Mystery Box Challenge

Training: Weights (upper body) / abs

I love trying new recipes and cooking with new foods. I only have to wander through the local greengrocer to be amazed by this world of interesting products and produce – that leave me wondering not only what they are, but also how to cook them!

Sadly, however, the pressure of a full time job and training often has me feeling rather uninspired when it comes to meals. More and more often I am falling back on the ‘ol reliable dishes to ensure that at least something nutritious reaches the dinner table at a reasonable hour.

So, in both the spirit of adventure, and in an attempt to overcome repetition, let me introduce you to…

… the Mystery Box!

 

And what is the Mystery Box I hear you ask?

Let’s look inside….



Why it is my new inspiration for meal time!!

Written on each of these cards is an ingredient which, when selected randomly, will form the basis of our dinners. The aim is that the chosen ingredient be a star feature of the meal, but it can also be used in any way.

I have chosen a large range of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs, spices and other products (such as tofu). Some I cook with regularly, some I cook with rarely, and some I have never cooked with before. You can find a complete list of the ingredients contained in the Mystery Box here.

Let’s just say – the Mystery Box is sure to create an element of variety to my meals in the future.

And the first ingredient selected…..



Ok – so not the most exciting ingredient to start with … but let the Mystery Box fun begin!

Happy baking :)

Carb it up!

Training: Run 8k

Tonight I headed out after work for an 8km run. It was actually the perfect temperature for a run – not too hot, not too cold. Sadly, though, the daylight is starting to disappear and it won’t be long until running in the dark will become the norm :(

While I was out running I had a sweet potato slowly roasting in the oven.

So, when I got home, it was simply a matter of re-heating some vegetarian chilli, and steaming a side of broccoli.



I added some peas and corn to the chilli also – for that extra veggie kick : )



Quick and easy. The perfect Monday night dinner really.

Happy baking :)

Photo Marathon

Today I competed in a fun event – a Photo Marathon!

Taken from the event website:

“A photo marathon is a fun and challenging photographic contest, where photographers of all ages and levels of expertise are challenged with specific themes to interpret within a specified time limit.”

Basically, the aim of the ‘game’ was to interpret 12 designated themes, in order, in a period of 12 hours. No off camera editing was allowed.

The themes, and my interpretations, were:

1. My entry number

2. Something you can’t live without

3. Evolution

 

4. Light

 

5. The 5th Element

6. Upside down

After lunch we returned to the venue to collect the next 6 themes…

7. A thousand words

8. Raw emotions..

 

9. Walkabout…

10. Larger than life…

11. The heart of the nation…

12. Earth Hour

Overall, this was a really fun (albeit time consuming event). It really encouraged me to look at the ‘world’ from a different perspective, and I can’t wait to see what the other participants came up with too.

Now all I have to do is wait until the 14th April to find out if any of my photos made the final!

Happy baking :)

Should haves...

So this evening I should have been here....

(Go Brumbies!)

But instead I was here....

And here....

I should have been enjoying a relaxing alfresco dinner with family...

But instead I was enjoying a toasted sammie for one...

Ahhh the 'joys' of working late on a Friday evening after being stuck in Sydney. It's amazing how 'work' can be so inconvenient to one's social life ;)

Oh well, there is always Saturday. And, I must admit that I have something quite fun planned for tomorrow. Long and time consuming, but fun and creative. Intrigued?? Stay tuned!

Happy (friday) baking :)

Carrot, sweet potato and pinto bean soup.

Tonight I am heading off to my first photography class, so a quick and easy dinner was in order.

Using a sweet potato and some carrots as the base, and adding some spices and a can of pinto beans for bulk, I made a quick soup.

I was initially going to use chickpeas, but pinto beans were all we had in the cupboard, so pinto beans it was!

Served alongside a toasted cheese spelt sandwich for good measure.

Simple yet delicious. Next time I would probably add more spices though.

Carrot, sweet potato and pinto bean soup

750g sweet potato - peeled and chopped
400g carrots - peeled and chopped
1 can pinto beans - rinsed
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
5 cups water

1. Boil the sweet potato, carrots, and spices until tender. Add the beans and heat through.
2. Carefully blend the mix in batches, until smooth.
3. Return the blended mix to the stove and heat through.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Happy baking :)

Eat Drink Blog Conference – Part 2

Did you miss my part 1 recap? Check it out here.

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After a day of interesting presentations and discussions, the group headed to South Melbourne to view the SBS Food Bloggers Photo Exhibition.

The photos, submitted by food bloggers, were amazing (and definitely the motivation I needed to improve my photography skills!)

While the viewing took place, we were treated to cocktails provided by Der Raum. The cocktail containing liquid nitrogen, served in a 'poison' bottle, was certainly unique.

The exhibition was followed by a 6 course dinner at St Ali, with wine provided by Prentice Wine.

The food was wonderful, as was our friendly and knowledgeable waitress.

 

St Ali sure knows how to prepare and present well-balanced flavours in an interesting and unique way.

   

(I apologise for the quality of some of these photos. It is clear that my photography skills in low light leave a lot to be desired!)

Overall, I had a fantastic time. Thankyou again to the sponsors and organisers for putting together a fun-filled event. Here's hoping that conferences of this type make a regular appearance around Australia!

Happy baking :)

Dawn running

Training: Run 5k / circuit

With yesterday's festivities, and a full calendar with work today, I knew the only opportunity for fitness would be an early morning run.

Rather than 'run the streets' I decided to head to a nearby park where I hoped the scenery would be a little more natural and a lot less urban.

That decision did not disappoint.

I ran a 5km loop through the park, which was simply gorgeous.

It was also nice to leave the bitumen, and hit up some trails.

At the end of the loop I came across an outdoor 'gym' so a short impromptu circuit was in order.

I squeezed in 50 situps, 50 dips and 50 raised pushups before it was time to call it a day and head into the city.

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I love exploring new places and find that running is the often the best way to do it. It's always nice to try a new trail too - with the added bonus that it seems to make the running time pass quickly!

How about you? Do you prefer to stick to the same running route or do you like to change it up a bit?

Happy baking :)