Almond butter is so often praised on healthy eating blogs and in recipe books, but to buy, a small jar will leave your pocket about four euro lighter. To me that's an insane amount to spend, especially when it's so easy to make! I actually think this one is a lot nicer than the shop bought version, much more flavoursome. A small bag of almonds costs less than two euro in Lidl. Thank goodness for the Belbake range!

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!

Carrot Cake Mini Muffins

There is actually nothing better than homegrown carrots straight from the garden! Not only are they so photogenic and vibrantly coloured (once they are washed of course), they are also so fresh and nutritious! These beauties are straight from the garden, and a little wonky from stony soil, but still way tastier than shop bought! I thought I'd whip up a batch of Carrot Cake Muffins, but with a slight healthy twist. The are really filling so would be great for a snack and would satisfy a sweet craving! 

They are even more indulgent and delicious with the cream frosting.

Deliciously Simple Smoothie

I know lots of us are feeling a bit run down recently, and a boost of vitamins and minerals is just what we need!! After getting some frozen raspberries and cherries in Aldi, along with some kale, I thought I would throw together this simple little recipe for a super nutritious smoothie! It is such a vibrant colour, so sweet and should fill you full of energy. It's a great snack for anyone trying to get on the right track after an indulgent December.

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.

My Second Graze Box

So, as you know I got my first graze box delivered to me as a present from my sister, and I did a wee post about what was in my box, just for those curious as to what Graze is like. You can find that post here if you are interested. 

I thought I would do a follow up to that and do another post on what was in my second box, because its a bit different, and it shows what great variety Graze offer.

My First Graze Box

My sister sent me my first Graze box to my university address and I excitedly went to pick it up from the office. My first parcel and it involved food. I was over the moon. I had been dying to try Graze boxes for years... and now that I'm at Uni, it seemed like the perfect time. Of course I want to eat well, and affordably, and I also don't want to resort to lazy processed foods, high in artificial preservatives and nasties. Graze is perfect for me, as it has my favourite sort of foods in lovely, tasty mixes.