Great Places To Visit.

I've seriously been craving some home made tomato chutney lately. So got cracking and made myself some.  I like a bit of zing so spiced up mum's recipe a little.  Very happy with the results. Bubbling away. Jarred and ready to eat!

A mini Tornado struck Strathmerton on the weekend of October 31/10/15 destroying a couple of houses. Luckily no one was hurt. Just a bit further along the Murray River at Tocumwal the Tornado ended. We happened to be home and live near the edge of town, close to the river.  We saw the sky turn pink, grey and green. Ominous. Can't remember a stormy grey sky turning pink or especially green before. Made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Then we heard this roar.  Bernie looked at me as we stood on our back verandah watching the clouds flying about and said "What's that noise?" I replied, "Wind. Lots of it. I think we should go inside now." As I said this we saw the sky along the river turn green and pink and the trees begin to whip wildly. We retreated inside for a bit and as the roar died away we ventured back out to the front verandah as torrential rain began to fall. And boy did it rain!!! The early afternoon turned dark as the clouds above turned ...

Only 2 weeks old and busy working out their menu's and time frames, Power Plant Cafe in Templestowe proved to be a good choice for a lunch "catch-up" with a dear friend I haven't seen for many years. We both decided on the crunchy salad for lunch and it was delicious as well as crunchy.  Couldn't stop at that so then had the raspberry & green tea cake (shared one) for dessert as well as beautiful coffee.  Cost about $17/head. Can't complain about that. If this is an indication of the quality of food that's going to be on the menu here then I strongly suggest you put it on you list of "must eat here" places. The Cafe itself is lovely with it's polished timber floors, timber furniture, casual chairs, and 2 outdoor areas.  They do intend to eventually be open for weekend meals as well. Do yourself and your family and friends a favour and give it a try. Your won't be disappointed. Here's a little preview of Power Plant Cafe and...

One Pan Chili Beans .  I just love them. Who knew? I didn't until recently. Now they are a staple part of my eating program. Thanks to my Nutritionist Kathy Ashton who has taught me how to eat as much as I want and be healthy. Wish I had know this years ago, but guess I wasn't open to looking then. Now I like learning about how to use food as my medicine instead of relying on medications from the doctor. Mind you, I go to him for check ups and he is encouraging me to continue with my learning as the results are in the blood tests! No longer do I have any problems with Type 2 Diabetes,  my blood pressure is coming down (may be able to come off my current medication down the track). My cholesterol is good, it was heading the wrong way, and my liver is happy again. I've lost 12 Kilos in 12 months.  I haven't been focused on my weight, just what I put in my mouth. I like that I don't have to eat tiny little meals, I really like food, so a big bowl of chili, guilt free...

Well even though it's still cold, the trees etc seem to think that Spring is coming. Blossoms are blooming everywhere.  Miss Lily and I enjoyed the wide variety of them in Darebin Parklands this morning. Lovely day for a walk.  Miss Lily even met some doggy friends and had some fun playing.  Now snoring loudly in her bed beside me.  Guess all that fresh air wears a little girl out! 

Wasn't sure about this recipe as I'm not a big fan of tofu. Decided to give it a go.  It's surprisingly tasty. Would make it again. Naturally the "Creamy" sauce is made with tofu not cream as it is a dairy free, vegan recipe. I also used gluten free pasta as I like to keep my gluten intake low. Give it a go.