Monday 30 September 2013

Unpacking and setting up shop!

I'm moved into the new flat back in Oxford now, and unpacking my beloved craft supplies! I didn't know I would miss my shop so much, and I can't wait until the grand reopening tomorrow.  There are boxes everywhere, though I've created a bit of a clear space on the bedroom floor to sort out the soon-to-be Coryographies Crafty Corner in the new place!

Does it look like a business space?
This will have to do as a business space.
I didn't know I'd miss my lovely crafty supplies so much!
Above all though, it's been sooooooo nice to sit down and just play with polymer clay!  Here's a sneak peak and what has been happening on my lap craft tray recently... some hints of Christmas!

Some Christmas and candy treats for the upcoming season!
Tomorrow is the big day, the grand unveiling... I'm ready!


Thursday 19 September 2013

Homemade Refried Beans

My husband and I made burritos today for lunch.  He's a great cook, and he makes his own refried beans as well which are amazing.  Here are the directions if you want to give it a try.  Warning - your house will smell AMAZING.


Ingredients:

2 tins of haricot beans
1 medium onion
Chillies (a few - whatever kind pleases you!)
A squeeze of lime
Bay leaves
Fresh coriander
Smoked Paprika
Ground cumin
Cumin seeds
Salt

Directions:

Boil the haricot beans with a few bay leaves and some salt, for about 5 minutes or so. Retain the water - don't throw it away! This will be used to reconstitute the beans when you are mashing them.

Chop the onion and chillies, and soften in a pan with a little oil and some cumin seeds. Tear a handful or two of coriander leaves and add this as well. Add a half cup of the bean water to the pan.



Then, with a masher (or a fork), scoop in half of the beans while mashing them up.  Add lots of the liquid to the mixture as you go so you keep a gloopy consistency. Add some smoked paprika and some more cumin (ground) to taste. Add a squeeze of lime as well to make it interesting. Keep all of this hot, but not bubbling much.

Add the rest of the beans to the mixture.  This will make it have a better texture. My husband was frying some chorizo for the burritos and he drained the oil that came off into the beans as well - I thought that was a nice touch, but not necessary, especially if you are going vegetarian!

Spoon it into your burrito wrap with other dressings, and YUM YUM YUM!



Monday 16 September 2013

Graduation Gifts

My husband graduates from his Masters' degree next Friday.  Hooray!  In commemoration (and since I'm thinking about graduation gifts), here are some cute finds on Etsy for the person in your life that may be doing the same: