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Sunday (10th March) we went for a "one nighter" to our favourite beach camping spot.

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 Setting Ruby up ... This time we didn't put on the back annexe.

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Nice view...

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Pretty sunset as usual...

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See my little 'ensuite toilet'?

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Barbecue chicken for dinner with salads...

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Breakfast next morning - I discovered that by placing foil on the barbecue grill, it toasts bread or crumpets perfectly, much better than toasting it over the camp cooker flame.

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Prior to our camping trip, I had a go at making Panacotta (vanilla bean flavour).  I made a strawberry syrup and put that aside.  Then I heated some frozen berries with some sugar and let that dissolve.  I chilled that in the fridge until needed.

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The recipe made 4 glasses of panacotta so we had them over two nights.
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  The first night with the berries and strawberry syrup - so delicious! 

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Then the next night I chopped up some fresh mango, mashed it then heated that in a pan with a little sugar to make a coulis.  When I served it cold, I just added fresh chopped mango.  So good!  I think I need to make a 'low fat' version as the recipe used full fat milk and cream.  I think skim milk would work just as well.  It was actually a bit 'fatty' in my mouth so will try that.  Definitely a fan of panacotta though!

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Last Monday, I also made some more pickled beetroot.  I bought 2 bunches of beets for $8 and this gave me 4 jars.

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While the beets are cooking you can make your spiced vinegar. Into a saucepan place:
1 cup water2 cups vinegar - I used apple cider vinegar2 ½ tablespoons sugar½ teaspoon salt2 teaspoons of mixed spices - I mixed up a combo of celery seeds, mustard seeds and peppercorns and used two teaspoons of the mix.
Bring this mixture to the boil and simmer it for two minutes.

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I tried a jar today, after just 1 week and it is delicious.  Um, I ate the whole jar full, some for lunch then I snacked on it later.... beetroot guilt!
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Thursday, I made another delicious beef curry - I like making these when Gus is going to be late home, so I can just have it simmering, ready to go.
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Kirby has been home this weekend which has been lovely.  Just two nights but it's great to see her! :)

Gus did a roasted shoulder of lamb in the Weber kettle and I roasted some veggies inside.  Pumpkin, garlic and red onion, drizzled with oil, balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper and salt, baby chat potatoes.

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I also did Maple Syrup glazed carrots, very nice!

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Today I made some bread rolls for Kirby to take home to share with Brianna.

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I also made some Weekender biscuits (with choc chips)...

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It's been a restful weekend.  Kirby just texted to say she was home safe so...  Life is good!

Joolz xx