new year, new salad

New year, new waves of scorn-filled hatred at couples who interrupt the pedestrian flow on my walk to work to pash each other goodbye. Just when I think my frozen heart is melting, that kind of scene will greet my Tuesday before my requisite caffeine injection. At least the sun has finally decided to come to the party, albeit sporadically.

Some things don't change, and let's just say the euphoria I had this time last year has not been forthcoming since my return to reality. Don't get me wrong, my summer holiday was fun, but inspiration in the kitchen and otherwise is not presenting itself in the most obvious ways this week. Yes, chances are I'm still recovering from a weekend that involved a beer-induced nap at about 7pm on Saturday night and a 9 hour car drive on Sunday. But more about that later.

Routine has proven difficult also, and baby steps have been necessary. Monday I managed to not eat christmas cake at morning tea, or gins with lunch, or cheese and crackers pre-dinner. I had a healthy and delicious detox-friendly bean salad before forgoing the gym (like I said, baby steps) for some catch up beers in the sun.

I know what you're all thinking. Oh! Another salad featuring tinned legumes! Hey - at least this one doesn't have roast broccoli in it, ok? And like I said, it's been a rough couple of days adjusting to routine and what-not again. This is actually delicious. And takes about 3 minutes to assemble when you're rushing out the door. Cheap and easy and damn damn good. Just the way summer lunches should be.

And never fear, coming up there will be duck a l'orange, twice-baked souffle and guinness chocolate cake. Promise!

Back to work bean salad

Combine the following gently in a bowl and distribute into lunch containers!


One can of Delmaine's four-bean mix, drained and rinsed, half a large ripe avocado, cut into large chunks, a few of those slightly-larger-than-normal cherry tomatoes (I am usually a hater of raw tomato in salads, unless well dressed and ripe, like in a caprese salad or a greek one, but these sweet beauties are just the ticket) crunchy sprout raw bean combo, baby rocket, pumpkin seeds, cubes of Feta and a small drizzle of olive oil (chilli infused is bloody good).

So, baby steps being back in town. I'll get through the mountain of laundry, I'll keep the fresh hydrangeas on my desk, and I'll continue sexying-up my cereal with fresh blueberries, strawberries and piako yoghurt for as long as I can. I'm sure the first few days are the hardest, and really I have nothing to whinge about; concerts galore, exciting visitors to Wellington and grand plans are brewing!