Grateful for Sundays 01

I realised the other day that I hadn't been outside in a while. I mean, I had been outdoors -I had physically stepped outside to travel to work, shop for groceries and collect the mail, but I hadn't actually experienced outside. Between work and running errands, I was always in a rush and never stopped for a rest. Sunday seems to be the only day where the world stops for a little while and there is a moment of peace before the madness begins again.

This is why I am starting a new weekly segment on my blog called "Grateful For Sundays." 

Grateful For Sundays captures moments throughout the week where I have taken the time to stop, take a deep breath, and appreciate the little moments that can get lost in all the hurry.

Takapuna Beach

My first picture is taken on Takapuna Beach. With daylight savings now officially over, dog owners can take their pets on to the beach at any time of the day instead of getting up at ungodly hours or waiting until after 7pm. I don't have a dog of my own, so I love watching them running along with their owners and swimming out into the ocean to fetch sticks.

I find that lighting candles and fresh flowers around the house can boost your mood instantly. I bought these candles from the Wellington Underground Market a few weeks ago and have placed them in the kitchen and bathrooms. They make our rooms smell wonderful - even when they're unlit! I picked up the flowers while I was grocery shopping and I love how they add a pop of colour to the house.

Quiet time is hard to come by in our house. The television is usually playing in the background or someone is playing music out of the stereo. This is mostly my fault because I like to do housework with background noise. 

Yesterday, Jason and the Doctor went out to watch the rugby and I was left alone with a few hours to spare before our dinner guests arrived. The house was completely silent and it was weird. 

Once the shock wore off, I got out my chamomile tea and started a mega-crossword. Without the background noise, I heard birds chirping outside. 

So these are the little moments from this week that brought joy. What are some things you are grateful for?

Raspberry and Pistachio Meringues

Christmas is one of my favourite holidays because it's all about spending time with your family and friends. I know it sounds corny, but life really does take over some times and you suddenly realise you haven't caught up with anyone for months.

I am one of those horrible people that need special occasions as reminders. 

Being Chinese, my family didn't really do Christmas until we came to New Zealand and, even then, it was just for the benefit of us kids. We all knew that Santa wasn't real, but the excitement of having the whole extended family gathered around one table is one of my favourite memories. Now that we are all older and have our own lives, it is even more important to keep up this tradition. 

Since last year, I have inherited Christmas. This means cooking for around 20 or so friends and family with the help of my sous chef, Jason. 

This year, I am working all the way up to Christmas Eve, so we have been looking at things can be prepared ahead of time like these raspberry and pistachio meringues. The toppings give it extra oomph and texture while the red and green provide a Christmas feel. These pictures were just of my test batch and they were devoured in two days -I think they'll be a great hit for the big day!

These would also go well with a cup of tea or wrapped up as an edible gift :)

Have you had the honour of inheriting Christmas yet? Or will you get to enjoy someone else's spoils?

Raspberry and Pistachio Meringues (makes 24)
A Lucyeats Original

Ingredients:

6 egg whites, room temperature
350g caster sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup freeze dried raspberries*
1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
Freeze dried raspberry powder to serve (optional)*

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 110°C and line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. Place egg whites and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Add the sugar, one teaspoon at a time, while the mixer is running.
4. Once all the sugar has been added, continue to mix until the mixture is thick and glossy. High, stiff peaks should form when you lift the whisk attachment.
5. Gently fold through the freeze dried raspberries
6. Spoon dollops of meringue on to your baking sheets. Each meringue should be about 2 Tablespoons.
7. Roughly crush the pistachio nuts with a mortar and pestle or with a rolling pin.
8. Sprinkle the crushed nuts and raspberry powder over the tops of the meringues.
9. Bake in the oven for one hour. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues for at least two hours. Leave them in the oven overnight if possible.

These should last up to 3 weeks in an air tight container.

*You shouldn't need to travel far for freeze dried raspberries and raspberry powder. I used the Fresh-As brand from my local supermarket.

Masala Chai

Jason and I aren't really coffee drinkers. I used to be addicted to flat whites when I was at university, but have since moved on to tea because it doesn't make me jittery. We do visit cafes often though, but instead of coffee, we order Hot Chocolate for Jason and a Chai Latte for me.

However, frequenting cafes is not the best for the wallet so I started buying a chai tea mix from the tea store by my work. It was when I opened the packet that I realised that I could make my own! Now that winter has well and truly arrived, it is the perfect time to make up a batch of masala chai to enjoy while sitting under a blanket with a good book.

Tea and spices for masala chai

Masala Chai is a mix of warming spices and herbs brewed with black tea very popular in South Asia. There is no set recipe or method of preparation for masala chai and many families have their own version although they all contain a tea base, spices, milk and some form of sweetener. 

Crushing the Spices

Preparing the spices mix takes practically no time at all and the end result is very rewarding. It's quite comforting to know exactly what has gone into your drink instead of adding ready made syrups. An added bonus is that the toasting process fills your house up with the most beautiful aroma of warming spices.

I'm hoping that this will last us through winter but, judging by the rate we've been going through it, I think I should have made a bigger batch!

Masala Chai Mix 
Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

2 Tbs green cardamom pods
4 whole star anise
4 4" cinnamon sticks
1 Tbs fennel seeds
2 tsp whole cloves
2 tsp whole black peppercorns
2 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger or dried orange peel
1 1/2 cups loose black tea

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
2. Place all the spices in a baking dish and toast in the oven for 5 minutes
3. Lightly crush the toasted spices in a mortal and pestle (or use a rolling pin)
4. Add the candied ginger and black tea to the spices and mix well.
5. Spoon into a jar to enjoy all winter!

Brewing Instructions:
For two

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water
1 cup milk
1 Tbs Masala Chai mix 
Honey

Method:

1. In a plunger, pour the boiling water over the chai mix and let steep for 5 minutes. The tea will become bitter if you leave it too long. Alternatively, you can put the mix into a tea bag or mesh ball.
2. While the tea is brewing, heat the milk in a saucepan or in the microwave.
3. Mix the hot milk and strained tea and sweeten to taste.
4. Enjoy :)