Porridge two ways

As winter sets in here, there is nothing better then waking up to a warm bowl of porridge.  I eat eggs most morning but sometimes a warm bowl of goodness calls me. I love it because you can add all those beautiful winter spices and add in whatever you have in your fridge or pantry. 

First we have quinoa porridge with rhubarb topped with pre-soaked chia seeds blueberries and sheeps milk yogurt. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon and there you have it.

Second we have and abundance bowl porridge. Soak quinoa, amaranth, sesame seeds ,poppy seeds. When cooking add slithers of ginger a tiny spoon of cocoa powder, top with a lot of fresh fruits, yogurt of your choosing ( I choose sheep), cinnamon and mint.

Breakfast on the Go

This is my go to breakfast or snack on the go. When I know I won't have time the next day before uni, I will make this the night before put it in the fridge and just grab on my way out. You can change up the fruits depending on season but berries are easy to throw on.

Ingredients

1 mason jar

2 tsp of chia seeds

1 tsp of linseeds

Couple of cardamon seeds

Coconut flakes

Cinnamon to taste

Honey if you want a little sweetness

Enough yogurt to fill the jar

4 strawberries, chopped 

Method

1. In a medium sized mason jar put chia seeds, linseeds, cinnamon, hint of honey and cardamon seeds. Fill the jar with yogurt and stir rapidly.

2. Chop strawberries and sprinkle on top. Sprinkle as much coconut flakes and cinnamon as you like.

3. Leave in the fridge to create a gelatinous gel from the chia seeds. Grab out of the fridge in your way and enjoy!

Rice Pudding with Fig

Fig season is here! I pretty much wait all year for fig season to hit. They are one of my favourite fruits, especially when they are fresh. Dried ones just never compare to the real mccoy. If you have ever noticed what a fig looks like, it is exactly what is is good for. Like many of mother natures gifts the look of the fruit or vegetable can tell you how it can be used. Walnuts are a good example they look like a brain, and have also been proven to help brain function. Figs look like the female organs which is a good indication of what it can help heal. Eat figs regularly to reduce your risk of breast cancer and help with menopausal symptoms.

This is a simple recipe for spring, where I am it is still quite cold so this is a nice combination of warming winter foods and cool summer fruits.

Also to let you know I have a tumblr you can check it out here. Have a look for all your foodie, floral and fashion needs. 

Ingredients

1/2 cup of brown rice soaked and pre cooked

1/2 cup coconut cream

Handful of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, soaked

Handful of strawberries,chopped

2 regular figs,chopped

Dollop of yogurt

1/2 tsp cinnamon, more to garnish 

Sprinkle of cardamon,more for garnish

Sprinkle of nutmeg

Hint of honey to taste

Method

1. In a medium pot mix rice, coconut cream, seeds, honey and spices.

2. Cook on a medium-low heat for 15 mins. 

3. In a bowl pour the mixture, add the fruit, sprinkle in spices and add a dollop of yogurt.

Eggs and Kale

Sometimes a classic breakfast is just what you need. This is simple and satisfying. It will take no time at all so perfect for people on the go. This serves one person double the recipe if your doing it for two or more.

Ingredients

1 organic egg

3 stems of large kale, chopped

1 chilli, chopped finely

Sprinkle of sheep milk feta

A slice of organic spelt sourdough

Coconut oil for cooking

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat a medium pan on a medium heat, add coconut oil and add the kale. Add chilli, salt and pepper. Cook till soft and put on the plate.

2. In the same pan add another spoon full of coconut oil and add the egg. Cook for 2 mins and then flip over to cook the other side. This is not meant to be a sunny side up, so don't worry if it is messy.

3. While this is happening cut fresh bread.

4. Lay everything on the plate however you desire and sprinkle the sheep feta on top. This will add a nice salty flavour so you don't need to add anymore salt.

Winter Smoothie

This smoothie is perfect after a workout or yoga session. It is full of protein and packed full of nutrients. It will help boost the immune system because of the yogurt and coconut and tastes amazing. 

Ingredients

1 banana 

1 coconut

2 tsp shredded coconut

1 tsp of yogurt

1/2 tsp cinnamon, more for garnish

Method

1. Open up the coconut ( or get the shop attendent to) and scoop out the flesh. The juice can be used later.

2. Break up the banana, sprinkle in the cinnamon and shredded coconut. Blend till smooth, sprinkle more cinnamon for garnish.

Wild Breakfast

This breakfast is a fantastic way to use wild rice. It is nutritious and will keep you full throughout the day. How great is having breakfast that is this colour? What a fabulous way to get your day started especially on a cold rainy day.

Ingredients

1/4 cup wild rice

1/2 cup brown rice

Cinnamon

Pomegranate seeds

Fresh coconut cream
Raw honey

1 vinilla pod (or vanilla essence)

Method

1. Soak brown rice overnight in a medium bowl.
2.In a medium pot add rice,cinnamon, coconut cream, honey and vinilla. Leave on a medium heat so not to damage delicate nutrients.
3. Stir occasionally so not to burn, cook for 15 minutes or till rice has cooked.
4. Pour into a bowl adding pomegranate seeds and cinnamon on top. You can add yogurt for a complete meal.

Grain Free Pancakes

This is really about getting back to what we are designed to eat.  Grains are not a part of the natural diet of our ancestors, our bodies find it very hard to digest and cause inflammation in the body especially gluten containing grains. If you do choose to eat grains eat in moderation and prepare properly. Sprouted, soaked  and fermented grains and legumes are best digested and will reduce weight, gas and bloating. Rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth and buckwheat are all gluten free grains that can be eaten without much disturbance to the digestive system although don't over do it. These pancakes have no grains and use coconut flour instead. They are great for breakfast as they will not spike your blood sugar levels and are perfect for a little snack.

Ingredients

4 large eggs

1 tsp honey 

1/2 tsp of baking soda

2 tsp whole milk

1/2 cup of coconut flour

Coconut oil for frying ( can also use ghee)

Handful of berries

Yogurt for toppings

For the berries

1. In a small frying pan on a medium heat add 1 tsp of coconut oil.

2. Add berries and cinnamon and cook for about 4 mins or till soft and the berries have made a sauce.Set aside and use pour of the pancakes.

For the pancakes

1. Beat eggs, honey and milk in a bowl till well mixed. Add coconut flour, baking soda and cinnamon slowly, mixing well. It should still be liquid enough to pour of the spoon.

2. In a large pan on a medium to medium/low heat put enough coconut oil to cover the pan. 

3. Pour a heaped spoon of the batter into the pan making sure it is not to thick, the coconut flour is harder to cook when too thick.

4. Gently fry the pancakes till golden brown then flip over. It should only take a few minutes on each side. Continue adding the batter till the mixture is finished adding coconut oil as you  need it.

4. Serve with berries, yogurt and a drizzle of honey. You can aslo add other fruit if you like.

Baked Pears

Pears are very high in antioxidants and have an anti-inflamatory effect on the body .Like most fruit and vegetables it is important to keep the skins on. The skins of pears contain four times the amount of phenolic phytonutrients as the flesh inside. The skins also contain a higher amount of fiber. Keeping the skins on also add a serious amount of flavour and keep the pears moist especially when baking. Pears contain high amount of flavanoids groups that are associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. 

  

Ingredients

4 medium pears ( depending on how many people your are serving)

1 tsp of cinnamon

2 tsp of melted cultured butter ( can also use coconut oil)

Drizzle of honey

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 120 degrees.

2. Cut pears in half and cut out any seeds, leaving the stems on.

3. In a oven tray place the pears evenly and sprinkle the ingredients over the top. 

4. Cook till golden brown. Serve with yogurt with another sprinkle of cinnamon and honey. 

Summer Smoothie

The first week of summer is here and what better way to celebrate then a yummy smoothie. When the days are warm this is a perfect way to start the day. And why wouldn't you want to drink something like looks like this! It looks like a creaming soda minus the sugar.

Ingredients

1 cup of rasberries

1 tsp physlium husk

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

3 tsp of kefir

1 cup of whole milk

Linseeds and cinnamon to garnish

Method
Blend till smooth.

Spring Breaky

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus

1 organic egg
Dash of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Bring water to the boil in a medium pot and cook eggs for 6 minutes. This will give you the perfect egg that is not to runny and not to hard. If you do like it more runny then cook on a rapid boil for 4 minutes.

2. In the same pot blanch asparagus for 5 minutes, till tender.
3. Plate it up with olive oil and some freshly cracked salt and pepper.If serving more then one, boil a few more eggs and another bunch of asparagus. 

Chia Pudding

If you haven't heard of chia seeds you are seriously missing out. These beautiful little seeds come from the aztecs and have been used for hundreds of years for their healing qualities. This recipe is super easy. I love how you can just spend a minute making this at night; and you have the most perfect breakfast that is plant-based, raw and extremely good for you. Here a few benefits of chia seeds:

• They are very high in omega 3 fatty acids which is the same substance thats in fish that helps with brain function. Being that omega 3's are a lot harder to come by then omega 6's this is a very very good thing. 
• Chia seeds are also high in calcium. This is a plant based form of calcium for all those who are lactose intolerant.
• High in protein, containing almost all the amino acids needed to sustain you
• When you soak chia seeds you create a gelatinous texture around the seed. This is the same thing that happens in your gut. So it soothes your gut lining, making it easier for food to pass and break down. It is also great for breaking down carbohydrates making it perfect for weight loss.

Ingredients

 1/2 cup of chia seeds

1/2 cup of coconut cream

Method

Add the chia seeds and coconut cream into a bowl or cup and stir vigorously till well combined.

Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds in the mixture.

Put in the fridge and let it soak overnight.
And there it is - the easiest breakfast ever.
If you want you can add some yogurt or nuts and seeds on top.

Breakfast Muffins

I do not usually bake but I am on a constant mission to get my other half to eat breakfast. He usually is in a rush and does not make anything to eat. I have tried everything to get him to make the time in the morning to nourish his morning and reep the benefits throughout the day. His favourite meal is a big egg breakfast with the lot but does not have time to make such a thing in the morning. So as a last attempt to make something quick he can eat on the run I came up with this.

You can freeze these muffins to keep for later. They work well for breakfast or a afternoon treat. The best thing is you make as much as you like, by doubling the recipe and defrost every morning to take to work or school.

Ingredients

2 cups of whole flour, I used rice but you could use spelt or buckwheat

1/2 cup of orange juice

1/3 cup of butter

1 cup of rolled oats, soaked overnight

1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup of cocoa

2 tsp of tahini

1 banana

1 cup of berries fresh or frozen, thawed

1 cup of nuts and seeds of your choice, soaked

(I used, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees 

2. In a food processer, blend the nuts and seeds

3. Sift flour into a large bowl, then mash banana and berries.

 4. Mix wet ingredients till well combined. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients till well combines.

5. Combine the two by folding in the mixture together, the fewer stokes the better.

6.Spoon batter into a muffin tray, filled up only 3/4. Cook for roughly 30 minutes.

Oat and Quinoa Porridge

People often tell me they do not have time in the morning to make breakfast so here is an easy quick breaky idea. Breakfast is essential to help with brain function throughout the day, we all know this. What you may not know that it help with weight loss too, maintaining your blood sugar levels and keeping your hormones in check is vital in loosing weight or stopping weight gain. It also stops you for munching all day on junk because you feel satisfied. Want to stop the "fuzzies" the real way. This breakfast will literally take you 12 minutes. 10 for cooking and 2 for preparing, how easy is that!? If you are really strapped for time you can put everything in the pot the night before and just put it on the stove on a low heat, shower come back and it's ready to eat. Or even better wake up 10 minutes earlier so have the time in the morning to do the things you need to before you head out the door.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of mixed quinoa

1/2 cup of oats, soaked overnight

Handful of berries

Coconut milk

Spoonful of kefir or yogurt

Coconut flakes

Agave nectar

Method

1. Take soaked oats, quinoa and berries and place in a medium pot. Pour coconut milk till the ingredient are covered. 

2. Simmer on a medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Make sure it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

3. When ready serve add a spoonful of yogurt, coconut flakes and agave nectar or a good quality honey. 

Buckwheat Pancakes

I love sunday breakfasts and I love making something homemade. This sunday I put this together and It was such a treat. I normally dont eat pancakes but I saw this one and loved how healthy it was. Buckwheat does not have such an impact on your blood sugar levels and can be eaten in many ways. It is a good source of magnesium, copper and dietary fiber. Buckwheat is also high in protein having eight essential amino acids.

This is not a sweat pancake it has simple flavour that you can then add your own ingredients. I added yogurt and fruit for a more complete whole breakfast.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup of buckwheat flour

1 cup of spelt flour

1/2 cup of shredded coconut

2 organic eggs

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 olive or safflower oil

300 ML your choice of milk (i used rice)

Oil for cooking

Method

Sift flour and cinnamon in a bowl then add coconut

In a separate bowl beat together eggs, oil and milk

Slowly add the dry ingredients until it becomes a smooth batter

Over a medium heat pour a small amount of batter evenly on the pan

Turn the pancakes when its starts to brown on the outside

Winter Warmer

As the mornings start to cool down I always crave something warmer to start the day. This is a super charged breakfast bowl that will keep you satisfied for hours. It super quick and easy and every mouthful is filled with nourishment.

Ingredients

1/2 oats amaranth

1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup of mixed seeds

Sprinkle of sultanas 

Handful of berries

Splash of cinnamon

Sprinkle of coconut

Squeeze of lemon

1 tsp of slippery elm bark powder

Your choice of milk or coconut water

Method

Soak oats and amaranth overnight.

Soak seeds overnight.

In the morning add all ingredients together in a pot.

Pour milk over the top til it just covers the ingredients.

Stir frequently so it doesn't stick.

Cook till it start to bubble. It should take no more then 10 mins.

Granola

Most granola's are full of sugar and taste more like desert then a nourishing breakfast cereal. This recipe is easy and can be adapted  to suit your taste or whatever you have in the cupboard. I tend to not use much dried fruit in my granola as it to high in sugar. This granola is so delicious and will fill you up and keep you nourished throughout the day. 

Ingredients (makes 6 cups)

3 tsp agave nectar or honey 

¼ cup safflower oil

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup almonds, roughly chopped

½ cup desiccated shredded coconut

2 cups quinoa flakes

2 cups unstabilised coarse rolled oats

¼ cup oat bran

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup pepitas

¼ cup dried fruit (such as sultanas, cranberries, sliced apricots), optional but not recommended 

Method

 Preheat oven 150°C.

 In a small saucepan stir agave nectar and safflower oil over a low heat until combined. Allow to cool a bit then stir in cinnamon and vanilla.

In a large bowl mix the ingredients together. Add the honey mixture and use a big spoon and combine.

 Spread granola, in an even layer

 Pop trays in the oven and bake for between 30 and 45 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes without fail. 

When the granola smells irresistible its ready to go! 

Breakfast of champions

I recently invited my friends over breakfast and here is what I whipped up! A breakfast high in protein is essential to rejuvenate all your cells after "fasting" all night. Eggs are natures perfect food, being a complete protein and is a great way to start the day. Breakfast should always include a high quality protein and include nourishing fats and a vegetable source.Always choose organic or biodynamic free range eggs.

Spanish baked eggs

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil

2 red onions

1 red chillies

I garlic clove

1 yellow capsicum

Bunch of coriander

Punnet of cherry tomatoes

5 eggs

Method

Heat the oil in a frying pan, then soften the onions, chilli, garlic and coriander stalks for 5 mins until soft. Stir in the tomatoes, then bubble for 8-10 mins until thick.

Make 5 dips in the sause then crack the eggs into each one. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins until the eggs are done the way you like it.

Mushrooms are a valuable source of dietary fiber and contain high levels of B vitamins. They also contain Iron, zinc and magnesium.

To cook put onions and mushrooms in a small pot and sauté until golden brown. Add water and  pepper, do not salt till the end thats when they go soggy and black.

Sourdough toast... YUM!

Avocado are rich in vitamin C and are rich in saturated fat due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content. They contain high levels of antioxidants and are perfect for your skin.

Sprinkle with some olive and Himalayan sea salt and pepper to serve.

And there you have it a perfect breakfast packed with nutrients and essential fats.And excellent and healthy way to start your day.