It's time to celebrate as my busy patch has passed with October finally drawing to a close. I think possibly the busiest time I have had this year has worn me out more than I would like to admit at times. I have however been able to take a few days off here and there, mainly to recharge as I've spent a lot of it sleeping, which has given me the opportunity to do some cooking just for the enjoyment of it instead of out of necessity to eat! I don't know about you but being tired always makes me want to eat badly, which of course means sweet food! I decided why try and fight it, I might as well cooking something delicious! I don't often bake so it is no surprise that I have never made any form of cookie before (on reflection, that is a lie, I have made ANZAC's) but I didn't want to go with the normal choc chip so I opted for M&M cookies. Let's just say they were a hit and I have since made batch number 2!
I didn't stop there either! I couldn't decide what next to tick off my list but I thought if I used some form fruit this time, it would be healthy right! I know I am kidding myself but this didn't stop me and I whipped up a batch of white chocolate and raspberry muffins. These were actually more tasty than I expected. The recipe was really moist and it includes sour cream which I think took away from that real sweet taste. I would definitely recommend you try this, it was really really easy and such an good thing to take along as a sharing plate for morning or afternoon tea (and we seem to have these all the time at our work!).
Even though I feel like my weeks are starting to slow down it certainly hasn't stopped me from keeping busy on the weekends. Last time we spoke it was a week or so before my first ever fun run and to say I was nervous was an extreme under statement. For someone that used to play sport around 5 nights a week (that was before I took off to travel the world!) I am a long long way from my peak fitness. I managed to finish the 6km run in 41 minutes and 39 seconds which I am incredibly proud of after the most frustrating injury of my life that has kept me sidelined for over year. Onwards and upwards as I have now starting playing touch football again and I am so excited to get back into something that I love.
Now I can't possibly finish this without telling you about my two most recent outings. My girls & I haven't had much of an opportunity to catch up recently so we decided to take an entire day out just for us. We have recently heard about the Garden of St Earth which is approximately an hour drive from Ballarat. The garden is very pretty with so much greenery and flowers but it is well known for its nursery and cafe. After going for a walk around the garden we were really excited for lunch as the cafe is well known for using the ingredients they grow in the garden. I opted for the vegetarian tasting plate which was served on fresh houmus and beetroot dip. It was so incredibly fresh and I know this might sound ridiculous and so not something I would normally say but it was obvious that it was made with passion and god forbid I say love but wow it certainly made a difference. If you want a nice way to spend your weekend, head out as it is worth the drive.
Now my final thing I promise!! All you Ballaratians will know what I talk about when I say Springfest! Once a year, the 6kms of the lake is lined with market like stalls including lots of different foods. I love Springfest. It makes me so happy just wandering around the lake and enjoying the atmosphere. Admittedly every year I am so excited and most of the time I walk away disappointed that I didn't purchase anything but every year I look forward to this day, rain, hail or shine. This year was no exception as Ballarat turned on the weather....not. It was bloody freezing, the one weekend we have had in ages that the sun didn't come out so this was the perfect excuse for a souvlaki from The Charcoal Pit. I have heard about these guys before as they attend a lot of market type events in the region but it was the first time I have tried one and gosh it was delicious. I opted for Lamb and let me tell you it taste buds took a trip back to Greece as I think this is by the far best souva I have had in Australia. If you see these guys around, make sure you give it a try!
As my weekend draws to a close it is time I bid you goodnight. This week I am actually heading out a few times including a trip to our university training restaurant, Prospects. I have never been but I hear it is amazing so I look forward to sharing this one with you. Until then, no matter how tired, keep smiling..and get excited for Christmas!!
