D.I.Y. Post! And an apology of sorts.

Firstly, I have discovered a slight flaw in my whole plan about documenting my crafty makings. Specifically, I have realized a flaw that will last about 2 years. I just started a Masters program and it's a wee bit work heavy. My posts may get a bit further apart, but at least I'll be testing out more fast, easy and cheap recipes to make up for it.

That aside, I have my first D.I.Y. post!
My bathroom sink drains at roughly the speed of ketchup so I figured it was about time for a clean and drain. After poking around with a wire coat hanger to pull some hair out (ick, and there ARE uses for those 'evil' wire coat hangers), I did some research on how to make your own draino. This isn't because I am overly environmentally conscious or a greenpeacer, it's because I'm cheap. I was pleased to find this recipe by the lovely and talented Sayward Rebha over at Bonzai Aphrodite, that uses nothing but vinegar, baking soda and boiling water.

I'm quite pleased with the results! My sink actually drains now, so I really can't complain. Here's Sayward's post on her blog! Check out her chickens too, they're pretty cool.

http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/2009/06/natural-homemade-drain-o-or-how-to-unclog-without-chemicals/


Going back to my previous comment, I've finished my first week of class and I think I need to plant a tree or two to make up for the amount of photocopied articles I've received since Monday. There's a stack an inch and a half tall of paper by my desk right now. I have since discovered an awesome service that the City of Toronto offers that I may take advantage of to make up for my educational needs!

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/tree_planting.htm

They'll actually GIVE you a tree or a shrub to plant, along with planting advice! Sweet deal! I just need to get a place with a lawn and I'll be set.

Pizza!!!

  It's pizza night! And by night, I mean when I have pizza dough and lots of vegetables. I like my crust thin, my sauce is pesto and my toppings are piled high. It's a bit messy, but tastes great.

Ingredients:

Half a pack of pizza dough, thawed out and left on the counter for about 20 minutes (take it out of the fridge and cut your veggies while you wait)
Olive Oil
Pesto or pizza sauce
Loads of toppings (I use red onions, mushrooms, spinach, peppers some times, ham, salami, pepperoni, cheeses like marble or provolone)

Stretch out pizza unto a pizza pan lined with parchment paper that's been drizzled with olive oil.

Spread with pesto or sauce. Add all toppings and cheese.

Bake in 400˚C oven for about 15 minutes, or until crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly.. Keep an eye on it and turn regularly.

Instant and Homemade

Some nights I really can't be bothered to properly cook. Some nights I can be semi-inspired to make something instant while actually making a side dish. It has been one of those choice b) nights. The main was a Chicken Kiev from M&M's Meatshops and I made some spiced potatoes as a side. I've been making this recipe for a while now, and it's a bit different every time. I eyeball it, and I recommend you do too, since you can alter the taste to suit you.

*Please note that the chicken is cooked and not pink, just poor camera settings on my part.

Spiced Potatoes

Ingrediants:

One Potato
A bit less than 1/2 a teaspoon each of preferred spices, coriander, cumin, tumeric and curry powder are a great start.
Dash of Olive Oil
Half an Onion, yellow or white.

Clean potato and peel if desired. Chop into 1cm thick-ish pieces and place into mixing bowl.

Add desired spices to bowl and toss potatoes to coat. Add olive oil and toss.

Place on foil lined baking tray and baked in 400˚C oven for about 30 minutes, or until, when tested they have a crispy outside and tender inside. I bake them right next to the Kiev for about the same time, works fairly well.

Meanwhile, chop onion. Add more olive oil to a frying pan and quickly fry onions on medium heat. When onions are almost soft and cooked, added potatoes to give final crisp to them and extra flavour. Chuck on the plate and you have a side dish!