2 simple things I'm trialing, embracing and LOVING these days due to my hypothyroidism:
1. Increasing my protein intake; and
2. EATING MORE fat!
Why, I hear you ask?
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You take one orange - it doesn't even have to be a juicy one - boil it for an hour and then let it cool.
That's the longest (and hardest) step of this recipe.
The rest is a cinch. Even the eating part, because these cakes (not sure they can even be called a cake) are so fluffy, light and mousse like in texture, that you'll devour each and every one of them quicker than it takes to do the first step above.
Trust me.
I'm experienced!
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Chicken for breakfast. Yep, you heard me right. I've been doing it for a little while now and am loving myself sick....well, loving my breakfast anyway.
I poach organic chicken breasts on the weekend, slice them, batch them and pop them in the freezer.
With some left over veggies and a big dollop of hummus...breakfast is ready my friend!
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I may be a blogger, but working full-time in the corporate world leaves little time for my own cooking, photography and blogging, let alone the chance to peruse all the beautiful inspirational blogs out there.
Petite Kitchen is an exception.
I've been following Eleanor's adventures for quite some time and was a BIG fan of her first hugely successful cookbook My Petite Kitchen. So when Murdoch Books had Eleanor's second cookbook up for review, I jumped at the chance.
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Celeriac. Have you ever seen a more ugly vegetable? By golly it's delicious though! Probably one of the least used and most under-rated root vegetables, which is such a shame as it has some serious health benefits. It’s high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which help our bodies absorb nutrients, expel waste, improve immunity and maintain our blood sugar levels.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
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Merci.
A 3 story loft-style store located in the trendy 3rd Arrondissement in Paris. However, this is more than just a simple store - it is a charity store run by the founders of the luxury brand Bonpoint.
This is not your traditional charity store either, but more of a large and stylish concept boutique where you can shop for both vintage and new clothes, home-wares, perfume and a hell of a lot more.
Our favourtie part - the Used Book Café where we relaxed over bowls of delicious taboule aux legumes du marche and glasses of rose, whilst flicking through their secondhand books (see here). The best thing....profits are donated to a charity for disadvantaged children.
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Four random facts about me.
1. I use to sleep in my tap shoes so I would be ready for dance class the next morning - I didn't want to miss a minute.
2. My shameful food secret is my utter love for the little fake milk pots they serve on planes (I probably shouldn't call it "milk", should I?)
3. I can waste hours of my life taking random photos of the same thing over and over and over again (as you'll see below, the poor Parisians must be sick of me blocking their walkways so I can satisfy this need).
4. I use to be addicted to cherry ripe bars...seriously addicted.
Now I have a new chocolate addiction.
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Everyone, say hello to Sawsan!
Sawsan is an orthodontist by day, food explorer by night, is currently living the United Arab Emirates (an airport I know very well from my travels back and forward to Europe) and is the exceptionally talented lady behind the beautiful blog Chef in Disguise. A blog filled with easy, authentic middle eastern recipes, packed full of season fruits, vegetables and spices.
On a personal note, I was so happy to find out Chef in Disguise was my Secret Recipe Club blog for September as I'm a huge, huge fan. Sawsan's photography alone makes me smile, not to mention her authenticity which comes shining through the screen. Such a joy! So many recipes to choose from, but one in particular stole my heart. A dish I grew up with (although maybe not so eloquently replicated by Sawsan).
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Pink Peppercorns.
Did you know that they're not actually a true peppercorn? Just a little ripe berry from the Brazilian pepper tree. Who knew?
With a delicate, fragrant, sweet and spicy flavor, reminiscent of sweet berries and citrus zest.
They can help fight against flu, colds and infections, and can also give relief from muscle stiffness and aches.
Sounds like I could use a truck full of these little biddy beauties after every Wednesday's pilates class.
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Mmmmm....butter. I'm licking my lips as I write the word.
It's probably my favourite food word.....oh who am I kidding, it's one of my favourite words. Full stop!
It is a completely natural food which is essential to your health (especially when you eat organic), providing your body with essential fatty acids for hormone balance, heart health, glowing skin and energy. It's also the most easily absorbable source of vitamin A, which supports the thyroid and adrenal glands - something very close to my heart.
Margarine, on the other hand, is a processed product, created chemically from refined polyunsaturated oils. It's not a real food.
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Yes the lovely orange root vegetable may have oodles more vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber than its white cousin - the regular potato, but did you know that sweet potatoes are outstanding for your digestion?
Their high starch content can be easily broken down which is so soothing for our stomach and intestines - ideal for those of us suffering tummy issues (like the horrible bloating I'm currently enjoying due to my hypothyroidism).
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It's no secret that the French have a flair for taking the simplest of fresh produce and turning it into a rich dish full of comfort and flavour.
I think this is what I love most about French food.
Well, maybe after butter.
Take Paris Mash for example. The simplest of vegetables whipped up (literally) and turned within minutes into this luscious, rich and silky smooth dish. How could anyone not love French cooking?!
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Today I'm talking about my tummy. My poor, sore and bloated little tummy. It's one of the joys I've been recently discovering that comes hand in hand with having a dicky thyroid (can your hear my sarcasm?). This is a real struggle as I've always had a stomach that could take anything I threw at it.
Out of desperation I've been voraciously researching ways of improving my health without having to resort to pharmaceuticals, and one of my favourite discoveries (giving me a glimmer of hope) has been finding Lee Holmes' website Supercharged Food , and in particular, her Heal Your Gut program.
As you've guessed it...I signed up.
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Yesterday I ate chocolate. LOTS of chocolate. I was a maniac and couldn't get enough of it in my gob, and when it was all gone....I wanted more.
I'm a sugar addict. It's no secret.
And then my body heated up, I scratched my skin off and my brain wouldn't quiet down. The piece de resistance.....my thyroid swelled to the point I thought it was about to burst out of my skin.
I didn't even enjoy the chocolate!
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In Winter, root vegetables are indispensable for those of us that love to cook. As the weather cools and the days get shorter, our thoughts turn to long, slow cooking. Cooking that warms our kitchens and fills our homes with comforting aromas.
These are the days when I cook with a cup of tea in hand and my book not too far away.
My weekly organic veggie box from Ceres is filled to the brim with these delicious vegetables for a reason, they're in season. This is their time to shine, and these little fritters, I think (and so do my family) make them sing from the roof tops.
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Poire belle Hélène, created by Auguste Escoffier (the man behind the delicious Peach Melba) and named after the operetta La belle Helene which premiered in Paris in 1864.
A gorgeous sounding name and a super simple dessert, which can be prepared in advanced and then whipped together in an instant. Or if you’re like me, plonk all elements in front of your guests and have them serve themselves. Voila!
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These purple balls of joy may have the highest sugar content of all vegetables, but they're also packed full of some amazing things, including immune boosting Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium (for healthy nerve and muscle function) and Manganese (good for your bones, liver kidneys and pancreas).
Beetroot helps to lower blood pressure, boost stamina and fight inflammation (due to their unique source of betaine).
When buying beetroot, you want them to be firm with a smooth, undamaged surface and they'll last in the fridge, stored in an unsealed plastic bag, for a couple of weeks.
To get the most nutrients out of your beetroots, rinse and brush them clean, but do not remove the skin or root until after cooking.
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Say hello to Avril!
Avril lives in New England, USA where she works as an elderly care provider, where she's the mother of two little girls and where she cooks and bakes like crazy for her blog Baking and Creating with Avril .
Avril's blog is filled to the brim with wonderful family friendly recipes made with love, igniting her dream of one day potentially opening up her very own bakery. How exciting Avril. Although the thought of bakers hours leaves me in a cold sweat!
Baking and Creating with Avril also happens to be my Secret Recipe Club blog for the month of August.
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It's no secret that I love my food, and that I especially love to eat.
Put me in France surrounded by all that food and I swoon.
However, some days I like something quick and light. Only some days!
This is where Folks and Sparrows was perfect. A home-made quiche or a freshly whipped up baguette is what you'll find here. You'll also find gorgeous smiles, a relaxed vibe and an environment you'll want to take lots and lots photos of.
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Because it's raining in Melbourne, because I'm not feeling well, and because I'm being a little "sooki la la", I thought I'd whip us up a bunch of my favourite cookies.
Yep, you've seen them before here , but having made these ones with almond meal instead of almond flour, the texture and flavour changed immensely - I thought I'd share with you.
Not only darker to look at, these cookies came out a lot crumblier in texture with a stronger almond flavour.
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