Posted by kathryn in Legumes, Recipes, Soups, Winter and Vegan

Since starting my blog I’ve only posted two recipes. It’s not like I haven’t been cooking, I just don’t feel I’ve been cooking anything particularly interesting. Then I was thinking, maybe that’s missing the point. There are plenty of places where you can get recipes for fancy and unusual food, stuff that takes time, lots of ingredients and skill to cook – the food we might make if someone was coming round for dinner. However it’s the normal, every …

Read more 07 July, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Eggs, Legumes, Recipes, Soups, Autumn, Spring and Summer

One thing I love about blogs is the way they connect people. Different countries and cultures share interests and experiences via blogs. For example in the food blogging community there are a whole series of events, where participants cook and photograph food, all based around a theme. One of these food blogging events is called the Spice is Right and it’s hosted by Barbara at Tigers&Strawberries. The latest theme ingredient is chillies and this is my entry. Chillies are …

Read more 16 July, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Legumes, Recipes, Soups, Winter and Vegan

I’ve had a rather strange time the last two days. It’s cold, wet and windy in Sydney, but I’ve been working on Christmas recipes for one of the magazines I write for. So while I’m planning and testing recipes using asparagus, mango, strawberries and other lovely summer foods, I’m also rugged up at home with the heaters on. The summer ingredients are beautiful, but all I want is soup. I’ve finished the batch of lentil soup I made the other …

Read more 20 July, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Eggs, Recipes and Soups

I’m in the middle of a three week egg-fest. My normal egg repertoire is limited: omelettes and frittatas. Plus I often add a poached or boiled egg to something, to bump up its protein content. However, when you have three dozen eggs in the house, it’s time to try something new. I found this recipe in an old, old cookery book that I hardly use anymore: Vegetarian Pasta by Marlena Spieler. It’s similar to the Greek egg-lemon soup called avolgemono. …

Read more 11 September, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Legumes, Recipes, Soups and Vegan

Celeriacs are funny, knobbly looking vegetables. While they’re the same species as normal celery, they are bred produce a large stem base – which is the part you eat. Celeriac has a milder and slightly sweeter flavour, which makes it quite different from standard celery. It’s also a very flexible vegetable and can be used both cooked and raw in salads. Celeriac can be baked with other vegetables, made into soups and is often mashed in with potatoes. The …

Read more 03 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Legumes, Recipes, Soups, Winter and Vegan

Since Sydney has returned to winter weather over the last two weeks, I’ve been craving soups. I’m a big ginger fan and over the weekend I made this beautiful soup, which I’ve adapted from a recipe on the Fat Free Vegan database. It’s another good way of using split peas and is PACKED full of flavour and nutrition. I’ve had some chipotle chillies in my cupboard for the last couple of months, so this was also a good opportunity …

Read more 09 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Recipes and Soups

When I lived in the UK I thought corn only came from a tin. Sure it was a vegetable and it grew somewhere, but I didn’t know you could buy it in another form. Only when I came to Australia did I realise corn came on cobs and tasted really, really good. Fresh corn is now one of my favourite vegies. As well as being a beautiful colour, it’s so juicy and sweet. I love it barbecued, cooked in the …

Read more 14 November, 2006

Posted by kathryn in Legumes, Recipes, Soups, Winter and Vegan

I’ve posted lentil soup recipes before (basic lentil soup and lentil & barley), it’s one of my favourite meals. I usually make it on the weekend, use dried lentils and make enough for that night and the freezer. While we were on holiday and cooking on a small camping stove, I made up a quick and easy version. This soup takes me about 20 minutes from start to finish. I’ve recently discovered the McCormick’s Middle Eastern spice blend and …

Read more 09 May, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Eggs, Legumes, Soups and Winter

Rain, rain, rain and more rain made cooking on the weekend very attractive. My nephew’s fifth birthday party was washed out, so Sunday was an unexpected free day and an opportunity to cook some meals and ingredients for the week ahead. h3. What I cooked Lentils: I cooked three cups of lentils in my rice cooker. I used half of them to make Quick Lentil Soup and the other half has gone in the freezer. Barley: I also cooked …

Read more 18 June, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Legumes and Soups

This is an easy, quick soup recipe that I made on Sunday night. It’s based on this recipe, with a few changes and it’s definitely a soup for garlic lovers. I wanted to include more vegetable in my soup, hence the addition of broccoli. While the original recipe contained risoni pasta, I had some leftover rice and used that instead. I’ve also reduced the amount of olive oil. The combination of beans, rice and cheese give this soup a "high …

Read more 18 July, 2007

Posted by rgh in Blogging, Vegetables, Eggs and Soups

• My favourite post of the week was by Crabby McSlacker, writing on the Diet Blog. Crabby’s post on 7 ways to deal with alarming new research is an absolute gem. * I don’t want to alarm anyone, but you know how here in Australia we struggle to get those five servings of vegies a day? Well, Japan’s dietary guidelines recommend 17 portions per day. The Guardian blog explains the discrepancy. * Lucy has been making Parsee scrambled eggs. Being …

Read more 27 July, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Dinners, Salads and Soups

• Peanut allergies can cause people to limit their life and activities. Professor Robyn O’Hehir an allergy specialist from the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has some simple and practical advice. * Family Therapist, Rod E Smith’s blog Difficult Relationships is a wonderful resource of compassionate and straight-talking relationship advice. * Since the beginning of July, Veggie Chic has been on a shopping strike. She’s only allowed to buy fresh fruit, vegies, tofu and milk – everything else has to come …

Read more 31 August, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Ethics & Sustainablity, Dinners, Salads and Soups

• Over at the Guardian blog they’ve been exploring strange food combinations. Peanut butter and cornflake sandwiches, chips wrapped in naan bread, broccoli and marmite sandwiches, people are confessing their innermost food secrets. * Trusted MD and Envisions Solutions are taking the pulse of the healthcare blogosphere. If you’re a healthcare blogger, then you might want to take part in their online poll. * Veggie Meal Plans has a beginner’s guide to worm farming. * Perfect for this time of …

Read more 07 September, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Fruit and Soups

• Eating more fruit: It’s a topic I’ve been writing about this week. Veggie Chic also has a useful post on 3 easy steps to eating more fruit. I particularly like the suggestion to find your own best time to eat fruit. Jul says “eating fruit when I’m at my hungriest makes me enjoy it more”. * How to change eating habits: Rudd Sound Bites asks why isn’t education enough to change eating habits?. There’s also an interesting discussion …

Read more 19 October, 2007

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables and Soups

• Stocking the freezer: Cassie from Veggie Meal Plans has been preparing for a busy year ahead by stocking her freezer – which makes it easier to cook healthy meals when you’re busy. Cassie’s post includes cooking and freezing instructions, as well as ideas on how to use the foods you’ve frozen. * Green soup: Lisa has made caldo verde. This is an easy potato and kale soup, common in Portugal. Hearty and full of nutrients. * Super smoothie: …

Read more 11 January, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Fruit, Dinners and Soups

• Obesity: Fascinating article on CalorieLab about the difference between Japanese and American cultures, food habits and attitudes to obesity. It’s written by Makiko from Just Hungry. There’s a follow up perspective here. * Beetroot soup: It’s been at least a month since I linked to the last beetroot recipe, so how could I pass up the opportunity to show off Green Gourmet Giraffe’s chunky beetroot soup with kidney beans? * Don’t know what to do with fish? Why …

Read more 25 January, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Soups

• Delicious soup: Poucan has a recipe for lemon and chickpea soup. It takes a bit of time to cook, but is super-easy and looks delicious. * Watercress soup: I blame it on the rain we’ve had this week, but I can’t go past soup recipes. And Wendy has a doozy – watercress soup. Look at that vibrant green and just think of all the antioxidants. * Food for fussy kids: Annabel Karmel’s website is all about food and …

Read more 08 February, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Breakfast, Salads and Soups

• Chickpea soup: Pinch My Salt has turned a hummous accident into a beautiful chickpea, ginger and coriander soup. It’s an excellent kitchen recovery and a delicious looking recipe. * Spot the difference: Just Bento has posted pictures of two bento boxes. One of them has twice the kilojoules of the other – can you spot the difference? * Beautiful coleslaw: I woke up this morning to find a winter coleslaw recipe on Mostly Eating. Crunchy vegetables, bound together …

Read more 15 February, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Work life integration, Dinners and Soups

• Counter-productive TV ads: Over at Chew on This Paula Goodyer discusses adverts that poke fun at healthy habits. * Well balanced pasta: I like this pasta dish from Vegan Yum Yum. It has over three serves of vegies and looks delicious. * Celeriac chowder: I’m always a bit unsure what to do with celeriac, so I was delighted to spot Lily & Chew’s celeriac, sweetcorn and butterbean chowder. * 7 days of wellness tips: Another great link from …

Read more 29 February, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Mental & emotional health, Ethics & Sustainablity and Soups

• Food prices: Like cheap oil, is cheap food a thing of the past? Interesting opinion piece from the NY Times. * Junk food: Why you can feel sick after eating junk food: Journey of a Cheeseburger. * Corn & mung ramen: Love the look of the corn and mung ramen on the cuisine.com.au site. Quick, light and delicious. * Mashed veg: Instead of having mashed potatoes – why not make Jamie’s mashed vegetables? Great winter food. * *My …

Read more 11 April, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Dinners, Salads and Soups

It’s Friday – so instead of quizzes, it’s time for some links: * Salt & pepper: Startling photos from the BBC of a peppercorn and a grain of salt. * Using seaweed: Another great recipe from Food Stories – this time it’s mushroom, nori and wakame soup. * The easiest chickpea salad?: I love the simplicity of A Life Time of Cooking’s quick and easy chickpea salad with ginger, herbs and citrus. * Gingery mushroom salad: Delicious autumn food …

Read more 25 April, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Salads and Soups

• Two salads to choose from: Originally I planned a link to Stonesoup’s wondrous take on tabbouleh. But then Jules posts a sublime cabbage salad. So I’ll include that as well. * Carrot recipes: I’m not the biggest fan of carrots. But I know they’re good for me, so I’m always looking for new ways to make them more interesting. Which means I like the look of Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska’s carrot and caper dish. * *Where food comes …

Read more 23 May, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Breakfast, Soups and Vegan

• Soy bomb: It took me two goes to get these little gems right, but it was definitely worth persisting. Soy bombs from Cindy at Where’s the beef? * Trying new foods: In response to the 31 Days to a Better Diet Kada at Through Thick & Thin tries some new foods. Loved this account of her progress. * Simple green beans: A super simple way with green beans from Eating Out Loud. "Crunchy fresh beans with toasted sesame …

Read more 12 September, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Fats & oils, Ethics & Sustainablity, Salads and Soups

• Dukkah on soup: Lovely idea from Veggie Meal Plans on how to spark up a vegetable soup: red lentil & cauliflower soup with dukkah. * How much ham is in your ham? News this week from Choice that many packaged ham products are loaded with water to increase the weight and price consumers will pay. * Beetroot & caraway seeds: You know I’m a sucker for a new beetroot recipe. This one from Nami Nami is a new …

Read more 19 September, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Salads and Soups

• Broad beans: Look at this salad on Stonesoup. What a wondrous mix of flavours and textures. While broad beans might be a bit fiddly they’re absolutely worth the effort. Plus they’re , here in Australia. * Quick couscous soup: I love the quick-ness of this recipe from 101 Cookbooks. It’s a couscous soup with broccoli, sundried tomatoes and goats’ cheese. * Grocery prices: In the Guardian Alex Renton investigates who wins when there’s a rise in grocery prices. …

Read more 31 October, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Eggs, Dinners and Soups

• Negotiating food at kids’ schools: Pizza Day seems to be a common thing in the US, although I haven’t heard about it over here (anyone?). Yoni Freedhoff from Weighty Matters approached his child’s school about the food and they’ve reached a compromise. It’s a good example of how to negotiate the subject of food at school. * Brown rice with roasted pumpkin: A lovely simple, vegetarian meal from a non-vegetarian – ChichaJo of 80 Breakfasts cooks "brown rice …

Read more 28 November, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Dinners, Soups and Vegan

• Sweet potato, halloumi & seed soup: I first saw the link to this recipe on The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl and thought what a glorious sounding soup. Sweet potato cooked with leeks and chickpeas, and then topped with sauteed haloumi, seeds and fresh parsley. * Health & the economy: The launch last month in the UK of Change4Life has prompted some debate. Should new health initiatives be delayed until the economic forecast improves? A perspective on Foodnavigator. * …

Read more 05 December, 2008

Posted by kathryn in Legumes, Dinners, Salads and Soups

• Beetroot muffins: Having completed the A – Z of vegetables, Charlotte from The Great Big Vegetable Challenge has started posting school lunch recipes. In response to her son’s questions where’s the pudding? she made these beetroot, apple and buttermilk muffins. * Nigel Slater cleans out his cupboards: I’ve been sorting out my pantry recently, in preparation for moving. So it was lovely (and timely) to read Nigel Slater’s piece about what he calls the annual mung bean shuffle. …

Read more 23 January, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Baking, Salads and Soups

• Noodles & edamames: Lovely Japanese inspired salad from Yotam Ottolenghi. Glass noodles and edamame beans are combined with fresh herbs, chilli, sesame seeds and a ginger, lime and soy dressing. * The food we buy now: Interesting piece about changes to the UK’s average ‘basket of goods’ used in inflation calculations. Charts our changing food tastes and habits. What’s in your basket? * Spinach & okra soup: Over here, okra is currently in season. I love the stuff …

Read more 28 March, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Vegetables, Ethics & Sustainablity and Soups

• Food crisis: Raj Patel’s blog has a piece on the food riots in Haiti – 30 years ago Haiti grew all the rice it needed, so what happened? * Red lentil & preserved lemon soup: Boy I like the look of this recipe by Jules of Stonesoup. It’s for a hearty, thick and rich soup of red lentils with spices and preserved lemons. * Bittman & fish: There’s been an interesting conversation on Grist this week between Tom …

Read more 11 April, 2009

Posted by kathryn in Ethics & Sustainablity and Soups

• Lentil & lemon soup: Gourmet Worrier posted this Lemon and red lentil soup ages ago. For some reason I missed it the first time round and only spotted it after a conversation with Ms Gourmet about “cheesy fingers”. It’s a cracking recipe, full of paprika, mint and lemon. * Some of the facts on fish: Choice have done a round-up of the issues around fish. It covers the benefits of eating fish, problems with over-fishing and also the …

Read more 04 September, 2009