Storm In A Soup Bowl

As I mentioned in my last post, we have been having crazy weather here in Melbourne. It was a long weekend, so hubby decided, along with a group of friends, to go camping at my brother-in-law's country property...I know, they are all insane! Um, Ian, have you heard the weather forecast?

He went on Saturday, and I declined, instead assuring him I would join them all the next day...when Georgia, Abby and I arrived at the land and saw the excuse for a tent he had set up, I politely told him Georgia and I would stay for the day, but Abby wanted to camp, despite the weather warnings.


We had a lovely day, sitting around the campfire, riding the motorbikes (no, I don't ride...), and then at about 4.00pm, the storm hit...everyone was soaked. So I bid them all farewell (suckers) and Georgia and I returned to civilisation, and a warm, dry, comfy bed...






















































There is something incredibly soothing about being inside while Mother Nature unleashes her fury outside...I love to light candles, and I seem to have an overwhelming desire to make soup and soul food...

A couple of weeks back, we had a delicious lunch at a funky little cafe in the seaside town of Inverloch...they make the most incredible curries.

I chose the sweet potato soup, and it was to die for! Inspired by this, I tried my own version, and though not quite the same, it was still really yummy...

I just sauted garlic, ginger and onion in oil, then added about a tablespoon of curry paste (we like it mild). Then I added 4 cups of chopped sweet potato and one red capsicum, chopped up. Then I threw in about 31/2 cups chicken stock, and let it simmer until the veges were soft. Then it was just a matter of blending it until smooth, and then I threw in coconut cream (light, of course, ha ha), and some chopped up coriander...it was seriously good!

I also decided to go the whole hog, and got out the slow cooker (see what inclement weather does to me?) I made a yummy lamb curry for dinner, with pea pulao - yummo.

Georgia enjoying her beef rendang...

Abby had banana ricotta pancakes...mmm

I really loved their wine rack, it's an old, chippy door, made into shelving. I'd love to borrow this idea for down the beach. (I promise I will show photos soon of our little beach shack).

After the storm, I wandered out into the garden, only to discover a little mermaid had washed up on my dry creek bed...(little mermaid I made some time ago, and I decided she needed some new mermaid hair).

In the slow cooker tonight...chili beef served with warm tortillas, avocado and sour cream.

Ooh, I almost forgot to tell you, we went to see 'Alice in Wonderland' the other night in 3D, and I LOVED everything about it! Can't wait to go see it again...