Leaves are turning gold and the mornings are darker as we head into Autumn. And after enjoying salads during the Summer months I now start yearning for warming soups at lunchtime. Pumpkins and parsnips are some of the seasonal produce at the Farmers Market in Lyttelton were we shop each week for all our groceries. There are still courgettes and green beans in season, so lovely to combine with the … [read more]
Kombucha drink
I am having a lot of fun here making my first fermented food, rich in bacteria and yeasts that are great for my digestive tract, immune system and just about any aspect of health you can think of. I’ve been advising on probiotics for many years and have just been writing in Healthy Food Guide all about the benefits and virtues of probiotics. But what I reckon will be the next culinary wave are … [read more]
Roast Vegetable Salad
Whether it's warm or cold outside, I love Roast Vegetables, especially as a salad. Once roasted, they can store in the fridge for a good 3 days. Then just easily warm enough for lunch or dinner and serve with your favourite green leaves (thinking spinach, rocket, musclun). Here I have added almonds and some pieces of Italian style cheese from our local farmers market. But I also love grilled or … [read more]
Salsa~salad or side
I am in love with mint and it is taking over my garden, so a great ingredient to use lots of. I can't get over how much freshness and zing it adds to foods and drinks. It seems many recipes have forgotten about the herbs, but they transform a dish. So when I tried this salsa for the first time I was blown away by what the mint did for it. You've got to try it! The Salsa will keep in the fridge … [read more]
Omelette~bursting with colour
This omelette makes a great breakfast or lunch or equally a great dinner! Eggs are rich in protein and when combined with vegetables, give sustaining energy. So an omelette at breakfast sets me up for the day really well. And best of all, it tastes amazing! Ingredients 2 eggs 1 TBS water grind of salt and pepper 2 handfuls of green leaves e.g. spinach, kale, … [read more]
Breakfast Booster Smoothie
Which breakfast gives you the most ‘mileage out of your tank of fuel’? Have you noticed which foods make you feel nicely satisfied in your stomach, awake and bright in your mind, with a steady stream of energy and even mood for the next few hours? Rather than feeling sleepy, irritable, hungry an hour later, heavy and bloated! One of my favourite breakfasts that ticks the boxes for me is an … [read more]
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh salad is a great base for lunch or in a pita pocket bread or to complement a meal of kebabs, tzatziki yoghurt dip and green salad. Usually tabblouleh is made with cous cous or bulghur wheat which are both made from wheat grain. I’m making it here with quiona (pronounces keen-wa) grain. This makes the salad gluten free and suitable for Low FODMAP diets. Quinoa is from South America and … [read more]
Raw Energy Salad
I love salads in Summer and the amazing colour and taste of this one especially. This keeps in the fridge for at least 3 or 4 days and still tastes great. Ingredients ¼ red cabbage 2 raw beetroot 6 small or 3 large carrots Salad dressing e.g French or Balsamic or Pomegranate juice based dressings are all good with this salad. Method Finely slice the cabbage. Grate the … [read more]
Summer Lunch
What am I making for lunch this week? Here on the table are lovely green leaves, Bruschetta topped olive oil, goat feta, tomato and basil, Raw Energy Salad and Quinoa Tabbouleh. Plus a Fresh Herb Mayonnaise and French Salad Dressing. I like to have easy-to-prepare lunches for the week ahead. It’s summer here in New Zealand so I make 2 salads on Sunday that keep well and store in the fridge. So … [read more]
Muesli bars
I love the versatility of muesli bars but loathe the commercial ones in the supermarket, which contain damaged ‘trans’ fats and are often loaded with sugar, both of which will only increase inflammation in our body. So here is one I have just made from Dr Libby’s Real Food Kitchen recipe book, which stores nicely in freezer. I get a couple out for breakfast and it sets me up for the day or … [read more]