Sunshine Soup - A Hearty Bowl of Goodness

When winter settles in, we're naturally drawn to foods that are warming, nourishing and bring a cosy feel to our meals - Comfort food. Soup offers infinite possibilities - from the most rustic and hearty, to the ultimate in refined sophistication. They all have their place.

This is a healthy, hearty and nourishing soup that uses orange vegetables for a dose of sunshine coloured goodness. It's delicious, simple to make, easy to reheat, can be frozen and reheated (valuable for an easy meal when time is short).

The proportions can be adjusted to suit - Both for quantity, and for the mix of vegetables selected.

Shades of orange - Simple, healthy ingredients

INGREDIENTS

1 leek

3 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon of ras al hanout (Moroccan spice mix)

50 grams of butter

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

500 grams of pumpkin, peeled and diced

500 grams of orange sweet potato, peeled and diced

250 grams of carrots, roughly chopped

1 bay leaf

1/2 an orange

1 1/2 - 2 litres of water, chicken, meat or vegetable stock

ACCOMPANIMENTS

4 tablespoons of caramelised onion

Coriander leaves to sprinkle

Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Wash the leek thoroughly and slice finely. Peel and chop the garlic. Melt the butter gently in a large, heavy pan, add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. Put the leeks and garlic into the pan, cook until soft but not browned. Add the ras al-hanout and stir through. Add the vegetables and bay leaf, stir. Pour over the stock or water, squeeze in the juice of the orange.

Simmer until the vegetables have cooked down to a nice, soft consistency. Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly, remove bay leaf before blending to a velvet-smooth puree - Season to taste. Bring back up to heat before serving.

TO SERVE

Ladle hot soup into warmed bowls. Spoon over some warm, caramelised onion, scatter some fresh coriander leaves, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.

This is just one serving suggestion - the options are endless. You could try:

- Crumbled blue cheese and fresh thyme

- Toasted nuts and seeds, scattered with some chopped parsley

- Crisp fried bacon and sage leaves

- Spoonful of yoghurt and sprinkle of dukkah

It's a good time of year to enjoy a bit of hibernation and some soul food - And to get out and embrace the chilly weather, knowing you have a warm soup to come home to - or to enjoy at work for an easy, healthy lunch.

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Nicola is passionate about good, clean cooking and sharing great food ideas for doctors. Click below to read more from Nicola's series of seasonal food articles:

Always on the go?

The perfect travel kit for you.  

Prescript knows that long hours travelling and being away from home can take their toll.  If you locum in 2016 through Prescript you'll receive either a (MALIN+GOETZ) Essentials Bag or an Aesop Jet Set Kit. Perfect for the weary traveller.  

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If you're a doctor that would like to partner with Prescript Recruitment, we would be delighted to talk to you. Click on the button below to request a call, subscribe for updates or register as a candidate.

Jungle or Space Theme? Making MRI Scans Child Friendly

Calming & Friendly - Child-Centric Care

I always remember visits to my childhood doctor because of the large jar of sweets he had on his desk.  I can't remember the reasons for the different visits, but I remember the reward for being 'good' (for good, read compliant!).  

I also had an extended hospital stay on a children's ward when I was young. Even though there were sad times, for the most part I remember the love and care provided by the nurses.  They and the hospital created the best possible environment for recovery - over 30 years later I can still describe to you a lot of the little details that helped.

Making a visit to a dentist, a clinic or a hospital can be bewildering for a child. Finding methods to make their experience calming and friendly is so important.  I loved reading these two separate articles from different parts of the word on how they have tried to make traditional radiology rooms more child-friendly.

'Making Imaging Centers Child Friendly' // Location: USA

"Movie goggles. Basketball stars. Images of fish swimming through the room. Monkeys on the scanner. A room bathed in color. Not only do these distraction techniques in children’s radiology units make kids and parents happier, they’re often decreasing the need for sedation during the studies."- See more at: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/

'Child-Friendly MRI Suites Reduce Need for Sedation' // Location: Singapore

One MRI scan room has a spaceship theme done up by staff in 2008. The jungle- themed room was set up in 2012 but only decorated last year. A professional artist was commissioned to create the vinyl decals of zebras, pandas and macaws in a bid to make the room more child-friendly.' - See more at https://www.healthxchange.com.sg

What's been your experience?  Does your workplace have an imaging department that is child-friendly?

Eating Well When Away From Home

Alternatives To Always Eating Out

When we’re away from home for a period of time for work or holiday; having every meal at a restaurant, nice as it can be, sometimes wears a bit thin. Especially when you want to eat well, stay healthy and still enjoy making a few things yourself, rather than eating out all the time. If there are limited kitchen facilities and equipment, this can be a little challenging.

Here are some ideas for easy meals to have whilst ‘on the road’. They’re aimed at keeping healthy; providing the opportunity to taste local produce and specialties; enjoy good meals outside or on the run – at work for example; and even entertain where there is the opportunity.

Culinary Tool Kit

Depending on where you are and what your accommodation and resources are like, a culinary ‘tool kit’ to travel with can be a lifesaver.

A few of these essentials – and any others that are to your own personal taste, can help you make the most of local food that you can make at your home away from home:

• Salt and pepper – there are some good quality disposable grinders full of the likes of Himalayan salt and organic black pepper available.

• A small bottle of extra virgin olive oil – perfect for dressing a salad or for dipping with local bakers’ bread.

• A small, sharp cutting knife and/or a small serrated knife

• Small wooden chopping board – can be used for presenting cheeses and other snacks you’ve bought too.

• A reasonable sized plastic container that can be used for mixing up a salad – and for transporting food you’ve made to work with you if you’re away from home, or for taking out for picnics if you’re on holiday.

Staying Local

A visit to a local farmers’ market is always the best place to experience the best of local produce and artisan foods and drinks. There are normally good websites to let you know times and days of the markets in every region. Of course if you like a glass of wine and you’re in an area with vineyards, a visit to the cellar door is always a good experience.

Even the most basic supermarkets offer choices of simple, whole foods – avoid heavily processed or high sugar items ideally - rather, go for any fresh produce available. Fresh, raw vegetables and avocado cut up with some good quality hummus, pesto or other dips from the refrigerated section make a pretty good snack.

Quick, Easy, Healthy and Delicious

For an impromptu meal – an option could be some freshly baked bread, good quality local cheese, olives, fresh tomatoes and salad greens and perhaps some fruit. With these humble ingredients, a very satisfying picnic or simple meal at your accommodation can be produced – no cooking required.

Here’s a simple board of a couple of cheeses, sliced pear and some good, local bread. Some olives or other simple antipasti items would be perfect to add to this. This could be a simple meal for one, or very acceptable offering to friends if they join you for a drink and catch up.

Do you have your own ideas to share?  Please leave a comment below or click on the button to request a call.

Buon appetito!

Nicola

Hervey Bay & Maryborough QLD - Location Report

WHAT
WHERE
HERVEY BAY & MARYBOROUGH

quintessential FRASER COAST

Here's an overview focused around the main towns of the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Situated around 290km North of Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, the Fraser Coast and surrounds in the greater Wide Bay-Burnett region, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and discover some of Australia’s most prized natural wonders.

With its delightfully warm climate, pristine coastline and stunning scenery, the Fraser Coast is a perfect destination for those wanting some quintessential Australian beach-life and adventures on the water.

Hervey Bay and Maryborough are just 30km, or about 20 minutes drive apart making it easy to move between the two and the road through from Brisbane provides easy access. There are also flights depending on where you're traveling from.

HERVEY BAY

A relaxed town with a population of around 63,000, is a great base to stay, explore the town itself and relax into the many beach activities and café culture right there. From here, you can access what are without a doubt, the ‘must experience’ activities and destinations. There are plenty to choose from and luckily, very well resourced information available in regional tourism sites, to help you plan exactly what you want to do.

With over 40km of pristine beaches stretching out from it, Hervey Bay is the place to experience world class fishing; boating culture; water sports of every type - and the 'laid back' vibe that can give even the most over-worked city visitor the chance to change down a few gears and totally relax. If you like fresh seafood then you're in luck too!

MARYBOROUGH

Maryborough by contrast to Hervey Bay’s salty, beach-led lifestyle,  has a lovely change of pace into a historic, heritage town that offers a wonderful insight into colonial life and industry of days gone by.  The charming old port city of Maryborough was in the mid 1800s, a thriving port town second only to Sydney as Australia’s main immigration point for thousands of new settlers who flocked here. The original wharf district has now been converted to a heritage precinct, Portside which is another ‘must see’ to add onto the list.

One claim to fame loved by the locals, is the fact that Maryborough, named for the Mary River, is the birthplace of much loved Mary Poppins author, Pamela Travers.

A good way to explore the town is a peaceful wander around the historic streets with the old homes and pubs giving a glimpse into times gone by in some part of Australian history.

DON'T MISS...

We’ve selected just two special features of the surrounding region to feature. There are so many things to choose from, including all water sports, fishing and boating, but whale watching, and of course, a trip to the iconic Fraser Island had to be top of the list.

FRASER ISLAND

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is surely one of the Earth’s ultimate islands. The incredible beaches accessible by boat and from the stunning 120km of beach highway have to be experienced to be believed. As do the astonishing coloured sands. And as if that’s not enough, you then have the cool of the towering, ancient rainforests to walk through plus over one hundred freshwater lakes to swim in including the iconic Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

Of course with all this to see, it’s ideal to dedicate at least a few days to the island. Accommodation on offer ranges from casual and low budget, right through to luxury eco lodges.

If you’re short on time however, even a day trip over from Hervey Bay will give you a taste of the beauty that is Fraser Island.

WHALE WATCHING

The Fraser Coast is recognized at the World Capital for whale watching. Seeing the magnificent humpback whales in close proximity from a boat and hearing all about them from well-educated staff is something not to be missed. There are all sorts of tours and packages to choose from so it’s worth having a browse to find one that suits your wishes.

Boats are well equipped and tours often include lunch or other refreshments. It’s a great family experience to have and a memorable one for anyone.

Don’t forget your camera!

EATING & DRINKING

Like many parts of Australia, there is a growing passion on the Fraser Coast for local, seasonal food and an emphasis on sustainable fishing and good practices for farming and looking after animals and land. It’s worth exploring seeking out the restaurants and cafes that live by these principals.

Here you can browse a comprehensive guide to cafes, restaurants and bars all over the Fraser Coast, find exactly what you want, whether it’s fine dining, chips on the wharf, or anything in between.

Farmers markets are always the places to find the best produce, artisan products, healthy food, indulgent treats and a offer a chance to interact and get to know some of the friendly locals.

This link to farming, food and produce, gives you a great overview of the locations and details for all the local markets.

This incredible, year-round warm and sunny climate, teamed with the myriad of wonderful natural experiences on both land and sea, make it a pretty appealing place to come for a few days or more. See the links provided throughout this article further information to help you choose some ideal activities for you.

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Prescript can help great Doctors find great places to work (Locum or Permanent) in Hervey Bay & Maryborough. Interested?  Call me +61 0405429799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au - I'd love to hear from you.

Alternatively, click on the button below to 'register as a candidate', 'subscribe for updates' or 'request a call'. 

Wellbeing for Radiologists

HEALTHY RADIOLOGISTS

For those working in healthcare, specifically in this instance, radiologists, there can be a concerning contrast, or disconnect, between looking after other people whilst you’re at work; and looking after yourself and your family at home.

The term 'work-life balance' is regularly heard but what does it mean? And more specifically, what does it mean to you?

We are exploring this subject further at Prescript through talking to radiologists and other professionals in the field of wellbeing. From this, we will bring you inspirational examples of healthy work-life balance being demonstrated.  Our facilitation of open discussion is to capture and promote ideas on how we can all create and maintain a healthy, happy workplace and home.

Prescript Radiology Recruitment was founded on the principles of health and wellbeing.  This encompasses our radiologists; the imaging centres we partner with and by association, the patients you are caring for. Building our services around health and wellbeing was intuitive to us because it aligned with our own personal priorities too. When exploring this concept, it opened further thoughts on how we can have a positive influence on and provide assistance to radiologists. What are the markers for people for living at their best?

What seems logical but appears to be often overlooked is the following concept:

“‘When an individual feels valued, balanced, satisfied and inspired, they will bring the best of themselves into their world, seamlessly – into all their interactions in the workplace, home, community and their natural environment.’”

If we take each of these principles in turn, we are able to look at how, in the world of radiology, they can be applied and improved.

FEELING VALUED

Appreciation, thanks, gratitude shown for efforts made, all help to build a harmonious workplace where radiologists and other staff feel good about being there. A simple concept. Small actions make a big difference. Action? What about consciously voicing thanks to others for the likes of: stepping up to a challenging situation; for working with care; for a friendly face and a smile; for a positive attitude that brings a good energy to the room?

FEELING BALANCED

Knowing that you have your own best mix of variety and interesting challenges in life is important. When we are out of balance, feelings of insecurity, fear, overwhelm and discontent are commonly noted. Having time to relax, time to learn and time to contribute fully at work and home can give us that sense of purpose and balance which greatly contributes to wellbeing.

FEELING SATISFIED

When you do what you love, in the right environment, it’s remarkable how alive you feel, how you don’t feel tired, how content you feel, and generally just happy to be there - even with the normal difficult challenges, disappointments and things that happen in all our lives. Cultivating a good, resilient attitude can contribute incredibly to your feelings of satisfaction - Appreciating and building on the parts of life you want to grow is a concept we can all put into practice.

FEELING INSPIRED

What lights you up? What puts you in a state of being that feels your best self?  How does it feel when you’re engaged with someone or something where time passes in that “timeless” way? Connecting with things you’re passionate about feeds us. Do you find aspects of this in your work place and personal life to enjoy?

Our personal health, encompassing mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, must surely be a priority for us as individuals, as family members, as work and community teams and as employers. 

We look forward to bringing you inspiring accounts of people who have learned to thrive in their professional and personal environment and can so help others to do the same.  

Please contact us, Nicola Speer or James Hill at Prescript Radiology Recruitment. We would love to hear your views, advice and experiences in the greater radiology world.

ROAST ORGANIC CAULIFLOWER, CUMIN & CORIANDER SOUP

HEALTHY

DELICIOUS

FOOD

ENJOY THE COMING WINTER DAYS WITH OUR

ROAST ORGANIC CAULIFLOWER, CUMIN & CORIANDER SOUP

I’ve long said that soup is one of the major benefits of cold, winter weather. This one is a winner and so easy. It’s beautiful as an entree to a winter dinner. Served in a larger bowl, it becomes a hearty lunch, with crusty toast or warm flat bread,

The velvet-smooth roasted cauliflower soup, with the Middle Eastern spices of cumin and coriander is healthy too. Finish it with a sprinkling of za-artar,  a spoonful of fresh, organic yoghurt, fresh thyme and a drizzle of stunning organic Moroccan argan oil from Colour of Maroc, or organic extra virgin olive oil.

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ROAST ORGANIC CAULIFLOWER, CUMIN & CORIANDER SOUP RECIPE

Ingredients - For 4 servings

1 large organic cauliflower

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely diced

5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon of ground coriander

1 teaspoon of cumin powder

2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil

5 cups of filtered water, or good quality vegetable or chicken stock

50 grams of Parmesan rind (optional)

Sea salt and pepper

To finish the soup:

Organic plain yoghurt

Extra Parmesan to grate or shave over

Za-atar spice mix

Sprigs of fresh thyme

Organic argan oil – or extra virgin olive oil

Turn oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

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Cut the cauliflower into even sized florets. Toss in olive oil to coat, season with sea salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes or until golden.

In a large, heavy based saucepan, gently cook the onion and garlic in butter or coconut oil until soft. Add the cumin and coriander and allow to toast slightly without burning. Add the water or stock, Parmesan rind and the cauliflower. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Take off the heat, remove the Parmesan rind and blend in batches until velvet smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Reheat gently to serve. Ladle into bowls.

Top with a spoonful of yoghurt, a sprinkle of za-artar, some thyme leaves and a good drizzle of argan or extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle over the Parmesan if using for a more cheese-rich soup.

We hope you enjoy the warming recipe for this soup. Coming up over winter, we’ll share other recipes and would love to hear your favourites too.

Thank you,

Nicola