It’s October favourite finds time! It’s been another good month here at ISPP HQ with lots of old favourites making still making appearances (comedy nights! Go-To Skincare! reusable bags!) as well as some new additions too. I’d love to hear about any new favourite things in your world this month as well!
Matcha Products
I’ve shared my love of all things Matcha Maiden here previously (including an interview with the co-founder Sarah), but this month when I was placing an order for some more matcha I added some of the collaboration products to my cart as well and boy am I glad I did!
The matcha cheesecake balls were oh-so delicious (and so quick and easy to whip up!) but my absolute favourite is the matcha seasoning. It is an amazing blend of ingredients that kind of tastes like a matcha dukkah and I have been adding it to pretty much everything – eggs, steamed veggies, avocado on toast, you name it. If you’re looking for a flavour boost in your kitchen I highly recommend you give it a try!
STREAT Cafe
Way back at the start of the month I visited Cromwell Street for brunch, the newest cafe in the STREAT group. STREAT is a social enterprise that provides training and support to at-risk youths and they have a few cafes across Melbourne, as well as running catering services. The Cromwell Street site is more than just a cafe though, it is also a bakery, coffee roaster and HQ for the whole organisation. The coffee was tasty, the food was delicious and knowing that by eating their we were helping to fund their services, well you can’t beat that in my books. I can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu, and pick up some coffee beans to take home too!
Alternative Pastas
I’ve tried some of these before, but this month I really got into alternative pastas like the soybean spaghetti as well as mung bean and black bean pastas too. I often like a quick pasta-style dinner on a Sunday night, or whipping up a batch of my lentil bolognese but I don’t always want a heavy pasta as the base and these fill the gap perfectly! Plus, they are high in protein and fibre as well as vegan friendly and gluten free – excellent for everyone!
Cold Coffee
Whilst Spring doesn’t appear to have properly sprung here in Melbourne yet I have still moved towards drinking my coffee cold. I have been experimenting making my own cold brew coffee at home using my aeropress which I’ve had pretty good success with although I’m still working out exactly what setting on my hand grinder gives the best result. I’ve also tried a few delicious options from my local shops which are a much quicker option, but obviously I’d prefer to perfect it at home too! Either way, cold coffee will be a firm fixture in my kitchen for the next few months that’s for sure!
These are my October Favourite Finds – I’d love to hear about yours as well!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Rebecca
October 29, 2016 at 12:53 pm (7 years ago)Thanks for the roundup… I’ve just ordered some of the Matcha collaboration products now!
I’m curious where you get the alternative pasta products from… I’m assuming they’re not regular supermarket brands. Have you been using a variety of different brands, or just the Eco Organics?
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 1, 2016 at 4:12 pm (7 years ago)Ooh let me know what you think of them!
I get them from my local organic/health food stores, and I have actually got them from Costco in the past as well. Eco Organics seems to be the most common brand, but I have tried a couple of others in the past as well (I just can’t remember the brand names right now!)
vegeTARAian
October 29, 2016 at 5:34 pm (7 years ago)Gosh that soybean spaghetti sounds interesting – I’ll have to keep an eye out!
Thanks a bunch for joining the My Monthly Loves link up, I hope to see you there again next month. x
vegeTARAian recently posted…Grilled pumpkin with dairy-free miso butter
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 1, 2016 at 4:12 pm (7 years ago)The black bean and mung bean ones are great too, although I think the soybean is my favourite! xx
merilyn
October 31, 2016 at 7:04 am (7 years ago)interesting finds thanks liz!
must try the lentil Bolognese.
love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 1, 2016 at 4:14 pm (7 years ago)Lentil bolognese is one of my favourite comfort meals!
Paula, The Geeky Shopaholic
October 31, 2016 at 2:32 pm (7 years ago)I love cold coffee! I drink it even in Winter.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 1, 2016 at 4:15 pm (7 years ago)It’s so good isn’t it! I sometimes have it in winter but normally need the warmth as well!