I have recently been trying the NEW Tefal Cook4Me.  The Cook4Me allows you to cook fast and easy meals for 2 to 6 people.  Using the button you are guided through a selection of 85 programmed recipes suitable for any occasion, tuna mornay for an easy weeknight dinner, curries for cold nights, taco’s for Friday family night, a Sunday night roast, delicious bread and butter pudding and so much more.  65% of recipes from the Cook4Me will take less than 11 minutes to cook and many with 6 ingredients or less.

The following few weeks are going to be really busy for me, so when I can anticipate this happening I like to fill up the freezer with some meals and baking. I made a batch of Beef Bourguignon to put in the freezer, it really wasn’t much trouble at all.

Using the white ‘ok’ button you turn it to pick your selection, this case being main dish

Choose the recipe

Next you have a choice of 2, 4 or 6 serves.  

It then tells you how long prep and cooking time will take.  Note that the cooking time starts from when you close the lid of the Cook4Me, it doesn’t include heating oil and browning.

Next step is to prepare the ingredients ready to cook.  A little booklet is supplied with the Cook4Me so you can refer to this when you are preparing your shopping list, which is much easier.

Clever machine, asking me if I’m ready!

Now it continues with steps on cooking the recipe

I was actually really surprised that when browning the meat and vegetables that it didn’t begin to stew.

It beeps when it has finished and will keep it warm for when you are ready

Sadly my head just wasn’t thinking and I didn’t get a photo of the finished product before putting it in the freezer, but to the left is an example from Tefal.  Served with mashed potato this will certainly keep the family warm during a cold winters night.

The Tefal Cook4Me has helped me fill the freezer with some quick and easy meals.  But when using this I was thinking how great it would be for somebody that doesn’t enjoy or know how to cook as it really is that easy to use!

Use the Cook4Me in manual mode it allows you to choose steaming, browning or rapid cooking to suit a recipe of your own.  Plus if you tell the Cook4Me what ingredient you are putting in it will automatically choose the temperature and cooking time based on what you have put in.

Using the Tefal Cook4Me is very much like cooking a one pot dish on the stove, but instead of varying temperatures during the cooking process, the Cook4Me takes all the guess-work out of this process.

I also cooked the Pesto Chicken Risotto

Mustard Roast Beef

Please leave your entry in the comments below telling me what is your favourite winter meal and why.  Recipes most welcome!!

Please note:  Entries are for Australian residents only, one entry per person, giveaway closes 5pm Thursday 6th June. This is not a random draw, most creative answer will win.  

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {Review + Giveaway} Tefal Cook4Me is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

I’ve been good girl watching what I have been eating this year, the big change is having no chocolate in the house, eating more fruit and in particular not skipping lunch.  Last year I was finding that I was too ‘busy’ and would just work through lunch and then found myself snacking around 4ish, really bad, I know!  The key to eating lunch and not skipping it, is:

• Ensure that you lunch either in the fridge or pantry
• Make it easy, lunch doesn’t need to be gourmet
• Change it up and don’t have the same thing all the time

I found that I ended up making the same kind of sandwich each day and it can get a little dull.  When Cruskits asked me to take the challenge last week to ‘fight the carbs’ by swapping white bread for Cruskits I was really happy to give it a go.  

My Cruskits ‘Fight the Carbs’ Challenge

Day 1

Avocado, chicken and red onion

Day 2

Tomato and cheese with all-purpose seasoning

Day 3

Tomato cream cheese and mayo

Day 4

This is my favourite – cream cheese and salmon

 For the kids lunch boxes

Cruskits sliced into 4 for easy dipping into cream cheese, healthy salad, mandarin and homemade biscuits

We always have Cruskits in the pantry, I find it’s a convenient go to lunch as an alternative to having bread, both for lunch boxes and myself. 

I must admit when I usually have Cruskits I usually always have cheese and tomato. But I absolutely loved the cream cheese and salmon topping and will include this into my regular lunch selection.  Tins of salmon and Cruskits are easy to store in the pantry and I usually have cream cheese in the fridge for the kids to use with lunches.  

I did not eat any bread for 4 days and I feel less bloated and satisfied with Cruskits as a meal.  Did you know that two Cruskits contain  60% less carbs than two slices of most bread? That’s always a good start to making a change in your diet. Just with this one little change of making sure that I eat a healthy lunch and gearing away from bread, I can see a 1kg weight loss on the scales… yay me!!   

After looking through the Cruskits Facebook page I can see that topping ideas don’t have to just be savoury you can top with delicious foods such this cinnamon and nutmeg spiced ricotta, bannana and honey on rye Cruskits.  Yummo!!

Visit the Cruskit Facebook Page for more topping inspiration

Giveaway

1 lucky readers will receive a $100 coles voucher, with special thanks to Cruskits

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Please note:  This giveaway is coordinated by Nuffnang and run in accordance with my disclosure policy.  This giveaway is open to Australian Residents Only. Winners must respond to email within 72 hours. If I have not heard from you another winner will be chosen in your place.

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {Giveaway} $100 Coles Voucher – Fight the carbs with Cruskits is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

Sangenic – Nappy Wrapper System

Everything you need to lock away germs and odours and make baby changing time simple

When closer to nature read that I was looking after my niece for 4 days late last year they wanted to send me one of their Sangenic Nappy Wrapper Systems to try and review.  I didn’t have a super system like this when my kids were babies so I was happy to review it.

It worked really well, I took the dirty nappy off and placed it and the wipes directly into the system then finished changing her nappy.  This was particularly handy because I soon learnt that bub liked to put everything around her in her mouth.

Then with one hand I could easily twist the bag to seal away the nappy and odour, place down the lid and walk away.  It is then all ready for the next change session.

We had bub for 4 days and during this time the Sangenic system held all dirty nappies without any odour in the room.

I loved how this worked because when my kids were little I used nappy bags and a nappy bin, if I didn’t regularly empty the bin the room would smell horrid.  We all know that we think “ooh I’ll empty it next change” but time just gets the better of you.

I was telling a friend of mine about it and she said she had one.  Here is a picture of it in her nursery, really fits into the decor well.

Key Features: 

• 1 x Nappy Wrapper System and 6 x Fits all Tubs Refill Cassettes
• Twists & Locks away germs and odours
• Easi-Push plunger pushes nappy away into the tub
• Antibacterial protection – kills 99% of germs on contact
• Holds up to 28 nappies
• 100 times more effective at odour protection than nappy sacks
• Comes with one pre-loaded cassette
• Each refill cassette lasts up to a month

Read more about the Sangenic Nappy Wrapper System here

Find more details about Closure to Nature

Website | Facebook

Giveaway

5 lucky readers will receive one Sangenic Starter Kit (one sangenic unit with 6 cassettes) thanks to Closer to Nature

Please note:  This giveaway may not be visible on some mobile devises. If you can’t see the giveaway form, please try refreshing your screen.

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GOOD LUCK!!

Please note:  This giveaway is sponsored by Closer to Nature and run in accordance with my disclosure policy.

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {Giveaway} Closer to Nature – Sangenic Nappy Wrapper System is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

I’ve mentioned on Facebook a few times recently of my new love for Chevron and surprisingly not many people knew what Chevron is.  Basically it’s a zig zag pattern on fabric, commonly on a white background. There is something about it that feels fresh.

We purchased a new couch late last year, one that is big enough for the whole family to sit comfortable and watch TV.  But this new couch changed the whole dynamic of the room.  The old couch was a bright blue and we had blue framed paintings, a few ornaments with similar colours and cushions to match.  But with the soft tones our new couch a lot of what we had no longer matched.  I have been waiting patiently (strangely because I don’t do patiently well) all year to find the PERFECT cushions, every time I went near a homewares store I would see if they had something that caught my fancy …. I even shopped in New York  for cushions, but I had such a hard time finding something I really liked.  

I am so pleased when Cushionopoly contacted me and told me about their beautiful range of cushions.  I opened their homepage and saw Chevron cushions…. my heart skipped a beat… I found my cushions!  I want to keep our living room with the beautiful dark wood timber, brown couch and have white and blue features in the cushions, paintings and ornaments.  I found a cushion that matches perfectly in my colour plan.  

Being that my kids are nearly 8 and twins 10 they are getting a bit rougher, lots of wrestling on the couch and pillow fights.  These cushions are made from a high quality fabric which feels strong enough for any battle, and comfy for our restful heads.  I remember when I was younger, mum never had anything with white or cream as the dirt would show easily, but if these cushions did happen to get dirty, which I am sure they will because they always tend to find the floor, I can easily pop them in the washing machine and hang on the line.     

Next on my list is to move all the photo frames off the furniture and create a family photo wall with frames that match our furniture (a dark timber).   I’m still on the search for a few nice paintings for the walls.  I’d like to replace the rug, but this is probably last on my list.       

Cushionopoly is a boutique online store selling fun, fabulous and stylish cushion covers. Based in Melbourne we source beautiful and designer fabrics from around the globe and turn them into handmade cushion covers to transform any home. Make a statement today with a cushion from Cushionopoly! 

Escape to the Hamptons Collection

Indulge your home in the coastal vintage charm of the Escape to the Hamptons Collection.

Click here to view range

 Belle Amour Collection

Add a bit of ooh la la to your boudoir with the French classic collection, Belle Amour.

Click here to view range

Cushionopoly Kids Collection

Brighten up your little person’s play area or bedroom with this fabulous range of covers from Cushionopoly Kids collection. 

Click here to view range

Find more details about Cushionopoly:

Website | Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  Twitter

Giveaway

$100 Cushionopoly Style Gift Voucher

Please note:  This giveaway may not be visible on some mobile devises.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!!

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {GIVEAWAY} Cushionopoly is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

The Sweet Life: The Basics and Beyond is published by the Dessert Queen herself, Kate Bracks and is filled with glorious desserts.  Kate was MasterChef Australia’s 2011 winner!!

This cookbook was cleverly put together with both the beginner and more confident cook in mind.  With recipes to suit all levels and each coded to indicate which recipes are suited to your cooking abilities.  The desserts are separated into types, eg, meringues, custards, ice creams, pastry, plus many more.  At the beginning of section Kate gives her tips and technique advise so you will have every chance of a successful outcome!   

Mr 9 really wanted to help in the kitchen a few nights ago, so we picked something simple from the cookbook and whipped it up in a flash, really, didn’t take long at all.  

Honeycomb Mashins

 This was a hit, ooh so sweet and yummy.  The one spoon level is a great indication that this is a perfect recipe the kids can help with.

 Warm Chocolate Pots

This recipe caught my eye and I felt a bit nostalgic once i saw it, remembering my Nanna’s cooking from when I was younger.  It’s a 2 spoon ability level, which wasn’t too hard at all.

We really enjoyed the chocolate pots, half a bowl was enough for each of us so we put the remainder in the fridge for later and I must say it was yummier the next day chilled!  Because it was so delicious and easy to make, I asked if I could share the recipe with you!

From The Sweet Life by Kate Bracks

Copyright © Kate Bracks 2012

Reprinted by Permission of Random House Australia

All Rights Reserved

The Sweet Life is now available from Random House RRP $49.95

 What is your favourite dessert? 

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {COOKBOOK} Kate Bracks – The sweet life: The basics and beyond is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

I was fortunate enough to test drive a  brand new Mitsubishi Outlander for a week, I am blown away at how clever this car is.  It was such a beauty to zip around in. I am not at all a car enthusiast, what is under the bonnet really doesn’t interest me, typically as long as it fits all 3 kids in comfortably and has additional seats in the back for when I pick up extra kids I would be happy.  

Well, I tell you after spending a week in the Outlander this has now changed.  I am adding to my wish list that my next car must have the following:

1. Keyless entry

I never understood this feature when I heard it on the TV.  To walk up to the car and not have to rummage through my handbag to find the keys.  For all those with cluttered handbags (hmm, yes at times mine gets that way) its such a helpful feature.  This car does not have a key as such, it has a sensor which just sits permanently in my handbag.  There is a little button next to the door handle and if my handbag is within range, it will unlock the car.  Then the car starts with a push of a button.

2. Voice activated bluetooth phone connection

Ooh this is THE feature I have really missed since giving the car back.  Usually my kids make and answer calls for me when I’m driving.  Connecting my phone to the cars bluetooth was a breeze, less that 20 seconds (one time installation, then it’s automatic).  For safety you cannot touch the screen to make calls while driving, however you can set up voice activation and ask the car to make the call for you.  With the touch of a button on the steering wheel you can answer calls which come through your sound system.  The calls are very clear and as my friend said I don’t need to shout she could hear me perfectly when I spoke normally (instinct was that I needed to talk louder).  Well with this feature I could be more efficient, making phone calls instead of sending emails, a more personal approach.  And of course I would have no excuse that I don’t have time to call my mother.   

3. Reverse camera

As I am a shorty it’s hard to use the rear view mirror when reversing, I have become very reliant on the reversing sensors which makes parking a breeze and at school pick up time with kids running around a lot safer.  

Some extra features I liked about the car was

• The windscreen wipers turned on automatically when it was raining, it scared the bejeebers out of me when it did it as I didn’t expect it.  But was a great feature because I really don’t like driving in the rain and it was one less thing to think about
• Cupholder at a convenient height at the right side of the steering wheel
• All back seats folded down to create extra room if needed
• Unlike my car when I open up the boot door the grocery shopping doesn’t fall out (I have had several broken bottles and milk spills because of this), as there is a tail gate to prevent it 

• It was so quiet, when at traffic lights there were times I couldn’t hear it running
• The sun roof was an added bonus, loved the extra airflow.
• The inbuilt DVD player kept the kids entertained, their show of choice … WWE (go figure??)

Thankyou Mitsubishi, the Outlander was a great car to drive!! 

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post Cars are getting so clever, I feel very lazy is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.

I wanted to share with you some products and blogs that are ‘worth a mention’.

What do I Feed my Baby?

I’m now a proud 1st time Aunty and I want to help as much as I can.  Babysitting, reading, shopping for her, but I want to help my sister-in-law as much as I can too. The ‘What do I Feed my Baby?’ book was recommended to me as a helpful resource and go to book for when bub is ready for food, a new mum would really appreciate this so I’m gifting it to my SIL.  

Author Leaanne Cooper, is a busy mother of 2, leading childhood nutritionist and Huggies Baby Club Nutritionist.  She guides you through steps to a day by day meal plan for bub. She helps you determine when to start with solids along with what food and quantity to start her on.  Also detailing how many day’s to keep with this food and then what food to follow on with.  Like us, babies also benefit from meal plan and Leanne provides great charts and checklists for you to keep a record of your progress.

To pick up your copy of ‘What do I feed my baby?’ visit Website| Facebook 

Mor-Stor - Cooper Tubs Small

Mor-Stor have just released their new small Cooper Tubs, available in a set of 2 (pink/purple and green/blue).  Stylish under bed storage for Miss 9′s room to store all the bits and bob she collects.  And, if you want something different than a basket in the Ikea Expedit units, these small cooper tubs fit perfectly and add a blast of colour!! Like most of the Mor-Stor canvas tubs they are very easy to wipe over to keep clean.       

Smash Drink Bottles

It’s a struggle to get my Mr 9 to drink enough water at school.  Usually when his drink bottle is empty he don’t refill it, so I was in need of a bottle that was large enough to get them through the day.  I have found the large Smash stainless steel drink bottle (silver, left) has been the perfect size for him.  If it drops on the ground it will remain strong, won’t leak and is easy to clean. 

Nude Food Muffin Containers

Amongst all the containers that I have, I was missing one type, something to store 1 single muffin. Something high enough that it won’t squish the muffin and something small enough to fit comfortably in the lunchbox.  These Nude Food Muffin Movers are easy for the kids to open and versatile, not only for muffins, you could add a scoop of popcorn, salad sticks or fruit.  

A Manifesto for Dads

This manifesto for dad’s from The Smile Collective is a beautiful reminder that parenthood has it’s extra special moments and all these phrases suggest they bring such joy to your little ones face.

This is a lovely gift to give for fathers day or as a gift for a new father.  I framed it for my hubby who has taken it to work.  View here for more details.

© 2010 The Organised Housewife | All rights reserved - This post {Worth a Mention} What do I Feed my Baby? is provided for the convenience of The Organised Housewife readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.