Chip n Dip – Smoky Red Pepper Bean Dip and Chive Guacamole
I do love a good dip. They make a great starter to go with nibbles when entertaining, can form part of a mezze type meal and often make a great sandwich filling too. So when I was challenged to take part in a chip n dip exercise, by creating a dip, I was most definitely up for it. I also have an easy and rather nifty competition with a great prize, so do read on.
Chocolate Coconut Cannellini Cake for Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone. I’ll be heading off to visit my mother shortly. I was going to take her out to lunch, but turns out she hadn’t realised the significance of the day and has invited friends over. So I decided to make her an ultra healthy, dairy-free, grain-free and refined sugar-free vegan cake instead. Why? Because I felt like it and thought it would make a nice change. So this chocolate coconut cannellini cake is what she’s getting.
Spiced Lentil Pancake Wraps and a Brace of Book Reviews
It’s pancake day and having just eaten the most delicious pancake wraps with spiced lentil dhal, I would urge you all to try something a little different today. The recipe I adapted comes from a rather special book from fellow blogger Dannii Martin, Hungry Healthy, Happy. I’m also reviewing another fabulous book from fellow Cornish blogger Jane Sarchet, Secret Kitchen, Southwest England. Read on for my recipe and the two book reviews.
Optimum ThermoCook Review – A Multi-Purpose Kitchen Appliance
As some of you may have noticed I’ve been using a new kitchen gadget recently in some of my recipes. The Optimum ThermoCook from Froothie is a multi purpose kitchen appliance that can do pretty much any job that needs doing. I’ve been putting it through some of its paces and here’s what I think of it so far.
Aubergine Dip, The Cranks Bible and a Giveaway #70
The Cranks Bible: a timeless collection of vegetarian recipes by Nadine Abensur is one of my treasured cookery books. I bought it when it was first published in 2001 and have taken inspiration from it ever since. Despite its frequent use as a bed time read, there are many recipes I’ve barely looked at. The one for aubergine purée with cumin pitot is one such, or in my more prosaic terminology, aubergine dip.
Mincemeat Buns Flavoured with Aromatic Cardamom
I’m rarely as organised at Christmas as I’d like to be, but I do usually manage to make my own mincemeat. As I’ve mentioned in my previous mincemeat recipe posts, once you’ve made your own, it’s hard to go back to shop bought. And it’s so easy too. Here, I’ve used it to make the most fabulous mincemeat buns – soft, fragrant and oh so very moreish.
Spiced Parsnip Spinach Soup with Apple and Turmeric
Soup is such a wonderful thing. This spiced parsnip spinach soup with apple and turmeric is a quick, delicious and nutritious meal. The sweetness from the parsnips, acidity from the apple and earthiness from the spinach give it a particularly tasty and rounded flavour profile. The additional flavour from the spices makes this an ideal winter warmer.
Chocolate Chia Pudding – Almost Instant
I defy anyone not to find chocolate puddings irresistible. Well how about a chocolate chia pudding that tastes indulgent, but has no dairy or eggs and is pretty much guilt free? Indeed, it has many positive nutritional benefits.
Vegan Rice Bowl with Maple Tofu and Smoked Tomato Sauce
Bowls of grains topped with vegetables, protein and some sort of dressing are not only healthy but can be flavoursome and deeply comforting. This vegan rice bowl with its smoked tomato sauce is particularly good. It’s especially so when topped with tofu marinaded in a pure maple syrup dressing then fried in coconut oil. If you’re running out of ideas for #Veganuary, this is an excellent one to try.
Lemon Curd and a 3p Fruits Organic Box Giveaway #68
A tangy zesty lemon curd which is a cinch to make in the Optimum Thermocook. But if you don’t mind a bit of stirring, it can easily be made by hand too. The recipe uses whole eggs, so if you don’t like waste, you’ll be delighted to not have leftover egg whites as you find in many curd recipes.
