Running in the Rain

Have you ever seen runners running in the rain, and thought they are crazy? Well, I did. I used to think that these runners are not in their right mind. When I first started running, I told myself that I would never be one of those 'crazy runners'; I strived to be a sane runner. But I became one of those 'crazy runners' this morning, and I think I may have to eat my words.

Running in the rain has been something that I have been avoiding for the longest time. I imagined it to be an uncomfortable experience, and told myself that it is something I will never do; it's just impossible. However, when you realize that something is standing between you and your goal, you know you will eventually need to conquer that obstacle.

It has been a rainy and wet summer in Melbourne, and today was yet another one of those days. I was scheduled for a long run, and I didn't want to miss this run just because it's raining. I contemplated doing this run on the treadmill, but finally decided to step out of my comfort zone, and ran in the rain. Here are some thoughts and on my experience:

• Running in the rain is a refreshing and fun experience. :)
• It is not as bad as I imagined it to be.
• It is more challenging than usual, but the sense of satisfaction is even greater.
• It makes me feel like a little girl playing in the rain again.
• I am more aware of my surroundings.
• The warm shower after the run has never felt better.
• I no longer have to run on treadmills when it is raining outside, because I have now learnt to run in the rain. 

Lessons learnt 

Sometimes, to overcome the obstacle standing between us and our goals, we may need to step out of our comfort zones. As daunting as this may sound, it may not be as hard as we expect it to be. Just as in my case, I always thought running in the rain is outrageous, and never expected myself to enjoy it. Everything starts with us taking the first baby step. I hope that the above quote by Audrey Hepburn will keep you going for the upcoming week, and give you confidence. Remember that nothing is impossible :).

Have you ran in the rain before? Do you like it?

Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Do you think opposites really do attract?

Recently, I came across a post on Fitsugar that talked about how celebrity couples have different diet and exercise regimens. One of the couples mentioned was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; Brad Pitt is a vegetarian, while Angelina Jolie is not. Yet another couple mentioned was Nicole Richie and Joel Madden; Nicole Ritchie is a total gym bunny, while Joel Madden is less of a gym rat.

These stark differences made me think about how James and I are different. He loves his meats, but I would rather have my veggies and fish. He hates running and going to the gym, but these are some activities that I enjoy. He can eat practically anything, but I have a long list of things that I am intolerant to. What happens then? Nothing, really! Well, to keep any relationship going, all it takes is lots of love, understanding, respect, support and compromise:) Don’t you agree? This is probably what keeps these celebrity couples together too. While it may be a 'pain' sometimes, having different diet and exercise regimens should not affect the relationship in a significant way.

Despite the differences in diet and exercise regimens, James and I do have something in common – our love for sweet treats!

Sometimes, we even have dessert for breakfast (very rarely though)! Today was one of those times. I decided to make some of these Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins this morning. I adore these doughnut muffins because although they are healthier than the ones sold in the shops, they taste every bit as good (maybe even better)! James had two of these and could not tell that they are gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy free. I had one of these jam filled doughnut muffins for breakfast, together with a cup of hot coffee – the perfect way to start kick start a Friday.This has certainly satisfied my need for a sweet treat :)

I like my doughnut muffins with jam:)

Do you and your loved ones (family included) have different diet and exercise regimens?
If so, how do you cope with it?

Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins
Adapted from Noble Pig and The Sensitive Pantry
Serves 6

Ingredients
For the muffins:
Dry mixture
1 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (I used Orgran Gluten-Free Plain flour)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Wet mixture
1/3 cup oil (I used grapeseed oil)
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg (I used Orgran egg replacer for this)
3/4 cup soy milk (or your favourite milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional
Your favourite jam (I used blackberry jam)

Glaze:
1/4 cup dairy free spread (or butter)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Grease the muffin tin with a cooking spray or oil it.
2. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture.
3. Mix the ingredient with your hands until it is well combined. It is okay if the mixture looks a little lumpy.
4. Fill half of each muffin cup with the mixture, and place one tsp of jam in the center of each cup. Top up each muffin cup with the remaining batter. 
5. Bake at 180C/350F for about 15-20 mins (mine took about 20mins), or until toothpick come clean.
6. While waiting for the muffins, melt the butter in a small bowl.Combine sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
7. Remove the muffins from the tin while they are still hot.
8. Brush the melted butter over the top of the muffin; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
9. Serve immediately or freeze them. Enjoy!

Cook's Note

• Feel free to use eggs, regular flour, and milk if you prefer. I used egg replacer, GF flour, dairy-free spread and soy milk to make it suitable for vegans, and those with food allergies (such as myself).
• These muffins can last for about 3 weeks in the freezer, and taste amazing even after you reheat them. To reheat, wrap the muffin in paper towel, and pop them in the microwave for 45 seconds.

Fish Baked in Foil

What types of food do you eat at home? Do you have sushi and sashimi everyday? Do you eat all your dishes cold?

These were some of the common questions that I was asked as a little Japanese girl living in South East Asia (this was before Japanese cuisine became popular worldwide). When I was asked these questions, my usual reply would be 'lots of cooked fish, rice and miso soup'. My answer to these questions would usually disappoint my friends. While I could not understand what was so bad about my reply back then, I certainly can now. That reply just sounds so unappealing, and boring! I probably gave a poor representation of home-cooked Japanese meals.

 A standard Japanese meal actually includes a bowl of steamed rice, miso soup and three side dishes. These side dishes are may include fish, meats, vegetable, salads and tofu. They are usually pretty small in portion size, and serves as an accompaniment to the steamed rice. Sometimes, noodles (soba, udon, somen, ramen) and donburi are served as an alternative to the standard meal. 

Have you ever wondered if the foods that your parents fed you as a kid actually influences your dietary preferences when you are an adult? Well, in my case, it clearly does. In my family, fish is almost always served as one of the side dishes, and because of that, it is one of those foods that I need to have on a regular basis. Some time back, I was on a vegetarian diet for 3 months, but I finally succumbed to my craving for FISH!

And this was the first fish dish that I cooked for myself after my short stint as a vegetarian; it is also my favourite way of cooking fish (I cooked it again last night). The boyfriend often requests for this too! It is so simple and most importantly fail-proof. All you have to do is to wrap and bake the fish with vegetables and mushrooms in an aluminium foil sheet. The foil seals off the natural sweetness of the ingredients, and the fish will remain moist.

Fish Baked in Foil 

Adapted from one of my Mom's Japanese Cookbooks
Serves 1

Ingredients
1 sheets 30x20cm aluminium foil
200g cod fillet/salmon/sea beam
1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (I used dairy free spread)
1 tbsp sake (Japanese cooking wine)
1 slice of lemon & 1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 green pepper, stripped
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
75g enoki mushroom (I used cup mushrooms yesterday)
Salt & Pepper


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200C.
2. Spread aluminum foil and place half the portion of butter in the center of the foil.
3. Place the fish on the foil, sprinkle salt and pepper.
4. Place cut carrots, green pepper, onion and enoki mushroom on the fish.
5. Sprinkle lemon juice and sake on the fish.
6. Place remaining butter on the fish.
7. Fold the far ends of the foil to wrap the ingredients. Bend the 4 corners of the foil so that liquid does not seep out.
8. Place the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
9. Remove from oven. Serve. Enjoy!

My Half Marathon Training Plan

The day has been set; May 21, 2011 will be the day when I run my first half marathon. This race will be held in the hot and humid climate of Singapore, and is not a major event on the running calander. While this may not be a big race, it is of a greater significance to me as I will be running this race in the country that I spent most of my life in, and I will be accomplishing my goal before I turn 25 the following day. Yes, I'm turning 25 on May 22. This is certainly one of those things that makes me feel excited, yet jittery when I think about it. 


However, it's certainly pointless just worring about goals and not doing anything about it - sometimes, we just need to be forward-looking, and put our dreams into plans! I stumbled upon this following quote, and it certainly reminded to be more proactive about my goals.

Some of my friends and fellow bloggers who are avid runners gave me some advices and tips on running and training for half-marathons, and with their help I came up with my own training plan! Do let me know what you think about this plan. I am still a beginner runner and will appreciate any helpful advices:)

I used the following resources to come up with the above training plan. For my fellow first-time half-marathoners, I hope these resources will help you too!
Basic Half-Marathon Training Schedule for Beginners by About.com
Half Marathon Training: Novice by Hal Higdon
12-week Half Marathon Training Program by Endurance Sports Training


Besides that, here is a roundup of the advices and tips that I have received:

• Take it slowly and gradually, and avoid pushing yourself too hard. This will only lead to burnouts and injuries. 
• Increase your mileage soundly (not more than 10 percent per week) using the 10 percent rule (10PR)
• Do abdominal breathing when you run to get rid of side cramps or “stitches.”
• As your mileage increases, you may find yourself chaffing "down there". Wear spandex shorts under regular running shorts to avoid such pain.
• Buy a pair of proper fitting shoes. Get them professionally fitted if possible. Ill-fitting shoes may cause injuries in the long run.
• Invest in running socks.
• For ladies, do invest in a few good sports bras.
• Learn to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• To aid recovery the most crucial time to eat and drink is in the hour immediately after you run. Experts say that it's best to eat within 15 minutes after your run. 
• Build rest into your schedule. Rest is important for recovery and for getting stronger.
• Don't be too hard on yourself. Forgive yourself. Over-ambitious goals usually lead to frustration and giving up on your fitness plan. If you miss a goal or milestone let it go and focus on the next opportunity to get it. (I like this !)

This should be all for now. To end off, this is a quote that I think is worth pondering on.

Let's remember that each day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, forget the blunders, and start it with a high spirit!

Savory Oatmeal

When most people think of oatmeal, they imagine it to be a sweet breakfast - one made with fruits, milk and sweeteners! But for those who don't want something sweet for breakfast, oatmeal still offers lots of exciting variations when prepared with savory ingredients. This morning was one of those mornings when I was craving for something savory for breakfast; my answer to this was a bowl of savory oatmeal! Think this sounds weird? Think again!

If dishes such as kedgeree, jook, zosui and congee are popular breakfasts in other cultures, it shouldn't be that weird to simply substitute rice with oatmeal, right? I first discovered the beauty of savory oatmeal several years back, when I ran out of brown rice at home. I didn't want to make a trip to the shops, and simply used oats instead of rice, and ended up with Chicken Oatmeal Congee! It was so fast, simple and delicious! After this 'discovery', I ended up with different 'concoctions' for making savory oatmeal, and had it occasionally for lunch and dinner too! You can practically add almost anything to it, and it still taste good!

This is one of my favorite savory oatmeal recipe for breakfast! This was the first time I made it for James, and he was totally amazed by how delicious, yet simple it was to prepare! He believes that it will taste fabulous with bacon in it; I'll probably try that next time:)

James' Savory Oatmeal with Egg. It taste the best with runny egg yolk!

Savory Oatmeal
Serves 2
Ingredients
3/4 cup oats (I used GF oats)
Pinch of sea salt
1 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock
2 large egg (I used 1 in my case because I can't eat eggs)
2 green onion (chopped)
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (optional)
A few grinds of black pepper

Directions

1. Place the oats, salt and water in a dish. Microwave on HIGH, uncovered for about 2 mins. Stir, and microwave on HIGH for another 30 seconds.
2. While oatmeal is being cooked, toast some pumpkin seeds using a frying pan.
3. Remove dish from oven and let it stand for about 3 mins. While standing, fry the egg in a pan. Transfer the egg to a bowl and top with egg, scallion and lots of pepper:)
4. Mix the toppings into the oatmeal

Enjoy!

Mine with lots of toasted sunflower seeds instead of an egg

Cook's Note

• You can omit eggs if you are vegan or have egg allergies. Simply toast more sunflower seeds so that you get some protein in your oatmeal!
• I prefer cooking my oatmeal in a microwave because it is so easy. Feel free to use the stove top to cook your oatmeal!
• If you do not like fried eggs, you can also stir a beaten egg into the oatmeal when it is cooking for the 30 seconds. 

Other Savory Oatmeal Recipes

Savory Asian Style Steel Cut Oatmeal

Sexed Up Savory Oatmeal

Have you had savory oatmeals before? If so, do you prefer savory or sweet oatmeals?

Mocha Cinnamon Pudding

It's February 14 today! Happy Valentine's and Friendship Day everyone!

What does this day mean to you? Is it just another day in the calander year? Is it a day for you to celebrate with your special someone? Is it more of a Friendship Day than a Lover's Day? Is it a day with lots of sweet indulgences? Or is it a day where you slave away in the kitchen?

In Japan, February 14 is a basically the day for women to give men chocolates or gifts. It is a day for women to profess their love to guys they admire or love by giving them chocolates. Beautifully packaged chocolates are widely sold during the period leading up to Valentine's Day. Besides giving chocolates to guys whom they like, Japanese women are also expected to give chocolates to male friends and co-workers. Such obligatory chocolates are called "giri-choco". Men who received chocolates or gifts on this day are then expected to give gifts back to the women on March 14th called White Day. Valentine's Day in Japan is certainly pretty commercialized and I think it's a stressful period for Japanese women.

Anyway, the theme for the Cookbook Challenge this fortnight is 'Love', and to show James how much I appreciated him, I made some of Mocha Cinnamon Pudding. I saw this recipe for the Runner's World magazine last week, and decided to make it because it's so full of goodness - it provides protein, calcium, and cinnamon antioxidants that protect against diabetes and heart diseases. I made this recipe dairy-free by using chocolate soy milk and dairy-free dark chocolate. It was soy-licious! Because it was so easy to make, I am sure I will make it again!

Mocha Cinnamon Pudding
Adapted from Runners World Magazine (Feb 2011 Issue)
Recipe by Pam Anderson of Perfect One Dish Dinners
Serves 4

Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp instant coffee mix or espresso powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
2 cups low fat choc milk (I used choc soy milk to make it dairy free)
75g chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract (I used 1/2 vanilla bean)

For garnishing (optional)
Strawberries
Mint

Directions

1. Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, coffee, cinnamon and salt in a large saucepan. Stir in milk, and make sure dry ingredients are well mixed in before turning on the heat.
2. Cook mixture for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally at first, then frequently and constantly at the end, until mixture thickens to pudding consistency. 
3. Remove from heat ; add chocolate and vanilla, whisking until chocolate is smooth. Serve warm or pour into five containers, placing plastic wrap directly on the pudding surface to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate up to five days. 
4. Garnish with strawberries and mint if preferred

For more healthier indulgent recipes, visit Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.

So I Signed Up for My First Half Marathon ...

I did it! I finally signed up for my first half marathon (a 25 km race in my case)!

Running a half marathon is one of my goals this year, and I have been constantly thinking about this goal since the beginning of the year. I could never have imagine myself setting this goal one year back because back then, I totally hated running. I grew up in the hot and humid climate of Singapore, and running just 5 minutes would make me sweat like a pig. While I may have disliked running, I did enjoy exercising. Exercising was like my 'happy pill', and I had to take this 'happy pill' five to six times a week. On weekdays, you could find me at the gym attending fitness classes, strength training or working out on the cardio machines (all except the treadmill because I hated running). On weekends, I would devote my time to outdoor activities such as cycling or kayaking.

However, when I moved to Melbourne last year, I had to find new ways to work out. I could not attend fitness classes in gyms because I didn’t have a gym membership. Neither could I cycle because I didn’t bring my bicycle here. I would consider myself lucky though because my apartment has a gym. I started working out there, but soon got bored it.

The boyfriend suggested that I should try running since I’m living in such a really beautiful area along the Yarra river. I thought about what he said, and decided to give running another go. I will always remember how hard the first 10 minutes of the run was. I just wanted to give up, but forced myself to push on. After the first 10 minutes, I did find myself getting into the run, and enjoying the scenery as I ran. I went for another run again the next day, and the next, and the next. And before I knew it, I became friends with running.

It has been about 7 months since I first became friends with running. While there has been some setbacks (such as my knee injury) along the way, I really want to take this friendship to a higher level this year. Being someone who is goal oriented, I thought running a half marathon will be a good challenge. Yet I was worried that I might not be fit or prepared enough for it. What eventually prompted me to sign up for the race was a post on Oh She Glows by Angela. This quote really spoke to me.

Worrying about what will happen in the future will not help me in any way. However, I can make the best out of my current situation, and take baby steps towards my goal. I took my baby step yesterday by signing up for my first half marathon which is about 14 weeks away from now.

Have you taken your baby steps towards your goals/resolutions?

Mixed Seafood Hor Fun

The theme for the Cookbook Challenge this fortnight is Noodles/Rice. This theme got me really excited because noodles are rice are my staple foods. I can survive without potatoes, bread or baked goods for a year, but I certainly cannot go without rice or noodles. There were so many recipes that I wanted to try this fortnight, but I finally decided on this Mixed Seafood Hor Fun (aka Rice Noodle) recipe.

When I was living in Singapore, Seafood Hor Fun was one of my favourite dishes and I certainly miss it. When I saw this recipe in the cookbook, I was totally thrilled; I can finally learn to cook my favourite dish!
I tried this recipe for dinner tonight, but was a little disappointed with the end product. It just didn't taste like what I used to have in Singapore. It tasted okay to me, but James seemed to have really enjoyed it - he even had a second helping. I guess what people say about higher hopes leading to greater disappointment applies here. I was hoping that it will taste like the Hor Fun that I so love, but it failed to meet my expectation. However, because James likes it so much, I might just make it again next time.

Mixed Seafood Hor Fun

Adapted from A practical cook's encyclopedia of Singapore & Malaysia 

Serves 4

Ingredients 

• 150g rice sticks 
• 8 raw tiger prawns (I used peeled prawns because I was feeling lazy)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil 
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g squid rings (I used sliced white fish instead) 
• 150g beansprouts
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 150 ml  fish stock 
• fresh or pickled chillies (To serve) 

Directions

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the rice sticks according to the packet instructions or until soft. Taste a strand to check. Drain and set aside.
2. Shell and de-vein the prawns by making a deep slit down the back. This will make them curl up nicely. (I skipped this step because I used peeled prawns)
3. Heat the oil and fry the onion until soft. Add the prawns and squid (or fish) and stir fry for 2 mins.
4. Add the bean sprouts, noodles, oyster sauce and pepper and stir and toss well. 
5. Add the water and stock and let it bubble and reduce. As soon as the sauce is thick, serve the noodles with sliced or pickled chillies.

Cook's Note:

• Rice sticks, or dried noodles, double in bulk when reconstituted. They are available in various thickness. I think the thicker ones taste better for this recipe.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oyster sauce. (I used the normal oyster sauce this time)
• The sliced or pickled chillies is a perfect complement to the dish. Without it, the dish doesn't taste as good.

Do check out my fellow Cookbook Challengers' entries here.

Peanut Butter & Apple Oatmeal in a Jar (OIAJ)

I may be a nut butter addict. Lately, my nut butter addiction has gotten worse, and I find myself eating more nut butters as compared to chocolate. I think I might need some help!! 

•  I finish an average of 5-6 jars of nut butter every month
•  Instead of snacking on chips, chocolates or candies, I have been snacking on nut butter
•  I eat nut butter with a spoon from its jar, and can finish half a jar in one sitting (should really stop doing this)
•  I love all nut butters (peanut, almond, sunflower seeds, nutella, macadamia etc)
•  I enjoy using nut butters on almost everything (oatmeal, apples, vegetables, barbecued meats etc)
•  I justify my addiction by telling myself that nut butters are good for me. Healthy fats are good, and too much of a good thing can’t be that bad. Right?
•  I hate wasting even a tiny dollop of nut butter and makes sure I clean out the jar before throwing it away. (This is where today’s recipe come to play)

After finishing the remaining half jar of peanut butter yesterday, I had an almost empty jar of peanut butter. There was still a tiny bit of peanut butter stuck to the sides of the jar, and it was hard to reach with a spoon. Instead of throwing the jar into the bin, I set it aside for breakfast this morning – Peanut Butter & Apple Oatmeal in a Jar!

I started using almost empty nut butter and jam jars for my oatmeal last year when I read about it on other blogs, and thought it was a brilliant idea! I loved how it uses up every bit of that remaining yummy nut butter (or jam)! Somehow, there’s something very satisfying about eating oatmeal from the jar.  It makes a great takeaway container for your morning oatmeal too.  When I was still a student last year, I packed my morning oatmeal in the jar and ate it on-the-go. It was every bit as delicious!

Oatmeal in a Jar - I was so hungry, I ate half of it before taking a picture of it.

Peanut Butter & Apple Oatmeal in a Jar

Ingredients

• 1 small green apple, chopped
• 1/3 cup rolled oats  (I used GF oats)
•  1/3 cup favourite milk (I used rice milk)
• 1/3 cup water
•  Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (or an almost empty PB jar)

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir the contents.
3. Microwave for another 2 minutes. Pour contents into PB jar.
4. Stir contents in PB jar. 

Enjoy!

Cook’s Note:

• If you do not have an almost empty PB jar, do mix in 1 tbsp of PB after step 2.
• If you have a glass jar, feel free to combine all the ingredients in the glass jar and microwave it. However, do note that the glass jar will be really hot when you remove it from the microwave. Be careful!
• If you’re a fan of almond butter, ABC oatmeal is great in a jar too!

Do you have any 'addiction' to any foods? 

What do you do with your nut butter jars?

'Butter' Green Beans with Cashew Nuts

I made these green beans some time last week, and James and I totally loved it. When James' dad came over yesterday, I decided to make them again as an accompaniment to my oven-baked fish. The green beans were so crunchy and flavorsome; the nuts, 'butter' and balsamic vinegar added an extra 'oomph' to it. James' dad really enjoyed it, and even asked me for the recipe:)

This recipe was inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Steamy Kitchen.While the original recipe called for the use of browned butter, I substituted it with gluten-free vegan 'butter' and it worked out perfectly. If it tasted so good with vegan 'butter', I am pretty sure it will have tasted even better with the real deal. For those who do not have any dietary restrictions, do feel free to use butter:) This is my new favorite way of cooking green beans; it's simple, quick and tasty, just like all my other favorites.

'Butter' Green Beans with Cashew Nuts

Inspired by Jaden from Steamy Kitchen


Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw cashew nuts, coarsely chopped
• 300g green beans, ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter (I used Nuttelex, a vegan spread)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onions, very thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Toast chopped nuts in a pan over medium heat for about 5 mins until nuts are lightly browned. Set aside.
2. Bring 1 cup of water to boil over medium heat. Blanch green beans by boiling it in water for 3 mins, then rinsing it immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. The beans should be crispy and crunchy, rather than soggy.  
3. Add the 'butter' to a heated pan (over medium heat), and let the 'butter' melt and bubble. Once the butter melts, add onions and garlic and saute for about a minute. 
4. Add  balsamic vinegar and the green beans. Stir to make sure beans are well coated with balsamic vinegar and 'butter'. 
5. Season with salt and pepper (I love adding lots of pepper). Stir in toasted nuts. Enjoy!

What is your favorite green bean recipe?

My 2D1N Great Ocean Road Trip

I’m back!

I was away for a 2D1N Great Ocean Road trip, and was therefore missing in action over the last few days. I have been staying in Melbourne over the last 6 months, and I can’t believe it took me 6 months to finally do a Great Ocean Road trip – I’m seriously a great procrastinator at times. The Great Ocean Road region has been touted as one of the most scenic drives in Australia, and it was one of the many things that was on my to-do list when I came to Australia. Anyway, I finally joined a Great Ocean Road tour with my new Spanish friend, Pau, and we both enjoyed the trip tremendously. Pau and I wanted to plan a trip on our own, but realized that it might be more cost-efficient and less cumbersome if we joined a tour instead. I am usually not a big fan of tours, because I find that I usually don’t have enough time to enjoy the sights, or will be swarmed by a bunch of tourists. However, this 2D1N tour was indeed a different story; I had no regrets doing my trip with Ride Tours (and Todd), and feel that they deserve this shout out!

The trip was absolutely amazing, and though it was raining in Melbourne over the last few days, we were blessed with beautiful weather during our 2D1N trip. The drive was simply scenic and stunning, and I was absolutely overwhelmed by the beauty of mother nature. The good thing about our itinerary was that because we did the Great Ocean Road trip the reverse way, we didn’t really meet any day trip buses, and had ample time to enjoy the splendor of the coastline; it was just the way I like it. 

We had a picnic at Town Hill, and saw some wild kangaroos, koalas and emus. 

The lazy koalas - they sleep 20 hrs a day! Can you see them?

And of course some awesome sights, coupled with some funny tales. I loved how our guide, Todd, tells the story of the London Bridge. A married couple (who were not married to each other) was actually stranded on the other end of the bridge when it collapsed, and it was reported on TV.  Todd said that the lesson learnt is to 'not have an affair near areas with limestone'; I thought this was really funny.

The London Bridge - an interesting story behind it

Enjoyed a beautiful sunset at the Apostles. It certainly was breath-taking. I actually think these pictures don't do the actual thing any justice at all!

 Apart from the scenic coastline views, we did a rain forest walk,

Watched some surfers and kite-surfers do their tricks, and visited the Split Point Lighthouse too ..

The lighthouse in 'Round the Twist'

When we made our way back to Melbourne, we were unfortunately greeted by some flooding in St Kilda and South Melbourne. We were all really thankful for the nice weather that we experienced during this trip. I later discovered that during these 2 days when I was away, Melbourne was actually experience a horrible episode of rain.

This trip has certainly been an enjoyable one for me; all thanks to the nice guide, good company, and great sights. Todd was really knowledgeable, and I certainly learnt quite a fair bit about Australia. In my opinion, it will certainly be perfect for backpackers (or people who don't mind staying in a hostel) who are considering a trip to the Great Ocean Road region. Considering its beauty, a day trip will certainly be too rushed. If time had allowed, I would have loved to spend another night somewhere in the region. Perhaps, when I finally learn how to drive, I will do another trip with James :)

Lazy Man's 10-mins Beef Shashlik

I am probably the laziest cook in the world. While I do enjoy cooking, I am constantly looking for new ways to be ‘lazy’ in the kitchen. I often plan ahead of time, so that I can be ‘lazy’ on some days; last night was one of those days. 

These are some of the things I do so that I can be ‘lazy’:

1.  I cook a large amount of rice, divide it into single serving size, wrap it up, and freeze them. (This is a lifesaver for me because I don’t have a rice cooker, and rice always take longer to cook)
2. I cut, blanch and freeze vegetables. (My mom probably disapproves of this, but I think this is a money-saver for me because the vegetables don’t go bad)
3. I make a large bowl of salad on Sunday and divide it between 5 takeaway containers; this will be my lunch for the week. (This saves me lots of time in the morning)
4.  I pre-cut vegetables that I will be using for the coming  week on Sunday nights.
5.  I marinade some of the meats that I will be using for the coming week on Sunday nights.
6.  I look for recipes that uses only 1-pot/pan because I hate washing a whole load of dishes. (Maybe that explains why I never really liked baking as much)

These lazy tactics are really time-savers; dinner last night only took me 10 minutes and it was awfully delicious! I call it the Lazy Man’s Beef Shashlik! A few days back, James and I were talking about how much we enjoy skewers, and our friend Rowena showed us this recipe from her cookbook. I decided to give it a try last night and it was so simple, yet was a wonderful way to kick start the week.  I marinated the meat on Sunday, and precut the capsicum, mushroom and onion too! All I had to do yesterday was to skewer the beef and vegetable before grilling it.

Lazy Man’s Beef Shashlik 

Adapted from Meat: How to Choose, Cook & Eat it by Adrian Richardson 

Ingredients

• 1kg beef rump, cut into 3 cm cubes 
• 2 medium onions, cut into 3 cm dice 
• 2 red peppers, cut into 3 cm dice 
• 1 box cherry tomatoes
• 100g button mushrooms
• 200g thick-cut rashers smoky bacon, cut into 3 cm dice
• salt & freshly ground pepper

Marinade 

• 1 cup red wine 
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped 
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 springs thyme 
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 1.5 tsp freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Place the cubed beef in a shallow container. Add the marinade ingredients and use your hands to toss well so the beef is evenly coated. Cover the plastic wrap and leave the marinade to refrigerate overnight.
2. When ready to cook, preheat your barbecue to high. Drain the marinated beef and pat it dry on kitchen paper.Thread the beef, onion, pepper, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes onto skewers, alternating to your liking.
3. Season the shashliks lightly then grill for 8 mins, turning them frequently so they colour and cook evenly.
4. Remove the shashliks from the heat and serve.

Serves 4