Pumpkin Bread

Is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, than baking?

Today, i made Pumpkin Bread, and it is my new favorite! It is also dairy free.
Here is the recipe, i hope you enjoy.

Original recipe is from joythebaker.com. I have modified it slightly.

Makes 2 loaves

2 cups wholemeal plain flour
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 cups of pumpkin puree (approx 1/4 small boiled pumpkin)*
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1/2 cup apple puree (approx 1 1/2 apples poached & pureed)*
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup water
1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180C degrees & grease two loaf pans.
Mix together the flours, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt & spices.
In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, apple puree, maple syrup & water.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and use a spatula to fold all the ingredients together. Make sure you scrape the sides of the bowl so that no flour is left. Fold in the walnuts, but keep some to scatter on top once in the mix is inside the pan.

Divide the dough & scatter the walnuts on top.

Bake for 45mins, or until the bread is cooked. Remove from the oven & let it rest for 10mins. Serve warm.

*Simply cut the pumpkin into small chunks & boil until soft. Hand blend until smooth. The same applies for the apple, or you can buy Apple Sauce & use this instead.

Why Organic?

With all the chemicals, environment, foods and more that our little bubs are exposed to, its no wonder why so many parents are being more conscious about buying eco-friendly, environmental friendly and organic clothing, skincare and accessories for their little ones.

• Organic cotton clothes can help reduce exposure to allergens and other irritants and keep babies comfortable (particuarly for newborns).
• Organic clothes are manufactured using pure cotton. Pure cotton means it is farmed without using pesticides.
• Organic clothes help in good respiration for babies through which the temperature and moisture of the body is maintained well.
• Clothes made of organic cotton may cost more than those made of conventional cotton, but organic products last much longer.
• Organic skin care is a suitable choice if you don’t want any harsh chemicals or additives around your baby’s skin. Often these products clearly educate consumers the active ingredients to keep that trust!

Watch out as Chic Mother & Baby is soon adding even more affordable and trendy organic babies/kids clothing, skincare and accessories you can buy online.

1. ErgoPouch Ergococoon only $24.95

2. Nature's Child Organic Bottom Balm
3. Baby E Organic Romper - Pink
4. ErgoPouch Bamboo Fleece Baby Sleeping Bag

Check out the full range of organic items at Chic Mother & Baby.

Bubabout

Bubabout is another website reviewing and showcasing baby friendly cafes and restaurants. They cover Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If you know of any be sure to write up a review!

Win a Clutch

Last month we gave away an Alex & Charli outfit. Thank you to everyone who participated in the competition by making a purchase online and congratulations to the lucky winner – Zoe, from Ryde NSW.

This month we are giving away a Vanchi Indie Clutch valued at $49. Simply make any online purchase in the month of Feburary to go into the draw.

Welcome to 2010 sale

If, of course, your babies are growing up and running circles around you, then don’t miss our fabulous toddler styles and sale pieces!

Hey Bambini

Ever had issues about finding a baby friendly cafe? Well Hey Bambini have sourced café’s in Melbourne that have a fun and exciting vibe that is suitable for mums and bubs. On the site review these cafes.

Hello Hanna Girls!

I have discovered these great placemats for the kiddies by Hello Hanna.
They have just arrived to our shores, and are a great stocking filler

If your little ones are anything like mine, they would rather hang out on your hip watching their dinner being made, rather than wait patiently. These placemats are a great way to not only teach them how to set the table, but they also buy you some time!

The idea is that your little ones can have a different placemat each night & use the sticker sheet to decorate the placemat whilst you're making dinner! FABULOUS idea. The stickers are also removable, so if they get stuck to the furniture or other items, they should hopefully come off fairly easily.

There are 8 in a pack, and you get 4 different designs! Check them out.