FINYS FABULOUS FOODS AND FINDS

This chicken roulade (or roll) has a wonderful mixture of smooth cream cheese with bacon and almonds, and a hint of olives. They are a bit fiddly to make, but well worth the effort. The taste is very delicate and the flavours are brilliant mixed together. You need to flatten out the chicken as it is nicer if it is thinner, however this is optional.  I always cut off the bits of fat if there is any on chicken breasts, and I generally use Mt Barker (A West Australian chicken company) as I find their free range chickens are nicer than the cheaper ones. I always emphasize, however, that you never over cook chicken breasts or they become dry - if you just cook them till the pink is gone, they will be tender and delicious. This recipe is suitable at a buffet, as you can slice the chicken into thin slices and serve with any other finger foods. Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Makes: 5 servings Ingredients 2 large or 4 smaller chicken breasts 125 ...

SO YOU WANT TO EAT HEALTHY? Quinoa is one of the latest healthy seeds which can be cooked or sprouted, if you want a totally raw food.  It is supposedly a "super food" but then again, half the "new" foods that are brought out, are said to be "super foods". Quinoa is said to be a great source of protein, and even  includes nine amino acids.  Quinoa is also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it great if you are on a diet! In this recipe I have used another "super food" - Chia seeds.  So this, my lovelies, must be a SUPER recipe! I also used almonds which have wonderful health properties, and this recipe tastes excellent, as well as being easy to make and obviously healthy. You could eat it as a main if you are vegetarian, or have it as an accompaniment to a meat or chicken meal. Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Makes: 3-4 servings Ingredients 2/3 cup quinoa (any colour) 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced 2 ...

This is a dark chocolate slice that has the delicate flavours of chocolate and orange, reminding me of Jaffas. We used to always have Jaffas at the pictures every Saturday afternoon, and chocolate with orange is such a delightful combination.  Today there this chocolate being made again in several different forms containing chocolate and orange. I like the dark chocolate, made by Lindt, with flecks of orange throughout it - it is a "match made in heaven".  Naturally you could use any brand of dark chocolate and another excellent one is Frey 69% cocoa which is available in only one chain of supermarkets, and is just as good, and far cheaper than the Lindt brand. This recipe is perhaps a different version of the classic brownie, and is perfect for afternoon tea, or as a dessert at any dinner party. Serve it at room temperature, or you can heat it slightly in the microwave to get the best of the fragrant Orange Chocolate taste. Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cookin...

Baklava is considered a national dessert in countries like Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. I love this sweet, odd shaped dessert or accompaniment with afternoon tea.  It is quite sweet, but the taste of the filo pastry mixed with butter and nuts is just divine. They are not real big, and if you didn't want to eat as much, you could always cut them into smaller shapes than I have, as mine are cut to the traditional size. I made it slightly different to the traditional Baklava you buy, however it has no added chemicals as the store ones do, and they taste absolutely delicious. Here in Australia these tiny morsels can cost up to $5.00 a piece, so I decided to make my own.  I had a few failures before they actually turned out right, but I think these are even nicer than the store bought ones as there is more  walnuts and almonds in them. An added benefit is that it's cost is so much lower than $5 a piece! Preparation Time: 40 minutes Cooking Time: 55 minutes Mak...