We have a big line up of birthday’s in our house this week. Today is my husband Michael’s birthday, tomorrow is our daughter Grace’s birthday and later in the week, it is another ‘daughter birthday’ as Ettie steps up to the candles. That’s a lot of cake isn’t it so I was kind of relieved when Michael requested chocolate pudding tonight for his birthday bash.

I bumped in to someone down at our local shops the other day who stopped to tell me that they had recently caught up with Michael and just wanted to let me know what a great guy they thought he was. I thought this so sweet that someone would go out of their way to tell me this. They are so right – the perfect wrap up for Michael is that he really is a great guy.  I don’t often write about Michael here on the blog – not sure he’d like it but today I just had to and I truly hope he does like it (too late now right?). Happy Birthday beautiful. xx

For You :  

In case you’re wondering, I do notice that you are the most uncomplicated person in our house…..in my life …….and I adore that about you.

In case you’re wondering, I do notice that you have stayed up late at night for many years for every single one of my Relish Mama classes to help me put furniture back in place after guests have gone, to finish clearing dishes away and sometimes, quite simply, to make me a cup of tea and sit with me. You are remarkable.

In case you’re wondering, I do notice how big you are against my measely 157cm frame. I notice how your arms can envelope the whole of me with one swoop….one perfectly timed and needed cuddle.

In case you’re wondering I do notice how many times you are asked to get those arms up high to reach for ‘stuff’ the four girls in your life cannot get to. Your arms are up a lot!

In case you’re wondering, I do notice how you do not dare utter a word when I whisk you’re dinner away before your taste buds have had the chance to get acquainted with dinner because I have decided that what is on your plate suddenly looks like the perfect ‘shot’ for a future blog post.

In case you’re wondering I do notice how naturally you slid in to this fatherhood gig ten years ago and now three beautiful darling and precious babies later……you’ve nailed it.

In case you are wondering, I do notice that our family is your absolute everything. Not every wife can say that and for that, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

In case you are wondering, I truly believe you were blessed with three daughters for a reason. You model love and marriage so beautifully that they will settle for nothing less in years to come when they search for love. Family is our complete unit they can always depend on and always come home to.

In case you are wondering, I do notice that you touch the back of my neck when you are passing when I am locked in work mode. Just a little but beautiful gesture to remind me that you are there.

In case you are wondering, I do notice you choose not to follow any latest trend. Going for a jog or cycling to work in your hawaiian board shorts and football socks definitely stirs up some very colourful conversations. I think you might find you are the highlight of many people’s journey in to work.

In case you are wondering, I do notice that you do not give a care in the world that what you want for your Birthday dinner tonight doesn’t work together at all but that it’s what you want and “who made up the rules that salmon doesn’t work with chocolate pudding.” 

In case you’re wondering……………
I wholeheartedly love you. Happy Birthday. x

This is the a very simple chocolate pudding recipe. Easy & delicious……just like my husband!

Self saucing chocolate Pudding
Makes 4

150 cup plain flour
1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of fine salt
2 tablespoons of dutch cocoa powder
125g butter, softened
120g caster sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
125 ml whole milk

Sauce:
120g brown sugar
1 tablespoon of dutch cocoa powder
450ml hot water

Preheat oven to 200c. Grease 4-5 cup (250ml) ovenproof bowls.

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa together and set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar together, using electric beaters, for approx 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time and then add the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour/cocoa mix followed by the milk. Spoon this into the ovenproof dishes.

To make the sauce, combine the sugar and cocoa and sprinkle this over your puddings. Carefully pour the hot water over the puddings. Bake for approx 20 – 25 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream, cream or custard. Delicious topped with seasonal berries too.

n.b – To make a larger one, simply use the one large baking dish and cook instead for around 35 minutes.

All beautiful photo’s here we were lucky enough to have taken by our good friend Tamara Erbacher last summer. Thanks Tam xx