Oven

it hasn't worked for the last three weeks and it doesn't look like it will be fixed anytime soon.

So that leaves me with the stove and a slow cooker.

Are there any good no-bake/ slow cooker dessert recipes that you really like? Other thank no-bake cookies that is. We are a bit burnt out on those. Oh and no recipes including bananas right now. The last big hurricane wiped out the banana population (again!). Right now they are at $12/ kilo ($6/lb).

I am a bit tired of stir-fry and curries as well. Have any good slow cooker recipes?

Need some ideas. Help!

Lentils as anything

We have once again come to the season in our budgetary lives when we begin to save up for a trip back to the States. When the decision is made the budget gets a thorough look over. Only a few categories in the budget escape the chopping block. The grocery bill is not one of them.

So due to our decision to start saving for a trip home and also because of living in an expensive city, we eat lentils. I would say several times a month. We tend to not eat much red meat, mostly for the reason above but also because lentils are a bit healthier.

Here are four lentil foods we tend to eat a lot of.

1. Moroccan Stew and Couscous

2. Lentil Enchiladas

3. Lentil & Vegetable Lasagna

4. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

5. Dahl ( I haven't made it for ages so it doesn't fit with the above criteria )

I need to find some more recipes.

Since this post is about lentils I thought I would mention one of our favorite places to eat in Melbourne. The restaurant (there are two now) is called Lentil as Anything. The following is a mission statement from their website:

Lentils provides unique training and educational opportunities for many people who are struggling to find a place in mainstream institutions. Currently, it provides a place for the long term unemployed, new migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities to build confidence, gain skills and receive assistance with access to legal, health, housing and education services.

Besides being unique in how they serve the community they are also unique in how they price their meals. They simply don't. If you take a look on their menu you won't see any prices. Its based on a honesty policy. They have a tin on the front bench top where you place your "tips" based on what you feel like you should give.  Again a statement from their site that sums it all up:

We would love to welcome you as part of our community. We extend our hospitality offering you vegetarian cuisine cooked with love and gratitude. Our unique financial model functions independent of any government funding and we rely on your generosity in order to pay our rent, utilities, wages and stock.
Make an agreement with your conscience on what is reasonable, how much you enjoyed your food, our philosophy and our community. Be part of a unique financial model that is centred on the values of trust, generosity and respect that gives people the opportunity to eat out and be social regardless of their financial situation.

I know it sounds a bit hippie like but their food is great. I think it is interesting that they are trying to survive without government help when so much of the population expects the handout. I also like the fact that these establishments are stepping stones for some of the many refugees and immigrants we have in the area.

If you come visit we will take you there and you can try the Japanese pancakes. Warning though, they are heavy on the onions.