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!

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.

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.

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. 

Fake Truffles

These 'truffles' are really balls of energy and fibre, disguised as chocolaty goodies. They are definitely the best thing that has come out of my kitchen in a long time - in regards to taste, a healthy treat and the ease of making! They are truly DELICIOUS.

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.