This Christmas I am in London and will be celebrating my first (not white) UK Christmas but also Christmas Eve dinner as my partner is of Polish heritage. I am on ‘salad and sides’ cooking duties and whipped up these incredibly delicious vegetable salads to go with the meat. We had 5 people at dinner and had lots of left overs for lunch the next day. Would serve up to 8 people happily. Here are my 3 recipes; Continue reading “CHRISTMAS SIDES AND SALADS”
My favourite unhealthy biscuit on the market is a a two way tie between the Gingernut biscuit and the Monte Carlo – both Aussie Aarnott’s classics. But we all know that these highly processed biscuits are packed with preservatives and refined sugars that aren’t good for our waistlines when consumed out of moderation. So how can be have our biscuit and eat it too? By removing the nasty stuff and baking my healthy alternative ginger bread biscuits yourself. You can add a thumb print of homemade strawberry jam (recipe from the I Quit Sugar blog) for a cheeky festive touch and Monte Carlo effect. I shall call these my ‘Gingerbread men from Monte Carlo’ biscuits. Don’t forget to put a couple out for Santa with a glass of almond mylk too. He will love them! Not to mention how insanely incredible and festive your house will smell. Continue reading “OH MY GINGERBREAD MEN”
For day 24 of Nutritional November and conveniently TreatYoSelfTuesday I bring you this iced mocha smoothie to kick start your day. Packed with protein, potassium, healthy carbs, fats and caffeine it will be sure to set you off on the right foot.
ICED MOCHA SMOOTHIE
Serves 1 – GF DF P SF – 3 minutes
1-2 frozen bananas
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (the native dark cacao by Bare Blends is my fave)
1 tsp instant coffee powder
Whizz all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy in a big glass or on the go. Happy TUESDAY!!!
K
Well the answer to that is YES!! ABSOLUTELY!!! Eggs are a very important part of a healthy clean eating lifestyle and one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are a great source of healthy fats and protein which keep you feeling full. They are also super easy to cook, relatively inexpensive and easy to transport!! Continue reading “ARE EGGS ALL THAT THEY ARE CRACKED UP TO BE?”
Granola is an absolute staple when it comes to pantry breakfasts essentials. You can use it to decorate your smoothie jar or bowls, enjoy some with yoghurt and berries, eat it like muesli or even sprinkle some on your muffins (banana date muffin recipe HERE) before they hit the oven. However, not all granolas are created equally or are the ‘healthy’ option when it comes to breakfast. Just because it says gluten free or natural doesn’t mean that it is healthy or clean. Unfortunately!!
But the perfect solution is to make your own granola!! It is literally a toss and mix sort of recipe and you should have most ingredients in your pantry already. You can make different flavours or add what ever you like depending on your taste buds. My favourite would have to be the maple and cinnamon granola. Of course with my mild (ok major) cinnamon addiction you can see why I love this one so much. Especially with xmas only around the corner its the perfect present to jar up and gift to loved ones and therefore I give you – THE CHRISTMAS SPICED GRANOLA!!! Jam packed with maple, cinnamon and apple. What’s not to love?
MAPLE, APPLE AND CINNAMON CHRISTMAS GRANOLA
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mixed nuts – lightly chopped or crushed
2/3 cup shredded coconut or coconut flakes
1/2 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup pepitas and sunflower seeds
1TBS cinnamon
1tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup pure maple syrup (you can use honey if preferred)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup apple sauce
ADD THE FOLLOWING AFTER BAKING
1/2 cup currents or sultanas
2/3 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup goji berries (the red berries looks very festive)
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a LARGE bowl melt the coconut oil and add the maple, apple sauce and spices. In a separate bowl add all the oats, seeds, nuts and coconut and mix thoroughly – do not add the dried fruit as it will burn in the oven. Slowly pour the ‘wet’ mixture onto the oats and mix with your hands until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly over 2 lined oven trays and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Give it a toss (with tongs) and place it back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. When it looks nice and crunchy take out of the oven and leave to cool. Toss in the chopped dried fruit and simply jar up!! Store in the pantry in a sealed container or jar for up to 4 weeks.
K
Chocolate is just one of those things that makes us happy. FACT! It’s actually scientifically proven too!! OH YOU BETCHA. Chocolate is a very nutritious source of antioxidants which are good for our inner health, skin, brain function and hormones. Personally I don’t need much more reason than that and that’s why I rarely go a day without some form of chocolate. And why should we? Continue reading “CHOCA-HOLIC”
Bananas have always been one of my favourite fruits. If you think bananas are just for monkeys… think again. But hey we are part monkey after all right? And a banana was probably the first solid food that you ever ate as a baby. But more to the point. Continue reading “BA BA BA BA NA NAAAAAA BANANNAA”
It has been a while since I have done a Feature Friday on the blog. Sorry – I have been traveling the world sunning myself for hours on pebbley beaches and cheersing to cocktails at sunset (a lovely way to live for those interested) But it also means that I have neglected a part of me that I am passionate about. My Health, fitness and wellbeing and writing . SO back to the drawing board they say and what better way to start than an Italian style FEATURE FRIDAY. And what better Italian dessert than the ever so famous Tiramisu. This gluten, sugar and dairy free Tiramisu is one to add to the to do list this weekend or the next family affair. An old sugary favourite with a healthy kick thanks to the gorgeous foodie blogger Emily from “This Rawsome Vegan Life” Continue reading “FEATURE FRIDAY – RAW VEGAN TIRAMISU SLICE”
Because I don’t keep things very private or quiet (never have) you probably ALL know that today is my last day at work. It feels like the last day of school. The unknown of leaving high school or graduating university. Anyway enough of that for now… as my last Friday at work I thought it fitting to have en epic Feature Friday. As a kid those Jaffa chocolate balls were my fave! I love the combo of chocolate and orange (thanks to my dad) and have been drooling over a Jaffa cheesecake for a while now. Continue reading “RAW CHOCOLATE ORANGE JAFFA CHEESECAKE – FEATURE FRIDAY”
Growing up Mac n Cheese was a staple in our household. Mum used to make the most insane mac that we all devoured! I have made mum’s classic dish a few times over the last couple of years but wanted to make a ‘healthy’ completely guilt free version for the gluten intolerant and of course add as many vegetables as I possibly can into the mix without making it look like a stir fry. SUCCESS!!! Continue reading “5 HIDDEN VEGGIE MAC ‘N’ CHEESE”
KATIE MORGAN 