Once - The Musical

The smash-hit, multi-award winning musical Once has premiered in Melbourne  at the Princess Theatre and Mr Pickle & I were privileged to be invited to the opening night's performance last night. 

We have lived in Melbourne for 12 years and have never been to a live theatre performance other than the little pickles' school productions (which are totally entertaining too). This was a rare "grown up" evening for us as most of our nights out involve family activities. 

My kids would not have gone the distance with this one anyway....the show began at 8pm and runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission. If you have young ones who like musical theatre, I'd suggest a matinee. As much as I loved Once, I doubt it would be my kids cup of tea. They'll wait for Nintendo the musical....

We chose to catch the train into the city so we didn't have to worry about parking. Parliament station is a very short walk from the theatre....easy peasy getting there and getting home too.

I wasn't surprised to learn that Once is the only show to have music that won the Academy Award®,  Grammy Award®, Olivier Award and Tony Award®. 

Set in modern day Dublin, Once is the story of a Guy who gave up on his music and his love and the Girl who inspired him to dream again.  

We were truly blown away by the cast and the talents they brought to the stage. 

I don't think I've ever seen a group of people with the ability to sing, dance, act AND play several musical instruments so well. 

Inspiring to say the least.

Guy and Girl are played by Tom Parsons and Madeleine Jones who perform the Oscar award-winning song ‘Falling Slowly’ . Their voices will blow you away...I can't get the song out of my head (and I don't want to).

x Marnie

Spring Salad

We ate this salad today.
Loved it.
Will be making more of it.
Here's what's in it.

• Rocket
• Capsicum (red peppers)
• Fresh corn 
• Red Onion
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Good 4U+U Crunchy Combo (a mix of legumes like mung, peas, chic) I got them from Coles, next to the rocket. I have also used canned 4 bean mix and canned chic peas.
• Carrot
• Freshly steamed, green beans
• A drained can of red salmon
• Avocado
• Salt & pepper
• Salad dressing

Toss to combine & serve with Turkish bread if you like.

x Marnie

Homemade Lemonade with Ginger

 ’This post is an entry into the Nuffnang ‘Fresh Recipe’ Network Competition, thanks to BRITA. Check out betterwithbrita.com for inspiration and exclusive recipes by Gary Mehigan’.

After nearly 2 years of TLC, our 25 year old lemon tree is back in action. 

Although tiny, the lemons are just as sweet and tangy as they have always been....so it's time for homemade lemonade. 

But this time I'm adding a spicy twist. Ginger!

Our lovely old lemon tree has tried so hard to recover from the wasp damage and I feel I owe it to her to use as many lemons as possible this season. 

My 3 little pickles love the occasional sweet drink but I'd much prefer to give them something that is fresh and I'm fully aware of the ingredients...it's why we like to cook from scratch as often as possible. 

I also love the idea of using filtered water in this recipe because I feel secure in knowing that the water I'm using is also fresh and clean. It's often the one ingredient we forget about, yet water would have to be essential in just about every recipe when you think about it.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup plus 6 cups of filtered water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Method:

1. Place the white sugar and 1 cup of the filtered water in a large saucepan. 
2. Stir on low heat until sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil, continue for 2 minutes. 
3. Turn off heat.
4. Add one cup of freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice and some freshly grated ginger, stir. 
5. Put lid on saucepan and leave to rest for 20 minutes. This step makes a huge difference to the finished taste.
6. Add 6 cups of filtered water and stir. Fill a jug with ice, throw in some bruised mint leaves, pour lemonade over ice. Enjoy.

x Marnie

Poached Eggs & Smoked Salmon on Rye

This is a quick, easy & tasty meal that is high in protein and healthy fats. You could lose the toast if you were wanting to reduce the carbs. It would be yummy served in a cup of lettuce instead.

This is the first time I have added a nutritional label to my recipes. I get my labels from Calorie Count   and it is to be used as guide only. I cannot guarantee perfect accuracy, but I have found this site useful for my own diet and calorie counting. If you know of a better site (I'm still looking) then please leave your suggestions and links in the comments please.

Ingredients:

1 free range egg

100g smoked salmon slices

1 slice light rye bread, toasted

1 teaspoon capers, drained

green salad to serve

Method:

• Use your favourite method to poach egg. I like to place a small amour of water into a small frying pan and add a teaspoon of white vinegar. I bring the water to the boil and then turn heat down to a simmer. I crack the egg into a cup and then gently pour into the water. Use a spoon to carefully splash hot water over the top of egg until cooked to your liking, then remove with a slotted spoon.
• Meanwhile, lightly toast the rye bread and arrange on a plate with the slices of smoked salon on top.
• Top with your poached egg and sprinkle with capers.
• Season with salt and pepper to your liking. (I love Himalayan Pink Rock salt)
• Serve with a green salad.

x Marnie