Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Review: Black-eyed peas and kale soup

McKel at the Nutrition Stripped blog has a delicious way of celebrating the New Year with a great black-eyed pea and kale soup.

Black-eyed Pea with Kale Soup

We followed the recipe which was quick and easy, and enjoyed every delicious mouthful. We enjoyed the recipe as a main meal at lunchtime. It made 4 generous servings. It would also be a great meal for a large group or party where you could cook everything in a slow cooker, and let people help themselves throughout the party. Black-eyed peas are not just for New Years, they are delicious and healthy to serve any time during the year.

Recipe: http://ift.tt/1TqbTcK



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Monday, December 28, 2015

Marinated Mushrooms

These tasty marinated mushrooms are great for parties. Mushrooms are quite nutritional, offering B vitamins and selenium. The also work as an anti-stress agent. Lightly marinated in a fine olive oil and lemon juice, they make a very tasty snack or appetizer.

Making marinated mushrooms

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint button mushrooms

for the marinade:

  • 1/3 cup fine olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • chili peppers
  • 1 tablespoon mixed Italian herbs
  • salt and pepper
  • nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 sprig, coriander or parsley , chopped

Marinated Mushrooms

Directions:

  1. Mix the olive oil, chili flakes, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt and pepper, optional nutmeg and wine vinegar.
  2. Whisk well to blend and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Clean the mushrooms with a paper towel or a small mushroom brush.
  4. Place the mushrooms in a jar and pour the olive oil mixture over them.
  5. Mix well so that the mushrooms have all been covered with the mixture.
  6. Allow to marinate for several hours or over-night.
  7. Shortly before serving, season to taste as needed.
  8. Chop the parsley or cilantro and sprinkle over the mushrooms.


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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Parsnip Apple Soup

This is a lovely soup, mild sweet, yet hearty and warming. It is elegant enough for a holiday meal, or humble enough for a warm meal on any cold night.

Apple Parsnip Soup with Thyme Walnut Garnish

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2-3 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 3 vegetable bouillon , cups
  • 1 apple juice, cup
  • 2-3 thyme, sprigs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • soy yogurt (plain) as garnish
  • thyme leaves as garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot.
  2. Chop the onion and place in the heating oil to sauté.
  3. Peel and chop the parsnips ad add to the cooking onion.
  4. Add the vegetable bouillon.
  5. Peel, core and chop the apples and add to the cooking parsnips.
  6. Remove the leaves from 2-3 springs of thyme and add to the soup.
  7. Cook the soup until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Add the cup of apple juice.
  9. Puree the soup.
  10. Thin the soup to the desired consistency with more vegetable bouillon of apple juice. If desired, you could also use soy yogurt or a non-dairy milk, however we did not find that necessary.
  11. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  12. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with a swirl of soy yogurt and a few thyme leaves.


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Mamalina's Pregnancy Series

​I'm really excited to have teamed up with Planet Organic to launch a series of posts and videos following my pregnancy journey right from the the early weeks all the way up to giving birth.
I'll be working with Planet Organic's in house Fertility Nutritionist, Angela Heap, to bring you my experiences of the best organic foods and drinks to keep not just your body but also your mind healthy and happy during pregnancy.
 
Being pregnant is wonderful but it can also be exhausting - which is hardly surprising when you consider that you are growing a human being inside you - so it's super important to give your body all it needs to be strong for you, and be strong for your brand new little miracle. In fact, never is there a more important time to look after your body and switch off your mind and relax than when you are pregnant. 
 
So I will be recommending an organic, hearty and non-processed diet for during pregnancy, as well as covering topics such as which supplements to take, relaxation techniques, and healthy cravings amongst others. Keep your eyes peeled on the Planet Organic website for more posts and in the meantime here is a quick video to introduce myself - stay happy, rested and healthy over the Christmas and New Year period and I'll see you in 2016! 

 

To see more from Emma, head to www.mamalina.co or check out her YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/mamalina
 

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via How to Save Money When Buying Organic Foods

Mamalina's Pregnancy Series

​I'm really excited to have teamed up with Planet Organic to launch a series of posts and videos following my pregnancy journey right from the the early weeks all the way up to giving birth.
I'll be working with Planet Organic's in house Fertility Nutritionist, Angela Heap, to bring you my experiences of the best organic foods and drinks to keep not just your body but also your mind healthy and happy during pregnancy.
 
Being pregnant is wonderful but it can also be exhausting - which is hardly surprising when you consider that you are growing a human being inside you - so it's super important to give your body all it needs to be strong for you, and be strong for your brand new little miracle. In fact, never is there a more important time to look after your body and switch off your mind and relax than when you are pregnant. 
 
So I will be recommending an organic, hearty and non-processed diet for during pregnancy, as well as covering topics such as which supplements to take, relaxation techniques, and healthy cravings amongst others. Keep your eyes peeled on the Planet Organic website for more posts and in the meantime here is a quick video to introduce myself - stay happy, rested and healthy over the Christmas and New Year period and I'll see you in 2016! 

 

 

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via How to Save Money When Buying Organic Foods

Monday, December 21, 2015

Eggplant & Walnut Dip

This is a delicious dip or spread. With the holiday season coming soon, you may want to have some on hand for any party that you may host or attend. We enjoyed the dip with home-made flatbreads.

Eggplant, Walnut Dip with Flatbreads

Yield: 1½ – 2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 1 eggplant
  • 3/4-1 cup walnut pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon harissa, alternatively a chili-pepper paste
  • 2-3 sprigs thyme, leaves only
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan.
  2. Add the onion and begin to sauté.
  3. Chop the eggplant in cubes and add to the onion.
  4. Add the minced garlic.
  5. Add the thyme.
  6. Cook the eggplant until soft. You may want to add a splash of water as it is cooking if the pan becomes too dry.
  7. When the eggplant has become soft, remove from the pan and place in a food processor or blender.
  8. Add the harissa.
  9. Puree the eggplant mixture until most of the mixture is smooth.
  10. Toast the walnut pieces in a dry frying pan.
  11. Add most of the walnut pieces to the eggplant puree and give 1 or 2 pulses to blend. You want it to still have chunky walnut pieces, but blended with the eggplant.
  12. Remove from the food processor and place in serving dishes.
  13. Season to taste with salt and pepper of needed.
  14. We garnished the dip with a small piece of thyme and some toasted walnut pieces.


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Friday, December 18, 2015

Superfood Cocktails

​I believe there's nothing wrong with alcohol, if taken in moderation, with a happy outlook and loving spirit – it can add to the party spirit!
After all, alcohol has been used for over ten thousand years to lift the mood, protect the heart and extend life-span. To reduce any harmful effects, use organic, vegan, gluten-free, top-quality spirits, mixing them with homemade juices and organic superfoods.
 
Vodka Lavendade
— serves 1
A lovely, sophisticated drink, this lavender lemonade was inspired by my Californian bestie. enjoy living a socialite life vicariously through her. When she tells me about the posh drinks she wishes were healthier, I’m already in my kitchen making them.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 tbsp lavender flower buds
  • 250ml (8.fl oz) hot water
  • 45ml (1.fl oz) vodka
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 5 drops liquid stevia or 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 drops vanilla extract
  • ice cube
  • sparkling water
  • lavender sprig, to garnish

METHOD
1. Stir the lavender in the hot water and leave to cool, then strain.
2. Pour 125ml (4fl oz) of the liquid into a large champagne flute, add vodka, lemon juice, sweetener and vanilla and stir together.
3. Add the ice cube and stir a little more until the drink is chilled.
4. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of lavender
 

Mango Margarita
— 1 drink
A classic Margarita is quite citrusy, and the great thing about that is the zingy flavour can be paired with your favourite fruit. My chosen blend is with mango, and once you taste this drink, it may just become your favourite, too.
 
INGREDIENTS
  • ¼ ripe mango, chopped, plus extra, cut
  • into small cubes, to garnish
  • handful of ice cubes, crushed
  • 70ml (2 ½ fl oz) tequila/mescal
  • 80ml (3fl oz) orange juice
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 2 tbsp agave nectar
  • 1 tbsp baobab powder

METHOD
1. Muddle the chopped mango and ice in a shaker.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, except the garnish, and shake hard.
3. Strain into a lowball glass. Garnish with mango cubes.
 
Frozen Acai Daiquiri
— serves 5
This drink is like a delicious slushy! It is so easy to garnish it and make it look beautiful. It's a must-have in the summer or the ideal palate cleanser at any time of year

INGREDIENTS
  • 40g (1 ½ oz) coconut palm sugar
  • 125ml (4fl oz) hot water
  • 250ml (8 ½ fl oz) light rum
  • 400g (14oz) strawberries, hulled and frozen
  • 125ml (4fl oz) lime juice
  • 1 tbsp acai powder
  • 2 handfuls of ice
  • fresh berries, lime wheels or edible
  • flowers, to garnish

METHOD 
1. Dissolve the coconut palm sugar in the hot water to create a syrup. Leave to cool.
2.Put 150ml (¼ pint) of the syrup, along with the other ingredients, except the ice and
garnish, into a blender and blend on a high setting until smooth.
3. Add the ice and blend for a few seconds more.
4. Pour into chilled martini glasses, garnish and serve immediately
 
 


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Raw Coconut & Macadamia Fudge Squares

If you’re looking for a healthy Christmas treat to eat when everyone else is indulging in chocolate and dessert, look no further than these gorgeous fudgy squares.
They are made, primarily, from macadamia nuts and coconut, which are both great sources of good fats. These fats are important to keep hormone levels balanced and will keep you in a good mood! This is quite handy for the, often stressful, festive season.
 
These squares are free from refined sugar, gluten and dairy and are still in their raw state, which makes them a pretty healthy treat. In my opinion, they are even nicer than the gluten and sugar laden treats that leave us feeling tired and bloated. They’re also so quick and easy!
 
INGREDIENTS  
METHOD
 
1. Blend all ingredients (except cherries) together until a very smooth mixture has formed. It should be slightly runny 
2. Mix in a handful dried cherries 
3. Spread the mixture in a square shaped container 
4. Put in the freezer for a few hours to set. Just a warning – they will melt if left out of the fridge or freezer for too long. They are meant to be enjoyed immediately. 
5. Cut into Squares and serve immediately. 

 


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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ginger Roasted Parsnips

This makes a delicious side dish for a holiday meal or any other time as well. It is slightly sweet, yet allows the mild flavor of the parsnips to shine forth.

Ginger Roasted Parsnips

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1½ pounds parsnips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 3-4 cubes sweetened ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons sweet white dessert wine
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • parsley, chopped as garnish

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 325ºF / 165ºC.
  2. Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated ginger and sweet wine. salt and pepper.
  3. Place the “marinade” in a bowl.
  4. Peel and slice the parsnips in whatever form you wish, either as coins, or lengthwise.
  5. Place the peed parsnips in the bowl with the marinade so that they do not turn yellow.
  6. Toss well so the parsnips are coated.
  7. Spray a casserole dish with baking oil and place the parsnips in the casserole dish to roast.
  8. Chop the sweetened ginger and sprinkle on top of the parsnips.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven to roast for about 40 minutes.
  10. The last 5-8 minutes, remove the foil and allow the parsnips to lightly brown.
  11. We garnished the dish with a bit of chopped parsley.


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Monday, December 14, 2015

Rebel Kitchen Matcha Mylk Super Green Smoothie

This blend of delicious green goodness is the perfect way to kickstart the morning.
It’s packed full of nutrients, super foods and energy enhancing properties; the serotonin in the bananas are a great mood booster, and you’ll find good fats, protein, iron and antioxidants in the green veg, chia seeds and Matcha  Green Tea Mylk. 
 
It takes less than five minutes to prep and you can pour the mix into a flask to enjoy on the move. 
 
INGREDIENTS
METHOD

1. Peel an avocado, remove the stone and slice a quarter. 
2. Peel and chop 1/2 a banana and slice 1/2 a courgette
3. Add all the ingredients (along with a full carton of Rebel Kitchen Matcha Green Tea Mylk) to the blender and chuck in some ice cubes
4. Whizz for 30 seconds or until smooth
5. Add water for consistency (if needed) then whizz again until fully blended




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20 Gluten-Free Treats for the Holiday Season

It's mid-December, which means it's time for some holiday sweets. You won't find wheat flour in any of these sweets, but it's one ingredient you'll never miss. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or not, these desserts from cookies and candy to cakes and edible gifts, will make your holiday season complete.


1. Caramel Pecan Turtle Clusters


It's hard to resist the addictive combination of buttery pecans and chewy homemade caramel nestled under a creamy milk chocolate shell. Wrap up a few in pretty tissue paper and give a box as a holiday gift.



2. No-Bake Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies

The only thing better than a no-bake cookie is one that involves a winning combination of Nutella and peanut butter.


3. Crisp Meringues with Whipped Cream

This is just about the simplest dessert imaginable. You can make it with meringues purchased at the grocery store or at a bakery, or make them yourself. Together the crisp meringue and soft cream melts together into one sweet and simple dessert.


4. No-Bake Sesame Coconut Ginger Cookies

Moist and naturally sweet with a gingery bite, these cookies contain just five ingredients and couldn't be easier to make.


5. Coconut Snowballs

When it comes to cookies, deliciousness usually arrives in the form of flour, butter, sugar, nuts, and chocolate. But when you can't eat any of those foods, coconut — in all its delicious forms — is your new best friend.


6. How To Make a Chocolate Soufflé

Not only are chocolate soufflés one of the most heavenly things you can eat with a spoon, but they're also surprisingly not all that hard to make.



7. Classic Southern Pralines

You can call the praline a cookie, because it's shaped like one, but it's rightfully a type of candy. These no-bake treats are made entirely on the stovetop, and take just 15 minutes.


8. Eggnog Marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows make the perfect gift this time of year. And what better way to celebrate the season than with eggnog?




9. How To Make the Best Coconut Macaroons

Crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle — a good coconut macaroon has some texture for you to bite into. As long as you have some shredded coconut stashed away in your cupboard and a few eggs in the fridge, a batch of sweet macaroons can be yours in less than 30 minutes.


10. Holiday Nut & Fruit Brittle

Enrobed in caramelized sugar, the nuts and seeds in this holiday nut brittle look like little gems. It's easy to swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruit, and spices to create your own unique version.


11. Raspberry-Coconut French Macarons

French macarons make the most perfect, bite-sized presents. These macaron shells feature finely ground freeze-dried raspberries for sweetness and color. The raspberry flavor is subtle, and pairs beautifully with the coconut filling.


12. Baked Eggnog Custards

This seasonal treat is surprisingly light and smooth, with a subtly sweet eggnog flavor and a slightly boozy aftertaste.


13. How To Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

There's a lot to love about chocolate-covered strawberries. The crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth shell and the cool, sweet strawberry beneath. Whether you serve them for a party or give them as a gift, they're bound to be a hit.


14. Gluten-Free & Vegan Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread, in all its many forms, is a classic holiday treat. And this moist, richly flavored gingerbread cake is certainly not one to be missed.


15. Heavenly Hash Bars

Just when you thought you'd filled your arsenal with enough delicious homemade holiday treats, along came heavenly hash to sweep them all under the carpet. The combination of bittersweet chocolate, roasted almond, and marshmallow is truly a gift.
meringue


16. How To Make French Meringue

With a crisp outer shell, slightly chewy center, and a subtle sweetness, baked meringues are a melt-in-your-mouth delight.


17. Chocolate-Dipped Figs with Sea Salt

Dried figs are a sweet and easy treat any day, but dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with a little sea salt and they become a treat worthy of anyone's holiday gift list.


18. Raw Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bites

These truffles might be raw and vegan, but trust me — they still taste like an indulgent treat. They'll certainly suit nearly everyone on your gift list.


19. Sweet and Savory Roasted Cashews

These crisp and flavorful roasted nuts offer a little something for everyone. There are brown butter-sage cashews if savory is your thing, and cocoa-dusted cashews for those of us with a sweet tooth.


20. How To Make the Easiest Chocolate Fudge

This classic fudge has a dense, textured chewiness as you bite into it, and then melts in your mouth. It's a classic holiday gift to give for a reason.


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