12/07/24
Savoury Granola
Transform your culinary creations with a unique twist on the classic granola. Our savoury granola, crafted with a blend of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, and wild seeds such as nettle, wild mustard or hogweed, is the perfect addition to elevate your summer salads, soups, and dips. This nutty and crunchy medley not only adds texture but also infuses your dishes with a rich, earthy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or simply looking to enhance your everyday meals, this versatile granola will become your go-to topping for a burst of savory goodness.
An icecream flavoured with summer berries, earl grey tea and dandilion honey. Blend coconut and your favourite plant based milk with vanilla, make a blueberry or bilberry puree. Freeze separately then layer up and swirl, or use an icecream maker, creating a lovely berry ripple ice, perfect as an accompaniment to a sweet tart or enjoyed on its own as a summery treat.
To be honest the past few weeks have been a little tough. After I ran a marathon the other week I felt completely depleted, physically, emotionally and mentally. I have been trying to claw my energy and enthusiasm back ever since. I felt hungover from exertion and at the same time I felt like I didn’t have time to rest. Having children to look after and a business to run I wasn’t allowing myself the hours I needed to recharge. So as always from a survival point of view, my brain searched for a quick fix, (normally sugar) but this time it was wellness supplements.
Creamy and wholesome this caramelized onion white bean puree is full of flavour, a great alternative to a mash potato. Aimee says: “I use this as a bed to rest vegan scallops on, but it can also be a great dip, or a side dish.” Pictured served with samphire, three cornered leek oil, vegan scallops, dehydrated seaweed and leek flowers.
Aimee’s vegan chocolate based treat offers a perfect blend of rich dark chocolate and minty flavours. Sweetened with natural stevia it keeps sugar levels low, a guilt free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s surprisingly easy to make whether you’re looking for a party treat, a gift for a friend, or an everyday snack. 
Here at the Zest Life we love naturally flavoured waters. They are becoming very popular as a healthy alternative to other more sugary drinks and juices. We use them on our retreats as they are not only refreshing but also offer a variety of health benefits. They are made by infusing water with fresh fruits and herbs, and sometimes even spices. The provide a burst of flavour without added calories or chemicals. Whether you’re looking to stay hydrated, improve digestion, or simply enjoy a tastier beverage, naturally flavoured water is a delicious addition to your daily routine.
A super nutritious start to your day our Summer Bircher recipe embraces the flavours of the season. Typically a blend of oats soaked in liquid such as milk or juice mixed with fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, Aimee our retreat chef says “The joy of bircher is that it is very much a choose your own adventure, or what’s in your cupboard at present.” Make it the night before so the oats soak up all the delicious flavours. This recipe gives quantities for 2.
Have you met The Zest Life’s Lake District Swimming Leader Gilly McArthur? It’s time to dive in with her!
I am loving this Winter salad, that was honestly thrown together in five minutes and tastes fabulous. The colours are just to die for too! I find it can be hard at this time to eat healthily as I crave warmth and often seek it in food. Do you feel the same? But this salad is so comforting yet light, I feel it ticks all the boxes for a healthy eat and it contains over 11 plants!