Cooking in Melbourne

As previously mentioned, we've made a lot of our meals to stay on budget. One of the goals of sabbatical for me was to have fun trying new recipes. But, with how busy we were this summer in Michigan, I didn't make much time to do this. Since the library is located two doors down from the house we stopped in one day. As I skimmed some Australian food magazines I came across a delicious looking dish, which was the impetus for returning to some more creative cooking. 

The recipe that drew me in: Baked Spinach and Feta Loaf

Prepping the ingredients

The final product: pretty good! 

Despite heading to Thailand soon, I had a craving for Thai food, so recently I made an Americanized (or Australianized?) Thai leek, sweet potato, and asparagus green curry. I also need to try a new recipe for a tortellini soup from Brandon's mom. But, of course, I've made some old favorite recipes too. And, I introduced our housemates to chocolate cheesecake in celebration of the AFL Grand Final too. 

Putting together the cheesecake. Our host just happened to have a springform pan still in its original packaging. I think I gave it a good initiation. 

Also, of notable mention to our wine loving friends, our lovely host welcomed us to her home with a bottle of wine. We were able to enjoy this with a few of our first meals in Australia. 

2013 Shiraz from South Eastern Australia

I'm quite spoiled now, because I've been able to walk a block to the grocery store and pick up food each day to prepare. There's even a bakery with fresh bread each day next to the grocery store. It's been fun to try out new products and new recipes and see what our fellow housemates are cooking as well. This has definitely been one of the joys and creative outlets of being in a new place for me.