Quick Porridge Pudding

Image Leave a comment 09/02/2022 the wee caledonian cook

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

Place oats, egg, 120ml yoghurt, raisins & berries along with essence into a mug and mix through until combined.
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
Finish off with some yoghurt, nuts & seeds and enjoy!

NEW E BOOK LAUNCH TODAY! ENERGY BOOSTING BREAKFAST RECIPES!

Image Leave a comment 15/03/2021 the wee caledonian cook

In today’s hectic lifestyle and especially in the wintery months, it can feel impossible to achieve those recommended eight hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation catches up to us all, however, and it can be difficult to find energy-granting options that are healthy as well. Luckily, many foods boost energy naturally, offering a mid-day pick-me-up that will not derail a healthy diet.

I have put together a small collection of delicious Breakfast Recipes that I enjoy, these tasty morning starters will help get your energy set for the day ahead.

I was inspired a few years ago when I decided to look more into nutrition, it was really interesting learning about micronutrients and the true benefits of all those minerals & vitamins. I completed a health & nutrition course with BNF (British Nutrition Foundation) https://www.nutrition.training/ & learned how to use foods to our advantage to better our diets & lifestyle.

Simple to make dishes that the whole family will enjoy.

Please visit my eBook Recipe page for the link to purchase and download. https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/recipe-e-books/

The eBook only costs £1.99 and this is just to cover my expense of running this blog and designing the book. I hope that you see the value in this and that you enjoy.

Preview of the recipes in my book below.

Banana, Peanut Butter & Oat Choc Chip Muffins

Image Leave a comment 09/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

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)

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

Avocado Pancakes

Image Leave a comment 28/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

OMG! I do love Avocado’s & if you do too, you will love this little recipe. A good nutritious and healthy way to start your day. Creamy luxurious texture, full of good vitamins, healthy fatty acids, flavour and fiber, why would you not want to? Good on their own or serve with a poached egg or crispy bacon for a more luxury weekend treat.

Makes 4 large pancakes

1 Large avocado

100g Plain Flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp coconut oil – melted

butter for the pan

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt & nutmeg in a bowl
Combine the avocado, milk, egg, coconut oil and vanilla in a food processor until smooth
Mix the avocado into the flour until blended
Melt the butter in a fry pan on medium to high heat, scoop the batter into the pan (whichever size you like) and cook for about 2-3 minutes per each side.
Serve. I put on a bed of Spinach with a poached egg on top, Yummy!

French Toast with Kale, Avocado and Tomato Balsamic Jam

Image Leave a comment 25/02/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I just love Sunday Brunch time, no alarm, lay in, relaxing morning and a fantastic big breakfast that will keep me going until my Sunday dinner. I couldn’t decide between sweet or savoury this morning, so why not both?? This was an absolute treat and so glad I had some fresh tomatoes as this jam just nailed the dish.

Makes 2 portions

For the Jam

10 cherry tomatoes – 1/4

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp butter

Sprayoil

1 red onion – finely chopped

For the French Toast

2 slices of bread (I used wholemeal)

1 tbsp butter for frying

2 eggs

Salt & pepper to taste

1 large handful of kale – I steamed cooked mine for 4 minutes, perfect.

1/2 Avocado – sliced

To make the jam:- Heat 1 tbsp butter and some spray oil in a fry pan
Saute the onion on medium heat until tender about 5 minutes
Add brown sugar, stir and cook for a further 3 minutes
Add the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar and cook for a further 5 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm
To make the French Toast:- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a fry pan.
Whisk the eggs and season with salt & pepper
Place the slices of bread in the egg mixture and allow to soak for a minute, then place into the hot pan and fry on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Steam cook your kale.
Place kale onto toast, then avocado slices then top with the jam.
Serve…….so Yummy!

Cajun Spiced Scrambled Eggs

Image 1 Comment 13/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Told you I was on a mission to eat healthier without compromising on flavours! Another cracker of a wee dish, I had this for brunch today (I needed a lay in..lol!) Bonus:- Under 400 calories!

Serves 2

4 eggs

75ml Light Single Cream

Low calorie Spray

1 red onion – finely chopped

1 green pepper – finely chopped

50g kale – shredded

50g Spinach leaves – I used baby

2 tsp Cajun spice mix (1/2 tsp garlic, 1 tsp all spice, 1/2 tsp thyme), (my all spice mix was:- 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 cloves)

salt & pepper to taste

Beat together Cream and eggs with salt & pepper
Heat spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat and cook through onion and green pepper (3-4 mins)
Add kale with a splash of water, cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle on the Cajun mix and add seasoning, then add in the spinach, cook until spinach has wilted.
Spray the mixture with some spray oil and add in the egg mixture, allow to sit for 1 minute then stir through until you have scrambled egg effect. Serve immediately.

Avocado and Spinach Breakfast Muffins

Image Leave a comment 15/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

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

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

My Colourful Morning Scott’s Energy Oats

Image Leave a comment 05/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

It’s starting to get chilly in the mornings now here in Bonnie Scotland, the Autumn has certainly arrived. I do love the Autumn though, apple pies, warm pumpkin soup, warming hearty stews and lovely hot breakfasts! Feeling cold and tired, I decided to colour up my porridge this morning and add some energy boosting foods, it certainly perked me up and put a smile on my face, great way to start the working day. Total calories:- 318

1 portion Scotts porridge oats (I used the so easy version for quickness)

1 banana – sliced

8g almonds – grinded to powder

7g pistachios – grinded to powder

5g chia seeds

pink food colouring

Cook porridge oats as per normal but adding in the pink colouring
Place the other ingredients in any way you choose. Make a different design and colour every day! Have fun with your food!

Strawberry, Banana Yoghurt Delight with little surprises.

Image Leave a comment 10/06/2016 the wee caledonian cook

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

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

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Omelette with Avocado Ranch Dressing

Image Leave a comment 22/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Oh so yummy lunch today or as I call it Superfood Sunday! Having some Avocado Ranch dressing https://atomic-temporary-46532287.wpcomstaging.com/2016/05/21/avocado-ranch-dressing/ left from yesterdays lunch and my determination to do well at the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Omelette challenge http://www.jamiesfoodrevolution.org/news/the-food-revolution-international-omelette-challenge/ the 2 went hand in hand, the dressing added a lovely we extra zing to the omelette.

Makes 1

2 eggs

Small handful of grated cheddar cheese

1 slice of smoked fresh salmon

1/4 Avocado sliced thinly

Salt & pepper

1 tbsp avocado dressing (recipe above on link)

Whisk eggs and season with salt & pepper
Heat pan to medium to high heat and lightly spray with low fat oil.
Pour in egg mixture and cook for about 4-5 mins until cooked underneath but still slightly running on top
Place smoked salmon and avocado on 1 side, fold over omelette and cook for further couple of mins.
Serve with ranch dressing. Yummy!

Wee Scottish Brekkie Omelette

Image Leave a comment 21/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I love a full cooked Scottish breakfast but I also like to eat healthy……this little creation is only 240 calories and about 6g fat……you still get the full flavour without the guilty feeling. A win win all round. I just love breakfast times.

I source all my ingredients locally so everything is fresh and super tasty! Not joined a Food Assembly near you yet, sign up here:-

https://thefoodassembly.com/en

I’m also following Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and oh yes this is my omelette challenge entry too! Haven’t signed up yet? Here is the link below.

http://www.jamiesfoodrevolution.org/

Makes 1 omelette

2 eggs

2 slices of Black Pudding

1 rasher of low fat smoked bacon

1 mushroom

2 cherry tomatoes

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp of baked beans

Heat some low fat cooking spray oil in a pan and lightly fry black pudding (6 mins), bacon (3 mins), mushroom and tomatoes (2-3 mins).
Beat eggs together, add in salt & pepper, heat oil in a pan and cook omelette until slightly running on top still.
Add in the filling above and cook for further 1 min, then fold and serve with some baked beans. Yummy!