I do have one idea that I would like to pass on, a sort of standard I aspire to maintain. If you came to my house unannounced you may well find us in chaos but you will be welcomed with open arms. There may be piles of ‘stuff’ to move so you can sit down but there is a place at my table for you. A little thought and I will have a meal on the table for you. It may not be grand, it may well be simply cheese on toast or soup but there will be food. One of my super speedy store cupboard staples for visiting children is my beany spread. It takes less than five minutes to make, tastes great and has protein and veg. It can be used in sandwiches, pasta sauces, as a dip or a replacement for tomato sauce on pizzas. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week and freezes well. Here is the recipe:

Beany Spread

Half a can of beans (mixed, haricot, butter, chickpeas – your choice)

Half a cup of frozen sweetcorn and peas (either or both)

A couple of basil leaves

A glug of good olive oil

• Drain the beans.
• Cook the peas and sweetcorn, then run over with cold water to cool.
• Put all ingredients in the blender and wizz them up.

Now Sian Mummy-Tips is always trying to get me to join in and play along with memes but I am a grump. This does not deter her and she keeps on tagging me so this time I’m playing. Here are my famous face-a-likes:

Yes folks, I look like Helena Christensen and no, that did not influence my choice to play along.

©2010 Housewife Confidential. All Rights Reserved.

A classic for a reason, growing cress on the window ledge has been so much fun. It is the kind of venture which can be left completely to a pre-schooler which is so very pleasing for a little girl who would like to be a big girl like Mama. To go from a packet of seeds to harvest in little more than a week is most satisfying. As is an egg, yoghurt and cress sandwich!

Milla and I took a trip to the garden centre to choose some plants for our own mini version of Planting a Rainbow. The rain made it an indoor gardening activity but no less fun. Every time we see our bright rainbow filled pots it is delightful. I had worried that they may not do well on our North facing steps but they continue to flourish and Milla is so very particular about watering and dead-heading.

A rare weekend off from social commitments was spent clearing the overgrown mass of creepers, hedge and honeysuckle. Our long handled hand fork has proved the perfect size for Milla to copy her Papa digging. Monty got involved with my herb planting which is of course a very serious task. The strawberries we planted out after Easter have remained unharmed by slugs and snails so far. This could be because Monty has been found rolling snails around his mouth on more than one occasion, hmm. Our raised beds need some attention as a neighbouring raspberry has invaded one with shoots from below (ideas on how to tackle this welcome!). As we are so late out of the starting blocks we’re considering buying a ready to plant garden for this year.

I am hoping this is the year we bring gardening back into our daily lives and if my children have anything to do with it I am sure we will succeed.

©2010 Housewife Confidential. All Rights Reserved.

Three years ago in April I left work to begin maternity leave. I went a little early but I was so fed up I needed a little tranquility to get ready for my babe. As she was nearly three weeks late I had plenty of long sunny days to myself. I filled my time with yoga, pre-washing nappies, paninis and naps – what luxury! Then the baby came and despite the certainties of everyone else I didn’t find life tedious and dull. Far from it, my life blossomed. The rich and varied world of motherhood and housewifery filled my heart. I found ways to earn a modest living from home and handed in my resignation without having to return to work.

Three years down the line I have two children flourishing and I am just as in love with my role as I always was. My house is far from being the best kept (more like worst kept) but everything is done eventually. We fill our days with friends, creativity and giggles. Each April when the blossom blooms I feel the gentle calm in my soul and give thanks that I can walk this path in life.

©2010 Housewife Confidential. All Rights Reserved.

When it finally dawned on me that my baby needed snacks in between meals I was somewhat at a loss when it came to what precisely she would have. Two years later and I am still making my very first baby snack creation but now with the assistance of  Milla. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do.

Banana Bread.

5 ripe bananas

250g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

Half tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

75ml water

• Mash up the bananas until smooth then mix in the water.

• Sift in all of the dry ingredients (and add dry fruit if using).

• Mix to combine but don’t over-mix (like you’re making a muffin batter, flour all gone then no more).

• Turn into a well greased pound loaf tin.

• Bake for one hour at 200 degrees centigrade (maybe 180 in a fan).

• Allow to cool on a rack wrapped in a tea towel (leaving the tea towel around it in the cake tin seems to keep it nice for longer).

Variations:

• Add a handful of dried fruits (figs, raisins, dates, apricots) occasionally needs a little more water.

• Add nuts and seeds (ground for babies).

• Replace one banana with another fruit (soft ripe pear, mango, strawberries).

• Add a little cocoa powder for chocolate banana bread.

Keeps for about one week if it lasts that long…

©2010 Housewife Confidential. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Housewife Confidential. All Rights Reserved.