I’ve been whipping up this dish, scrambled eggs with cumin feta and mint, on the weekends for breakfast, or brunch, or lunch, for donkey’s years. It’s quick, simple and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s got enough wow factor to serve up to guests. That’s my kind of kai: Low key, tasty and impressive! (more…)
Breakfast
Eating Clean – Living Paleo (Cookbook review)
Photo from http://www.cavegirl.co.nz[/caption%5D
Do you know, I don’t think I’ve done an entire post on a book review before… I don’t think I’ve done a proper cookbook review either [shakes head].
I was rapt to be sent a copy of Rachael Devcich’s ‘Eating Clean – Living Paleo’ to have a good squizzy at, ahead of it’s launch this week. Suffice to say I’ve been busy in the kitchen giving it a jolly good road-test before…. I GIVE IT AWAY! I know, madness, I don’t know what’s possessed me because, I’ll cut to the chase: This cookbook is a beautiful thing and one lucky person is going to be pumped to be receiving this via my Facebook giveaway (click here for my Facebook page – The Giveaway will start on 8 August 2015).
I won’t beat around the bush, this is a paleo cookbook. Paleo, in case you aren’t familiar, is the trend in eating that’s been growing steadily overseas and in NZ and is ideal for people with food intolerances to gluten and/or dairy, or who want to cut refined sugar out of their diet. It’s at this point I need to mention, I am NOT a paleo convert! Don’t get me wrong, I actually love paleo food and, if you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know I’ve blogged a few paleo recipes. My position is that I totally get the paleo philosophy. I reckon there’s some top notch fooder from the paleo bandwagon, but I’m not a, well, paleo nut. I’m more of a “I eat everything in moderation” kind of chick. That said, I reckon sugar is fairly evil and I try to avoid refined sugar and highly processed food as much as I can (read this post) and, more recently, I’m playing around with the LCHF (low carb high fat) concept. With that spiel out of the way, I do own a few paleo and clean eating cookbooks and, currently, these are some of my more well-read and reached for cookbooks when I need a burst of inspiration. But, I am not, I repeat, a paleo cheerleader/convert.
Anyway, Eating Clean – Living Paleo is NZ’s guide to paleo and is jam packed with over 100 gluten, grain, dairy and refined sugar free recipes. It’s the brainchild of Cave Girl Rachael Devcich who, after changing her diet to exclude grains, dairy and refined sugar, found that her general health and energy improved so much that she’s become a massive advocate of sharing the message. I’m slightly in awe of Rachael, not only has she pumped out a stunning cookbook with drool-worthy recipes, bugger me, she’s taken all the photos and done all her own graphic design. I thought she was superwoman (and I needed some serious up-skilling) until I discovered she was a was originally a chef turned graphic designer and photographer. Lucky her: It’s an award winning combo (I said it here first).
What can you expect to find in this guide? Lots of recipes from breakfast and brunch, through to desserts and sweets. There’s a wide ranging repertoire of family-friendly fodder here – including fare that even the fussiest of kids won’t turn their noses up at (I should know, one lives at my house…). (more…)
Paleo (& Gluten Free) Granola Recipe
I love this paleo (and gluten free) granola recipe. I’ve been playing around with variations of this recipe since I learnt a bit more about the Paleo way of life and, more importantly, since I attended one of Ben Warren’s seminars (if you haven’t heard of this guy, google him or check him out on Facebook. Nutritionally, he speaks a bucket load of sense). I’m not a paleo follower by any stretch of the imagination, however, I like the philosophy and I’m a big believer in eating clean. We’ve been slowly ditching processed food in our home – and we feel better for it.
Anyways, having played around with this recipe, I’m rapt to report that I reckon I’ve perfected the flavours. I enjoy recipes where you can ‘biff in what’s in your cupboards’ – and this is one of those. This is paleo friendly and, bonus, gluten-free devotees will also give it the thumbs up. (more…)
Hollandaise Sauce – It’s easy
Eggs benedict. Asparagus with Hollandaise. The thought makes me go weak at the knees and my mouth water. Everytime I make this sauce for visitors they are wowed that I’ve made it from scratch. The thing is, I’ve bought pre-made Hollandaise sauce and I’ve been really underwhelmed – it just doesn’t compare to the homemade version.
Unfortunately, lots of people are intimidated by making Hollandaise because it’s known for being finicky and temperamental, or to be more precise, splitting. I’m pleased to report this easy Hollandaise sauce recipe has never split on me, far from it: It turns out perfect everytime, the only problem is reigning in how much you eat! It’s also easy – it takes two minutes for the sauce to come together, which I like, I’m not known for having the best attention span in the North Island. I think the secret with this fool-proof recipe is that it contains less butter than most other Hollandaise recipes. Before you starting high-fiving me thinking this is a calorie friendly sauce, hold fire: It’s not. But it’s delicious. Give it a go! (more…)
Carrot, Date & Nutty Muffins (sugar free)
One of the main reasons I’ve really enjoyed #sugarfreeseptember as it’s forced me to try out new recipes. I know you probably think I try out lots of new things, but, to be honest, I often churn out the same thing: Tried and true family favourites. It’s been good to get out of my comfort zone this month.
Anyway, I’ve struggled a little with ideas for baking to satisfy my Husband’s super-dooper sweet tooth. I struck gold when I chanced upon a recipe in Taste magazine which was a recipe from Auckland’s Wilder & Hunt cafe for their bestselling Morning Glory Carrot mini cakes. Being sugar free these looked right up our alley. I modified the recipe a little to suit our taste buds, as well as to comply with what was in the pantry! The result were these glorious Carrot, Date and Nutty Muffins that’ll absolutely make again! (more…)
Bacon and Egg Cupcakes
These bacon and egg cupcakes are ludicrously quick and easy to prepare and are totally scrummy ! We’ve had these quite a few times since I fiddled around and came up with my version of the recipe. We love how these are gluten free, full of protein, are super filling. They make a great breakfast alternative to bacon and eggs. I like to use Tegel’s Chicken Bacon for this, simply as it’s a super light bacon alternative at 95% fat free, yet it doesn’t compromise on taste. I got hooked on Chicken Bacon when I was doing Weight Watchers a few years back: I’ve been a fan ever since.
I seriously rate these cupcakes as they make for a seriously quick breakfast: I make a batch of half a dozen or so in advance, let them cool and put them in the fridge and cover them with cling film. At breakfast, the next day or the day after that (!) I pull one out, heat it in the microwave for 40 seconds… And breakfast is ready. Much quicker than faffing around poaching eggs like I usually do! Alternatively, these are super handy to take to work for lunch (I’ve done that numerous times and had them with a green salad). I hope you enjoy 🙂 (more…)
Fab Feijoa Smoothie Recipe
It’s feijoa season Downunder – whoop! I concocted this delicious smoothie recipe last year and it’s been a firm favourite ever since (including post feijoa season: I have a secret stash in the freezer). If you are a fellow LSA fan (linseed, sunflower, almond) don’t be afraid to put this in the smoothie too, it transforms it into something super-special. (more…)
Avo Smash Recipe
If you’ve read my Eating Like a King in Palmerston North blogpost you’ll recall that I raved about Avo Smash, the absolutely fabulous breakfast we had at Palmy North’s Tomato Cafe… I have shamelessly recreated their recipe and it rocks.
I’ve made Avo Smash a good number of times for breakfast/brunch since our Palmy trip and I’ve made variations* with great success! Here’s the recipe for you. Oh, it is great as a dip too! (more…)