Volunteer Degustation dinner @ realfoods

So last night the volunteers and I (I being a volunteer of Realfoods) learnt how to use the Thermomix machine. This machine can do lots of stuff such as mixing, chopping, grinding and the list goes on. A machine costs around $2000 to buy. You can't buy this in store or online, just by direct sales.
This was really fun and we got to make and try:
Orange juice

Samosas and pies

Banana and strawberry sorbet

Green smoothie

Beetroot salad

Warm Quinoa with carrots, bean sprouts, beetroot etc salad.

Hommus dip

Pizza


















Chocolate nutmilk made out of real nuts.

We also had fun playing with the machine.
So students if you have time volunteer at Realfoods for a couple of hours per week and there you will learn some valuable cooking skills as well as get to attend some events like these.

Chocolate

1) Cadbury's dark chocolate- 500g block- Price $3-$5. Not really dark, more milky and really sweet. Rating: 3.5/5
2) Lindt Strawberry chocolate- 250g block- Price: Really flavoursome and not too sweet.
3) Hersleys chocolate- its American and you can buy this at Costco in the city. They have all sorts of different flavours. Rating 2/5

sauces

Sauces are a quintessential ingredient for cooking. Here I tried a few asian and non asian sauces.
Key ratings: 1- not recommended, 2- disappointed and will not try again (try it at your own peril), 3- neutral, 4- good and will try again, 5- recommended.
1)ABS- Kecap manis (this was a sample and thus has not hit the shelves yet. When it does I will let you know). It was really sweet and soy flavoured, better than the Indomie Mi Goreng sauce. Rating 4.5/5
2) Chang's Oyster sauce- it was a little bit sweet and not salty enough. Recommended for Peking duck, because of the sweetness. Price: $2- $3. Rating: 3.5/5
3) Premimum oyster sauce- it was really salty, like how oyster sauce should be. Perfect for asian dishes such as beef with oyster sauce. Price: Rating: 4/5
4) Ayam hot chilli sauce- Rather disappointing, as it was sweet and not hot enough. Avoid. Price: $1.50-$3. Rating: 1/5

Snacks

Here are the list of snacks and their ratings:
1= not recommended
2= really bad
3= neutral
4= really good
5= recommended

1) John west tuna crackers- these are good for people on the go and that can't stop for lunch. This has got great omega 3 oils, found in the fish. Rating: 3.5/5
2) Edgells three bean mix- very expensive when you can make your own. I usually don't like the dressings in them, but good for people on the move. Price: $2.50. Ratings: 3.1/5
3) Be natural bars- I love that they have lots of museli in them to give you an energy kick. They are another healthy snack. It is an excellent choice for students who are in a hurry and can't sit down for breakfast. Price: $4-$6. Rating: 4.2/5
4) Cobs popcorn- very organic and gluten free. In fact they taste better than the ones you get at the movies. Even though they are slightly sweet they still taste like real popcorn. Price:$3.50-$5. Rating: 4.6/5.
5) The Vege chip company's deli crisps- even though these are not organic you'll be hooked on them. They have a mixture of flavours in each packet and are not too salty like some of the other chips. They do not contain a lot of oil. Price: Rating: 3.8/5.
6) Real foods corn thins- about $1.80/$2 per packet. They are a good filler. You can put almost anything on top and have about three pieces for your lunch/breakfast or afternoon tea. Rating: 3.9/5
7) ABE's bagel crisps- about $3.30-$4 per packet. You can eat them whole, use it with dips/soups and salads as croutons. They have a few different flavours and are nice and crunchy. Rating: 3.8/5
8) Red rock deli honey soy chicken chips- these are high in salt. These are also flavoursome. There is a lot of herbs in this. Not recommended for everyday eating because of its empty calories but good for the movies. Rating: 2.8/5
9) Arnotts tim tams mint flavour- the flavour is really intense and this is good for when you are down. I love dark chocolate. This is one of my favourite snacks. Rating: 4/5

breakfast items

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You can make your own, but if do not have time you could try these.
1) Jalna's yoghurt-  this is a great filler for breakfast. They have good bacteria and are great for your digestive system. Have it with museli, toast or your favourite breakfast cereal. They come in small to huge sizes and are sold at the supermarkets. They are priced between $3-$7.
2) Carmen's museli- this museli is from Victoria. They cost between $4-$7 and are a great filler. They taste great too.
3) You'll love Coles Museli- this is a great filler and it lasts for about one month. Quite filling too and they come in all sorts of flavours. Costs between $3.50-$4 and is only available at Coles.
4) Kelloggs Just right- it can be a little heavy at times, but its ok as a sometimes food. Prices are from $4-$6 per box.
5) Be Natural clusters- its very similar to museli and is good for you. It has some of the nutrients you need to start the day such as folate.
6) You'll love Coles Bakery Crossaints- these are much nicer and more flavoursome than the one's at Bakers Delight.
7) Tip top bread- its made with all sorts of artificial stuff that is not good for you. Rating: 1.5/5
8) Abbotts bakery bread- about $2.50/$3.00 per loaf. Good and it fills you right up. Rating: 3.8/5
9) Leavison's bread- about $3.00 per loaf. Big slices that will fill you up. The price is good for the poor student. Rating: 4/5