Tuesday 27 November 2012

smokey vegan sausages with summer salsa


It really feels like summer is here now (only a matter of days!). The nights are warm and the markets are full of berries, stone fruit and basil. To celebrate the warm weather I have been thinking of delicious meal ideas for taking to the numerous BBQ's and beach days that  I am sure are coming up. On this theme I decided to create something quick, portable and summery to test run for the summer nights to come, and oh my goodness this one is a winner! I will be making these again very soon..... now I just need a BBQ date... anyone?

Sunday 18 November 2012

Sweet potato salad with miso dressing



It has not been a very exciting week around here for food. After having all four of my wisdom teeth taken out (ouch!) I really didn't feel up to eating much other then soups and smoothies. But after a few complications and nearly two weeks of a liquid diet I am starting to feel like I am up to managing solid foods, provided of course they are nice and soft. 
So food around here has been pretty boring, I am looking forward to something tangy and crunchy...
This salad came about out of needing a quick lunch that was soft (and not soup!) and that used up some of the veggies left in our fridge before I added all the new produce from the morning trip to the farmers markets.For those of you with out dental issues you could add a tin of chick peas and make it a complete meal, throw in some nuts or seeds (I'm thinking pine nuts and sesame seeds) add some fresh crunchy greens, maybe some baby spinach. So many options. 
It is starting to get warm here and we are heading into BBQ season. I'm always trying to think of things to take with me to events that are tasty enough that everyone will enjoy but can be a complete meal for me if there are not a lot of vego  options. So, this is a great option to take to your festive season events, its dairy free, gluten free, vegan, low fat, grain free.... basically it will suit everyone. Leave out the nuts and its super allergy friendly!


Saturday 10 November 2012

Little love cakes



I think anyone who has been in a relationship for a long time knows the pattern. There is a bit of a cycle that you start to recognise. Times when you are really in tune with each other and everything is great and then there are times when you are driving each other crazy. A friend asked me a while ago if Kev ever drives me nuts, she was worried because her fairly new boyfriend was starting to get on her nerves and she was worried that it might mean things might not work out. I had to laugh, because of course he does and I can think of plenty of things I do that drive him crazy (... my terrible dish washing skills or my inability to make a bed) But I'd have to say that we are really lucky because most of the time we could tick the everything is going great box. But of course like everyone we have our not so perfect days. 
A little while ago it was one of those days. I was cranky, he was cranky and the house felt too small. Kev went out for something, I honestly can't remember what. I decided to calm down and make us a nice dinner to share together. Amazing what sitting down at the table and sharing a meal can do for a relationship. 

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Sprouting


Sprouting is a great way to enjoy eating more seeds, legume or grains. By sprouting we make the nutrients more available to our bodies and easier for our stomachs to digest. Buying sprouts at the supermarket can be really expensive and they don't last long and don't really taste that good. On the other hand making your own sprouts is a fun project that is cheap and really easy. It is a great family project, it is exciting for kids to be involved in and they can learn all about seeds and how plants grow. Before you start, don't get sucked into buying expensive kits and special seeds because you most likely have all you need in your kitchen already. 

Friday 2 November 2012

coconut chia pudding


This is my kind of sweet treat. Chocolate enough to be a dessert and healthy enough to be eaten for breakfast. And best of all quick enough to make any time. What else could you want?