Karate Kids

I have long resisted taking the kids to karate. Not because I don't think its a worthwhile or enjoyable thing to do - but as they have so many other things they are doing during the week that there really isn't the time.

However - over the last year, I have had to miss out going to classes as Adrian has been waylaid at work or the buses have not run to plan or something has stopped him being home in time for him to look after the kids and for me to get to class.

My fitness and flexibility is slowly returning and my head getting used to the different kata - so am getting ready this year to grade.  So I really need to be able to get to class twice a week.

Additionally, Sensei has been giving me the beginners to teach and guide and whilst he is away, I've been taking the subjunior class. Fresh meat - plenty of them - have enrolled this year - with about 15 newbies staying on past their first week. Makes things a bit squashed but its great to have new folk in class.

Anyways - With Adrian away and not able to be home and me having to take classes, I was forced to bring the kids with me. They pleaded to be able to join in - so I let them - and yes - they loved it. They have been to 8 classes so far and really enjoy the variety and the other kids. I think its been good for both of them too - focus and concentration a huge factor.

I had some old gi ( as well as a bunch of stuff from my karate school days) - so here's a pici of the peeps in gi. and yes - Morgan likes to lead with his shoulder.. and Lilly has an awesome punch on her.

Gambling away...

I am going to take Morgan to the casino.... We went to a good freinds 21st last night - had a complete ball!  Its theme was Casino - so there were lots of different gambling tables set up.

Morgan got stuck on the Roulette table - and KEPT winning.  Uncanny how many times the number he chose came up.

 

We played Blackjack alot too - Adrian introduced Morgan to the game.

 

And Miss Lilly just got in on the act with being a flirt at the side of the table.

Cheese and Pickle scones

I make these from time to time and have been asked to put the recipie up.

These are great straight out of the oven and served with butter, just on their own or as part of a meal with crunchy carrots and celery sticks. Otherwise ( if they last) you can wrap them up and pop into lunchboxes as an alternative to a breadroll.

These ones were gluten free – but for those who can tolerate wheat – just exchange the flour to what you would normally use. With wheaten flour, you are unlikely to need the baking powder.

Makes about a dozen scones

1 egg

1 table spoon of melted butter

¾ cup of milk

2 cups of self raising flour

½ tsp of baking powder

2 tbsp parmesan cheese

1 cup grated cheese

3 tbsp of your choice spreadable sandwich pickles or seeded mustard

extra flour for rolling out.

Extra milk for brushing the tops

Preheat oven to 220 degrees

Mix milk, pickles/ mustard and melted butter in a cup.

Beat the egg in separate cup/ bowl

Place flour, parmesan cheese and baking powder into bowl ( you can sift it if you like – but I never do)

Pour in milk mixture and then egg and fold ( stir gently) into flour.

Use your hands to mix into a soft dough and knead gently.

Add half the grated cheese and mix in.

(Gluten free flour makes a very sticky dough – so more flour may be needed to get the right consistency.)

Roll out to a thickness of about 1.5 cm high onto floured surface and cut the dough as desired.  Normal flour will tolerate the round scone cutters, but gluten free ones are best cut into squares – or have a lot of patience and extra flour as you cut them with the round cutter.

Spray a tray with non stick – or grease it well.

Place scones close together as you lay them out onto tray.

Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle a little of the grated cheese on top.

Bake in oven for 10 -12 mins.

Experiment with the amounts of cheese and pickles or mustard your family likes in them.