Rocket and Parmesan Salad

This is one of my favourite salads- it is SO quick and easy to make, and goes with practically anything- it is a good pick-me-up for any meal!   

This would be about enough for around 3-4 decent portions

- a 60g (or so) packet of rocket leaves 

- around 50g pine nuts

- a block of parmesan (I used about a quarter, but it is down to personal taste) 

- olive oil

- salt & pepper

Start by washing the rocket thoroughly. Then, using a vegetable peeler, shave as much as you want out onto a plate.

Spread the pine nuts out on a baking tray, and toast them in the oven- you have to watch them very carefully, and take them out when golden brown as they can burn very quickly.

Add the pine nuts and the parmesan to the rocket, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly. (I find the pine nuts tend to end up in a pile at the bottom) 

Enjoy! 

Caroline xxx

Fabric Pastel Dyes

I found a pack of these Pentel pastel fabric dye sticks in my cupboard the other day, and thought I would try them out! I didn't know what to expect, but I think they worked OK! 

I tested them out to see what colours there was, and to clean the ends of the pastels, as they were a bit messed up.

I stencilled out letters in post-it notes, and stuck them to my fabric. I stamped around them in different colours...

When I was done, I followed the instructions on the packet, and ironed my fabric under a piece of paper. I found that if you moved your paper, and then used the same piece again, bits of dye that transferred onto the paper get stuck to the fabric. 

And you are done! I think this would be a good technique to use for freehand embroidery, to add detail, or you can use the dyed fabric to make a bag, cushion or anything really!

Caroline xxx