All posts filed under: Dessert

Festive Gingerbread Stars

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Brrrr… it’s so cold.  But it’s the best kind of cold in my opinion… The sky is blue, the air is crisp and the past two mornings there’s been a frost on the ground.  I had a crunchy, frosty walk this morning down by the river which was so idyllic.  The sun was low, most of the trees now bare.  I had a real sense of winter coming, and with it a wonderful wave of festive warmth.  These biscuits are a full expression of that warmth for me.  Making them with the kids, the wonderful smell of them cooking, the heat and buzz of the oven, and their spicy snap when eaten!  Lovely… So here’s a recipe for you.  I’ve used coconut oil instead of butter because that’s what I had (but absolutely go ahead and use the same measure of butter if that’s what you have!)…   Ingredients (makes around 18 stars, depending on your cutter size): 80g Coconut oil 60g light brown muscovado sugar 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp maple syrup 1/2 tsp …

Raspberry & Cacao Chia Breakfast Pudding

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I have more Chia seeds that I know what to do with, thanks to Hannah over at Zone in Yoga!  Having more food than I need fills me with anxiety, mainly because I don’t want to waste it but also because I understand (in a small way) the energy it takes to produce food.  To nurture a seed as it grows, protecting it, feeding & watering it.  And even with all that nurture you’re not guaranteed a harvest, so what food we have is precious!  So anxiety over, back to the abundance of chia seeds and this delicious, filling and very simple breakfast pudding!  For those of you not in the know on chia seeds health benefits, there’s plenty to read.  They are a rich source of omega-3 and high in protein, which makes this a really filling breakfast with plenty of slow-release energy. Read more on chia seeds here… Ingredients (serves 4): 100g chia seeds 50g ground almonds 1 tbsp raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder if that’s what you have) 1 tbsp maple …

It’s a Pop Shake “This Milkshake is Bananas B.A.N.A.N.A.S” or “My Milkshake Brings all the Kids to the Table”

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My youngest daughter has discovered Gwen Stefani… so bananas can’t be bananas without a soundtrack!  That’s why this milkshake is bananas B.A.N.A.N.A.S it’s a sensible diversion from the original expletive for a 5 year old!  In fact, very many things have a soundtrack in our house.  I have a musical brain, a degree in music and a short career in music behind me… so many words seem to trigger a song… (see Big Pizza Pie That’s Amore)… OK, so soundtracks aside, I had this milkshake for lunch yesterday, but it’d make a great breakfast too… or pudding, and of course its nutritious so you can feel virtuous whilst enjoying it! Ingredients (serves 2): 1 B.A.N.A.N.A (make it a fair trade banana don’t force farmers out of business… support sustainable farming. Click the link to find out more) 1 large can organic* coconut milk (Check the label for the nasty preservatives on non-organic ranges) 1 handful frozen blueberries 4 tablespoons Chocolate Coconut Granola (3 to blend and 1 to top) Method: I didn’t have any frozen …