A little bit of Australia in my kitchen

In my kitchen are some Australian gifts which come courtesy of Johanna who blogs over at Green Gourmet Giraffe.  

Johanna was one of the first bloggers I got to know when I started blogging and although we have never met, I feel like we have become good friends.

Laying on top of the Australian tea-towel are all my foodie gifts.  first some Outback Spirit Tasmanian Pepper Salt and a souvenir Australian dollars notebook - all of which I will use as bookmarks for my many cookbooks.  This idea of Australian dollar bookmarks got me thinking as to how many vegetarian or vegan cookbooks I have that are from Australian cooks and chefs? Perhaps Johanna can name me some other than Amy Chaplin and Kurma Dasa, as I am really not that sure. Or perhaps this can be a future blog post for her, if she wishes to accept.  

I am proper excited to try these Vegemite Bagel Crisps and look forward to ripping the bag open when I return home from my short holiday. 

Crafted Blends Greens, Pumpkin Seed, Spinach and Chickpeas has me curious as it sounds like a savoury bar.  The Milo protein clusters made me smile.  Johanna mentioned that Milo products are a little sentimental to her as it reminds her of her childhood.  

Some golden apricot bites and a couple of interesting bars: Apricot and a Cacao and Orange. I have not tried any of these yet, but as I have alluded above we will be away for a short break, driving to our destination tomorrow for a few days - so all these treat bars will be consumed on our road trip and I may up-date this blog post on my return for those curious as to how these Australian treats taste.

I do like my herbal teas so look forward to trying this Dandy Chai Blend with Roasted Dandelion Root

And spices.  Johanna on her blog has mentioned Herbie's Spices many times, so I was pretty chuffed to find these in the cotton tote bag (featured above).  Lemon Myrtle Leaf and Balmain & Rozelle Spice Blend, neither of which I have ever used.  I had heard of Lemon Myrtle, but not Balmain & Rozelle Spice Blend, but on a little bit more digging I learned that this spice blend was created to celebrate Australian broad food heritage.  I will be using it very soon as a marinade for a Summer vegetable bake, unless some of my Australian readers can give me recipe suggestions to use both spice blends.

I was also sent a chocolate bar of Freddo frog - one of Australia's popular children characters but with the hot weather got to him an d was more melty the frog, but I did still enjoy it with a cuppa tea.  Thank you so  much Johanna for your warmth, kindness and generosity.  

I am sharing this with Sherry Pickings for In My Kitchen series.  its one of my favourite blog events and one I have encouraged other fellow bloggers to join in too as its a way I could have a good cheeky nosy not only into their kitchen, but other peoples kitchen too, please do join in. 

#EatYourGreens June Round Up

July has arrived with rays of sunshine and will hopefully promise to stay around a while longer.

We have  7 green recipes to share for #EatYourGreens. 

The first Eat Your Greens recipe comes from Ray who blogs at The Humble Lentil.  Ray shares with us a vibrant bowl of fenugreek also known as Methi and seasonal Jersey Royal Potatoes. 

Kate from GlutenFree Alchemist shared with us Spanakopita Galette filled to the brim with greens such as spinach, leeks and spring onions.  This green galette would make for a fantastic garden lunch.

We have another galette and this one comes from Johanna who blogs over at Green Gourmet Giraffe.  To be honest, I'd be happy with a slice of both galettes on my plate - Yes I am a greedy person. This green galette is made with Zucchini, Sun dried Tomatoes and Goats cheese.

Kari from Bite Sized Thoughts also brought to the table a zucchini dish.   Hers is Zucchini Noodles with a Creamy Turmeric Dressing.  I do like eating courgettes, but  this plate is just too pretty to eat with its warm vibrant colours. I am afraid I would just be gazing at it the way one stares at stars on still clear dark nights.

Next we have Minted Broad Bean Spread from Choclette who blogs at Tin and Thyme.  This kind of naturally creamy green smooth spread always excites me this time of year as its a sign that Summer has truly arrived and there will be lots of greens for us to try especially the pod kind. 

The Veg Hog my co-host will be hosting #EatYourGreens in July, but last months she shared

Courgette, Mushroom and Peas Pasta Sauce.  I love the way the sauce has coated the pasta and the thinly paper sliced courgettes making what could be deemed a heavy dish to one of lightness and delight. 

And finally, my own contribution which was a Thai Green Coconut Curry packed with lots of green vegetables like mangetout, broad beans, edamame beans, peas, green beans and even baby gem lettuce. 

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to #EatYourGreens, please do take time to visit and comment on every contributors recipe if you can.  The Veg Hog will be hosting #EatYourGreens challenge this month.  Please Follow this link on how to join in.  I look forward to seeing your July contributions. 

My Legume Love Affair June Round Up

Here is the Round Up of My Legume Love Affair #108 for June 2017. 

 Thank you so much to everyone who contributed.