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.

Darwin - Location Report

WHAT

WHERE

DARWIN

QUINTESSENTIAL DARWIN

The vast Northern Territory of Australia occupies about one sixth of Australia's total landmass. Darwin, the capital city of the territory, is a great place to be based, with an incredible range of truly unique experiences to enjoy - and the perfect gateway to exploring other parts of this incredible part of the world, also known in Australia as the Top End.

Situated on the edge of a vast harbour, larger by comparison than Sydney's, Darwin is Australia’s only fully tropical city, with a fascinating diversity of people, culture, history and natural wonders.

Darwin, facing out over the Timor Sea, is a vibrant, exciting city that draws on its cultural diversity in its array of food, entertainment and lifestyle – and offers plenty to show off the Northern Territory’s remarkable scenery from rainforest wilderness, desert to ocean and the abundant wildlife in each of these contrasting environments.

More than 50 nationalities are represented here, including the indigenous people whose history, art and culture is a must to learn about whilst here. Reflecting the many nationalities living here in Darwin, the food markets and local restaurants also provide a delicious culinary map to enjoy.

FOOD

Darwin has plenty to offer the culinary adventurer. Buzzing street-side restaurants and bars, Darwin's cultural mix is deliciously represented in the many places to eat within the city. Fresh, local seafood, Asian food, Australian bush food, European food with a local flavour – and you always have the choice from 5 star fine dining to casual restaurants to delicious street stalls and cheap, good quality food.

FOOD MARKETS

An essential visit to experience the heart of Darwin’s diversity is the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Enjoy international cuisine from over 60 food stalls – Fresh, fun, cheap, good street food – Sri Lankan, Turkish, Greek, Cambodian, Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, local Australian – and eat on the beach as the sun sets over the Arafura Sea.

There are also arts and crafts stalls to browse for hand made items, local and international. Music, street performers, fire twirling, ice cream carts and fresh, tropical fruit vendors all add to the great atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market is held Sunday and Thursday nights during the dry season – check the website or information centres for details. Mindil Beach is about 2km from Darwin's city centre - an easy walk or jump on buses 4 or 6 instead.

ESSENTIAL ADVENTURES

The natural wonders of the Northern Territory’s famous national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield are only a few hours' drive away and easily accessible by car or through organised tours. Enjoy the heart of Australia on a day tour of adventure and discovery. Towering termite mounds, waterfalls to swim in, wildlife to observe. Take a ride on the Adelaide River where you can spot huge crocodiles from the safety of the boat. Perhaps take the opportunity to go out on an ocean trip, fishing or sight seeing.

Families often enjoy the local adventure parks where visitors can see crocodiles or interact with other wildlife in the Top End. One such place is The Territory Wildlife Park, a 45-minute drive south of Darwin, allows you to see dingoes, enjoy their walk-through aviary, nocturnal house, goose lagoon, aquarium, billabong and monsoon forest walk.

INDIGENOUS ART AND CULTURE

Take the opportunity to explore the enthralling culture of the local Pudakul people on an authentic, nature-based experience. Learn about bush tucker (food) and traditional medicine, try blowing a didgeridoo, play the clapsticks, throw a spear and see basket and dilly bag making demonstrations. Discover the significance of Dreamtime and Djukbinj, the Rainbow Serpent and enjoy damper (bush bread) and tea.

Take some time to explore the well-appointed museums that explain and celebrate the city and territory’s past. The history of this land is truly remarkable – the sad times, the good times – so important for us to learn about and acknowledge in this land steeped in culture.  Stunning galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art and offer explanations of the significance of each piece.

Didgeridoo and clap sticks being played at the Seabreeze Festival

Tiwi Islands

A visit to the Top End would not be complete without a trip to the Tiwi Islands called Melville and Bathurst. The island of Bathurst is just a short boat trip from Darwin. There you can experience life in a modern-day Aboriginal community - learn about the rich and fascinating history and culture of the Tiwi people and take the opportunity to purchase examples of the unique and wonderful Tiwi Island arts and crafts.

AND…RELAX

Once you’re done with adventuring for the day, you might like to watch a movie under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema in Darwin. Perhaps climb aboard a luxury yacht or an old 'pearl lugger' for a dinner cruise around Darwin’s magnificent harbour at sunset. Or, just enjoy a simple sunset picnic with a cold beer and some local food.

USEFUL LINKS

Lonely Planet - Darwin

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Travel NT - useful travel information including accommodation, tours and weather

GETTING THERE

The terminal at Darwin International Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both domestic and international flights leave from the same building. The city centre of Darwin is just 15 minutes drive from the airport.

“Darwin is a place of spiritual, cultural and natural wonder – to be respected and absorbed in awe. To spend a few days or weeks here will surely be a life-long highlight.”

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Have we tempted you yet?  If you would like to try life in Darwin and locum for a week or two, I would be delighted to help.  You can contact me via nicola@prescript.com.au / 0405429799 or click on the button below to request a call, subscribe for updates or register as a candidate.

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.

Noosa - Location Report

Whatever way you relax, you'll find it in Noosa, the Relaxation Capital of Australia. Find out more at www.visitnoosa.com.au.

Quintessential Noosa

Noosa is a stylish and relaxed town on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.  Famous for its scenery, beaches and food, it makes a perfect location to have a break.

What To Do First?

Explore Hastings Street - it is the main street in Noosa - full of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and galleries.  By day, you will see surfers with their boards alongside smart shoppers with boat shoes & Panama hats.  By night, the street is lit with fairy lights hanging from the trees and the atmosphere feels very Mediterranean with people strolling from open-air bars to the beachside restaurants.

Where To Try?

There are so many great choices it's impossible to list them all here.  Two places that ought to be on your list are:

An elegant option - Sails Restaurant - modern Australian cuisine, beach views, great for a special lunch or dinner. 

A relaxed, but trendy option - Miss Moneypenny's - lovely outside decking area.  Serves cocktails and very tasty pizzas.

Beaches

Noosa Main Beach is right by Hastings Street and is patrolled all year round.  Great location to learn how to surf or just to relax on the beach.  If you want to explore you must visit Noosa National Park.   Its entrance is right by the end of the beach and the walk to Hell's Gates rewards you with great views.

Romance

Bring your own bottle of wine and catch a sunset cruise.  Ice bucket and glasses provided, you can cruise the river & canals.  A very relaxing way to start your evening and see some places that are only accessible by water.

“We make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”.   

Only a 20 minute drive away, Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday & Saturday and definitely worth visiting.  Their ethos is “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it” and you'll find individual stalls selling paintings, jewellery, furniture and also great food.

What's On?

Noosa has a full calendar of things to do - from a Surf Festival to a Jazz Festival with everything in-between!  The Visit Noosa website is brilliant for an overview of things you need to know about what's happening in Noosa.

How to get there

It's easy! Sunshine Coast Airport is a 30 minute drive and has regular direct Sydney/Melbourne flights OR you can arrive via Brisbane Airport. There are lots of shuttle buses available if you don't want to drive.

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About Prescript Recruitment

For more information, a great place to start is www.prescript.com.au

You'll find information about our locum and permanent recruitment services for doctors, hospitals and practices.  You'll also find links to our blogs, location reports and other resources.

1300 755 498 // contact@prescript.com.au

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