I had so many courgettes growing this year, and as always so many have gone to waste! I spent ages looking for yummy new ways to eat them, both sweet and savoury! I came across a recipe and changed it around to suit myself. Yes, it's still delicious. These are my Blueberry, Banana and Courgette Muffins. So simple to make and full of hidden fruit and vegetables, making them great for fussy children!

Almond-Coated Chicken Stir Fry

Colourful food is my favourite. Anything with lots of vegetables and plenty of colour in my eyes is the epitome of healthy and nutritious. When  I'm in college during the week I generally base my meals around vegetables (because I absolutely LOVE them), and while many people are living off Pot Noodles and Microwavable Rice, I'm just making another one of my made-up on the spot recipes. I do plan on sharing some more of my savoury recipes here once I have perfected them! But for now, here's one which has been inspired by one of the GREATEST Chinese dishes I have ever had while over in Spain on my holidays last year. The chinese restaurant was the best one I have ever been in, it served free watermelon after the meal and made the most delicious jug of Sangria. (Very multicultural haha). It was like no Chinese Restaurant I have seen here at home.  

Here is my recipe for my Almond Coated Chicken Stir Fry.

Granola Oat Bites

When I go swimming and feel a bit peckish on the way home I'll call into the shop and get some fruit like Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries to nibble on on the way home, just as a pick me up until my next meal. Bananas however are great for satisfying hunger pangs and cravings because they have fibre, protein and fat. A large banana has approximately 120 calories.

After exercising your body needs carbohydrates and protein to relieve tired muscles and get your energy back up. I've put together a little recipe for Granola Oat Bites that would make for a great post workout snack, mid afternoon snack or even a great breakfast on the go! 

Nutty-la Homemade Chocolate Spread

I came across this lovely recipe recently in Deliciously Ella's first book (which also happened to be called Deliciously Ella). I loved the look of it and decided to try it, making a slightly smaller jar, and using golden syrup instead of maple syrup as I'm a student and its a lot cheaper and more affordable on my budget. So here it is, the slightly adapted student version, as I've officially just decided to call it, Nutty-la Homemade Chocolate Spread. YUM.

Sweet and Zesty Side Salsa

Hi! I just wanted to share this little recipe for a Salsa that I love! It really spices up a plain meal and I cannot stop eating it til it's all gone! Here goes..

Serves 2 :
1 red chili
1 avocado
1/2 juice of a lemon
400g cherry tomatoes
4 spring onions
salt
pepper
parsley

Method:
Chop the avocado into chunks & the cherry tomatoes into halves.
Add about half the red chili, although if you like the heat add the whole thing (or even extra).
Dice the spring onions, add to the bowl and mix well.
Add the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Finely chop your parsley and sprinkle over the top.

I love serving salsa with fish cakes as it adds more interest and goes so well!

Chocolate & Raspberry Nibbles

These little shards of deliciousness are hands down my favourite go-to recipe when I'm wanting to satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. They are super easy to make and actually very adaptable. The raspberries are a burst of fresh sweetness to a more deep tasting, almost bitter chocolate.

Eating Better for Less

Everyone knows that eating well and eating healthy can be difficult on a small budget, and this has been increasingly noticeable for me since becoming a student. Here are my tips for spending less and still eating good, nutritious meals at the same time.

Pumpkin Muffins

I had a little pumpkin remaining from the autumn harvest, so after pureeing it I found a lovely little recipe for Pumpkin Muffins, and changed it round a bit to suit me.

Belfast Markets 2015

I had been planning to go to the Christmas Markets, for over a month now, and one thing or another kept leading to the trip being temporarily cancelled and postponed. Finally the day came when I hopped on the train and headed for the gorgeously festive European Markets that had settled into the heart of a well lit up Belfast City.

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

Ok, so I have seen this little recipe everywhere, the old Chia Seeds and Overnight Oat pudding, and there are so many different and great variations.

Hummus / Houmous

I love this quick and easy recipe for a tasty little hummus dip (and yes I am in two minds about how to spell it). Hope you enjoy!!

Happy Munching!

We all start a year with resolutions, and most people start their summer with goals of some sort. My summer goal was to get fit and healthy... and although I haven't exactly gotten into exercise the way I thought I would, I've definitely been eating much better. One of the main ways I have been eating healthily is by including seeds in my diet. Chia, Sunflower, Pumpkin, Sesame... you name it. I sprinkle them on my breakfast, over fruit salads, and even try to include them in my baking, such as my banana bread and my sweet cheat fake chocolate truffles.

Gluten Free Diet - Day 1

When learning about Gluten Intolerance in school from Home Economics class I always thought it would be a pretty easy dietary requirement to have to deal with. I was under the impression that it only involved cutting out wheat (Pasta and Bread) and all that related food group: Barley. I thought that would be pretty simple. What I didn't realise is EVERYTHING has gluten in it. Cornflakes and even sausages contain gluten. Bread, pasta, cakes. Basically all the things people use to fill plates and bellies, contain gluten.

I am taking on a gluten free diet for the next two weeks for a few reasons.
Firstly I want to educate myself more on what foods are available for the Gluten Intolerant .. and already this has posed itself as a task. I want to search grocery shops, and see if I can still have decent meals without gluten. The first problem I have already come across is the price, with gluten free alternatives being more pricey than the gluten rich counterparts.
In cutting out gluten I am hoping to become more conscious of my diet and the foods I eat.
Secondly I am hoping that removing this protein from my diet will help with my skin at the moment (which is kind of spot central for some reason) as I have heard that gluten can cause skin reactions. I am willing to try anything at this stage.

DAY ONE

Breakfast:

July Favourites!!

So July is over and I thought I would be a typical, unoriginal blogger and do a little post on my favourites for the month, except a little different because I am doing my favourite FOODS (or I suppose ingredients) for July. 

Not Your Regular Salads - Quick, Simple & Quirky

2 medium courgettes
1 small garlic clove (crushed)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon chia/poppy seeds

Grate the courgettes and place in a bowl.
To this add the crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, honey and chia/poppy seeds.
Mix to combine and serve immediately.(If left to sit, the salad will become watery, due to the high water content of the courgettes and the other moist ingredients)

2 large oranges

4 handfuls of Rocket

Wash the rocket, dry and place in a bowl.

Peel the oranges and cut into segments.

Add all orange segments and juice to the bowl of rocket!

Simple and yummy.

Elderflower Cordial

It's summer and because I live in the countryside I'm lucky to be surrounded by lots of white blooming Elder flower trees (or Elder trees?). I've always been one to try and make the most of what's around me... especially when it comes to 

food, and I could not resist to try a simple little recipe for Elder Flower Cordial.(Especially when they look so pretty and dainty).