Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

This recipe I adapted from a recipe by Jamie Oliver. He is often my go to  when searching for a particular recipe. I needed a gluten free, healthy, fruity muffin to serve after our yoga workshop. We were taking the time to share a light, brunch together and this recipe was perfect. It’s quick, easy and they taste good too. I filled a basket full and they went down a  treat. If you are wandering where I get the brown paper cases from,  I buy them on line and I think they make them look even more divine. Have fun and whip some up fro family and friends. Finally, for an Autumnal variation you can substitute the Bluberry for Blackberries.

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Banana Cinnamon Muffins

Autumn, it’s the perfect time of year to start being creative with your comfort foods. We crave sugar, warmth and comfort at this time of year, it’s only natural to feel this way with it being a time of hibernation. So instead of reaching for the unfulfilling sugary treats make batches of wholesome healthy snacks, like these muffins, for the whole family to enjoy at any time of the day. The best thing about them is they are sugar free!

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Hawthorn Ketchup

Haws can be quite fiddly and time consuming to prepare which is why it makes perfect sense to use them in a recipe such as this where they can all be thrown into a pan with as little effort as possible. The outcome is a delicious ketchup that will wow your friends and family with. It will keep in an unopened jar for months. Then bring it out at Summer BBQ’s or as the perfect accompaniment to scrambled eggs on toast. (more…)

Our top 5 super powders & seeds

What to add into smoothies….Our top 5 super powders & seeds

BAOBAB

If you are looking for a powdered extract that is high in fibre, antioxidants and Vitamin C, the fruit from the African Baobab tree is it. It  also balances the release of sugars, which will help regulate you energy levels. Great for digestive health too.

CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds, are favourite.  These tiny black seeds from a native South American plant have an amazing ability to provide sustainable energy, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” They are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. Loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients they are a must for your morning smoothie. 1 tsp should do the trick. (more…)

Super Green Protein Smoothie

Every morning, without fail I start my day with a smoothie. They are such a quick, convenient way to get nutrients into the body to fuel you for the day ahead. I will generally make a smoothie post exercise, but will always try to have it within 30 minutes of exercise so as to replenish the bodies muscle and liver glycogen stores. This helps with metabolism, blood flow and enzyme activity.  It’s the perfect combination of carbohydrate from the banana and protein from the nuts, seeds and Spirulina. The protein powder also helps keep you feeling full for a good few hours. There will be no mind morning snack cravings with this breakfast. (more…)

Good for you Granola

The smell of toasted nuts and cinnamon floating from the kitchen… it can only mean one thing, we’ve just made a batch of our delicious gluten free granola. Simple and tasty this granola makes a wonderful breakfast at any time of the year. Serve with warm milk and grated apple in winter or top it with natural yoghurt and fresh strawberries in the summer. Alternatively it makes for a healthy desert option layered in fancy glasses with a yoghurt of your choice and drizzled with honey.

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Raw Butternut Squash Smoothie

I love this quirky new smoothie recipe. I’d never have thought of using raw butternut squash in a smoothie but it tastes amazing and it is so filling. The cinnamon tops it off.  I have been eating it recently post my early morning run and swim when the body needs a tonne of nourishment to recharge.

Low in fat, butternut squash delivers an ample dose of dietary fiber, making it an exceptionally heart-friendly choice. It provides significant amounts of potassium, important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems. So with all this goodness what is not to love!

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raw cashew blueberry cheesecake

This dessert is a feast for the eyes. I love the contrast in colour and the more fruit you add the more intense the rich purple colour becomes. It is a wonderful way to surprise people with a lovely dessert that is raw, vegan, dairy free, wheat free and the only sweetness is a little bit of honey. Everyone on our retreats asks for this recipe and I am certain your friends and family will de doing the same. (more…)

Chick Pea Tagine

This tagine is a must for cooler autumn nights when you crave something warming and wholesome. Its a great meal to share with friends and family, easy to make and it will keep for a few days in the fridge. The taste actually intensifies after a few days rest. Serve with our jewelled couscous, a leafy green salad and a good dollop of tatziki. (more…)

Jewelled Couscous

This is such a beautiful salad to make. It turns couscous from a very plain, bland grain into a delight for the taste buds. I love cooking with pomegranate seeds, they are so magical, it’s like working with little rubies and when you taste the salad, it transports you to some far away corner of Morocco. It is perfect served with a tagine and a huge green salad, or it can be eaten on its own as a light lunch. I know there are a load of ingredients in this recipe, so if you don’t have all the nuts or all the herbs simply add what you can and it will still be delicious. (more…)