Recipe: Spicy Lentil Stuffed Capsicums

Monday 22 August 2016

I've been experimenting a little more lately when it comes to cooking. I've always loved to cook, but tend to lean more towards baking than cooking meals in general.

Recently though, I've been keen to try some healthier options when it comes to lunches and dinners. This one has fast become a favourite of mine, so I wanted to share it for you to all to enjoy! I found a similar recipe online and have since tweaked it and made some changes along the way to make it my own.

I have found these to be great for work lunches, as they freeze well and are great to pull out on days that I'm a little under-prepared for lunch.

I hope you will enjoy them too!

You will need:
6 capsicums
Cooking spray oil
3 tsp garlic infused olive oil
1 brown onion, diced
1 stick celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can brown lentils
1 cup cooked rice
½ cup vegetable stock (I like to use Campbell's Real Stock)
1/3 cup fresh parsley
Spices of choice
Sour cream or yoghurt to serve (optional)
Steps: 

1.   Preheat oven to 180c.  Line or spray a baking tray or dish.  Cut the tops off capsicums and scrape out the seeds & membrane.


2.    Add 1 tsp garlic infused oil to fry pan. Add onion and celery, stirring for 3-5 mins or until just browned. Add in garlic and your choice of spices (I used a pinch of Cayenne Pepper, a tsp of Cumin and a little bit of Curry Powder).  Stir & cook for a further 1-2 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as you go.  Add in the lentils, tomatoes, rice and stock.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 mins, stirring until sauce begins to thicken.  Season with salt, pepper and parsley.


3.    Spoon the mixture into the capsicums and place the tops back on.  Drizzle the remaining garlic oil over the capsicums. Bake for 45-50 mins, or until capsicum skin begins to blister and soften.



4.    Plate and serve with sour cream or yoghurt if desired.

 
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Circa Home Gratitude Collection Review

Monday 18 April 2016

This week, I was lucky enough to be sent a super beautiful package from the lovely people at Circa Home!

I was excited to receive this because I love Circa Home products, especially their candles - so when I opened the box to find a limited edition candle from their brand new range, I was one very happy girl!

In the interest of full disclosure, please note this post is brought to you by Nuffnang and Circa Home.

The new Gratitude collection is a limited edition range of Honeyflower and Sandalwood products for Mother's Day.  The scent is inspired by a warm hug from Mum and everything we are grateful for.

I have to admit, I am never usually a big fan of Sandalwood.  I much prefer foodie scents when it comes to candles.  But this one, I can honestly say I really like!  Maybe it's the combination with the Honeyflower, or the subtle vanilla and cucumber notes that I like - I'm not sure - but this is a really lovely scent!


Like all Circa Home candles, the scent throw is also excellent.  It easily carries through the house without being too overpowering.

To celebrate Mother's Day, Circa Home are giving away a beautiful Honeyflower & Sandalwood Gift Pack for a lucky winner to share with someone special.

The pack is valued at RRP $251.60 and includes:

2 x Honeyflower & Sandalwood Classic Candles

2 x Honeyflower & Sandalwood Fragrance Diffusers

2 x Honeyflower & Sandalwood Scented Soy Melts

2 x Limited Edition Gratitude Electric Warmers

For your chance to win one of these limited edition packs, click below and let Circa Home know what you're grateful for.  Good luck!


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Current Favourites

Tuesday 2 February 2016

It's been ages since I've done a favourites post, so I figured it's about time I put together a list of all the things I currently love! Here goes...

iPhone 6S

I recently went back to iPhone after having an Android for a few years, and I love it! I loved my Samsung as well, but I think it's always good to have a change, and so far I'm really enjoying it. The camera on the 6S is so much better than the last time I had the iPhone, and it's great being able to use some of the apps again that I wasn't able to get on the Android.

Rose gold/copper

Everyone seems to be obsessed with rose gold and copper at the moment - and I am most definitely one of them, especially when it comes to homewares! There are so many pretty things around at the moment, and there seems to be a copper version of most things these days. So far I have succumbed to a copper wire fruit bowl, a photo frame and a few rose gold candle jars. If I had more money to spare, I'm sure there'd be a lot more of these pretty things floating around in my house!

Trollied
Photo courtesy of tellyvoices.com
I came across this tv show by accident one day, and I've been completely hooked! It's a British comedy, set entirely in a Supermarket where all the characters work. It sounds a bit silly - and actually, it is - but I think that's why I enjoy it so much. It's something lighthearted and funny to watch when I don't feel like investing too much of my brain-power!

Foodie candles

My lovely friend, Ashleigh and I have been busy making test candles for our new little business venture. In the process of choosing different scents, I've realised that I am extremely biased when it comes to candle fragrance! I will always choose the "foodie" scents, every time! I love them! I could have the choice of ten floral candles, or one food scented candle, and I would always, always pick the one foodie candle. I think they are just such lovely, homely scents and I love having someone walk into the house and say "Oh, have you been baking?".

Justin Bieber

I used to be, hands down, the absolute biggest Bieber hater there ever was! Just the sight of him would make me cringe and I couldn't stand him, not even a little bit. But I can genuinely say that Justin has won me over! His newer songs are so great, and he's not the obnoxious, misbehaving child he once was anymore. Probably not the coolest thing in the world for someone my age to be a fan, but who cares? I am now a Belieber!

Call the Midwife
Photo courtesy of bbc.co.uk
This is another tv show that I have become completely obsessed with! I really didn't think I would like Call the Midwife, but I decided to give it a chance out of sheer boredom, and it's quickly become one of my favourite shows! It's based on the memoirs of nurse Jenny Worth and is set in the 1950's/60's. Knowing that the stories are true just fascinates me even more, and I find it so interesting. The characters are lovely, and  I can't stop watching!

Until next time...
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My "Top Six Picks on Netflix"

Tuesday 19 January 2016

As far as Netflix goes, I've been quite the late comer in terms of jumping on the bandwagon.  I never really felt the need to have it, but after succumbing to the free first month trial recently, I haven't looked back - I'm obsessed!

I thought it might be fun to put together a list of my favourite, most binge worthy "Netflix & Chill" shows.  So, here are my "Top Six Picks on Netflix" (because, who doesn't like a good pun?)

1. Making a Murderer


This one is at the top of my list by far!  I'm a big fan of a good documentary, and crime documentaries in particular will always draw me in.  Making a Murderer, is the story of Steven Avery, who served 18 years in prison for a crime which was later proven to be a wrongful conviction.  A short time after his release, he was once again convicted, this time for murder.  It is a highly controversial case for many reasons, and there are many people who believe Steven is once again being punished for a crime he did not commit.  It is widely believed that Steven was framed for this crime by legal authorities.  In another twist to the story, Steven's teenage nephew, Brendan, was also linked to, and convicted for the same murder.  The series is full of twists and turns - it will make you angry, sad and will leave you wondering what the truth is.  If you like crime documentaries, I highly recommend giving this one a try - you won't be disappointed!

2. Orange Is The New Black

Who doesn't love this show?  It's so completely addictive!

3. Marvel's Jessica Jones


My fiancee and I just finished watching this one together, and we both really enjoyed it.  Although it's not something I'd normally be interested in, I found myself hooked after the first couple of episodes.  Jessica Jones is a private investigator with a dark past, super powers and a drinking problem.  Krysten Ritter plays the role perfectly, and you'll be cheering her on right to the end!

4. Final 24

In keeping with my slight documentary obsession, Final 24 is super interesting and super addictive! Each episode documents the final 24 hours in the life of a different celebrity who has tragically passed, including River Phoenix, Anna Nicole Smith, Janis Joplin and more.

5. Pretty Little Liars

I am so behind on PLL that I was truly excited to see it come up in my Netflix feed.  I can't wait to catch up on this one!  No explanation necessary.

6. Broadchurch


I watched this one a while ago, and was completely glued to it from beginning to end! Broadchurch tells the story of the mysterious murder of a young boy in a small seaside town.  There are plenty of twists in the story, and you are guaranteed to be surprised by the ending!  Definitely give this one a try if you haven't already!

Happy watching!
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