many armed starfish

So, what's been happening in your neck of the woods? I have been working on what have been fondly dubbed my 'starfish'.

Do you think they look like many armed, pretty starfish? Although fiddly, they were really fun to make. I'm totally smitten by blue and brown together.

They are part of a centre medallion which will be framed by the jockey caps border I wrote about here. To be followed by a wider appliqué border. More later!

Last weekend our spring weather in Sydney was so sensational that I went into 'entertaining mode' and whipped up a couple of batches of my favourite nibbles to serve with champagne (oh! and the most yum mango daiquiris...thankyou Zannah!). These little salmon cakes are totally delish.

Little Salmon Cakes
400g fresh salmon fillet boned and skin removed (about 2 fillets)
3 teaspoons finely chopped lemon zest
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
1/2 cup finely sliced garlic chives
1 cup finely sliced spring onion
Vegetable oil or spray for cooking
Lime or lemon wedges to serve
Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

Go over the salmon thoroughly to remove all bones. Slice into 1cm dice. Place in a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Place eggs, flour, baking powder and yoghurt in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Just prior to cooking fold in the salmon, garlic chives, lemon zest and spring onions until evenly mixed.
Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a spray of oil. Place small dollops of batter [heaped teaspoonfuls makes dainty bite sized pieces] into the pan  . As each fritter becomes golden turn, flatten slightly and cook until golden on both sides.
Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
Sprinkle with more salt flakes and ground pepper and serve warm with lemon or lime wedges

Modified from a recipe published in Marie Claire "Food and Drink" 2001

This weekend heralds some good friends coming over to sew...can't wait.
hope you can find some time in your week for a stitch or two!
xo
k