Single parenting

I had not planned to get pregnant, not for many years to come, but I did. When I found out I freaked, went straight to stress mode. I didn’t know what to do, how I would tell my parents or where I would live. But once I overcame all of that and got my head around the fact that I was pregnant, I was so happy. Having a baby completely turned my world upside down but it was also one of the best things that could have ever happened to me. The joy that Te Aumihi brings me is worth every minute!

Mum’s n Bub’s project 2016

This has taken me a while but I am finally done. With everything else that has been going on and trying to perfect this; it is now months after. I loved this experience and being part of the shoot and am so glad to share it with people.

Pumpkin Pie

About a month back I went to a friends house for a BBQ. For the first time I had pumpkin pie and man did I enjoy it. It took me a while to come to terms with the idea that pumpkin can be a dessert. I have only ever had pumpkin as a savoury so it was strange but delicious. So last week after craving, I had a crack at making pumpkin pie myself. It was sooo good and I was so proud. I didn’t have time or energy to make pastry so just bought some but I’m betting it will be even nicer with home made pastry. It took me two goes to get the case right. The first time I dropped it, it smashed and I packed a poo. The second try all went well.

• Servings: 10
• Time: 30mins prep 50mins cooking
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

Simple and delicious. Best served with freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

Ingredients

• Sweet shortcrust pastry (bought or homemade)
• 500g pumpkin, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 100g butter
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• pinch of salt
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200c fanbake. Line baking tray with pastry and refrigerate for 30 mins.
2. Prick the pastry 15-20 times. Line tray with baking paper and beads or rice. Bake until sides are golden (about 10mins). Remove beads and paper and bake for a further 5 minutes. Reduce oven to 160c.
3. Meanwhile, simmer pumpkin, sugars and butter until cooked through and mushy enough to whisk smooth. Approx. 20mins. Cool slightly.
4. Add eggs and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Sift in dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour into pie dish and cook for 50minutes (until the centre is cooked through). Cool for 10mins before serving.

9 months

It’s a little late but Te Aumihi is 9 months 1 week. I have been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to write a post. There’s been dinners, teething, swimming and reading. Everyday more and more of her personality shines through. People think I’m crazy as I talk to her like a grown up. She sees people and wants to go over and make friends.

There is a little Maori boy in our swim class and Te Aumihi always tries to swim over by him, it is super cute. His Nanny comes to watch at lessons and Te Aumihi will wave to her from the pool. I think that maybe she thinks she is there to see her, I love how friendly she is.