Quick Porridge Pudding

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Porridge Pudding

Who wants a pudding for breakfast? Oh yes….this little 2 minute pudding is perfect, nutritious, filling, tasty & quick to make, whats not to love!

I love my porridge in the morning as you may know, especially in the winter months. I love experimenting with different techniques & flavours and I just had to try this, the great thing is that you can add any flavour you like, making it your own.

Oats are gluten free and whole oats are rich in antioxidants making them great for you. A great source of fibre & good carbs too.

Makes 1 Cup

40g Porridge Oats

1 Medium Egg

120ml Yoghurt (whichever flavour you prefer, I used Raspberry)

1 Tbsp of raisins & dried Goji berries

1/2 Tsp Vanilla essence (or you could use cinnamon or any flavouring of your choice)

1 Tbsp of Chopped walnuts & seeds for topping (or you could use banana or blueberries etc)

1 Tbsp Yoghurt for topping

  1. Place oats, egg, 120ml yoghurt, raisins & berries along with essence into a mug and mix through until combined.
  2. Cook at 800w power in a microwave for 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t spill over, remove, loosen the edges with a spatula or knife and tip onto a plate
  3. Finish off with some yoghurt, nuts & seeds and enjoy!

Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pink Pitaya Creams

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Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pink Creams

Oh Yum! Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you love Chocolate? Do you love Salted Caramel? Well, you will love these delicious biscuit creams. Perfect with a warm cuppa in the morning, afternoon or evening!

I do love experimenting, I was initially going to try espresso chocolate but decided that might be too many flavours and I’m glad I didn’t as these turned out so delicious. Want the recipe? Here you go. If you try, let me know what you think.

Makes about 8 Biscuits

For the biscuits:-

120g Plain flour

35g Cocoa Powder

35g Powdered Sugar

100g Butter

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

For the Cream Filling:-

75g Butter

65g Powdered Sugar

1 Tsp Salted Caramel Flavouring

1 Tsp Pink Pitaya Powder

  1. Preheat your oven to 175 deg c. Line a baking tray with baking sheet.
  2. In a mixer, combine all the biscuit ingredients until it starts to come together as a dough (couple of minutes)
  3. Roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick and using a cookie cutter, cut out circles until you’ve used up all the dough. Lay onto the baking sheet and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, to make the cream, place butter into the stand mixer and on medium speed whip for about 1-2 minutes. Then add in the sugar, flavouring and pink Pitaya powder, mix on low speed until all combined. You will need to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure mixture is all incorporated. Decant the cream mixture into a piping bag.
  5. Bake the biscuits in the oven for 15 minutes, remove and allow to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, pipe the cream filling onto half of the biscuits and top with the remaining half. Enjoy!

I used my skull & bat embossed rolling pins from https://pastrymade.com/ , they have so many designs, you’ll be stuck for choice.

Classic Bruschetta

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Bruschetta

I do love Bruschetta, in fact anything Italian, it has to be my 2nd favourite cuisine, next to Scottish Cooking, of course!

This is a classic recipe that never fails to satisfy the taste buds. Bruschetta is an antipasto starter consisting of toasted bread with oil and garlic, topped with tomatoes & basil. It’s light & refreshing, a perfect snack, starter or party food dish.

Serves 10-12

1 Baguette or any crusty bread- sliced diagonally (try Tiger bread, its delicious too)

250g Cherry Tomatoes – sliced into quarters

1-2 Garlic Cloves – crushed

Fresh Basil leaves – chopped or 2 tsp dried basil

30ml Balsamic Vinegar (use a good quality one – you’ll taste the difference)

60ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use a good quality one)

1/2 Small red onion – chopped finely

1 Tsp Sea salt

1 Tsp Cracked Rainbow Pepper

  1. Place the diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar & olive oil into a bowl & mix through. Season with salt & pepper. Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavours to infuse.
  2. When ready to serve, brush the bread with a little olive oil & garlic, grill lightly under a medium grill heat until lightly toasted.
  3. Spoon mixture onto the bread, sprinkle a little basil & serve. Enjoy!

Irn-Bru Chicken Pakora

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Irn-Bru Chicken Pakora

I first saw this on Tik-Tok by Myles Omar, https://www.tiktok.com/@mylesomar?lang=en. You can watch the video here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/tiktok-scots-irn-bru-chicken-23680157

I just had to try this, I love pakora, I love chicken & I love pakora so it was a must. Simple to make and very tasty. I didn’t quite have all the ingredients so here is my version. We enjoyed these pakora bites with sweet chilli dip rather than pakora sauce and was delicious. You have to give these a go.

Makes enough for 4 portions or 2 very large portions

2-3 Chicken Breasts – cut into strips

1 Tbsp Garlic & Ginger Paste

Juice of 1/2 a Lemon

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp Fenugreek Powder

1 Tsp Paprika Powder

200g Rice Flour (or gram flour)

1/2 Tsp Biacarbonate of Soda

1 Tsp Chilli Powder

1 Tsp Cumin Powder

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1 Tsp Coriander Powder

3 Tbsp Rapeseed Oil (or vegetable oil)

200ml Irn-Bru

100ml Water

  1. First heat up your oil in a pan or fryer if you have one. (I use Rapeseed oil and heat to about 180-200 deg)
  2. Place the Chicken strips in a bowl, add in the garlic & ginger paste, along with paprika, lemon juice, salt & pepper, mix together and allow to sit and marinade for a few minutes.
  3. Add in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, fenugreek powder, biacarbonate soda, rice flour, oil, water and Irn-Bru, give it a good mix together.
  4. Drop the chicken strips into your hot fryer and cook until browned and crispy (about 8-10 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and place onto some kitchen paper to drain the oil.
  5. Serve. Yum….Yum!
Irn-Bru Pakora

Cheesy Curry Scones

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Curry Scones

OMG! What can I say, these are super tasty and very moreish. I do love a good scone, especially with butter & jam but I wanted to try something a bit different, we were having some pakora for dinner (Irn-Bru Chicken pakora recipe here https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2021/05/16/irn-bru-chicken-pakora/) so decided to try an Indian inspired flavour to go with. The curry powder lends that nice warmth of Indian spices to the cheese without being overbearing.

These scones are simple and quick to make, you can also change up the spices to suit your own palette.

Makes 12

400g Self Raising Flour

100g Butter, softened

4 Tsp Baking Powder

3 Tsp Curry Powder

1.5 Tsp Smoked Paprika

1.5 Tsp Turmeric (or Mustard Powder)

200g Grated Cheese (I used a good Scottish Mature Cheddar)

2 Eggs

Milk to Bind

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 deg. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Place flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, turmeric & curry powder into a bowl and mix. Next rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles crumbs then add in the grated cheese. (keep a little grated cheese back to top the scones before baking)
  3. Crack in the eggs and add a little milk at a time to bind to a soft dough. You don’t want the dough too sticky.
  4. Roll out to about 1″ thick, using a cutter cut into 12 rounds. Place onto your backing tray, brush with a little milk and top with some grated cheese.
  5. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden and risen.
  6. Remove and allow to cool. Serve with butter, chutney or anything you fancy really.
Cheesy Curry Scones

Avocado & Cucumber Salsa

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Avocado & Cucumber

I was looking for something refreshing to go with my Salmon for dinner and looking around my kitchen, the little avocado sitting in my fruit bowl was just screaming out to me….eat me!….eat me! & there you have it, Avocado Salsa!

An 80g portion of avocado counts towards your 5 a day and contains vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fiber is good for your heart & gut health. These little fruits are a nutrient powerhouse, they contain nearly 20 different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The type of fat in an avocado is mainly unsaturated (specifically, monounsaturated), which, when eaten in place of high-saturated-fat foods, can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Olive and rapeseed oil are other well-known sources of monounsaturated fats.

The creamy taste and texture that avocados have means they can feel indulgent to eat, and they are good substitutes for high-saturated-fat options that you might add to a salad or a sandwich, like cheese or butter. When you see or hear avocado being used it’s usually on a piece of toast for breakfast, or in a guacamole for a side dish, but the combination of avocado & cucumber is a sure fire winner in my books and served alongside a piece of fresh Salmon, well, what’s not to like!

Serves 4

1 Large Avocado, skin & stone removed then diced

1/2 Cucumber, diced

Juice of 1 lime

1 Tbsp Mayonnaise (Light, to keep it healthier)

Pinch of Salt

Cracked Rainbow Pepper to taste.

Handful of fresh coriander, chopped finely.

(Optional, sprinkle of dried chilli flakes)

  1. Place everything in a bowl a mix trough to combine. Serve.

Tip!

  1. If making the salad a few hours ahead, combine all ingredients into a bowl (except the salt!). Squeeze lime juice directly over avocados and toss gently to combine.
  2. Cover tightly with cling film, placing it directly over the surface of the salad to keep the air out. Oxygen is what causes avocados to brown.
  3. Add salt just before serving to keep the cucumbers from wilting and becoming overly juicy.
Avocado & Cucumber Salsa with Salmon

Banana Custard & Cream Pudding POTs

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Banana Custard & Cream Pudding Pots

In our house a Sunday is the only day we have a pudding after dinner and as we were having a filling stew today, I opted for something a little lighter. This was not only super tasty but really light and lower in calories as I used low fat versions. If you love banana’s and custard you will like this. It is also so quick to make, just 10 minutes to prepare with 30 minutes chilling time.

Serves 4

2 Bananas (keep a few slices to serve)

1 x 400g Tin of Low Fat Custard

1 x 150ml Double Light Cream

1 Tsp Vanilla Essence

2 Flake’s

  1. Empty custard into a large mixing bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  2. Mash the bananas with a fork and add to the custard, crumble in 1 1/2 of flake and mix through to combine
  3. Add 1 tsp vanilla essence to the cream and whisk up until thick, gently fold cream into the custard mix.
  4. Spoon custard into serving dishes and top with a couple slices of banana and crumbled flake.
  5. Serve immediately.

Note: If you have custard powder, put 2 tbsp of powder and 2 tbsp of caster sugar into a pan, add a little milk and stir to a paste, add the remaining milk (about 400ml) and bring to a gentle boil, stir continually until custard thickens. Remove from heat, place a piece of cling film over custard to prevent a skin forming and allow to cool then proceed as above.

Scottish Shortbread

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Scottish Shortbread

I do love shortbread, I think it’s mainly because I grew up with it, we would visit my Gran’s house and get shortbread for a snack but more so every New Year as this is the tradition in Scotland.

Through the ‘Taste of Scotland’ scheme that promotes authentic and innovative Scottish cooking, Scottish cuisine has enjoying a renaissance and now many believe that the best food in Britain is to be found north of the Border. The story of shortbread begins with the medieval “biscuit bread”. Any leftover dough from bread making was dried out in a low oven until it hardened into a type of rusk: the word “biscuit” means “twice cooked”. Gradually the yeast in the bread was replaced by butter, and biscuit bread developed into shortbread.

Shortbread was an expensive luxury and for ordinary people, shortbread was a special treat reserved just for special occasions such as weddings, Christmas and New Year. In Shetland it was traditional to break a decorated shortbread cake over the head of a new bride on the threshold of her new home. The custom of eating shortbread at New Year has its origins in the ancient pagan Yule Cakes which symbolised the sun. In Scotland it is still traditionally offered to “first footers” at New Year.

Shortbread is traditionally formed into one of three shapes: one large circle divided into segments (“Petticoat Tails”); individual round biscuits (“Shortbread Rounds”), or a thick rectangular slab cut into “fingers.” However, these days as we see some amazing cookie cutter shapes, they can be cut into whatever you like. As it is the Winter Season here just now, I decided to go for some lovely Snowflake Designs.

From memory when my Gran’s used to make Shortbread, the rule of thumb is always 3,2,1, 3 parts Flour to 2 parts Butter to 1 part sugar. Stick with this and you can’t go wrong.

Makes about 10-12 Shortbreads

115g Plain Flour

55g Rice Flour

115g Butter

55g Sugar (Caster or Icing) – (Extra Sugar to finish)

  1. Pre heat your oven to 150 deg C Fan.
  2. In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar, sift in the flours.
  3. Mix until it resembles bread crumbs, then tip onto a floured surface and work by hand to bring the dough together.
  4. Gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness, if using a cutter, cut into your designs and lay onto a greaseproof baking tray. If creating petticoats, press into a round baking tin, or fingers, press into a rectangle baking tin. Now refrigerate for about 20 minutes, this helps the biscuits to stop spreading when being baked. Prick the shortbread with a fork and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Remove from oven and while still hot sprinkle with some sugar to finish. Allow to cool.

The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes

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Best Crispy Roast Potatoes

It’s coming up to the Festive time of year when we start planning our Christmas dinner get together. Roast Potatoes are probably one of the most popular side dishes on the table for most households. We all hope for those crispy skins and fluffy insides for our Roasties but sometimes that just doesn’t happen for whatever reason, so this is my foolproof recipe for the most amazing Crispy Roast Potatoes every time . Great for the festive dinner table but also great throughout the year for the perfect accompaniment to a good Sunday Roast dinner. Enjoy.

Serves 4

1kg Maris Piper Potatoes (these are the best kind)

100g Goose Fat (I used high grade Goose Fat from my local Butchers, S.Collins & Son) (you can also use a good Duck Fat too)

2 Tsp Cornflour

Sea Salt Flakes to taste

Rainbow Peppercorns to taste

  1. First place a Baking Tray in an oven and pre heat to Fan 220 deg C.
  2. Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters (or which ever size you prefer), place into a pan of cold water and season with salt. Bring to the boil and reduce to a medium simmer, covered for about 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, spoon the Goose Fat onto the hot baking tray (be careful) and put back into the oven to heat the fat up, about 10 minutes until the fat is smoking slightly.
  4. Drain the water from the potatoes, give the pan a good shake to fluff up the potatoes, sprinkle the cornflour in and give it another shake, keeping the lid on let the potatoes sit for about 10-15 minutes so that the steam can air dry the potatoes. (the Drier the crisper they’ll be)
  5. Carefully with a pair of tongs, place the potatoes onto the baking tray ensuring they are coated with the Goose Fat. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then turn the potatoes over and bake for a further 15 minutes, turn again and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until all golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of sea salt & some pepper.

Some people add garlic and herbs like rosemary etc, which is fine, but I love my traditional recipes to be traditional, if you get a good potato there is no need for extra flavouring, the duck fat & salt are simply perfect for a roastie.

Perfect Roast Potatoes

Gingerbread & Coconut Kisses

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Gingerbread & Coconut Kisses

Oh yum…..these were so tasty. I do love experimenting with flavours and using up what I have in my cupboards, sometimes my best recipes come from emptying my cupboards and using whatever is in there and trying things out…lol!

As it is coming up to the festive season I wanted to try some festive flavours and of course gingerbread is almost one of the all time favourites. With the coconut I wanted to create a snowy feel/look. I call them kisses because of the Jam, when you bite in you get the lovely gingerbread flavour and then the Jam gently kisses the back of your throat….yum! Baked in under 15 minutes these are a perfect quick snack with a cuppa. Will be best up to 3 days stored in an air tight container.

Makes about 20-24

200g Self Raising Flour

100g Rice Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

Pinch Salt

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

40g Softened Butter

100g Dark Brown Sugar

1 Egg

2 Tbsp Honey

Finely Grated Zest of 1 Orange

For the Spice: 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon, 1 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger, 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves

100g Desiccated Coconut

Rasperberry (or any flavour) Jam

2 Tbsp Icing Sugar for decoration.

  1. Preheat oven to 175 deg C Fan. Line Baking Trays with Greaseproof paper
  2. In a bowl beat together the butter, dark sugar, honey, oil, egg and citrus zest until blended.
  3. In a separate bowl mix together flours, salt, spice mix and baking powder. Spoon half of the flour into the wet mixture and bring together, add in the remaining flour mixture and mix until you have a soft dough. It will be slightly sticky, this is o.k., but if too sticky just add a little more flour. Let stand for a few minutes.
  4. Take about 1 Tbsp of the dough and roll into small balls. Place coconut into a bowl and roll each ball into the coconut to cover. Place onto the baking tray and press down with your thumb or finger to make a well in the centre.
  5. Place about 1/2 – 1 Tsp of Jam into the well and bake in the oven for approx 12 – 15 minutes until set. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Finish off with a light dusting of Icing Sugar. Serve. Yum!
  • Mixing Dough
  • Ready to be baked
Gingerbread & Coconut Kisses

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Squares

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Peanut Butter Squares

OMG! Well what can I say, if you love Peanut Butter like me these are delicious. They are also very light and cut up into small squares they are only about 70 calories per square, so in my book that’s a guilt free treat with my cup of coffee.

We always have a little treat on a Sunday, it’s something to look forward to while we relax and chill after our working week. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, fiber, folate, phosphorus, potassium & magnesium. And yes, peanut butter does have fat, but the fat is monounsaturated, which is more cholesterol-friendly.

I first saw this recipe from a Diabetic Website https://diabeticgourmet.com/ when my mum was a Diabetic, unfortunately I never got round to making them for her. This recipe I change a little to suit our sweet tastes….lol!

Makes 16 small squares

60g Butter

120g Caster Sugar (Splenda if diabetic)

40g Light Brown Sugar

100ml skimmed or semi skimmed milk

60g Peanut Butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

120g Self Raising Flour

90g Rolled Oats

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch salt

120g Chocolate Chips

1. Beat the butter, caster Sugar and brown sugar until well combined.

2. Stir in milk, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until blended. Gradually mix in combined flour, oats, baking powder and salt until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Spread mixture evenly into a 9 x 9-inch baking pan covered with greaseproof paper. Bake in preheated 170 deg oven for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Leave to cool on wire rack. Cut into squares.

4. Store in airtight container at room temperature, will be best for up to 3 days.

Timbale of Avocado, Crab & Caviar

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Timbale of Avocado, Crabmeat & Caviar

I was lucky recently to have meet Duncan Smith from Duncans Caviar https://www.instagram.com/duncanscaviar/ , who is the Exclusive Scottish Distributor for Royal Belgian Caviar https://royalbelgiancaviar.be/en/caviar. The Royal Belgian Caviar are based in Belgium and home farm their sturgeon for the best quality product. It is a firm favourite with all the Top Chefs. Click link for more information.

I used the Beluga Caviar which leaves a lovely after taste with its rich, Buttery and Creamy notes. Holiday season is fast approaching, so why not treat yourself and indulge, you only live once!

Makes 4

1 Ripe Avocado, peeled and mashed

1 small Red Onion, minced finely

2 tbsp lemon juice

Salt & Pepper to taste

100g Crabmeat

2 tsp Caviar

  1. Mix together the crab meat, seasoning and 1 tbsp lemon juice, set aside
  2. In a separate bowl mix the mashed avocado with the red onion, 1 tbsp lemon juice and seasoning.
  3. For each serving take 1 tbsp of the avocado mix and fill a 1.5″ cookie round, then top with 1 tbsp of the crabmeat mixture, smoothing the surface as you go. Ensure your plate has been refrigerated before hand. Put back into the fridge for 10 minutes, this makes it easier to remove the cutter and stay in tact when removed.
  4. When ready to serve, remove the cutter and finish off with a little Caviar.

These little bitesize timbales are great for a party or get together, the avocado and crabmeat give the creamy base some texture and the delicate topping of the Caviar makes these super decadent. Serve with a glass of Champagne for ultimate taste sensation.

Timbale of Avocado, Crabmeat & Caviar

Mini Caviar Cocktails

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Mini Caviar Cocktail

I was so lucky to receive some Beluga Caviar from Duncans Caviar https://www.instagram.com/stories/duncanscaviar/2437284876312845688/

by Royal Belgian Caviar Company

https://royalbelgiancaviar.be/en/caviar/beluga

I received the Osietra and Beluga Caviar and so excited to try. The Royal Belgian Caviar are based in Belgium and home farm their sturgeon for the best quality product. Click above link for more information.

Duncan Smith is the Exclusive Scottish Distributor for this excellent product, check out his Instagram above for more information.

I was looking for something a bit more sophisticated for my afternoon tea, so something in a cocktail glass sounded good. This little dish is great for the party season coming up or if you just fancy treating yourself like we did.

The Beluga Caviar leaves a lovely after taste with its rich, Buttery and Creamy notes.

Caviar

Makes 4 Glasses

4-6 tbsps of Sour Cream or Creme Fraiche (both work well)

1 Medium Avocado

2 tbsp Minced Red Onion

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

1 tsp Chopped Fresh Dill

1 Small Plum Tomato – chopped finely

1 Boiled Egg, peeled and chopped finely

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 tsp Caviar (do not use metal spoon as it can effect the taste)

  1. Spoon the creme fraiche or sour cream into the glass.
  2. Mash the avocado with a fork and mix in the onion, lemon juice, dill and seasoning. Put 1-2 tbsps into the glass on top of the cream.
  3. Sprinkle some of the chopped egg and tomato on top then finish with a small spoonful of caviar an sprig of dill.

Mini Caviar Cocktails

Beetroot & Goats Cheese Bites

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Beetroot & Goats Cheese Bites

I recently visited Transylvania Shop & Coffee in Glasgow, https://www.transylvaniashopandcoffee.co.uk/, the shop opened this year and they are so passionate about their home produce and Country. Everything that you could wish for from Transylvania, Romania, they have it. Their selection is vast and all excellent quality produce, from grocery store to a cake store to even coffee, yes they have it all. If you are a foodie and love seeking out new products then this shop is for you. If you are a massive Dracula fan, like me, and just love everything Transylvanian then you must visit this shop, you will not be disappointed.

Transylvania Shop & Coffee
Transylvania Shop & Coffee

On my visit I decided to try out some Romanian Meats, Cheeses, Coffee and of course their awesome selection of cakes, honestly, I have never seen anything like it……mouth watering flavours and designs that just take your breath away.

Coming soon is a season of get togethers and this gives us the opportunity to share all things food. I believe food brings people together, whether it’s just around the table in your home or different families & friends coming together for a celebration, there is always food around. With the recent Lockdown situations this year it has definitely given people more time to spend at home and to find their new love of food, be it baking with the kids or experimenting on using up store cupboard essentials to create new recipes, we have all tried something new. I would like to help with this journey and give you some new ideas. Please have a look around my blog, hopefully you will find your inner chef too!

This recipe brings both of the above together, I used a fabulous Romania Goats Cheese from the Transylvania shop and harvested some Beetroot from my garden to make these little bites, they are perfect for that get together event, or even just a simple snack for something different with the family in your home.

  • Romanian Goats Cheese
    Romanian Goats Cheese
  • Beetroot Harvest
    Beetroot Harvest

Makes about 20

About 4 Medium Sized Beetroots – Pre cooked

100g Goats Cheese (preferably the LaColline)

Handful of Pistachio’s or Walnuts, chopped

Cocktails sticks to hold together and a choice of your cutter shape (I used a star from my cookie cutter selection)

  1. Using a cutter, cut out the beetroot and goats cheese into your desired shape. Make sure the Beetroot is slightly bigger than the goats cheese. Stack the goats cheese on top of the beetroot, sprinkle your choice of nuts/seeds and secure with a cocktail stick. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Beetroot & Goats Cheese Bites

Chickpea Chapati

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Chickpea Chapati

I am always looking for healthier options but without compromise on flavour so I decided to try Chickpea flour to make my Chapati’s. This recipe was so much better than my traditional one, so much more flavour and healthier too. These Chapati’s are much lighter on the tummy too. Chickpea Flour or known as Gram Flour or Besan is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber & Magnesium.

Makes 4-6

100g Gram Flour

100g Plain Flour

1 tsp salt

100ml Milk

1 tsp olive oil

  1. Mix the flours & salt together, then slowly add in the milk then the olive oil and bring together to a soft dough. Wrap in cling film and allow to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. To bake, heat a little olive oil in a hot pan. Cut the dough into six equal sections and roll out with a rolling pin. Place into the pan a cook until you see the bubbles appear then flip over to the other side and cook for a further minute. If you are like my other half and like it a bit well done, keep your pan on a very high heat. (Beware the smokey room…lol!)
  3. Remove and pat any excess oil. Serve.
Chickpea Chapati’s

Baked Pretzels

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Cinnamon Sugar Coated Baked Pretzels

OMG! Delicious! This was a recipe from BakedIn https://bakedin.co.uk/pages/pretzels . First time I’ve tried the Pretzel shape too, fairly easy.

Sunday for me is a chillout day and normally a baking day, so today I decided to give these a go for our Sunday Brunch picnic at home. Sugar & Spice & all things nice……so yummy!

Makes 4

150g Strong White Bread Flour

1 packet 7g Dried Yeast

15g Caster Sugar (plus 40g for Topping)

1/2 tsp Salt

2 tbsp Bicarbonate Soda

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

100ml Milk

40g Butter (plus 30g melted for coating)

50g Chocolate (if using a dip)

Chocolate Dip for Pretzels
  1. Melt butter and milk in pan on low heat, do not boil, needs to be lukewarm about 40 deg.
  2. Place strong white flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a bowl and mix. Make a well and pour in the melted butter and milk mixture.
  3. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms and knead either using a stand mixer with dough hook or on a work surface with your hands for about 8-10 minutes. Grease a bowl and place the dough in, leave to rise for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  4. Knock back the dough and cut into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope approx 50cm long.
  5. To make the Pretzel shape, curve the rope into an upside down U Shape, then twist the ends together twice, each time left over right. Bring the ends of the rope up to the top of the curve (loop) and press down to secure.
  6. Preheat your oven to 200 deg and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
  7. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Place 1/2 tsp of Bicarbonate Soda into the pan of water for each Pretzel, 1 at a time using a slotted spoon, slowly lower the pretzel into the water on the slotted spoon, leave for about 10 secs, lift out the spoon & drain the water then place onto the baking tray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Meanwhile mix the caster sugar & cinnamon together in a bowl.
  9. As soon as the Pretzels come out of the oven, brush with the melted butter and leave to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled toss in the sugar mix and serve straight away.
  10. Melt chocolate with a little milk to serve. (if desired)
How to make Pretzel shape
Baking the Pretzels
Serving Baked Pretzels
Yummy Baked Pretzels

Nutty Energy Balls

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Nutty Energy Balls

As the Covid19 Lockdown is slowly and gently easing, we are now allowed to travel to the mountains again. We have longed to get back outdoors and into the picturesque landscape we call home. The Scottish Mountains are my headspace, a place where I grow, think, be at peace, laugh and get fitter…lol! To read more about the Scottish Munros, Corbetts, Grahams etc, head over to my travel post https://atomic-temporary-46532287.wpcomstaging.com/2020/07/08/a-list-of-scotlands-mountains/.

Anyway, back to food, my first passion. To walk or climb the Scottish Mountains you need energy firstly (then waterproofs…lol), so I made these to pack and take with us for a wee boost when needed. Great for a pre workout snack too & also Gluten Free.

Nutty Energy Balls

Makes about 16

For the Balls:-

4 heaped tbsp of Crunchy Peanut Butter (good quality, I use Whole Earth)

200g chopped mixed nuts & raisins (I used a food processor to chop finely)

2 tbsp Icing sugar

Coating/Topping:-

Choice 1:-

Dark or Milk Chocolate, 1 tbsp Butter – Melted together

Chopped Pistachios

Choice 2:-

Butter icing – Icing Sugar 80-100g, 1 tbsp butter – Melted together

Desiccated Coconut

  1. Place all ball ingredients into a bowl and mix together until combined. You may find it best to us clean hands for this. Take a tsp size and roll into a ball.
  2. Dip the rolled balls into your wet mixture of choice and then roll into the coconut or pistachio toppings to coat. Place onto a greaseproof lined baking tray and refrigerate to harden.
  3. These can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Of course you can use any coating or topping you like.

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Nutty Energy balls
Enjoy these bite size energy boosters

Crispy Mint Squares

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Crispy Mint Squares

I was looking through all my recipes the other day and came across this one from my Gran’s old Cookbooks, one I hadn’t tried before. So with the wet weather to day was that day I was going to try these. Back in the day my gran always used margarine for baking, personally I think butter is a much better flavour so this was the 1 thing that I changed & I added in some pistachios to the base to give it a bit more crunch.

Mint Square

Makes about 16-20 squares (depends on how big a slice you want…lol!)

For the Base:-

200g Digestives, crushed

120g Butter

50g Light Brown Sugar

1 heaped tbsp Cocoa Powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 heaped tbsp desiccated coconut

40g Chopped Pistachios

1 egg beaten

For the Peppermint Centre:-

50g Butter

3 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

230g Icing Sugar

Green Food Colouring

For the Chocolate:-

140g Milk Chocolate (55% cocoa) I use Lindt, definitely my favourite.

40g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa)

1 tbsp butter

  1. Use a 9″ square baking tin and line with baking paper or foil
  2. In a saucepan over a low heat melt the butter, stir in sugar & cocoa powder, bring off the heat and whisk in the beaten egg, return to heat and whisk until thickened, this only take a minute or 2. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, digestives, pistachios and coconut, mix together so everything is coated well. Using a spoon, spread the biscuit base mixture into you baking tin and smooth. Refrigerate for about 1 hour until hardened.
  3. Using a mixer, stand or hand whichever you have, beat the butter until smooth. Add the icing sugar, milk, peppermint essence and food colouring and mix until blended. Smooth this mixture over the top of your biscuit base and return to the fridge to set for about 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, melt your chocolate with the butter in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water and allow to cool slightly. (about 5-10 minutes)
  5. Pour chocolate over the buttercream and smooth, return to the fridge to allow chocolate to harden. (about 30 minutes).
  6. Once chocolate has hardened you can now decorate (if you wish), I just drizzled some green icing over the top and returned to fridge to set.
  7. To prevent the chocolate from breaking when cutting into slices, remove from fridge and bring to room temperature. I made that mistake of slicing too soon and my chocolate cracked.
Step by step process
Mint Squares
Crispy Mint Squares

Homemade Butter

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Homemade Butter

Since watching James Martin on his Saturday morning show making his own butter, I have longed to try this. Just like JM himself I am a fan of butter, loads of it too. It looked easy enough to do and it was, I urge you if you have ever fancied trying this, you must do. My next batch I will add some flavours to try, thinking herbs & chilli.

Step by Step process:-

1 x 500ml double cream – good quality (makes 250g Butter)

General rule is whatever quantity of cream, you get 1/2 amount butter.

  1. In a Mixer pour the double cream & whisk on medium to high speed until it resembles a whipped cream.
Step 1 – Whipped Cream

2. Keeping whisking, it will look like you’ve over whipped, but keep going……..

Over whipped cream

3. & keep whisking, soon enough you will see the butterfat start to separate from the butter milk. (sorry forgot to mention, cover top of your bowl with a splash guard or if you don’t have one a Tea Towel, as you can see if tends to splash everywhere)

Buttermilk being separated

4. Now that it has separated, drain the buttermilk through a sieve and keep to use later in another recipe.

Draining buttermilk

5. Return the butter back to the bowl and you want to add about 200ml ice cold water and mix for about 20 secs, then drain again. This is to ensure to rinse away any buttermilk. Do this process 2 or 3 times until water becomes clear.

Rinsing Buttermilk from butter

6. Using a spatula remove the butter from the whisk and put into a muslin or clean tea towel and squeeze, just to make sure you have removed all liquid. Place onto a sheet of greaseproof (baking) paper and using the paper as a guide roll up into a stick of butter…..yay! You’ve made butter! You can now store in your fridge. This will keep for up to 3 days. If you add salt, it will keep a little longer, about 2 weeks in fridge.

Rolling up butter to store
Ready to use Butter

Pistachio & Chocolate Bites

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I hope everyone is doing o.k. in these unusual times. If you are like me, I get bored very easily and need to be doing something productive with my day, so today I was talking to a friend and saying how we miss our coffee & cake dates at our fav coffee shop, then idea to use up whatever was in my cupboards to bake a cake and have a virtual coffee & cake date.  I do love pistachio’s and always have some on hand, so this little cake bite was perfect.

 

Makes about 16 squares

150g shelled pistachios

200g milk chocolate (I used Dairy Milk bar)

200g golden caster sugar or light brown sugar

200g soft butter

3 eggs

200g Self raising flour

100ml milk

50g butter for chocolate

100g icing sugar

Pinch salt

 

  1. Preheat oven to 160 deg and line a square tin (approx 20cm) with baking paper
  2. Mix up 125g of pistachios and 75g of the milk chocolate with 100g sugar in a blender until finely chopped.
  3. Tip into a bowl with the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, flour & milk with a pinch of salt and mix thoroughly.
  4. Empty the mixture into your prepared tin and bake for about 40 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Leave to cool slightly.
  5. Meanwhile, break up the chocolate and place into a microwave bowl with the 50g of butter, microwave for 1 minute, remove and stir together until fully melted. Next pour the icing sugar into the chocolate and beat together until combined and thick.
  6. Pour over the top of the cake and even, using the remaining chopped pistachios, sprinkle over the top and allow to set. Cut into bite slices. Serve with a yummy cuppa!

 

Banana, Peanut Butter & Oat Choc Chip Muffins

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Today was a day of using up leftovers and I had bananas that were crying out to be used. This little recipe is so easy to make and delicious too, you can store for 2-3 days in an airtight container or freeze if you are making a large batch. Gluten Free too.

A great healthier option too with the oats having 4 grams of fiber & 6 grams of protein. In addition to fiber, oats are rich in magnesium, zinc and iron. The bananas which are loaded with fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. The Peanut Butter is a good source of magnesium too.

A great grab & go breakfast option or simply a little snack in between meals.

 

Makes 12

200g Scottish Oats

60g Peanut Butter

2 small bananas, mashed

1 egg

3 tbsp Maple Syrup

120ml milk

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 Dark Chocolate squares, chopped (or you can used choc chips)

 

  1. Preheat your oven on fan to 175 deg and grease a muffin tin.
  2. Put ALL ingredients into a bowl or mixer bowl and combine together.                        20200209_113300
  3. Pour into muffin tin, filling approx 3/4 way.
  4. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean and muffins are set.
  5. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes. If freezing allow to cool completely.
  6. Best served slightly warm. Yum!

 

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Mini Loaded Potato Jacket Bites

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I do love creating with leftovers, I always amaze myself what you can do with leftovers in your cupboards or fridge.  Today was a quick, tasty & filling lunch. With potatoes to be used up, I decided on mini loaded jackets. Using my Automatic Jacket Potato setting on my Hotpoint  Class 9 Combi Microwave too they were ready in under 16 minutes too!

 

I made 4 small Jackets

4 medium sized Scottish Maris Piper Potatoes

2 tbsp butter

handful spinach – chopped

20-30g Cheddar Cheese – grated

Cracker Black Pepper

Salt to taste

 

  1. First wash potatoes and prick with a fork
  2. Place onto the Crisperplate or Microwave dish.
  3. Set to Automatic, Recipes, Vegetarian Dishes, Baked Potatoes, Set weight and Extra Done. Start. Turn half way through.
  4. When ready remove and allow to cool slightly
  5. Cut potatoes in half lengthways and scoop out potato and put into a bowl then mash
  6. Place butter and spinach into potato bowl and mix through & season
  7. Spoon the potato mixture into the Jacket Potato skins and sprinkle with cheese then place under a high grill for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted. Season with some Cracked Black Pepper. Yum!
  8. You could also add in some chilli and paprika for extra flavour & spice. Really anything of your choosing.

 

 

 

 

Cauliflower Pakora

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Oh yum! I still had some pakora batter left so decided to try these little bites….super good and tasty.

 

Pakora Batter

150g gram flour

200ml water

1/2 tsp chilli

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp gram masala

1/2 tsp Turmeric

2 cloves garlic or 2 tsp ground garlic

small handful coriander (chopped finely)

Pinch salt

1. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together, make a well in the middle and gently add water little at a time while stirring, continue to add water until you get a smooth batter, it shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. Set aside.

 

1 x Cauliflower, cut into small florets.

I steamed my cauliflower using my steam pot for about 6 minutes, but if you don’t have this, you can cook in a pan of salted water on a gentle heat for about 20 minutes then drain.

Dip into the pakora batter and fry gently at 180 deg in rapseed oil for a few minutes until golden. Remove and place onto some kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.

Serve. Yummy!

I served with my Pakora Sauce:-

Pakora sauce

50g tomato ketchup

2g Mint leaves (finely chopped)

100g Natural Yoghurt

Pinch salt and chilli

50ml milk

  1. Mix together until smooth.

Chilli Skulls

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I have seen Pizza Skulls on social media and gave me the idea to make these for my Horror theme Hogmany coming up. I changed it from Pizza filling to a Chilli Con Carne filling. These are amazing and so much fun too. I got my pan from Nordic Ware and opted for Black & Red dough too using Red Malt flour and Activated Charcoal powder.

 

Makes 6

For the Pizza Dough (I made extra, which I stored for later use)

3 x 350g Wholemeal Bread Flour (you can use strong white too)

3 x 1 tsp salt

3 x 1 tsp caster sugar

3 x 3 tsp baking powder

3 x 170ml warm water

20g Red Malt Flour, plus 1 tsp red food colouring for the Red

3 tbsp charcoal powder plus 1 tsp black food colouring for the Black

  1. Mix everything using a mixer until it come together like dough, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Mix 3 lots ie: plain, black & Red
  2. Once ready to use,  cut amount you need and store the rest. Place on a floured surface and roll out, not too thing or too thick. It will be stretchy, just keep stretching it until you have the size you need. Approx 7 x 4″
  3. Brush your skull pan with melted butter and lay the dough into each skull pressing gently. Place the filling in and fold over the excess dough, if you have too much just trim.

 

For the Chilli

350g Scottish Beef Mince

1 Red onion, finely chopped

1 Red pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried chilli flakes (omit if you don’t like it too hot)

2 tsp chilli powder

200g Tin tomatoes

200g Kidney beans

200ml beef stock

light fry oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Grated Cheese of your choice.

 

  1. Heat the fry oil on medium to high heat
  2. Fry the onions and pepper with the garlic until softened
  3. Add the beef and brown
  4. Add in chilli powder, cumin, salt & pepper with chilli flakes (if using) mix through to coat
  5. Add in the tin tomatoes, kidney beans and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes cover. The uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce. Allow to cool.

Once skulls are filled, refrigerate for 30 minutes then bake at 200 deg for 25 minutes. Serve.

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Egg, Smoked Paprika & Spinach Breakfast Boats

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Love these little baked egg boats, such a super simple dish for a lazy breakfast morning. Nutritious, tasty and low in calories and fat.

 

Makes 2

1 1/2 Wholemeal Sandwich thins (or you could use bread)

knob of butter melted

2 large eggs

small handful of baby spinach

Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

Chilli flakes

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 deg
  2. Spray a baking tin with a little low fat spray oil
  3. Brush the thins with the melted butter, both sides & mould into the baking tin, bake in the oven for 5 minutes
  4. Place the spinach into the boats and whisk the eggs, pour into the boats, sprinkle with chilli and paprika and season.
  5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until set and browned.
  6. Serve. Yummy!

 

 

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Orange strip meringues

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I had some egg white left over from a recipe that only required an egg yolk, so I decided to try patterns on meringues, turned out o.k. I thought. I’m know dying to try more patterns and colours……watch this space.

All I done was draw lines inside a piping bag with orange food colouring and then filled the bag and piped, quite simple actually but creates a great visual pleasure.

MERINGUES – makes about 18.

4 Large Egg Whites

115g Caster Sugar

115g Icing Sugar

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Crispy Fried Onions

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Crispy fried onions are a great topper for a lot of dishes, I cooked these recently for my black bean taco dish. Just added that little extra crunch.

 

1 white onion

100g flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp smoked paprika

oil for frying.

 

  1. Combine flour, salt and paprika in a bowl.
  2. Slice the onion very thinly.
  3. Heat up a little oil in a fry pan to medium to high heat
  4. Coat the onions slices in the flour mixture, shake of excess and drop into the oil. Cook until browned and crispy.
  5. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Cranberry & Walnut Scones

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Oh yum. I’ve not had a scone in a while, so looking in my cupboards I had some Walnuts & Cranberries to use up and decided to give it a try. These were absolutely delicious, served with a good quality butter they were perfect with a cuppa. Lovely little afternoon tea scone.

 

Makes 6

100g Light Brown Sugar (or white caster sugar) (plus 1 tbsp)

2 tbsp lemon juice

300g Plain Flour

1 tbsp baking powder

Freshly grated lemon zest – 1 lemon

1 tsp salt

75g unsalted butter

50g dried cranberries

50g chopped walnuts

50ml Milk

50ml Double cream

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 190 deg. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Mix 1 tbsp sugar & 1 tbsp lemon juice together in a dish and set aside, this will be for the glaze.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, lemon zest, salt, and sugar in large bowl. Add chilled butter & using fingertips, rub in until you get breadcrumb like mixture.        20190710_141425
  4.  Mix in cranberries and walnuts. Then add in the milk & cream and mix through 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss with fork or hands until dough comes together in moist clumps.
  5. Floured a work surface and roll out till about 1 inch thick. Using a cutter (about 7-8cm diameter) cut out 6 servings and place onto your baking sheet. Using the glaze brush lightly over the scones. Bake for about 18 minutes. Or until a knife comes out clean and slightly browned                                                                              20190713_145835
  6. Serve with some butter. Yummy!

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Moroccan Spiced Meatballs

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I served this little dish with my Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower as a tapas style dinner. These were so yummy and the sauce was rich with a little bit of sweetness.

 

Makes 8 Meatballs

200g scottish beef mince

30g panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

handful chopped coriander

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp dried coriander

1/2 tsp minced ginger

225g tin chopped tomatoes

150ml beef stock

1 red onion – finely sliced

 

  1. Place everything in a bowl and mix. Shape into 1″ balls and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  2. Heat up a fry pan with spray oil and cook meatballs until browned all over.
  3. Add in the onions a cook until softened and slightly browned.
  4. Add in the tomatoes and beef stock, bring to the boil then simmer medium heat until sauce starts to thicken, about 15-20 minutes. serve.

 

 

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Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower

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I got this recipe from one of my colleagues at an event, this is so delicious I just had to try myself at home. It is really easy to make and healthy. I used a steam assisted method to cook so this was lovely and moist.

Served with some Houmous and toasted almonds it was the perfect little dish, either as a snack, tapas style dish or an accompaniment dish.

 

Serves 3-4 

1 whole cauliflower – outer leaves removed

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

1 clove garlic minced

1 lemon juice & (Zest for serving)

200g Houmous

30-40g Toasted Almond Flakes

1 tbsp fresh chopped mint to serve.

 

  1. Mix oil, salt, pepper, spices, garlic and lemon juice in a bowl. Rub this mixture into the cauliflower.
  2. Pre heat your oven on fan to 200 deg. Place a deep tray with water on level 2 and place a wire rack over the top, don’t allow the rack to touch the water. (the water is to create steam for more moisture)
  3. Place cauliflower onto the rack and cook for about 45 minutes.
  4. Place the houmous onto a plate, top with toasted almonds, the slice the cauliflower on top and sprinkle with lemon zest and mint. Serve.

 

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Basic Crepes Recipe

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I really was looking for something different for breakfasts this week but I’m also in a rush to get out the door in the mornings, so I decided to make some crepe batter the night before and keep in the fridge.  Just a quick 1 minute cook in the morning and there you go, super quick breakfast. I decided to have a poached egg this morning, but you could spread with jam or stuff with spinach and ham also.

These ones were savoury, but you can easily change to sweet by adding more sugar.

 

This mixture made 4

50g Plain Flour

200ml milk – I used skimmed to keep the calories down

1 large egg

Spray light oil

1 tsp sugar for savoury (2 tbsp for sweet)

1 tbsp butter – melted.

pinch salt

 

  1. Whisk the milk & eggs in a bowl/jug, then melt 1 tbsp of butter and add to milk.
  2. Place the flour, salt & sugar in a bowl and pour 1/2 the milk mixture into the flour and mix, then slowly add in the rest of the milk mixture. Do not over whisk, I used a hand whisk for this.
  3. Leave overnight in a fridge or for at least 30 minutes. Your batter should be watery.
  4. Heat up some spray oil in a small fry pan (about 8″ dia)  or brush on some melted butter, turn to a medium to high heat
  5. Stir the batter first then take a soup ladle and pour some of the mixture into the pan off the heat and swirl around, put back on heat and cook for about 30 seconds, when you start to see the edges cook and slightly bubble flip over the other side and cook for a further 30 seconds. Remove to a plate.
  6. Serve. Yum!

 

 

 

 

White Chocolate Blondies

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OMG…..I saw this recipe from PON and just had to try as it was lower in calories. (I’m always curious how the flavour will be without all the sugar etc…lol). I have to say these were delicious. I did change the recipe slightly, but still low in calories. Just 70 calories a slice.

 

Makes 15 slices.

100g Self Raising Flour

50g low fat butter (I used lurpak lighter)

4 medium eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 tsp clear honey

50g White chocolate chips (20g to melt for topping)

4 tbsp light brown sugar (or use sweetener for lower calories)

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 170 deg and line a square 8″ tin with greaseproof paper
  2. Place all of the ingredients, except 25g of the white chocolate chips.                                                  20190623_150805
  3. Pour into the baking tin and sprinkle about 10g of white chocolate chips over the top, bake for about 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
  4. Meanwhile melt about 15g of chocolate chips in a microwave dish for about 1 minute.
  5. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature, once cooled drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and cut into slices.
  6. Serve with a lovely cuppa. Enjoy.

 

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Spicy Peanut Slaw

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This little dish is so refreshing. It was a lovely sunny day here this weekend so decided I wanted something cool and refreshing & this done just that job. I served with my pulled peanut butter chicken and was delish.

 

Makes enough for about 4 people or 8 smaller side portions.

1/2 large white cabbage – sliced finely

100g or more of peanuts – chopped

5 spring onions – chopped

3-4 sweet peppers sliced – various colours

1 large handful of coriander – finely chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

For the dressing:–

2 tbsp Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp sweetener (I used a low calorie option)

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp Hot Sauce (less or more if you like it spicy or not)

3 tbsp toasted peanut oil

 

  1. In a bowl mix up the dressing thoroughly until combined.
  2. Place all the slaw vegetables in a bowl and season
  3. Pour over the dressing and mix to combine.
  4. Serve immediately or keep in fridge for up to 1 day.

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baklava

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I’ve been dying to try this recipe for a long time & it was just as dreamy as I thought. I love peanut butter, so any recipe with it in I simply have to try.

This was so easy and quick to make, just 3 ingredients.

 

1 packet of Filo Pastry (I only used 8 sheets)

3 tbsp Peanut Butter (I used crunchy but you could use smooth if preferred)

3 tbsp Nutella (got to be Nutella…lol)

 

  1. Line a baking tray with baking paper and preheat oven to 220 deg
  2. Place 4 filo sheets onto tray and gently spread nutella chocolate over the sheet, lay another 4 sheets of filo over the chocolate spread and then gently spread the peanut butter over.
  3. Gently roll up the filo (not too tight) and bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes.

Slice up and serve.

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Honey Balsamic Chicken

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Oh yum. You can make these as an appetizer or as part of a main meal. I served these with my homemade Chow Mein , super tasty. They were sweet and sticky just what I wanted.

 

Makes 5 Skewers

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

For the Marinade:-

2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar – good quality one.

2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

2 tsp onion powder

2 tbsp clear honey

1 tsp rainbow peppercorns

1 clove garlic crushed

1 tsp ginger grated

2 tsp sesame seeds – for garnish

 

  1. Mix up the marinade in a small bowl. With the exception of the sesame seeds
  2. Add in the chicken chunks and make sure they are covered completely with the marinade.  Leave to marinade in fridge for about 1-2 hours.                                                                20190622_174749
  3. Heat a little oil into a pan on medium to high heat. Skewer the chicken pieces onto a bamboo skewer. About 4 pieces is about right.
  4. Place in pan and turn down heat slightly, cook on each side for about 3-5 minutes until its golden brown and the liquid starts to caramelize.
  5. If you like extra sweetness you can baste a little more honey at this point, then sprinkle over the sesame seeds and serve.

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Quick Sweet Potato Fries

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My little Crisperplate from Hotpoint is fantastic, it cooks food so quickly saving time and energy. For more info click see Hotpoint video Crisperplate & Hotpoint website.

 

1 Sweet Potato (medium size)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional to add any herbs or spices (rosemary goes well as a herb and paprika as a spice)

 

  1. Cut off skin and slice into strips about 0.5 – 1cm wide
  2. Coat with the oil and season.
  3. Preheat crisperplate on crisp function for 2 minutes and place fries onto plate, bake for 8 minutes.

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Egg & Spinach Egg Baskets

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Monday morning breakfast was a case of trying to use up leftovers. I had some fresh bread and spinach that needed to be used, so decided on some easy breakfast cups. Quick and easy to make. There are so many flavours you can use for these too.

Made 3 with left overs

1 piece of bread per cup – crustless

Eggs

Baby Spinach

Cheddar Cheese (low fat – optional)

Salt & pepper to season

chilli flakes – optional

1 tsp paprika – optional

1 tbsp butter – melted

 

  1. Firstly preheat your oven to 180 deg.
  2. Brush your bread with the melted butter both sides and cut diagonally, place the bread into the muffin tin overlapping and making sure the bottom is covered.
  3. Bake the bread in the oven for 5 minutes and remove
  4. Place the spinach & cheese with seasoning and chilli into the cups and then crack the egg into them. Sprinkle with paprika and bake for a further 15 minutes.  A bit less if you like your eggs really running.
  5. Scoop out with a spoon and devour! Yummy.

 

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Crunchy Rocky Road Bites

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I’m not a fan of marshmallows but I was cleaning out my kitchen drawers and came across a bag (not sure why they were in there…lol!), they had to be used up, so Rocky Road was the only thing I could think of where I had all the other ingredients and it was quick and easy to put together. My partner was absolutely delighted, he has a very sweet tooth.

 

Makes 6

100g milk chocolate chips – melted

30g butter – melted

1 tbsp Maple Syrup

40g mini marshmallows

80g Crunchy Weetabix bran (you can of course use digestive biscuits or other biscuits of your choosing)

 

  1. Put the crunchy bran or biscuits into a food bag and using a rolling pin, crush till you have a good mix of crumbs and smaller pieces.                                      20190323_152239 20190323_152251
  2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwaveable bowl for about 50 secs at power 900w. Mix in the crunchy bran biscuits, marshmallows and maple syrup until coated.                                                                                                                   20190323_152510
  3. Pour into a small tin or a muffin tin and press down.  Chill in the fridge for about 2 hours.                                                                                                                   20190323_155439
  4. These need to be kept in the fridge after as they will melt at room temperature, allow to sit at room temperature for about 1 minute before eating. These will keep for about 1 week in an airtight container.

 

 

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Parsnip Fries

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A lovely little quick lunch today. Part of my Detox plan.

I used my crisperplate for these and they only took 6 minutes.

 

3 Parsnips – cut into fries

1 tsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

1 tsp dried Rosemary

1 tsp dried Thyme

 

  1. Coat the parsnips with olive oil and season with herbs.
  2. Cook on Crisp setting for 6 minutes.

Quick lunch or quick snack and healthy.

 

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Parmesan & Tomato Stars

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OMG! These are so delicious and perfect for the party season. Little bite size pieces of deliciousness.

 

Makes about 12

8-10 Vittoria Tomatoes
Dried Thyme
150g plain flour
75 g soft butter salted
40 g grated parmesan
1 egg
250g mozzarella
Green pesto
Paprika & poppy seeds

1. Pre heat oven to Fan 160 deg, Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
2. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl, add the butter and parmesan, add in half the whisked egg, slow speed on mixer mix together.
3. Tip onto a non stick surface and bring together with your hands until you have a dough, flatten slightly. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat crisper plate and cut tomatoes in half, sprinkle with salt & thyme and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly.                                                    20181117_143712
5. Take a small 3cm star cutter and cut the mozzarella into thin stars.
6. Remove the dough and roll out and cut with a 5-6cm star cutter, place on baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 mins or until slightly browned.                                      20181117_143313
7. To serve, once stars are cooled, spread a little pesto on star then place mozzarella star, a little more pesto then the tomato half.
8. Yum!  Gorgeous with some prosecco.

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Mini Christmas No Bake Puddings

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These are perfect for a little bite size treat at Christmas and they look the part too. I first saw this recipe from Madaboutmacarons and just had to try.

I added a little orange liquor for a different flavour and they were delicious. (optional)

 

Makes about 12

50g raisins
40g dried apricots, finely chopped
40g dates, finely chopped
5 tbsps orange juice (or 2 tbsp orange liquor and 3 tbsp orange juice)
60g desiccated/shredded coconut
60g caster sugar
40g Scottish oats
40g candied orange peel, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

50g coconut oil – melted if solid

2 tsp Christmas Spice – See below for recipe mix.

(Spice Mix:- 2tbsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp ground all spice, 1 tbsp nutmeg, 1/2 tbsp ground cloves, pinch black pepper) This can be stored in an airtight container.

50g White Chocolate – melted.

 

  1. Put all dried ingredients into a large mixing bowl, then add in the coconut oil and orange juice and mix to combine.
  2. Taking small amounts roll into a ball and place on greaseproof paper on a baking tray and refrigerate.
  3. Melt 50g of white chocolate in a microwave for about 1.5 mins and drizzle over the puddings. To decorate add a cranberry and edible holly decorations. (or you can cut some icing or marzipan for this)

Yummy!

Crunchy Crackers

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These are so easy to make and perfect for parties and get together’s. With a lovely dip of your choice they are perfect little nibbles.

 

Makes about 60 crackers

125g Plain Flour

125g Strong White Flour

15g Lard – melted

7g dried yeast

150ml warm water

Pinch of salt

Olive oil

 

  1. Mix flours, yeast, water & lard in a mixer bowl then add in the salt and mix until you have a smooth dough.
  2. Allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1.5 hrs – 2 hrs.
  3. Preheat oven to 210 deg on a convection bake setting.
  4. Cut the dough into 3 or 4 pieces and flatten with your hand, using a pasta maker, put through and roll until you have a very thin sheet. I used No. 1, No. 3 then No. 5 setting on my Kitchen Aid mixer pasta roller.                                                      20181030_141834
  5. Using a pizza cutter, cut into thin slices about 3″ x 1.5″, mine were all different sizes, so its really whatever size you want, but not too small or too big.                             20181030_141853
  6. Place onto a baking tray and brush each cracker with the olive oil, then bake for about 5-7 minutes or until bubbled and slightly browned.
  7. Remove and allow to cool.
  8. Serve with some yummy dips.

 

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Rye & Oat Banana Blueberry Muffins

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After making my Blueberry Muffins from a recipe book, I decided to try and make them a bit healthier. OMG! these were lovely and sweet still and with a little crunch, so delicious and only 120 calories per muffin.

 

Makes 6

150g Rye Wholemeal Flour

25g Caster Sugar

1 ripe banana – mashed

50g Scottish rolled oats

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

75g blueberries

pinch salt

1 tsp baking powder

25g butter – melted

 

  1. Preheat oven to 160 deg fan. Line muffin tin wth cases.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and oats in a bowl
  3. In a separate bowl mix egg, banana, vanilla, butter together                                  20181003_105314
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together then add blueberries.
  6. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

 

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Devour!

Doughnuts!

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O.M.G! What can I say…..super tasty and fluffy!

I attended a Doughnut Master class recently and thoroughly enjoyed it, so this weekend was the time to put my new found skills to the test and it was a success. I was so pleased with myself, although I am a perfectionist so I’ll give these 9/10, always room for improvement…..lol!

The flavour ideas going through my head just now are buzzing, so look forward to experimenting in the future.

 

Makes 18

For the Doughnuts:-

500g Strong White Flour

60g Caster Sugar (plus 60g for finish)

10g dried yeast

10g salt

4 Whole eggs

180g cold water

125g unsalted butter

 

  1. Add all the dry ingredients to a mixer the add the eggs and water. Mix on low setting for 30 seconds then on high for 5-7 minutes until the dough comes together.
  2. Let the dough rest for a minute, then cut up the butter into cubes and add to the dough. Mix on high for about 5 minutes.
  3. Once mixed transfer the dough to a large bowl and allow to rise/prove until double in size. If you have a setting on your oven great, if not cover with cling film and leave in a warm place.
  4. Once doubled, knock the dough back and allow to rise again in the fridge for a couple of hourse, ideally overnight though. (doing this in the fridge gives a stronger flavour)
  5. Remove dough from fridge, knock back and roll into 55g balls then cover with flour. Lay onto a baking tray, making sure you cover the tray generously with flour or the balls will stick. Allow space in between for them to double in size. Prove the balls until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat some rapessed oil in a pan to between 175-180 deg. Gently place the balls in the oil and fry for about 2 minutes each side. Remove, allow to cool slighty and roll in the sugar. Set aside.

 

For the Creme de patisserie:-

6 egg yolks

80g strong bread flour or plain

125g caster sugar

 

  1. Whisk together egg yolks in a bowl then add in flour & sugar, whisk together
  2. Gently heat 500ml milk – do not boil. Warm enough to touch. (60-70deg)
  3. Slowly add the milk to the egg mixture, ensuring you whisk at all times to prevent curdling.
  4. Then add mixture back to the pan and whisk continually on a medium heat until the mixture thickens up (this will take about 10 minutes)                           20180818_120844
  5. Remove from heat and put into a dish, cover with cling film ensuring film is touching crem pat. This is to prevent a hard crust forming. Allow to cool then chill in fridge for around 2 hours.
  6. Remove and add in your choosen flavours. I used Lemon Curd in 1 and Nutella in the other. Transfer crem pat mixture into a piping bag.                                      20180818_154110
  7. Take the doughnuts and gently push your finger into the side where it is white making space for the filling. Gently push the piping bag in a fill.                                 20180818_154346
  8. Nothing else to do then get the kettle on and devour! Oh so Yummy!

 

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Pancakes

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I used my Best Pancake recipe for this, it is one recipe that always works.  Light Fluffy pancakes guaranteed. This morning was a more healthier option with low fat toffee yoghurt, blueberries and a little Maple Syrup…….oh so yummy!

I love mixing up pancakes, there are so many toppings you can choose. What is your favourite?

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Chilli Chips

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So after my bargain purchase of potatoes, I decided to make some homemade chilli chips using my crisper plate. You know how much I love this little Crisper plate don’t you? lol! You can find more information here:- Crisper Plate Technology

 

I decided on a bit of spice today, so I seasoned the chips with salt, pepper and chilli flakes…..soooooooo Yummy!

 

  1. Wash potatoes and cut into desired chip length and width. Approx 1-2 cm cube is perfect.
  2. Pre-heat the Crisper plate for 2 minutes on Dynamic Crisp setting.
  3. Coat chips with a little spray oil and season, then place onto plate & cook for 12 minutes. Perfect little chips.

 

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Amaretto Coffee Afternoon

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Sometimes you just need to treat yourself with the little things in life that make you happy. This is one of them for me. Having some disaronno left from New Year, I decided to treat myself today, because I deserve it!

 

Put a pot of fresh coffee on, preferably strong taste.

Pour some Disaronno or any Amaretto into a glass.

Top with freshly brewed coffee.

Froth up some milk or cream with a little frother and spoon on top.

Grate some dark chocolate over.

 

Relax and Enjoy a little afternoon delight.  xx

 

Spinach & Refried Bean Quesadillas

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Looking for healthier and more nutritious alternatives are always on my to do list, I came across this recipe from The Kitchn , I changed it up a little to my own flavours but this was truly delicious and filling.

Serves 4

Spray fry oil

1 bag (100g) baby spinach

1 Clove of garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp chilli flakes

pinch salt & pepper

4 large or 8 small tortillas

1 tin (400g) of refried beans (I always use Old el paso…I just love them)

1 Red Pepper, finely chopped

1 small tin of sweetcorn, drained

150g Cheddar Cheese, Grated

 

  1. Heat the oil in a large fry pan over a medium heat. Add the red pepper and sweetcorn with the garlic and chilli and cook for a few minutes.
  2. The add the spinach and cook until wilted.   Season.
  3. Remove from pan. Heat through the refried beans for about 4 minutes then remove from pan, set aside.                                                                                  20180324_183355_001
  4. Place the tortillas on a flat surface and start to assemble. Spoon the refried beans on covering half of the tortilla, then the cheese, then the spinach mix the fold in half.
  5. Wipe the fry pan with a dry cloth and place each tortilla in pan a cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. Repeat until all cooked.         20180324_185015
  6. Remove and cut the quesadillas in half and serve. Yummy!

 

Vanilla & Almond Chip Cupcakes

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When life gives you snowy days…………..JUST BAKE!……….Coffee and Cake can never go wrong in my house, especially on a snowy day. I used my sponge recipe from my pistachio cupcakes, and I just omitted the pistachios.  I baked half with chocolate chips inside and the other half I used some Unicorn Chips (coloured white chocolate chips). I then decided to use what I had in my cupboards with regards to decoration and went a bit creative……lol! Think the boredom was getting to me……lol.

This is definitely my best cupcake mixture to date, always light and fluffy and full of flavour.

 

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Pistachio & Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

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O.M.G!! What can I say………….this little creation is my best yet……absolutely delicious! 10/10 my boyfriend said….lol!

I just love a relaxing saturday afternoon baking, while my boyfriend was watching the Rugby I was listening to my favourite tunes by Imagine Dragons and creating some little afternoon delights.

 

Makes 12

70g pistachios

140g Golden Caster Sugar

140g Self Raising Flour

140g butter

2 eggs

5 tbsp milk

100g milk or dark chocolate drops (whichever you prefer)

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp almond extract

250g icing sugar

Green food colouring

 

  1. Preheat oven to 160 deg.
  2. Line a Muffin tin with cases.
  3. Blitz the pistachios in a blender under finely chopped. (keep a little back for decoration)                                                                                 20180224_140031
  4. Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla essence, almond extract and pistachios in an electric mixer until well blended and smooth.                                     20180224_140422
  5. Divide the mixture between the cases and then push some chocolate chips into each one.                                                                             20180224_141340
  6. Bake in the oven for about 23-25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Leave to cool on a rack after.                                                20180224_144108
  7. Meanwhile, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add 1 tbsp at a time of water until you get a thick but still slightly running texture. Then drop 1 or 2 drops of food colour into icing to make a pale green colour.                                                               20180224_142250
  8. Melt some chocolate in the microwave for the decoration. About 1 minute – 1m30secs.
  9. When cakes are cool, top with the icing, then left over pistachios and drizzle with the chocolate. Refrigerate for about 1/2 hr to harden.                                20180224_162744
  10. Then just devour! Oh so Yummy!

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Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Biscuits

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I first saw this recipe on Pumpernickelandrye, they looked far too good not to give them a try…………………oh and how I was right, they were delicious, light and very moreish. A very simple recipe that packs flavour and satisfaction. Perfect with a cuppa. (or as my boyfriend says ‘perfect on their own too!’ lol!)

They are more like a biscuit or cookie with a little crunch.

Makes 12

80g Granulated Sugar

3 tbsp plain flour

1/4 tsp salt

200g shredded coconut

3 egg whites

1 tsp almond extract

100g chocolate chips

 

  1. Preheat oven to 160 deg.
  2. In a bowl mix sugar, flour and salt together then add the coconut.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg whites and almond extract until foamy but not too stiff.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the dry mixture and combine until moist.  20180217_153025
  5. Lay parchment paper onto a baking sheet and take 1 heaped tbsp of the mixture and place onto sheet.                                                                                             20180217_153750
  6. Bake in oven for about 20 minutes.                                                               20180217_153850
  7. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate drops in a microwave dish for about 30 seconds intervals until melted.                                                                                             20180217_163727
  8. Once macaroons have baked and cooled completely, dip each one into the chocolate to cover base and set aside. I lay back on tray upside down.
  9. Place the macaroons in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to allow to chocolate to harden. Once hardened, remove and you can then drizzle more chocolate over the top of the bakes (if you have any left, I only had enough for 2……maybe 150g chocolate drops would be enough to do this.) Allow to harden in fridge.
  10. Serve with a lovely cuppa. Oh so Yummy!

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Low Calorie Doughnuts

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I know right!….low calorie doughnuts! O.M.G! Who knew? These are inspired by Tom Kerridge, I just needed to give these a go after seeing him bake these on TV, I have to say they are amazing, the flavour is fabulous and they are extremely light and fluffy too. At ONLY 120 CALORIES per Doughnut……..why would you not?? I have to say I was in heaven this afternoon……my fav Sunday afternoon treat….Fresh Coffee & Doughnuts! (no guilt)

 

Makes 6

250g Self Raising flour

180ml milk – semi-skimmed

25g butter

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp chinese five spice

1/2 tsp dried yeast

1 egg beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

 

  1. Gently heat the milk, butter and vanilla extract in a saucepan on hob. (do not boil)
  2. In a mixer, sift the flour, 1 tbsp sugar (keep 1 tbsp back for finishing), cinnamon, chinese five spice and yeast, mix together.                                           20180128_104504
  3. Add in the egg to the flour and mix then add in the milk mixture and mix until you get a thick batter.                                                                              20180128_104836
  4. If you have a doughnut tray…..brilliant! If not, (like me) spoon the mixture into a piping bag and grease a baking tray.                                                  20180128_105226
  5. Gently pipe round circles like doughnuts onto the tray.                                   20180128_105635
  6. If you have a proving setting on your oven set or place in a warm place and allow to rise for about 2 hours.                                                                 20180128_105656
  7. Preheat your oven to 210 deg and bake for about 10 minutes.
  8. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
  9. Brush each doughnut with a little water and dip into the remaining sugar. You could also use light brown sugar and maybe add 1 tsp of cinnamon for extra flavour.

Then………devour………..and don’t feel guilty about it! Happy Days!

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Oak Smoked Apple & Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

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I recently bought this little jar of Oak Smoked Apple Butter from The Sweet Beet Company, I decided to give doughnut muffins a go……..oh WOW! So tasty and different, another great food find for my recipe book.

 

Makes 12

For the Muffins

260g plain flour

32g Caster Sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

4 tbsp oak smoked apple butter

1 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs beaten

100ml milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp melted butter

For the Topping

1/4 cup of caster sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 egg beaten for wash

 

  1. Preheat oven to 165 deg.
  2. Grease a muffin tin
  3. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl
  4. Add in melted butter, milk, vanilla, apple butter and eggs and mix together until well blended, if too thick just add a little more milk.
  5. Spoon mixture evenly into the muffin tin, only about 3/4 full.                            20180121_103442
  6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.                              20180121_104002
  7. Mix together the sugars and cinnamon in a bowl for the topping, and set aside the egg wash. Once the muffins have cooled, remove from tin and brush with egg wash then dip into the sugar mix, thoroughly coating the whole muffin, lay on a rack to set.                                                                                                                                            20180121_121610
  8. Serve with a lovely cuppa! These are so moreish!

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Satay Chicken skewers

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Decided to have a chinese nibble tonight, and you can’t have chinese without peanut satay….I just love peanut sauce.  Having my Crisper plate I decided to try this plate instead of on my griddle and yip it cooked the chicken amazingly well, in only 8 minutes too….browned on both sides.

 

Made 6 skewers

2 Chicken Breasts cut into large strips or small pieces

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp Sriracha sauce

2 tsp ground ginger

2 cloves garlic minced

 

  1. Put all of above ingredients (except the chicken) in a bowl and mix together.
  2. Add in the chicken and toss to coat, leave in the fridge overnight preferably or for at least 4 hours to marinate.
  3. When ready soak the wooden skewers and thread the chicken onto the skewers.
  4. Preheat the crisper tray for 3 minutes, then place the skewers onto the plate and cook on crisper setting for 8 minutes…..no need to turn.
  5. Serve with some Peanut Dipping Sauce. (I used shop bought)

 

 

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Creamed Sweetcorn &Chicken Wontons

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I was so excited last week as I received my Pasta Maker Attachment for my Kitchen Aid Mixer. I decided to give Wonton wrappers a go…….well what can I say, I just love this little gadget, so easy to use and perfect wraps. I decided to cook them 2 ways, 1 boiled and 1 oven baked for a crispy texture.

Unfortunately I didn’t cut them big enough for actual wonton shapes so wonton rolls/parcels it was……lol. (lesson learned)

 

Serves 2

For the Dough

150g plain flour

1 egg beaten

pinch salt

1 tbsp oil

2 tbsp hot water

For the Filling

1 tbsp oil

3 spring onions – chopped

250g chicken – minced

2cm ginger – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – finely chopped

2 heaped tbsp creamed corn

1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce or kepcup manis (if you can get it)

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 tsp dried chillies

 

  1. Using the flat beater on your mixer, mix together flour, salt, hot water, oil and egg for about 2 minutes, change to the dough hook and knead until you get a soft silky dough, approx 8-10 minutes. Wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for about 30mins-1 hour.                                                                                                                                                                                           20171211_123915
  2. Remove from fridge and with floured hands knead for 30 secs. Cut into slices about 2cm thick.
  3. Attached the pasta attachment and flour, firstly put dough through on level 1 then pull through and fold then put through on level 2 twice, now turn to level 4 and turn through twice again, then finally turn to level 6 and turn through 2 or 3 times until the dough is almost see through. & repeat.                                                                                                                    20171211_174254
  4. Lay dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface and cut into rectangles                                                          20171211_141554
  5. Meanwhile, heat oil in a fry pan and gently fry the spring onions, garlic, ginger and chicken mince until browned. (if you have breast just use a processor to blitz into mince)                                                                                                                        20171211_143043  20171211_142024
  6. Place chicken mix into the mixing bowl, then add creamed sweetcorn, sauces, chilli, sesame seeds and salt & pepper, mix for a minute until combined.
  7. Lay dough sheets out and take 1-2 tsp of mixture and place in centre, lightly moisten the edges with water to help seal and pull up the edges to make a wonton, make sure it is tight and no air, if you’ve cut the dough too small (like me..lol) just roll them up and pinch the sides (almost like a spring roll type parcel). Repeat     20171211_145905
  8. To boil….bring a pan to boiling point reduce by 1 and place each wonton in to cook for about 3-5 minutes depending on size.                                                                20171211_180433
  9. To Bake….preheat oven to 200 deg, place on a lightly greased baking tray and bake for about 12-15 minutes.                                                                                              20171211_180450
  10. I served with sweet chilli sauce (shop bought)……….oh so yummy!

 

Chorizo Egg Breakfast Muffins

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Using some leftovers in my fridge, this is what I came up with for my brunch today. Yes brunch………I had a bit of a lay in this morning.”….I just love Saturday mornings……no alarms…..no rush to get up……no work……heaven.

 

Makes 6

100g diced chorizo

5 eggs – whisked

4 spring onions – diced

1 orange pepper – diced

1 red onion – diced

6 cherry tomatoes – quartered

spray oil

parmesan cheese – about 2 tbsps

salt & rainbow peppercorns for seasoning

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 deg
  2. Fry in a little oil the chorizo and red onion – approx 5 minutes until browned
  3. Grease a muffin tin
  4. Place a spoonful of the chorizo in the tin, then sprinkle the peppers, spring onion and tomatoes into the tin.   20170923_095338_001
  5. Pour in the egg mixture into each tin and then grate a little parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper
  6. Bake for about 25 minutes
  7. Allow to cool slightly remove from tin and serve……..so Yummy!

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6 Layer Wrap

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Why not?   6 Layer fillings?   Hungry?

This is full of flavour and very filling, great for a dinner or lunch. With the weather being rather warm of late I was looking for alternatives for a refreshing cool dinner and this certainly filled my expectations. Fresh, light, cooling, filling and flavoursome.

 

Makes 6 wraps.

6 Wholemeal Wraps (shop bought)

1 large avocado

1 can refried beans

Handful of lettuce leaves – your choice as anything goes. (I used peppery leaves)

Chorizo – chopped into small chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

Handful fresh parsley – chopped

1 tbsp lime juice

2 Handfuls of cheddar cheese – grated

1 small cup of sour cream

1/2 cucumber – chopped finely

1 yellow pepper – chopped finely

3 spring onions – chopped finely

pinch of Salt

1 chilli or jalapeno – finely chopped

 

  1. Cook the chorizo in a pan over medium heat until browned, remove and allow to cool
  2. Mash the avocado, lime juice, parsley and salt together until smooth
  3. Prepare the wraps as per packet instructions.
  4. Now the exciting and messy bit…….the assembly:-

1. Spread 1 tbsp of sour cream onto wrap

2. Then spread 2 tbsp of refried beans

3. Spread 1 tbsp of the avocado mix

4. Sprinkle some Chorizo over top

5. Lay the salad toppings – lettuce, cucumber, pepper and spring onions

6. Finally the cheese and sprinkle of chopped spice (chilli or jalapenos)

7. Roll up into a manageable wrap. Yummy!

 

Peanut Butter Hummus

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Oh yummy…yummy…yummy!  In a bid to try and eat a bit healthier, I decided to make some peanut butter hummus for my saturday night munchies, I got the original recipe from Nigella but tweeked it slightly.

Makes enough for a medium tub – about 400g

1 can chick peas drained

1 clove garlic – peeled

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp peanut butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sea salt flakes

1 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp greek yoghurt

1 tsp smoked paprika to serve

 

  1. Place everything (except paprika) into a food processor and blitz until smooth.  If its too thick still add more yoghurt.
  2. Sprinkle paprika before serving. Tuck in with some fresh carrots or some healthy crackers.

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Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

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Oh we do love a good cupcake for afternoon coffee break. We bought some new coffee beans to try but then realised we didn’t have any cake to go with it…..so off I went to the kitchen to see what I had. Bananas from last week that were perfect for cake making, so that made my decision, banana cupcakes it was. So yummy! My decoration is in need of some practise though…lol!

Makes 6

80g self raising flour

120g light brown sugar (or you can use caster sugar)

20g cocoa powder

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla essence

1/2 tsp salt

30ml milk

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 medium ripe banana – mashed

 

  1. Preheat oven to 180 deg. Put all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder) into a mixing bowl and mix through.                                                                                                                                                                                                      20170319_142942
  2. Then put all the wet ingredients (egg, milk, vanilla, banana) into a separate bowl and whisk together.                                                                                        20170319_142946
  3. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together. It should be runny but not too runny.
  4. Put some cases into a muffin tin and pour the mixture into each, only 1/2 to 3/4 way, leave room for rising. Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins or until a knife comes out clean.
  5. Allow to cool on a rack and then decorate to your own tastes. I just used some icing as I didn’t have any frosting.                  20170319_15134920170319_161845

I made some plain chocolate ones too, follow everything above but just take out the banana.

 

 

Spinach Pesto

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I had some Garlic Bread left over from dinner last night, so I wanted to try something different with it rather than just heating it up. I just love spinach, so why not? It turned out absolutely delicious….if I do say so myself. lol!

Makes 1 small pot – about 1 cup

2 cups of fresh spinach leaves or 6 rounds of frozen spinach

1/2 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley. (you could use basil also)

1/4 cup of walnuts or pine nuts

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese – freshly grated

2 garlic cloves

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

 

  1. Put everything into a food processor and blitz until blended together.

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Serve up. I had mine on bread but you could use this as a base for pizza, in salads, so much more. Will keep in fridge covered for up to 3 days.

 

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Afternoon Tea Empire Biscuits

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I just love my Empire Biscuits, I do have to say they are rather tasty. Having the afternoon to myself I fancied getting my creativity on this afternoon and trying some new techniques. I thoroughly enjoyed my creating and so glad they turned out…..I don’t have the steadiest of hands…lol. Although my love hearts could do with more practise…lol!

For the Empire Biscuits:-

Makes approx 12 – Empire Biscuits

Designs:-

I used 1 spoonful of the icing in each tub and added food colouring. 20170311_144514

I used a skewer that I had in my kitchen drawer, but anything with a pen like nib would do.

Once you have put your white icing onto your biscuit you then choose your design colours. 20170311_144852

I started off with roses. Put the nib of the skewer into the red colouring and place a small dot onto the icing and start to rock and circle the skewer to make your design. Clean nib then dip into the yellow and add a dot in the middle. Clean nib then dip into the green and draw small leaf shapes at the bottom. Finish design with small dots of colour randomly.

I done the same thing but on a bigger scale for me single rose.

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Then using each colour draw lines on your biscuit.

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Then drag the tip of your skewer firstly down the way then up the way to create the design.

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Happy Baking!

French Toast Stack with Maple Syrup

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I’ve seen posts about Baked French Toast and always wondered how it tastes, so today was that day that I would give it a go. I normally fry my eggy bread so I was intrigued. It tasted amazing with the Maple Syrup and a great Sunday Brunch recipe.

 

Serves 4-6

6 slices of thick white bread (it has to be white, I’ve tried wholemeal in the past and it just doesn’t work)

5 eggs

1 cup Milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

2 tbsp sugar (brown or white, your choice)

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp butter – melted

Maple Syrup to serve

 

  1. Preheat oven to 180 deg
  2. Cut bread into long slices. Mix sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
  3. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla
  4. Soak the bread in the egg mixture and let excess drip off
  5. Place some greaseproof or parchment paper on a baking tray and lay the bread strips on top, leaving a small space in between                                      20170122_104240
  6. Using the melted butter, brush the tops of the slices then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon
  7. Bake in oven for 15 minutes
  8. Remove and turn over the slices, repeat with the butter and sugar and bake for a further 15 mins.                                                                                 20170122_112502
  9. Allow to cool slightly, plate up and drizzle with Maple Syrup…..Yummy!!

 

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Homemade Chapati’s

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I do amaze myself sometimes, first try at chapti’s and they turned out perfect first time! Again as I have said in a previous post this year, I’m going to try all those things I said I would and didn’t in 2016 and this is one of them.

Makes 6

300g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 tsp salt

50g butter melted

180ml milk

oil for cooking

  1. First melt the butter with the milk either in a pan on a hob or in a microwave for about 1 minute
  2. Sift flour into a bowl add salt then add the milk and butter, mix until you get a soft smooth dough, if its too sticky just add more flour.
  3. Roll into a ball and wrap in cling film for about 1 hour at room temperature.20170111_155547
  4. When ready, tear into about 6 balls (about the size of a tennis ball) 20170111_174103
  5. Flour your work surface and roll out each ball into a circle or best you can circle shape about 2-3mm thick.
  6. Preheat some oil in a fry pan to a medium to high heat then drop in the bread.
  7. Cook on each side for about 1 minute, you shouldn’t need more than that if you have the right temperature.

    Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving.

If you want more of a wrap just turn the temperature down so it cooks slowly and softly, same time on each side.

So much more healthier than shop bought ones or ones from your local take out and I personally think tastier too. Was definitely a hit with my partner.

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Avocado and Spinach Breakfast Muffins

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A great way to start your day, or a fab brunch recipe. Nice and healthy and full of superfoods, what could be better?

Makes 4

4 eggs

Handful of Spinach

Handful of smoked pancetta cubes

2 tbsp of sweetcorn

1/2 avocado – chopped

Grated cheese – Handful

Salt & pepper to taste

 

  1. Grease your muffin tin and preheat oven to 180 deg.
  2. Roughly fry your pancetta cubes in a little oil and pat dry
  3. Lay the spinach leaves at the bottom of your muffin tin                               20161015_105315
  4. Then add in the pancetta, avocado and sweetcorn                                     20161015_105424
  5. Whisk the eggs and season with salt & pepper
  6. Pour into the muffin tin then top with some cheese and chopped spinach.
  7. Bake for approx 20 mins. Yummy!                                                                 20161015_114605

Churros with Chocolate dipping sauce

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I have seen various different versions of this recipe and always wanted to try, so today was the day that I would have a go at these delicious little Churros. A Churro is a fried-dough pastry snack. Churros are popular in Spain, Portugal, France, the Philippines, Ibero-America and the Southwestern United States. In Spain, churros can either be thin or long and thick, basically you can have them anyway you choose.

As you can see I didn’t have the iconic star shape nozzle for my piping bag, so mine are smooth unlike most images you see online, such as below.  Yes I know…..they do look better…..I will definitely be going to get one.

download

 

This recipe makes approx 8

150g Plain Flour

1 tbsp Baking powder

1 tbsp olive oil

pinch salt

1 cup of boiling water

Oil for frying  I love crisp n dry.

100g chocolate chips

120ml double cream

1/2 cup of caster sugar

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

 

  1. In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, salt then add in the olive oil and water, mix together until combined, it should be like a very thick batter, it should not be runny and thin as this won’t work (trust me..my first batch was to watery and didn’t turn out at all) see my wrong batch below.                                          20160904_141413 wrong batch                          20160904_134248 very thick batter
  2. Heat in a wok some frying oil to 170 deg. If you don’t have a thermometer , drop a piece of bread in about 1cm and if it goes golden brown you know its ready.                                                                                               20160904_135034
  3. Empty the batter into a piping bag. Slowly squeeze out the mixture into the oil making a long shape about 15cm long. You may find it easier to cut with a pair of sissors.                                                                         20160904_134502
  4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until a golden brown colour. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto some kitchen towel to absorb the fat.
  5. Place caster sugar and cinnamon in a bowl then roll each churro in until covered in sugar.         20160904_142919
  6. Place chocolate chips and cream into a microwavable bowl, micro for 30 secs then stir, then another 30 secs and mix together well. (800w should be o.k.)
  7. Pour sauce into a serving dish and dip…Yummy!

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Indian Spiced Russian Kale served in Courgette Boats

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Picking up my goodie bag again from the Glasgow Food Assembly on Monday, I got some lovely fresh Courgettes (Zucchinni to those of you that are from America) and some Red Russian Kale, with thanks to  Locavore in Glasgow,  the RR Kale is more tender and has a sweater flavour than the more traditional varieties. So what to do with it all…..well here goes, a nice wee spicy treat.

20160823_131700  Red Russian Kale.

 

Makes 2 Boats

2 x Courgettes – Sliced in half longways

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1 chilli – chopped (red or green)

1 small piece of ginger – finely chopped or grated

1/2 tsp turmeric

about 8 strands of kale

small handful of peas and sweetcorn (I used frozen)

Juice of 1 Lemon

1/2 tsp corinader

1 tbsp coconut (dessicated or fresh chopped)

1 tbsp sesame seeds

 

  1. Firstly preheat oven to 200 deg.
  2. Lightly brush the courgettes with olive oil and place in a baking tin or tray, season with salt & pepper. 20160823_131707
  3. Oven bake for approx 30 mins or until turning slightly browned. Once roasted remove with a spoon the seeds. This of course could be done before hand, but I plan on mixing it with my kale mixture.
  4. Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a fry pan.
  5. Sizzle the cumin and mustard seeds for approx 1-2 mins.
  6. Then add in the chilli, ginger and turmeric fry for another 2 mins.
  7. Add in the kale, peas and sweetcorn with a tbsp of water, Cover the pan and cook for 4-5 mins or until the kale has wilted.                                                                                                           20160823_134417
  8. Squeeze in the lemon juice, coriander, sesame seeds and coconut, toss everything together and heat through for another minute.
  9. If mixing the courgette seeds add in now and then serve the mixture into the courgette halves.

A Yummy side dish with a little spice, nice and healthy or even a small lunch.

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Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Shake

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This is so moreish and so healthy, you can have as your morning shake, lunch shake, snack shake, pre or post workout shake…….oh yes this is good anytime of the day….so yummy!  At only 200 calories its even better!

Makes 2 shakes

2 bananas – preferably frozen

4 tbsp of peanut butter – chunky

2 tbsp cocoa powder

250ml water

pinch sea salt

 

  1. Simply put everything into a blender and wiz up until smooth. Divide into glasses.

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Spicy Guacamole

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                      guaca

Nothing like homemade Guacamole. Here is my classic recipe that never fails to impress.

 

2 tbsp finely chopped white onion

1 tbsp fresh chopped red chilli

1/2 tsp salt (Kosher)

Handful of chopped parsley

1 large avocado

1 lime

 

  1. Finely chop the onion, very finely
  2. Add the salt, parsley and chilli and mix
  3. Mash up the avocado lightly so you still have some chunky bits and add to the mixture
  4. Cut the Lime in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture. Mix together and serve. Yum!

 

Brazilian Cheesy Bread

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Decided to have a Brazilian Theme Dinner to help celebrate Rio 2016 Olympics, I was so pleased with my results, really tasty food.

You can get my Empanadas and Soffritto Recipe here:- https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/empanadas-with-soffritto-filling/

 

I also made some Brazilian cheesy Bread, not only was I excited that there was cheese in this recipe but also the fact it was bread….I love both so much. Here is my recipe:-

Cheesy Bread – Makes 12

1 egg

1/4 cup Olive oil (or Canola Oil)

2/3 cup Milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups of tapioca flour – (now I didn’t have this, so I used 1/2 cup Cornflour and 1 cup white flour)

3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 190 deg.
  2. In a bowl mix Milk, oil, salt and egg
  3. Add in the flour and mix until combined – you should get a slightly thick batter
  4. Add in the cheese and mix through
  5. Grease a muffin tin and add about 2 tbsp of mixture into each muffin case.
  6. Bake for about 25 mins until golden brown on top. Remove and allow to cool. I served with some Spicy tomato Salsa.

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Spiced Braised Red Cabbage

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Having some Red Cabbage left over, I decided to try my hand at a spiced red cabbage as I’m having red meat tomorrow and think this will be the perfect side dish.

Makes a full 400g jar

1/2 large Red Cabbage – very finely sliced

1 bramley apple – very finely sliced

1 garlic glove – sliced finely

3 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

For the spice bag:-

5 cardamon pods

1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp cinnamon)

1 star anise (or you could use chinese 5 spice)

1 muslin bag (I didn’t have this, so I used a tea bag!)

 

  1. First of all preheat your oven to 130 deg.
  2. Place all the spice ingredients into the muslin and gather to tie together and make a bag. If you don’t have this you can use a Tea Bag, I emptied the tea out carefully by cutting the top off the T Bag, added in all the spices and tied with some thread. If using the T Bag you will need to cut up cinnamon stick or use powder. 20160802_135138
  3. Place the spice bag in a casserole dish. Then layer the cabbage, garlic, apple and brown sugar. 20160802_135751
  4. Then pour in the red wine vinegar. Place lid on dish and put in oven and cook for 3 hours.
  5. You might need to stir half way through.                                                                          20160802_140600  20160802_140608
  6. Once finish, remove and serve. Or let cool and place in fridge for next day or later.

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Healthy Banana & Walnut Pancakes

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O.K…..so I’ve seen various versions of these, mostly on healthy eating or fitness sites, always admiring but never made…….so, having some off bananas left I decided to give it a go.

They say on most sites 2 Ingredient pancake…..wasn’t sure about this, gave it a go and wasn’t impressed. Why? I hear you ask……..just using mashed up banana and eggs it left the pancake very soft and very hard to flip without looking like a scramble pancake. Here was my first try, they never kept their shape:-     20160802_084509   20160802_085006

I am a determined person and was not going to let it beat me……so here is my successful recipe combination:-

Makes 10 pancakes

2 bananas

2 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

4 tbsp plain flour

4 crushed up walnuts

1 tsp vanilla essence

 

  1. Firstly mashed up the bananas in a bowl, add in the crushed walnuts, baking powder (this helps them go a little bit fluffier), vanilla essence and mix.                                                                                         20160802_083113 20160802_083532  20160802_083655
  2. Whisk the eggs together then add to the mixture, mixing together.
  3. Once combined add in the flour and mix well, it should look like a pancake batter.   20160802_083800
  4. Heat a large pan to a medium heat and drop 2 tbsp’s of the mixture in, using the back of the spoon even out. Cook for about 2 mins each side or until golden brown.                                         20160802_085201    20160802_085225
  5. Plate up and serve.

I served with some Maple Syrup. You can add any ingredient you like to the mixture and serve it with anything of your choice. Yum healthy pancakes.

Dark Chocolate & Pistachio Banana Bites

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Love….Love…Love these! Full of goodness and energy.

 

1 banana

50g Dark Chocolate (70%)

handful of pistachio’s – crushed

oh….and 1 skewer to hold banana in place.

 

  1. Melt the chocolate, peel the banana and insert the skewer, pour the chocolate over the banana while gently turning to cover. Then sprinkle the pistachio’s over.
  2. Remove skewer, lay on a plate and allow to cool in fridge to harden the chocolate. (about 1/2 hour)

Love these for a post workout snack or simply just to indulge!

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Avocado stuffed egg OR Egg stuffed avocado??

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Avocado eggs 2 ways…..decided to go both ways this morning.

 

1 avocado

2 ggs

teaspoon chia seeds

pepper to taste

 

  1. Softly boil the eggs…..about 6 mins.
  2. Cut the Avocado in half and remove the stone.
  3. Gently scoop out some of the middle to make room for the egg and set aside.
  4. When eggs are done, remove shell and cut in half longways
  5. Place 1 egg into the avocado and top with chia seeds and seasoning…enjoy!
  6. With the remaining avocado, mash up, take out the yolks and fill the other egg. enjoy!

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Chocolate & Orange Amaretto Biscuits

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A wee afternoon treat to myself, I love Amaretto and I love coffee, no better way than to combine them. I had some Amaretto flavoured coffee left over so decided to try that instead of the liqueur in the biscuits (as I had none) and it so worked.

Makes 12 biscuits

200g all purpose flour

100g sugar

80g butter

1 egg

1 tsp baking powder

3 tbsp amaretto coffee, my fav from the Edinburgh Tea & coffee Company

1 tbsp orange flavouring

50g cocoa powder

 

  1. Firstly make the amaretto coffee in a cafetiere.                                                                                               20160703_161407
  2. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder ,baking powder and butter together. Then add in the coffee and orange flavouring, mix together until you get a dough like consistency.
  3. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and refrigerate for about an hour just enough so you can roll out.
  4. Remove from fridge and roll out to approx 1cm thick, place some greaseproof paper or parchmont paper on a baking tray.
  5. Using a cutter, cut out the biscuits and place onto baking sheet. Bake for approx 15 mins at 200 deg.
  6. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool and crisp up. Sprinkle some icing sugar over and serve.

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I love to dunk mine into fresh coffee……oh so yummy!  20160703_160532 20160703_160545

Smoked Halibut Roll ups with Cream cheese Mix

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O.M.G, these were amazing! I bought some Smoked Halibut from my Glasgow Food Assembly https://thefoodassembly.com/en  courtesy of Campsie Glen Smoke House http://www.campsieglen.co.uk/, wondering how I could creat something different, looking in my fridge I needed to use up cream cheese and hollandaise, so here is my wee creation with tasty results!

 

1 tbsp cream cheese

1 tbsp hollandaise sauce

1 packet smoked halibut

1 tsp dill

squeeze of lime juice

small handful of rocket leaves

rainbow peppercorns and salt to season

 

  1. Mix everything together (except halibut)
  2. Spread lightly over halibut and top with some rocket (or any garnish you like)
  3. Gently roll up, one all rolled wrap in cling film and chill for 2-3 hours.
  4. Remove and eat…..Yummy! I served with some salad and a nice chilled glass of Chardonnay!

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Strawberry, Banana Yoghurt Delight with little surprises.

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Oh yum! Looking for something fresh and different for breakfast, I came up with this little Parfait, that was absolutely delicious! Once you take a spoonful you taste the strawberry yoghurt then you get the hit of the chocolate mint with the crunch of the oats, coconut and pistachio’s…….oh yummy!

Makes 1

4 tbsp Strawberry Yoghurt

4 tbsp Vanilla Yoghurt

4 Strawberries – sliced

1 small banana – sliced

2 tbsp toasted oats

2 tbsp toasted coconut

3 Chocolate mint leaves – chopped

1 tbsp of pistachio’s chopped

 

  1. Place 2 tbsp of strawberry yoghurt in a glass, then top with 2 tbsp of vanilla yoghurt.
  2. Place a layer of strawberries and bananas on top and sprinkle 1 tbsp oats and coconut on. 20160610_095953   20160610_100238
  3. Sprinkle on the chocolate mint leaves
  4. Then do above over again for a second layer.
  5. Top with any remaining banana or strawberries and pistachio’s and serve! YUMMY!

 

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Wee Italian toast snacks

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I purchased some Soya Based Mozzarella from Muckle Coo Ltd at my local Glasgow Food Assembly https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7907 this week.  Jill (the owner) at Muckle Coo Ltd makes handmade Soya based Meltable Mozzarella style balls that are Dairy/Gluten free & Vegan friendly. The two day process uses 83% organic ingredients (however, as its not 95% I can’t list any of the components as organic).
They are: Soya beans, water extra virgin rapeseed oil, tapioca flour, Carrageenan, sea salt, bifidus & acidophilus.

It was absolutely delicious! I decided to melt them onto Olive bread topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh chopped basil, such a tasty wee snack.

 

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Raspberry & Pomegranate Wine Spritzer!

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Today was a scorcher! 22 deg (which is great for Scotland!), looking for a refreshing drink thought I would experiment with Tea and wine…..yes you heard me….Tea and wine! It was so refreshing and fruity, just what I needed on a Hot Sunday afternoon.

 

2 Tea Bags of fruit infused (I used Twinings Raspberry & Pomegranate)

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Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio Wine (amount to your choosing!)

 

  1. Firstly pop 2 T Bags in warm water and allow to infuse – about 3-5 mins.
  2. Remove T. Bags and allow to cool.
  3. Chill a glass and add some white wine, ice cubes and then fill with the Tea……Serve…Yummy!

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Mint Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate and Raspberry Frosting

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OMG….can a Sunday really get any better! I picked up some Chocolate Mint Leaves at the Glasgow Food Assembly on Monday https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7907 , thanks to Rhone Cottage http://www.rhonecottage.co.uk/ , not really knowing what I was going to do with them, but one thing for sure I had to try them. I knew they had a delightful minty chocolate flavour to them so it had to be a dessert of some sort, these were just the ticket…….absolutely amazing flavours and so fresh tasting.

 

Makes 12

Cupcakes:-

  • 150g self raising flour
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 50g butter, softened
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 80ml milk
  • small handful of chocolate mint leaves, very finely chopped
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg.
  2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter with a mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and whip until fluffy, about 2 minutes. One at a time, add the eggs, fully mixing after each addition. Add vanilla and mix just until combined.
  4. To the butter mixture add 1/3 of the flour and combine, then add 1/2 the milk and mix. Next add another 1/3 of the flour and mix, add the rest of the milk and mix, then add the remaining flour and mix thoroughly.  20160522_150855
  5. At this stage add in your chopped chocolate mint leaves and mix together.                                                        20160522_150122 20160522_150231
  6. Place your cupcake cases into your tray and then using an ice cream scoop fill each case. (After years of try to get the right amount in a cup case with a spoon, this is just the ticket, perfect amount and easy to scoop. I thoroughly recommend you try….you’ll never look back)                                                           20160522_151032
  7. Bake for approx 18 mins or until a knife comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool before frosting.                       Frosting:-
  • 80g dark chocolate – at least 70% cocoa…I used Lindt (best chocolate in my book)
  • 2 egg whites
  • 50g icing sugar
  • 30g butter, softened
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 100g Fresh Raspberries (Scottish is best!)

 

  1. Melt Chocolate using either a bowl and pan of water method or of you have an induction hob, melt in saucepan on level 1.
  2. Place raspberries in a sieve over a bowl and mash until you extract the juice only….if you want the texture of the seeds then just mash and put to one side. (I’m not a fan of the seeds, I wanted a smooth frosting) 20160522_152854   20160522_153424
  3. In a bowl mix sugar and egg whites until stiff peaks appear, you can test this by switching of your mixer and removing, if the peaks stay up it’s ready, if the peaks flop, mix some more…..this should take around 10 mins….very boring point of the recipe…I suggest pouring yourself a glass of wine and sipping while mixing. 20160522_154124 Just starting out……..                                                    20160522_154901 after 5 minutes…….still no where near stiff………sip…..sip……sip……20160522_155635 Whoohoooo….we’re there….several sips of wine later!
  4. Add the vanilla to the egg whites, then add the butter, little at a time mixing at each stage.
  5. Now add in the chocolate and raspberry juice and mix thoroughly together.                                                                  20160522_160215
  6. If not using straight away, you can refrigerate or even freezer the frosting.

Decorate your cupcakes anyway you choose and enjoy!

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Boil in the Bag Omelette!

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Well…I have to say when I read about this I was a bit uncertain, but as per usual my curiosity got the better of me…….well what can I say…..it just went and worked didn’t it! A perfect folded omelette! Here goes:-

 

Makes 1 

2 small to medium Eggs (if using large you may need to increase cooking time.)

1 Ziplock Bag – good one (cheap one might leak)

1 chopped mushroom

1 sliced small tomato

Handful of grated cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Spray oil

 

  1. Spray inside the bag with oil to prevent from sticking.                                                                        20160522_084730
  2. Crack the eggs in….no need to whisk up.                                                                                                            20160522_085102
  3. Add in your ingredients…..of course you can add anything you like, I made it simple yet tasty.          20160522_085342
  4. Gently rub with your hands to coat all round and break the yolks. Remove any air from the bag gently and seal. 20160522_085605
  5. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and place bag in and boil rapidly for 8 minutes. Then reduce to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes.                                                                                                                          20160522_085802
  6. Gently remove and open bag, roll onto a plate and serve…….oh WOW!

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When Thai meets Italy

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Couldn’t decide between Thai or Italian for lunch……so why not have both? This was a tasty wee snack for lunch that just simply worked. I love creating in my kitchen. Sun was shining today and wanted a refreshing lunch snack with a bit of a punch.

 

4 x Thai Rice papers

About 12 king prawns (3 in each wrap)

Handful of my favourite Italian pasta – Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia (translated – black squid ink spaghetti) 20160515_135909

Handful of Kalette leaves – steamed

Peanut satay sauce – my favourite is by Cottage Delights as it has a nice spice kick to it.

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Parmesan Cheese – grated

1 tbsp crushed peanuts

 

  1. Cook pasta as per instructions. It does look a bit like worms…..lol!                                                     20160515_141611
  2. Heat a griddle pan to a high heat and griddle the prawns for a few minutes on each side. Then mix with the peanut sauce.                                                                                                                                                      20160515_141331  20160515_141806
  3. Soak the rice paper as per instructions.
  4. Assemble together with kalette leaves, spaghetti, prawns then shavings of parmesan, the roll to make your parcels. I always find folding the sides in then rolling keeps everything in better.                                                         20160515_142430
  5. Place on a plate, sprinkle peanuts over and serve with a little of the peanut satay sauce.  Yummy!

 

Brazilian Style Grilled Pineapple

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I visited a Brazilian restaurant recently and was served cinnamon pineapple that completely transported me to Brazil….amazing flavour that I hadn’t tried before. Oh yes you guessed it…..I recreated it in my kitchen!

Brazilians traditionally use a spit roast, unfortunately I don’t have one of these yet so I used my good old trusty griddle pan                                                                                                                                      . Pineapple  images

1 x Fresh Pineapple

1 x Spray Coconut oil

Cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

  1. Firstly prepare pineapple and cut into slices.                                                                               20160514_181824  20160514_182117
  2. Spray little coconut oil into your griddle pan and heat to a high heat.                                     20160514_182239
  3. Rub some cinnamon and brown sugar onto each pineapple slice and place into griddle pan, cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until caramelised and brown.                            20160514_192123
  4. Plate up and sprinkle cinnamon over and serve……..oh Yummy!

 

Coffee Delights

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I recently picked up some Amaretto Flavoured Coffee from my favourite shop ‘Brodies Country Fare’ https://www.brodiecountryfare.com/ , the coffee is manufactured by Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company. I love a good after dinner coffee and as I love Disaronno, so this was the perfect little purchase.

To make it extra special I frothed up my milk and grated some luxury dark chocolate on top……oh Yum! So delicious.

 

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Toffee Apple Custard Tarts

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I was inspired to try these by a local baker I met this week, I have to say I didn’t quite get the custard as I would have liked but they did taste absolutely divine.

Makes 6-8

For the filling:
3 large free range eggs, plus 2 large free range egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 pint of single cream (2 cups)
2 ounces caster sugar (a scant 1/4 cup)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 whole nutmegs, grated
1 tsp of softened butter

For the toffee sauce:

150g caster sugar

75ml pot double cream

25g butter

Base:-

3-4 sheets Filo Pastry

1/2 Lady Red Apple – sliced very thinly

 

  1. Place the cream and vanilla into a saucepan and bring it up to a simmer.
  2. Whisk the beaten eggs and sugar together in a large heatproof jug.
  3. Slowly pour the hot cream over the beaten eggs, whisking continuously.
  4. Whisk in half of the nutmeg.
  5. Carefully pour the whisked mixture into the pastry case and scatter the rest of the nutmeg over top.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes, then place the sliced apple on top carefully, place back in the oven for a further 20 mins or until the filling is golden brown, firm in the centre and slightly puffed.
  7. Meanwhile, cut the filo pastry into squares, size to fit your muffin tin. Lightly grease your tin.
  8. Brush the filo with melted butter and place 3 squares on top of each other to form a star shape, carefully press into muffin tin. 20160416_151009
  9. Now to make the toffee, tip the sugar into a heavy-based frying pan, stir in 4 tbsp water, then place over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
  10. Turn up the heat and bubble for 4-5 mins until you have caramel.
  11. Take off the heat, then carefully stir in the cream and butter.  20160416_150921
  12. Once oven has finished, remove and spread the toffee over the top and allow to cool for about 1 hour. Serve! Yummy!

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Oriental Duck Wraps

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Oriental Duck Rice Paper Wraps with Hoisin Sauce Dip

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3 x Spring Roll Wrappers – Rice paper (use how many you like)

6 slices cooked duck (I used my fav from Rannoch Smokery)

Cucumber strips no skin

Kalette leaves (1 per roll) chopped – or you can use Kale

Hoisin Sauce (I used blue dragon – my fav)

 

  1. Take each rice paper and lay into lukewarm water until transparent, for about 30 secs  20160416_150853_resized
  2. Remove and pat dry, lay ingredients longways and roll.  20160416_150638_resized
  3. Trim ends and serve with some Hoisin sauce.  Yummy.

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Of course you could put anything in these wraps, prawn and sweet chilli is another favourite.

Spicy Beetroot and Potato Rosti

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Brunch Sunday!

Waking up late today and hungry I decided to use up leftover Beetroot and make some Rosti’s for brunch.

 

Makes 4 large

2 medium potatoes – peeled and grated

1 large Beetroot – peeled and grated

1 medium egg

Ground Black pepper and salt to taste

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp chilli’s – chopped very finely

1 small onion – grated.

 

  1. Preheat oven to 200deg.
  2. Mix Beetroot, potato, onion, egg, pepper, salt, chilli and parsley n a large bowl until combined.
  3. Place a baking sheet onto an oven tray and using chef rings, spoon mixture into each ring and pat down.20160403_141753
  4. Remove rings and bake in the oven for 25 mins. 20160403_145142
  5. I served with some Sweet Chilli sauce, however, you can serve with the following:-

Creme Fraiche and chive mix.

Put a fried egg on top also.

A simple side salad would make a lovely lunch

or just a simple mayo mix.

Yummy! 20160403_145135

Lemon Puffs

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I had some puff pastry left in the fridge and some cream, so, yep you guessed it…..cream puffs! Add a hint of lemon for an Easter flavour and voila……..Lemon Puffs were born! So Tasty, so easy, so happy!

 

1/2 sheet of ready made Puff Pastry

100ml double cream

25g icing

1 tsp vanilla essence

Juice of 1 lemon and Zest

 

  1. Preheat oven to 180 deg.
  2. Roll out Puff pastry as thin as you can without breaking.
  3. Using a knife cut into strip about 2 inch wide and the cut lengthways about 6 inch long. Place onto greaseproof paper on a baking tray. Sift some icing sugar over pastry and refrigerate for about 5 mins.   DSC_0010 (2)
  4. Remove from fridge and bake for 10 mins or until golden brown and puffed up.
  5. Allow to cool.      DSC_0011
  6. Meanwhile, to make cream, pour cream into a bowl, add icing sugar, vanilla essence and lemon juice and zest whisk until stiff and glossy.
  7. Using a spatula put cream into a piping bag and then pipe dollops onto half of the puff pastry and using the other puff pastries make a stack, sift some icing sugar over and finish of with remainder of cream. You can do any design you like.

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Yummy!!

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Rainbow Carrot Fritters

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I bought some lovely Rainbow Carrots from the Glasgow Food Assembly this week, they were grown locally by Gordon Caldwell, from Caldwells, Ayrshire Kitchen Garden in Turnberry, Ayrshire, himself and his team work all year round growing vegetables that are in tune with our lovely Scottish seasons. They grow everything from Turnips, Cabbage, Beetroots to Kale and much more. Here is my idea and recipe for the lovely carrots. Even better this recipe is very low in calories and fat.

 

Makes 8 fritters

3 large carrots – grated

4 Spring onions – chopped finely

2 medium eggs

1 tbsp flour

100ml cream

Salt & pepper to taste

Handful of fresh coriander or 1 tbsp dried

Handful of grated cheddar cheese or you can use Parmesan

Olive oil for cooking

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  1. Grated the carrots into a large bowl. Add in the spring onions and coriander.   20160313_135846
  2. Add in the eggs, flour and cheese, this allows the mixture to bind together. Also add in the cream and seasoning and mix together.    20160313_140405  20160313_140547
  3. Taking a small handful, squeeze the excess liquid out then form into a thin round fritter shape. By removing the excess liquid this will allow the mixture to bind together better.
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  5. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry for about 3-4 minute each side or until browned, try not to move the fritters while cooking as they may come apart, just leave to cook and turn over gently.
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  7. Remove and serve. Yummy!!!!

These are great on their own for lunch with a salad, or even as an side dish with grilled meat or fish. I served these today for lunch with some Sweet Chilli Sauce which I have to say went fantastically.

Tuna & Avocado French Toast Sandwich

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A Wee Saturday lunch time treat. I love tuna and avocado but thought I would try something different and put it into French Toast instead of plain bread or a baked potato………..and oh wow! It really does taste so much better!

Makes 2 Sandwiches (2 slices of bread)

2 Slices of wholemeal bread

1/2 tin of tuna

1/4 of avocado

1 spring onion – chopped finely

Grated cheddar cheese (handful)

2 eggs whisked

pinch cinnamon

ground pepper to taste

spray oil for frying

squeeze of lemon juice

1 tbsp light mayo or you can use a light cream cheese

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  1. Whisk eggs, cinnamon and pepper together, pour into a flat dish. Lay both slices of bread in egg mixture and allow to soak up, turning over to coat both sides.
  2. Gentle heat up oil in a frying pan, (medium to high heat) place bread into frying pan and toast on both sides until turning slightly golden brown (about 3 mins on each side)
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  4. Meanwhile, put tuna into a bowl with avocado and a light mayo then mash together.
  5. Squeeze lemon juice and put in spring onion and mix together.                  DSC_0016
  6. Once bread has toasted lay on a plate and add the filling, topping with the grated cheese then closing up the sandwich. oh Yummy!

 

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Delicious Creamy Cheese Puff Twists!

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I had some left over Pastry and creme Fraiche……….oh what to do………Creamy Cheese Puffs….oh yes that is the answer….these are absolutely delicious! Perfect for my lazy comfort Sunday afternoon.

 

1 Roll of lighter Puff Pastry

1 tub of creme fraiche (I only used half a tub)

Grated Chedder Cheese

1 egg beaten for glazing.

 

  1. Roll out pastry sheet and brush with egg, cover half with the creme fraiche (you could of course use cream cheese too)  Make sure not to put too much in or it will run out, just a light covering. Use back of a spoon to even out.                                                                                                             20160207_151651_resized
  2. Sprinkle grated cheese on top of creme fraiche evenly.                             20160207_151750_resized
  3. Fold over the pastry to make a parcel, press down around all the edges. The cut into strips about 2.5cm wide. 20160207_152129_resized
  4. Place a baking sheet onto a baking tray and preheat oven to 180 deg.
  5. Holding both ends of the strips gently twist in opposite direction to create your twist. Lay onto baking sheet and glaze with remaining egg mixture.   Place into warm oven and bake for approx 25 minutes.                              20160207_152505_resized
  6. Make yourself a cuppa and watch the magic happen! 20160207_152925_resized
  7. Remove, allow to cool for a few minutes as they will be roasting hot in the middle. Simply Enjoy! Yummy!

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Homemade Brunch Egg Muffins

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I simply love quick, easy, tasty comfort food and this is one of my favourite’s, especially on a Sunday morning! Today I decided I deserved a treat and had my Sunday brunch muffins with a glass of Bucks Fizz…..perfect pairing!

The great thing with Muffins is anything goes so you can add any flavour and ingredients you please.

Here are some of my fav’s:-

Makes 8

6 Eggs – beaten

Ground Black Pepper to season

These are the basics, you then add in everything you like…………….

Muffin 1 – Smoked Bacon, tomatoes, spring onion, chopped kale, cheddar cheese

Muffin 2 – Mushrooms, courgettes, tomatoes, spring onion, chopped kale, cheddar cheese

Simply place all your ingredients into a muffin tin, pour over the eggs and season. Bake at 180 deg for about 20-25 mins.

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Mini Cheese Puff snacks

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Looking for a snack I thought I’d try my hand at a little mini puff!  Made 2 versions, both very nice!

Makes as many as you want.

1 x roll of ready rolled puff pastry – I used the light version from Sainsburys to save on calories (still tastes good)

1 x Portion of Brie (I found a lovely creamy one from my local deli, made in the Scottish Highlands) 20160206_165558_resized_1

2 small Piccolo tomatoes – halved

Jar of Caramelised onion (I cheated, you could make your own)

 

  1. Unroll pastry as per packing instructions. Grease a muffin tin. Preheat oven to 180 deg.
  2. Using a cutter to size, cut out small circles and place at bottom of tin.  20160206_165621_resized_1
  3. Slice Brie to size and place onto pastry. 20160206_165706_resized_1
  4. Add your toppings, tomatoes can go straight on, but leave caramalised onion off until last 5 minutes as it burns quickly (as I discovered…….lol!)     20160206_165753_resized_1
  5. Place into oven and cook for about 15-20 mins.

 

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Yummy……little wee snacks.

 

Chia, Almond and Blueberry Morning Shake

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This was one of those moments where I woke up and thought, I don’t fancy porridge for breakfast, lets see what I have………………after looking in the fridge this is what I put together, full of protein, fibre and superfoods galore it makes a fabulous breakfast shake…….or in fact a great shake at any time and only 154 calories per glass.

For 1 serving

200ml Almond Milk

80g Blueberries

15g Chia Seeds

 

  1. Mix altogether in a blender until blueberries are broken down, serve and drink…YUMMY!

 

Toffee and Chocolate Shortbread with Pecans

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Having my breakfast this morning and sitting looking at the very wet and windy weather through the window, my thoughts were of feeling cosy and warm this afternoon, so I decided I wanted a nice bit of cake to go with my fresh warm coffee. Looking in my cupboards I saw Toffee Sauce and Chocolate and came up with this wee bit of delightful heaven. Cake, Coffee and a Comfy Couch on a rainy day, canny beat it!

Makes 15 squares

110g unsalted butter

105g Soft Brown Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

130g All purpose Flour

Pinch salt

150g chocolate (dark or milk)

30g Pecans – chopped

 

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg.     20151114_102920

2. Line a 20cm baking tin with foil and grease.

3. Mix with an electric mixer the butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth

4. Then mix in the flour and salt and mix until combined but not too stiff.

5. Pour mixture into the baking tin and with a spatula evenly spread out. 20151114_100801

6. Place on middle shelf in oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

7. Meanwhile, chop up chocolate into small bits, and chop pecans too.

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8. Once base is ready, pour chocolate bits evenly over and put back into oven for 1-2 mins until melted, remove and spread evenly.

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9. Top with the pecans and allow to cool. Once cool put into fridge to set chocolate (approx 1 hour)

10. Cut into small squares and serve. YUMMY!

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I had some toffee sauce and decided to drizzle over squares which added extra flavour.

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Cinnamon Pancakes with Chocolate and Maple Syrup

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One again I had a truly different taste sensation when visiting Florida this year, pancake and Maple Syrup were everywhere….much to my boyfriends delight! You had them for brekkie with Maple Syrup, eggs, bacon etc and then again on the menu for dessert with ice cream and flavoured sauces……oh Yum!  Here is my homemade version…inspired by (Denny’s).

Makes about 14 pancakes.

300g Plain White Flour ( to make it a bit healthier, you can use wholewheat instead)

4 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp caster sugar

2 eggs

300ml milk

2 tsp vanilla essence

100g chocolate – to make sauce

1 jar Maple Syrup (your choice)

 

  1. Sieve the flour into a large bowl, add in Baking Powder, Salt, Cinnamon, Sugar and mix.
  2. Then add in eggs, milk and vanilla essence, mix through with  spoon until blended making sure there are no lumps in he mixture, do not over mix.

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3. Sprat a little cooking oil into a frying pan and heat through at high heat.  Pour 1/2 a ladle or 1/2 cup of mixture onto the frying pan and even out with back of spoon, cook for approx 1-2 mins, you know it’s ready to turn when you see an even covering of holes.

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4. Flip and cook for approx 1 min. Remove and continued to repeat until all done.

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5. Keep warm in a warming drawer or in your oven at 70-80 degrees until finished.

6. If using Chocolate Sauce – break bar into chunks and put into a small pan, melt on Induction Hob Number 1 for about 5 mins. If using conventional method, melt in a glass bowl oven boiler water on hob.

6. Serve with Maple Syrup and Hot Chocolate Sauce……Mmmmmmmmmmm!!

 

 

Homemade Healthy quick Pancakes

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Approx 75 calories per pancake. Makes 4.

My boyfriend said he had a notion for something sweet, so a quick check in the cupboards and this is what I came up with.

 

For the Pancakes:-

2 medium eggs

1 banana

1 tbsp Desiccated Coconut

1tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp cocoa powder

 

For the banana, coconut and cinnamon pancakes:-

1. Mash up banana and add in 2 eggs then whisk together

2. Add in coconut and cinnamon, mix through

3. Heat a non stick pan then pour a small amount in and using the back of a spoon even out in pan. Cook for about 2-3mins on each side. I made 2 about 15cm diameter.

 

For the cocoa pancakes:-

1. With the remaining mixture I added tbsp of cocoa powder and cooked through. I made 2 approx 15cm in diameter.

You can pretty much add any flavour you like.

Serve with some Maple Syrup or ice cream for a tasty dessert.

My Boozy Summer Fruit Meringue

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O.K….so I cheated a bit and bought shop meringues (time saving), as you have probably read before I got some Edinburgh Gin’s Raspberry Liqueur…….so yes you guessed it, I used this instead of syrup……oh sooooooo yummy!

5 mini meringues

Handful of summer fruits, I used Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and redcurrants

1 tbsp Raspberry liqueur

Mix all in a bowl and devour!

A fab dessert at only 155 calories per bowl

ASSORTED MERINGUES – makes about 18.

4 Large Egg Whites

115g Caster Sugar

115g Icing Sugar

Irn-Bru Sweets

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Saw these at the Brodie Country fare,  had to give them a go….and I just can’t get enough, they were just like Irn Bru too!

Due to the secret ingredients in Irn Bru, I would never attempt to try these as they just wouldn’t be the same.

I live in the same town as A.G.Barr creators of IRN-BRU.  Here’s a bit about them.

*

A.G. BARR has been in the business of quenching the nation’s thirst since 1875, creating and selling some of the UK’s best-loved soft drinks in the process.

It was our former Chairman Robin Barr’s great grandfather Robert Barr who first established a soft drinks business at our first factory at Burnfoot Lane in Falkirk.

A second Barr soft drinks business was established in Glasgow in 1887 by Robert Barr’s son, Robert Fulton Barr.

His business was taken over by his brother Andrew Greig Barr (from whom the company gets its name) five years later in 1892, when Robert decided to move to Ireland.

In 1901 both Barr soft drinks businesses, Robert Barr Falkirk and A.G.Barr and Co. Glasgow, jointly launched their original recipe IRON BREW.

The phonetic spelling IRN-BRU was introduced in 1947 following concern over proposed changes to food labelling regulations.

IRN-BRU has since gone on to become the much loved and popular brand that it is today.

As well as IRN-BRU our range of popular soft drinks brands includes Tizer, D’N’B, KA, Barr flavour range, Barr’s Originals, Strathmore spring water, St Clements juice drinks, Simply juice drinks, Sun exotic and Rubicon exotic juice drinks.

In addition to our own brands, we have exciting partnerships with third party brand owners. We have an exclusive licence from the US company Rockstar Inc. to promote and distribute Rockstar Energy in the UK, Ireland and extending into Scandanavia.

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Scottish Cheeses

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Picked up some new cheeses from the Hopetoun Farm Shop.

Orkney Smoked Red Cheddar – amazing and works well with being roasted.

Lazy Ploughmans from the Isle of Kintyre – just like the fav cheese and pickle combo, soft cheese very tasty.

A Smoked Dunlop Cheddar – lovely smoked rich taste

Cairnsmore Ewe’s Mil – very creamy, this is lovely with some caramalised onion chutney.

All served on some wholegrain crackers YUM!

 

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My Nutella French Patisserie Delight

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Makes 8 portions

I cheated a bit with this one and bought shop bought pastry. (Jus-~Rol) 1 x box

1 Jar Nutella

1 egg for glazing

a little flour for rolling.

 

1. Take out pastry from packet and split into 4 or 5 sections, Roll each section out to desired size using a little flour on surface to prevent sticking, you don’t want the pastry too thick or too thin.

2. Take one section of the pastry and spread nutella evenly over top, take next section of pastry and lay on top, then again spread with nutella etc, etc, keep on layering and spreading until you come to your last pastry layer and just lay that on top.

3. Take a large cutter or something circular like a cake tin lid to cut around pastry stack and make nice and neat all the way around.

4. Now come the tricky bit, take a small glass and position in the middle, the cut out your sections evenly.

5. Now take each section pull towards you slightly and twist about 3 times and seal the end.

6. Once all sections have been done, brush with some egg wash for the glaze.

7. Bake in a preheated oven for about 15-20 mins or until golden brown. (or as per packet instructions)

8. Break up sections and serve once cooled….oh so yummy!!!!

Homemade Haggis and Chicken Pakora with sauce

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Serves 2-4

Pakora Batter

150g gram flour

200ml water

1/2 tsp chilli

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp gram masala

1/2 tsp Turmeric

2 cloves garlic or 2 tsp ground garlic

small handful coriander (chopped finely)

Pinch salt

1. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together, make a well in the middle and gently add water little at a time while stirring, continue to add water until you get a smooth batter, it shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. Set aside.

Haggis Pakora

1 x 500g McSween’s Haggis, but Grants and Halls are also good. (500g serves about 3)

1. Cook as per package instructions and let cool. Make into small balls and dip into batter.

2. Gently drop into hot oil and fry for about 4-5 mins. Drain and pat excess oil off with kitchen paper.

Chicken Pakora

1 x Chicken Breast

1. Cut chicken breast into small chunks and lightly fry in a pan to brown.

2. Add some tomato paste to the left over batter mix and stir through until it turns pink, dip chicken chunks into batter and then drop gently into the oil and fry for about 3-4 mins. Drain and pat excess oil off with kitchen paper.

Pakora sauce for Chicken pakora

50g tomato ketchup

2g Mint leaves (finely chopped)

100g Natural Yoghurt

Pinch salt and chilli

50ml milk

1. Mix all the ingredients together, slowly adding the milk to produce a thin sauce. Pour into dish and set aside until ready.

Chilli sauce for Haggis Pakora

1/2 tin chopped tomatoes

Generous squirt of tomato sauce

1 tsp pepper

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp hot chilli sauce

Squeeze of lemon juice

1 beef oxo cube

1. Mix all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the oxo cube has fully dissolved. Remove and allow to cool before serving.

 

 

 

Chocolate ‘n’ Peanut Butter Balls

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I was looking for a quick pre or post workout snack, so made these for a quick pick me up of energy.

 

Makes approx 20 balls

200g Peanut Butter (I used Crunchy but you can use smooth)

50g butter

1 tsp vanilla essence

150g Icing Sugar (or substitute)

100g Dark chocolate (I used 85% cocoa)

 

1. Put peanut butter, butter, vanilla, icing sugar in a pan and heat on a medium heat (No. 5/6 if using Induction), when it starts to bubble, remove and set aside to cool,

2. Once cool make into small balls and place on greaseproof paper on a tray. Place into freezer to harden for approx 1 hour.

3. Break up chocolate and place into a saucepan, heat on No. 1 if using Induction, or alternatively melt chocolate using bowl over pan or in microwave.

4. Remove balls from freezer and using 2 forks cover each one in the melted chocolate then place back onto the greaseproof paper and freezer for approx 30 mins until chocolate hardens.

5. To serve, remove from freezer approx 1o mins before to allow softening……..scoff….yum!

Can be kept in freezer up to 1 month.  Yummy protein balls!

Savoury Muffins

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saoury cakes savoury cakes

Experimenting in the Kitchen again today. These were tasty and healthy, what’s not to like? Result!

 

A. Carrot and Sesame Cups   – (95 calories, 5g fat, 0.6g sat fat, 7g carbs, 4g protein)

Makes 12

250g Cauliflower

500g carrots

50g oat bran

3 eggs

1 tsp sea salt

50g sesame seeds

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp of chilli flakes for extra spice (this is optional, but tastes great!)

 

1. Roughly chop cauliflower and carrot and blitz in a food processor until fine pieces, tip into a large bowl.

2. Add the oat bran, eggs, salt and sesame seeds and mix through.

3. Lightly oil a muffin tin and spoon the mixture into the cups and pat down flat, spoon a little on top a mould to make a rounded top.

4. Preheat oven on Multilevel or fan to 180 deg and cook for 20-25 mins, leave to cool slightly (a few mins) and serve with some fresh salad for lunch or some rice for dinner.

 

B. Bacon and Leek Frittata Cups – (cal 115, fat 8g, sat fat 2.3g, carbs 3g, protein 6.4g)

Serves 12

150g new potatoes (or you can use sweet potato)

1 tbsp olive oil

2 leeks

8 rashers bacon

6 eggs

bunch parsley fresh or dried

salt and pepper

 

1. Wash potatoes, slice or dice finely and boil for 10 mins

2. Finely slice leeks, chop the bacon ans saute them on the olive oil until soft and browned.

3. If sliced potato, arrange on bottom of mould, if diced, mash roughly and press into bottom of mould, spoon in the leek and bacon mixture.

4. Whisk the eggs with the salt & pepper and pour evenly into each cup to fill. Sprinkle a little parsley in top.

5. Preheat oven on Multilevel to Fan to 180 deg and cook for 25 mins. Leave to cool slightly (a few mins), then serve with some fresh salad or rice.

 

YUM…YUM..

 

Both of these can be frozen and reheated in an oven for 10 mins.

Oat Bran Pancakes

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I love pancakes and was looking for a healthier option, these are really tasty.

 

Measurements for 1 pancake:-   (per serving 203 calories, 9g fat = 4g sat, carbs 14g, protein 15g)

1.5tbsp oat bran

1.5tbsp cream cheese

1 egg

 

1. Mix oat bran, cream cheese and egg together in a bowl.

2. Preheat a non-stick omelette pan or similar and pour in mix, spread evenly, flip over when bubbles start to appear, approx 2-3 mins, then cook for another 2-3 mins on other side.

3. Serve with your favorite toppings:- some suggestions:-

> Breakfast – Banana and walnuts with 1/2 tbsp agave syrup

> Breakfast – Low fat Bacon

> Breakfast – Scrambled or poached eggs with spinach

> Pudding – stewed fruit, cream cheese

> Pudding – Ice cream and tbsp maple syrup

 

Yum..Yum..

Healthy Sweet Chilli Turkey with Avocado Wraps

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Healthy options are here again. Well it is January! Who else needs a detox after all that Christmas Food?

Lettuce wraps…..who knew they would be tasty!

 

Avg Calories per wrap 100.

6 x salad leaves like Little Gem lettuce or equivalent

3 teaspoons of sweet chilli sauce

100g of turkey breast strips or chicken if preferred

1/2 Avocado

3 tablespoons of sweetcorn and red peppers

Cucumber strips – approx 6

 

1. Lay out lettuce leaves and top with turkey strips, then drizzle chilli sauce

2. Cut Avocado into slices and place on top

3. Spoon sweetcorn and peppers on

4. Slice cucumber with potato peeler keeping 3 strips to tie wraps, drape strips over mix

5. Take another lettuce leaf and place on top to close then wrap and tie with cucumber strip to hold

6. Enjoy!

Homemade Low Calorie Hummous

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Hummous

This is only 120 calories per pot or 10 calories per dip (and I like big dips)

 

1/2 can Chickpeas (110g)

Handful of Basil

1/2 lemon zest

1 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter

Pinch Cumin

Teaspoon of Salt

150g Zero Fat Natural Yoghurt

Teaspoon of chilli (Optional) tastes great though

 

Put everything in a Food Processor and Wiz Up for a minute or until all mixed.

Chill and serve with favourite condiment.

To keep low in calories serve with Carrot sticks or Celery sticks or poppodums (no oil, cooked in microwave)

Cake Pops

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cake pops

Just had to give these a go. Quite tricky but got there.

 

OREO CAKE POPS

2 x packets or OREO biscuits

1 tub Nutella Chocolate Spread

Cake pop sticks

500 g bar of chocolate

Sprinkles of choice

 

1. Put biscuits in a food processor until well mixed and broken into fine pieces

2. Empty into a bowl and add the nutella until well mixed together, it should form a hard sticky ball

3. Once mixed tear off small (approx 1 inch) pieces and roll into balls in palm of hand and place onto oiled baking tray

4. Put into freezer for approx 30 minutes to harden.

5. While cake pops are hardening, melt the chocolate in a heatproof glass dish over a pan of boiling water or on No. 1 on Induction Hob

6. Take Cake pops from freezer, dip the cake pop sticks into chocolate (just about 1cm) and pierce into cake pops, then re-freeze for about 20 minutes.

7. Once ready take out and decorate as desired with melted chocolate and spirnkles etc. Then chill to harden chocolate for about 1 hour.

8. Serve and enjoy. (Pops will last in a tub or cupoard for about 1 week).

**Alternatively you can use a cake mix instead of Oreo’s** – same procedure, bake cake then break up in a food processor, then add frosting instead of nutella.

***To keep round shape use polystyrene block to hold pops***

Homemade Sugar Doughnuts

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I do love a good Doughnut, it reminds me of being at the Fair or an amusement park. They are definitely best served warm.

 

Homemade Sugar Ring Doughnuts – makes about 10-12

1 tbsp yeast

4 tbsp caster sugar

150ml warm milk

225g plain flour

Pinch salt

50g butter

1 egg

300ml vegetable oil

 

Mix yeast, 1/2 tbsp sugar and 2 tbsp of warm milk together and leave in warm place for 15 mins or until frothy

Sift the flour into a bowl add the salt and 1 tbsp of sugar and make a  well in the middle

Pour the yeast mixture, with the beaten egg and melted butter  into bowl and mix all together until a dough is formed

Knead the dough and leave to rise/prove for about 45 mins or double in size. Select proving on Luce oven or cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place.

On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 mins and make into small balls, flatten to approx 2 cm thick and using a cutter make small hole in the middle to form a ring shape

Leave to rise/prove for a further 30 mins or till double in size

Using Induction hob set to power level 6 and heat oil in a wok until it reaches 190 deg (drop a cube of bread in, if it sizzles and turns golden brown in 30 secs, it hot enough)

Drop doughnuts into oil and cook for about 3-5 mins, turning halfway

Remove using slotted spoon and put onto kitchen paper, using the remainder sugar coat doughnut and serve.

Option to have chosen sauce for dipping….ie: melted chocolate……Mmmmmmmm.

Homemade Crisps

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crisps

 

HOMEMADE HEALTHY CRISPS

I used A. Bartlett potatoes but you can use any to your taste.

1. Slice thinly the potatoes, you can use your grater or mandoline if you have one.

2. Blot potatoes to remove excess moisture

3. Line plate or tray with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking and place potatoes around area, try to not get them touching or they may stick together

4. If you like you can brush very lightly with olive oil for extra taste, but this isn’t necessary if you are watching the calories.

5. Set Microwave to 800w for approx 7 mins (times may vary depending on thickness and potatoes)

6. Remove from microwave and paper and leave to cool on wire rack for a few minutes

7. Place in a food bag or container and season with your favourite…I used paprika and salt, and give them a good shake to even.

8. Enjoy!

Luxury Chocolate & Mint Truffles

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Luxury chocolate & Mint Truffles

100g Plain chocolate with Min 75% cococa

100g Plain Chocolate with mint (or orange flavour if you prefer)

60g Butter

4 Tablespoons of Caster Sugar

1 Large Egg

Chocolate Sprinkles for Decoration

 

  1. Melt the chocolate and Butter in a saucepan on Level 1 on an Induction Hob (if using normal hob, use glass bowl method)
  2. Once melted add in sugar and stir together for a minute
  3. Take off heat and break egg in and mix until thick texture
  4. Put into fridge for about 1 hour until slightly hardened
  5. Remove from fridge and roll into balls, then dip into sprinkles and chill in fridge for approx 1/2 hour.

Mmmmmmmmm……………….Delicious Sweet Treat.