vinegar in a cup and set aside to turn sour.
Beat butter, sugar, egg and lemon rind until smooth
Sift in flour, baking powder and salt
Add sour milk and mix it all together well
Place teaspoon lots onto your lined tray roughly 5 cm apart and bake until golden (15min)

Glaze
Mix 1/2 cup icing sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth
Spread on hot cookie and leave until cold

Enjoy x

this boy

This boy is 6!
This boy will never be 5 again
This boy is full of fun and energy
This boy is full of love and warmth
This boy lights up my life
This boy knows how to test me
This boy has the best smile in the world
This boy is learning so much so fast
This boy will break some hearts someday
This boy is my darling William
We love this boy xx

Lemon Honey Syrup

 

 





Still on the topic of lemons.........this little jar of 2 ingredients has all the ability to make you feel good!

It fights sore throats, it soothes upset tummies, it warms, it comforts and it has been known to settle kids on a restless night (yes it's true!) 

Best thing is its so easy to make and makes use of all those lovely lemons in season right now. Plus it's happy to sit on the shelf all year round till you need it.

Here's what you'll need:

1 clean and sterilised jar and lid

As many lemons (small ones are best) as you think can squeeze into that jar

1 pot of Honey (I use manuka simply for its healing properties, but all are good) 

Here's what you do:

Top and tail your lemons then score the skin all the way around. This helps the lemon release its juice and infuses the honey.

Pack them into your jar and pour your honey over the top filling the jar. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the jar and that all the lemons are completely surrounded by honey. Then seal and store in a dark place. 

The honey will turn quite runny as the juice begins to infuse it. 

To use simply place a spoonful of the syrup into a mug of warm/hot water and enjoy. 

You can also use the syrup in marinades, cooking, cakes etc. Be sure to use the lemons themselves  in your drinks or cooking too. They are delicious.

Only important thing is to always ensure your lemons are covered, so as you use the syrup either take out the lemons that are now exposed (and use them) or top up again with honey! 

Hopefully the winter chills are now behind you.....sadly it is still here in full force in NZ .......but while those lemons are abundant, why not make up your own syrup ready for next winter. 

this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama

the lemon

Over the years, and still today, I have suffered many tummy issues. From sore tummy, nausea, queasiness, congestion and bloating right through to indigestion pain. I've had it all!

But as I've discovered over the years, there are simple things just sitting in my pantry that can really help and sooth these pains. The good thing too is that these are all things perfect for both me and the kids. Here's a few for you to try......

Lemons are amazing when it comes to medicinal healing. They help fight infection, they are an antioxidant, they are known to lower blood pressure and they help to cleanse the liver and digestive system. A simple lemon water can provide relief for nausea or pain. Simply squeeze half or a whole (depending how tough you are!) into warm water. Don't add honey as it's the sour taste that is of benefit here. For a sore throat however do add some honey for it's antibacterial benefits.

You can add grated lemon zest and or the juice itself into sauces, baked goodies, marinades, oils etc to assist your body on a daily basis too.

Ginger is a wonder for the stomach and digestive systems. Try grating fresh ginger root (about 2-3 tablespoons, the more the better) and adding it to 1 1/2 cups of water in a pot and bring to a simmer. Add a teaspoon of honey (manuka is fantastic) and drink while warm. Makes about 1 cup, so you can share with a friend!

Herbs that can help with a sore tummy include: chamomile, peppermint, aniseed, dill, fennel and lemon balm. Make a strong infusion of any of these herbs and drink warm to help settle tummy troubles.

For me, avoiding food during a 'tummy episode' (lord knows I've had my share) is what works best. Fluids really are the way to go to help with all tummy troubles. It helps to rest the digestive system, especially when its suffering from pain, inflammation, congestion or just plain hideous uncomfortableness.

 

Please remember, whilst all these have worked for me and will no doubt help aid your tummy discomfort, it is a good idea to get any ongoing pains looked at by a professional doctor or naturopath.

Rarotongan sun

Just the other week we packed up the family, boarded a plane and headed off to find some sun!

Auckland's weather is still new to me. The constant rain, the un-dry washing, the soul sapping coldness that just never seems to end. 8 months in and you would think we would be getting a little used to it. But no. I understand now why so many Kiwis head to Queensland at this time of year!

So what else is there to do than seek out a tropical island and lay on it for a week!
Rarotonga - one of the beautiful islands that make up the Cook islands - is where we headed.

 

The sun shone, the children swam, the souls were rejuvenated, and the cocktails flowed. What more can you ask for?

 

 

Rarotonga is stunning. Its similar to Fiji but has a 'small town' feeling. Its not as touristy as Fiji so things happen a lot slower (I mean lunch can take 1hr to make it to the table) but if you just give in to it and relax, 'island time' can be a nice change.

 

 

It's a small island - takes only 40min to drive the whole way around - and their transport system consists of 2 buses. One that travels clockwise, the other anticlockwise! Its great. It feels a little like stepping back in time with its simplicity.

 

 

 

We loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

 

 

 

That's the thing about holidays though, as soon as you get back you need to start planning the next...................

Where's one place you've loved? Where's your next holiday destination?

 

 

this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama