All in Recipes

ginger chicken broth

I love nothing more than a roast chicken on a Sunday! Even more so when I know that nothing will go to waste as I will be making broth with the leftovers. If you are ever feeling like you are coming down with a cold then this is the option for you. We have lost the tradition of making stock every week like our grandmothers and great-grandmothers – but I think we are missing a trick.

Christmas energy balls

I started experimenting with raw food a while back now and always find new inspiration for energy balls, adjusting flavours and ingredients to suit seasons, moods and hectic family diaries. In order to satisfy that festive spiced biscuit craving and still provide the much needed post workout fuel or after-school sport these cranberry and mixed spice balls do the trick. And the level of spice can be adjusted to suit younger or more mature eaters equally.

raw sprout and kale salad

After all the excess of Christmas sometimes you just crave a salad. This salad screams healthy with the raw sprouts and kale. You could add some raw red cabbage as well which would also work. This is perfect for a lunch in the lead up to Christmas when you want something light, but still festive, or post Christmas when you feel you’ve just had enough to eat and want something simple!

cranberry & orange chia jam

Sticking by our favourite rule of eating seasonal ingredients, and in the spirit of joining our American friends in celebrating Thanksgiving I decided to make you all this delicious Cranberry & Orange chia jam . It’s quick and easy, and will make the perfect partner to fluffy pancakes, warming porridge or creamy Greek yoghurt! Dare I say, the tangy deliciousness of this jam also makes it a great companion for a rich cheese board! Feel free to adopt it, for ever! Not just for Thanksgiving!

Braised red cabbage & apple

With December's festivities approaching, we're all starting to think about changing things up a bit and bringing the best seasonal ingredients together with warming spices and flavours. As we do truly love our rainbow food, red cabbage and apples are just perfect and will accompany game meat, real butcher's sausages, gammon or a Sunday roast perfectly.

beta-carotene soup

During the autumn and winter we turn from refreshing salads to warming soups for lunch. Soups are also ideal for children as you can disguise plenty of vegetables that they might otherwise refuse. This soup is very child-friendly with lots of naturally sweet root vegetables. We have served this with a cashew nut cream and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds. These boost protein to keep you fuller for longer.

pumpkin pie oat slices

Pumpkin, spice and everything nice....I know I know...this has become an overused phrase BUT it truly is a wonderful combination. In a variation from the classic American pumpkin pie I used to enjoy when living in New-York, I have kept the warming pumpkin and spice element and dressed it into an oat square. Perfect to enjoy with a cup of spiced apple or cinnamon tea. Kids loved it too!

glorious green soup

I guess you have possibly realised by now that we love our greens! First thing in the morning for breakfast in the form of leafy greens with eggs or spinach added to a smoothie... Well, let us introduce you to a delicious green soup for a healthy immune boosting natural solution to swerving those winter colds, sniffles and coughs. Give it a go!

family fish pie

Aside from the perfect all time favourite roast chicken, there is a close second comfort food request in our house and it is fish pie! I opt for a mix of white and sweet potato for the topping and I do not use or add white sauce to the fish. I works brilliantly as a made ahead meal ready to heat up the next day with a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top!

Gluten free no flour zesty muffins

Because life is all about balance and enjoying real good food, I decided to give the classic muffin a little Health Boost twist. The kids requested two different flavours – Lemon and poppyseed and choc-orange. I accepted the challenge and this recipe is for 12 light and fluffy muffins – 6 of each flavour. I have used ground almonds instead of flour and raw honey as the sweetener. 

vegetarian stuffed squash

Since signing up to a weekly veggie box delivery, I have managed to convince my whole family that it is fun to be surprised every Friday with  an eclectic array of seasonal organic vegetables. New colours, shapes and simply new never tried ones!
Aside from the good looking nature of this vegetable, the pattypan squash is full of goodness and brings an element of fun to the table! 

apricot & oat bars

These bars are permanently in my fridge at the moment as they are proving a big hit with my daughter who is taking them into school as a mid morning snack. With no nuts they are suitable for the schools no nuts policy, and with a good combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and no hidden nasties they are keeping me happy too! They are so easy to make and then I store in the fridge ready for the week ahead.

squash & courgette curry

A fresh and zingy curry - perfect now that there's a chill in the air. It's packed full of ginger and garlic, both great anti-inflammatory foods that will help if you are feeling below par. I often just serve this on it's own, but you could always add some chickpeas or other beans. Can be served on its own, with brown rice or cauliflower-rice. You can substitute the butternut squash with pumpkin if you prefer.

5-minute chia jam

When porridge season is upon us, making sure we have a wide choice of healthy toppings is key to good breakfast nutrition. Nut butters are a favourite in our house, but this no refined sugar jam is a great healthy alternative. The key to making porridge last you until lunchtime is to include some protein and healthy fats. With the addition of the chia seeds, this jam does both of these things! We have used some of our "pick your own" summer fruits for this one.

 

pea & mint hummus

This recipe came about after a friend said she fancied a pea houmous and could I come up with a recipe for her. Well of course I could, so here it is Gayle! I added mint and cumin since they both go so well with peas. You can use this as a dip, or mixed into a salad to give it a protein hit.

nuts & seeds energy snacks

Healthy snack bars are very hard to find and can sometimes be deemed healthy or advertised as such but beware! When possible, we try and make a batch on a Saturday or Sunday to get us through the hectic schedule of after school sport. Packed with essential fats and protein, gluten free and with no refined sugar, they will keep you going steadily for longer. 

sweet & spicy lamb koftas

When looking for inspiration for healthy on-the-go finger food, I find that the mediterranean food I grew up with has a lot to offer, and I thoroughly enjoy revisiting old family recipes. These koftas are quick and easy to make, keep well, and will provide you with the perfect make ahead lunch box item for kids and adults alike.

simple vegetable curry

When days get shorter and cooler, we all seek comfort in warming foods. Spices do just that, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Plenty of vegetables and plenty of gorgeous colours are sure signs that you're eating something full of goodness. So have a go! This is a great vegetarian dish on its own or the perfect side for a roast chicken for example.

stewed apricots & plums

When fruit season is in full swing, let's take advantage of it! Having fruits as part of a healthy nutritious breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. This very simple apricot and plum stew is not only seasonal and delicious, it is extremely versatile. It makes a perfect crumble base, or a great topping for your morning oats or Greek yoghurt!