DAY 63 // Watermelon Anyone?

Alright so I haven't done a food post in awhile and since watermelon season is clearly upon us here in Australia (thanks to the hard working hands of Cam and Steph..) I decided to research some creative ways to eat the damn thangs!  (Sorry Canadian readers..this may not be as helpful to you as us aussies..BUT if you like an idea, keep em in your memory bank for next year when watermelon season rolls around again for your guys ..suckaaas)

Watermelon is delicious, most can agree with that. It's sweet, watery, crisp and the perfect refreshing summer's snack. It is also cheap! (if in season) and super good for you. According to National Geographic's article: five reasons to eat watermelon, a 10 ounce wedge of watermelon contains one-third of the recommended daily value of Vitamins A & C. As well as helps in aiding sore muscles, maintaining a healthy heart, is a natural viagra? ..and could even combat cancer. I'd say it a super melon.

SO, Here are 5 creative (and simple) ways to reap the benefits of this super melon in ways you may expect!

Thanks for Reading
Until Tomorrow xo

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

{ image: http://www.thekitchn.com}

Happy hour anyone? All you need is a blender, some tequila, limes and salt for this bad boy! Check out the full recipe here

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Watermelon Dippers

{image: elliebeanddesign.com }

Mix 8 ounces of low-fat sour cream with four tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to make this sweet and healthy snack dip. Full Recipe here 

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Watermelon, Strawberry and Basil Quinoa Salad 

 {image:http://www.edibleperspective.com}

Never thought to put watermelon in a salad but this one looks delicious! I'm a big fan of sweet and savory combos so this is one recipe I would love to try. For instructions on how to make the Lemon Shallot dressing and other awesome recipes go here

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Watermelon Lime Soda

{image: completelydelicious.com}

Sip it on it's own or spike it with your poison of choice.. an easy way to cool down and enjoy with an afternoon BBQ on the go. Full Recipe here

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Watermelon, Strawberry, Basil Skewers

{image: http://www.edibleperspective.com}

Simple ingredients and a delicious combo..these cute little skewers will impress your friends at an afternoon BBQ or dinner party. Solid Idea. Full recipe here

{image:http://news.nationalgeographic.com.au}

DAY 31 // I Bought An App.

Ah one month has arrived. This week is flying by and all is good in the world.

Today I wanted to share an App I bought yesterday.
Now, I'm not a big App purchaser..there's been a couple photo editing ones that I've slurged the $1.99 on but other than that I have the basics and thats it.

But I came across this particular one on Instagram called The Whole Pantry. I started following the author and creater of the app, @healing_belle and have been inspired and motivated by her posts and intrigued by her beautiful food photography ever since. So I caved.. and I bought it! ($2.99)

I haven't yet tried any of the recipes but I've browsed through them and they all look delicious. There are several categories: mains, appetizers, sweets, snacks, drinks and condiments and most recipes are gluten free and/or dairy free as well as many are vegetarian friendly. Plus, everything looks relatively do-able for a newbie cook like myself which makes it even better.

Another plus is that I can tell she has a sweet tooth (like me) because the "sweets" section on the App is obviously bigger than the rest of them (which is awesome).

The App is easy to navigate, beautifully designed and the photography alone just makes your mouth water. Below are some instagram photos from @healing_belle .. check out her page, it's amazing.

Thanks for Reading,
see you tomorrow xo

DAY 21 // Quinoa Pizza Bites

Monday Update.
Another day off for us due to a long weekend! YES.
We slept in and went for a run around the farm..barely escaping attacks from a couple Magpies who always give us trouble when we run by their "territory". Evil Birds! It was really hot today and all we could think about was how happy we were to not being chipping weeds. We then decided to do another spontaneous photo shoot in the afternoon which I will post in the next couple days!

For my creative bit.. I'm posting my first food related blog post .. this is definitely not my forte. Only recently have I started to NOT feel like a complete retard in the kitchen. I've always hoped that one day I would just wake up and all of my mom's incredible cooking talent and expertise would be planted in my brain and I would then be a kitchen wizard. Sadly this hasn't happened and I realize that I will continue to be hopeless until I actually make an effort at feeding myself descent meals rather than canned tuna and rice cakes.

Well Deb would be proud because I have come along way since I first left home. Being in a real kitchen and not a shitty backpackers helps too. Since being on the farm Cam and I have been planning meals like adults and making grocery lists and actually cooking healthy meals every night and It's been great. Saturday night Camille made a delicious lasagne for Ian and I so tonight I thought I'd try a unique recipe that a friend of mine posted on Instagram awhile back. Quinoa Pizza Bites. I thought this sounded like an awesome and delicious way to use quinoa creatively for a meal, and it was!

In a few easy steps and some basic ingredients you got yourself some cute little gluten free pizzas.

Thanks for reading :)
Bon Appetit!

WHAT YOU NEED //

// 1 cup Quinoa
// 2 Eggs
// 1 cup chopped onion
// 2 tablespoons minced garlic
// 1/2 cup fresh basil
// 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (regular works too)
// 1/2 teaspoon salt
// 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
// 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
// Pizza Sauce
// Mozzarella Cheese (grated)

HOW TO:

// Boil quinoa in two cups of water (20 minutes)
// Pre heat oven to 350
// chop ingredients and mix everything together with the quinoa in a bowl
// Place mixture in fridge to cool for 5 minutes
// Place on tray in 1 or 2 inch round portions (see photos) OR you can use a muffin tins
// Bake for 15-20 minutes (after 15, I added pizza sauce and cheese on top before putting them in for another 5 minutes - should look golden brown. )
// Cool for 10 minutes

{ Should make 24 Bites }