Potted Fresh Herbs In The Kitchen....

Do you have space for a kitchen herb garden...on your bench top?

 This awkward corner space in the Mia Bella kitchen is a perfect spot...

for potted thyme, oregano, parsley and chives.

 With lovely bright morning sun, the pots are happy to stay in place for the entire summer.

 Add a jug of hydroponic lettuces (roots intact and sitting in water)...

for fresh picked lettuce for the sandwiches.

Add a vase of pretty blooms...

 Like these crisp white paper whites, with their glorious scent!

 And you have a beautiful kitchen vignette.

During the winter months as it is now in New Zealand, 

 the growth of the plants has slowed

and the pots need a little time in the sunshine outdoors.

Southern Hemisphere temperatures mean you can pop them outside for a week,'

then bring them in again.

(I do this 2 or 3 times over the winter, especially when we have a rainy weather week.)

I've had my kitchen herb garden on the bench top for over a year now...

and I LOVE the convenience, and the look of it!

Mandarin Crepes with Mandarin Syrup...

Citrus and crepes =LOVE!

Mia Bella Gardens is overflowing with winter fruits this season.

The Mandarin tree is ripe for the picking.

Vibrant orange organic deliciousness! 

Mandarin juice is divine, 

so when I came across this recipe in a vintage cookbook for mandarin crepes, 

the recipe development began...

First, the saucy syrup was prepared. That sweet citrus smell was heaven!

The crepes were whipped up, folded, plated, ladled with syrup and served.

    Mandarin Crepes

Whip the cream ready for serving. Make mandarin Syrup, then crepes and serve immediately. MANDARIN SYRUP: In a small pot, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 3/4 cup freshly squeezed mandarin juice over medium heat. Add 1 cup of mandarin segments. Thicken with 2 Tablespoons of cornflour mixed to paste with cold water.   (The syrup can be made thin or thick; adjust the amount of cornflour to thicken to your desired consistency) CREPES:  Sift 3/4 cup plain flour into a bowl and add 2 Tablespoons caster sugar,  three beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 cup milk. Mix well and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes.  Mix again,  and proceed to make crepes. Make thin crepes in a small nonstick pan by placing 2-3 spoonfuls of batter in the pan. Cook until lightly browned and flip to cook the other side. Place on a dinner plate - cover with foil to keep warm, until you make all the crepes. TO SERVE: Fold each crepe in half again. place on a plate or in individual serving bowls.  Spoon the sauce over the crepes and add extra mandarins.  Add a dollop of cream and serve.   Serves four. Printable recipe on Foodtalk HERE.

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How To Make a Pallet Picture - For Signs, Art or Crafts...

 Making a pallet board base for signs, art or crafts is not difficult to do.

You will need:  some lengths of pallet wood, ruler, marker pen, saw or drop saw, and a hammer.

 Remove any nails in the pallet wood.

 Mark the desired length of your sign or picture.

This one is going to be 60cm (23.6 inches) long.

 Cut pallets (I used a drop saw).

But you could use a handsaw.

  You will need three lengths at the desired measurement.

Next you need backing support to hold the lengths in place.

 Cut two back supports the width off the three boards as shown.

 Nail the support boards in place.

If you want a hanger - add this now.

A clip hanger on the back or a rope/chain on the top.

You could paint the pallet wood if desired.

But I have left mine natural.

 And that is it:  Ready for your pallet creation...

Shell artworks are great fun for the older children to make.

Remember glue gun safety when doing this project.

 Sketch in pencil a simple outline shape - a butterfly, star, heart, anchor or upper case alphabet letter.

We chose a butterfly shape.

 Glue various shells inside the shape.

Now that's a fun picture, to add a little summer to Mia Bella's winter porch!

You'll find more DIY ART IDEAS HERE.

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