Roasted Red Pepper Soup With Ricotta & Olive Dumplings

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

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I sit next to a lady at work who uses some interesting words instead of cursing. Some of the things she says really makes me giggle, and she reminds me of Phil Dunphy out of Modern Family. One of her favourite non-expletives she likes to release in moments of disbelief or frustration is ‘sugar mgandy’. I don’t know why but I find it hilarious and can’t help but repeat the phrase to myself under my breath after her. Where was I going with this?.. That’s right… Sugar mgandy this soup is good. Continue reading →

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Market Basket Wrap Up

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

So I figured I might try doing a weekly wrap featuring a bit of this and that including what I bought at the markets in case you’re interested or want to be inspired by what’s currently in season. I also kind of want to share some random photos of mine and other things taking my interest at the moment. At first I was hesitant, thinking this is a food blog,  just stick with food. But then I was like it’s my blog, I can do what I want. And to be honest, I have learned so much and gotten so many tips and recommendations from the plethora of great blogs out there that I thought it only fair to share some of my own experiences in the hope that it may benefit others. Believe it or not, I don’t get paid for this blog. I know right?! That means my opinions are completely my own and not sponsored in any way. I’m just sharing some things I like that I hope you might too. Continue reading →

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Pikelets With Jam & Cream

Posted on May 12, 2013 by

DSC_1268As a kid I used to memorise all the phone numbers of my family and friends. I could recall 15 different phone numbers with ease. Even today I can still remember my grandparents’ phone number from 25 years ago. If I called it now though, they would not pick up. I don’t really memorise numbers anymore. Mobile phones have taken away the need for me to have such digits stored in the recesses of my brain. Continue reading →

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Herb Crusted Fish With Amazing Roast Potatoes

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

DSC_0977 A couple a months ago there was this great show on about a chef travelling through the Mediterannean in which he cooked food from its various regions. This show did two things for me. It made me yearn to travel and eat my way through the Mediterranean, and I also fell in love with the cooking style of Yotam Ottolenghi. If you don’t know who he is I suggest you look him up. This guy knows food and knows how to cook it perfectly. I love his flavour combinations and respect for local produce. I think he has a restaurant in London and I would love to dine there one day. Having a focus on the Mediterranean, a lot of the dishes he made were seafood based. I never used to eat seafood up until recently as I didn’t like it when I was younger. Through gradually introducing it into my diet though I now like most of it. I did this initially by having fish with lots of other flavours so I wasn’t too overwhelmed by the fish taste alone. If you’re not a big fish eater I suggest you try a dish like this as the other flavours prevent it from tasting too fishy if that’s what worries you. I was inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi and his use of seafood and herbs to make dishes that spoke in the dialect of where they were created. Continue reading →

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Silverbeet & Sweet Potato Super Salad With Lemon Balsamic Dressing

Posted on May 7, 2013 by

DSC_1078I had a moment the other day when I realised sometimes I can be a little bit competitive… I was walking home after work as per normal. Now as anyone who knows me would confirm, I am a brisk walker at my slowest. I suppose it comes from never having owned a car and always relying on my feet to get me where I need to go. I’m also on the tallish side so I tend to stride with purpose as opposed to a gentle dawdle. I was walking my usual route this particular day with trance music filling my ears, urging me on even quicker when in the corner of my eye I saw a woman appear and try do the old takeover. I know how this works as I am usually the one overtaking but for some reason I refused to yield to this invasion. I quickened my steps slightly and kept up with her, an unwanted shadow as we embarked upon the incline towards Red Hill. I don’t know why I did it, something came over me. I wanted to win. As her steps hurried to try and widen the gap between us I also accelerated. I know it was rude but I couldn’t help emit an internal hurrah when she gave up a couple of hundred metres later and pretended to stare at a sign so I could take the lead. My victorious smile soon melted though as I became disappointed in myself for engaging in such silly antics. I’m not really a bad person, truly. Continue reading →

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Blamey Street Markets

Posted on May 5, 2013 by

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I’ve been surprised at the number of markets I’ve read about in Brisbane and my plan was to get out there and check them all out. Since arriving here though I haven’t quite progressed beyond the markets at Blamey Street and the Jan Power Markets on Queen Street Mall. I’m quite fortunate though that my needs are being met more than adequately with these two. Blamey Street Markets are located on the QUT campus of Kelvin Grove which is a convenient 10 minute walk away from my house. Although it does attract crowds, I like that it’s spread out a bit so it doesn’t get too congested. Each weekend I look forward to wandering through each stall and making my selection of the season’s freshest. Continue reading →

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Beetroot Super Salad With Orange Tahini Dressing

Posted on April 30, 2013 by

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Who says salad has to be ham, cheese, lettuce and tomato with the same old dressing? Let’s liven things up a bit and get creative with flavours and textures. As we descend into autumn, beetroots are rising to prominence at the markets so I grabbed a bunch to use for a super salad to brighten up my weekly lunches. There’s something about beetroots that just makes you feel healthy when you eat them. Perhaps it’s their hue of magenta that screams with brilliance and the guarantee of cleansing the body. Continue reading →

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