Mushroom and Barley Soup

I was inspired by this Hungry and Frozen post to make mushroom soup the other night. It was very easy to make and ended up being so delicious I thought I'd share.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (I like things super garlicy, you might want to only use one clove, up to you!)
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms
• 2 slices chopped bacon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• a generous splash of white wine
• grated parmesan and chopped parsley to serve (also optional)

To cook:

• Heat olive oil in a heavy pot and add garlic, then mushrooms, bacon and sage. Get it all nice and sizzling, then once it's starting to get a bit sticky deglaze the pot by splashing in your wine. Lower heat and leave for a few minutes to reduce and cook.

• Add stock and barley and bring to the boil. Simmer for around 20 minutes until the barley is cooked through and softened.

• Once it was cooked I used a stick mix straight in the pot to blend it up slightly to create a half smooth, half chunky texture. Now you're ready to serve it up, with plenty of parmesan on top, and some chopped fresh parsley.

I managed to prepare all this while Ray was having his dinner. Then I left it simmering while doing his bath, I put him to bed, then I jumped in the bath, then it was ready to eat! Not that I ate it in the bath. I got out and ate at the table, then spent the rest of the evening on the couch. A most peaceful and relaxing Saturday evening!

Instagrams '13

I'm off camping tomorrow, but before I go I'm checking in with my yearly mega instagram roundup. This has been a year of highs and lows. When people describe parenthood as being a rollercoaster, they are spot on. This has been a tough year, and miserable at times, but it's also been an incredibly joyous one.

{JANUARY}

I started the year in hospital on bedrest. I got through a lot of reading, and a lot of tv. 

And I learned to crochet.

{FEBRUARY}

I celebrated my birthday on Valentines Day, and a week later Ray was born, and things got really mental.

{MARCH}

Out of hospital, Mr Meet-cute took me out for a belated birthday dinner and I had my first glass of wine in almost a year. It went straight to my head!

Ray's first bath! He looks quite cross. He was about 8 weeks old before we could give him his first bath!

{APRIL}

When I went into hospital I was only 22 weeks pregnant, so we didn't have anything organised at home. After Ray was born every day was spent visiting him in hospital, but we somehow still managed to have a garage sale and get our house and his room set up for him.

And I learnt to weave.

{MAY}

After 83 days in hospital, we finally got to bring Ray home.

Ray's first outing! I'm looking rather smug too.

{JUNE}

We went for lots of Winter walks around the park and the neighbourhood.

All bundled up.

{JULY}

Little kicking legs!

{AUGUST}

Jasmine starting to bloom as the weather finally warms up.

Still cool enough for hot chocolates with cheese at Sonido.

{SEPTEMBER}

Spring rain and blossom.

Porridge all round at Milkwood when my Mum came to stay.

Mr Meet-Cute's first Fathers Day. Ray and I bought him a burger and a beer.

{OCTOBER}

 We went to the Dandenong Blossom Festival.

This guy!

{NOVEMBER}

The evenings got lighter and the weather got better.

And the park was green and full of people again.

 {DECEMBER}

 Very early morning at the market.

 We gave out Mr Meet-Cute's cashew nut butter to friends for Christmas.

And we made Christmas cards with this cute face on them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Food lately

… or rather, food from the past year or so.

I snacked on these 'Happy Crackers' a lot while I was pregnant. Recipe from My New Roots.

Then after Ray was born I couldn't wait to get back into eating soft cheeses and deli meats! I made this platter when my mum came over to meet Ray, and also piled on some seasonal figs.

Muffins were a handy snack when Ray was still in the hospital, and the days were so busy I didn't get time to sit down for lunch. Then once Ray came home the days were even busier! I'm in awe of anyone who manages to still cook, let alone bake with a new baby at home. If you know someone who has just had a baby, then I think muffins would be a great gift to drop off for them, as most food needs to be consumed with one hand!

Delicious brunch with Mr Meet-Cute at St Ali, on one of our first outings with baby in tow.

Cauliflower soup, a Winter staple.

Donut and a cuppa on a gloomy Winter day.

Little cheesy potato bakes, with more cheese than potato.

Egg baked in an avo! I love the idea of this more than I actually enjoyed eating it, as the avocado ended up a bit weird and dry.

Takeout salad from Munsterhaus. This was after a week of eating rubbish, and I was craving some fresh healthy goodness!

Amazing french toast at Dench when Mr Meet-Cute's Mum was in town.

St Andrews

We went on a family excursion to St Andrews Market last weekend. I was expecting more vintage and secondhand stalls, but instead we found a hippies paradise, with tie dye, wizard hats, chai, and tarot readings. I'm not complaining though, it was so beautiful, I'm already fantasising about moving there and living off the land!

These dogs were hanging out with the horses. I watched a lady put the dog on the right on a pony and take him for a ride. Regretfully I didn't get the camera out in time to capture the cutest moment ever.

I came home with some chard and pumpkin.

Baked into a pie it was extra delicious!