Super Healthy Chocolate Orange Smoothie

Hello hello and thank Faramir it’s Friday - am I right?!

So I found out last week that I have iron deficiency, wompwomp - so I reached out to a local vegan community asking for their assistance, and they were really helpful! I even got this here recipe that I wanted to share with you as I have made it now for a second time, and am currently enjoying it thinking “this has got to be shared!”.

Not a bad ingredient in sight and it’s magic for uptake of iron!

Super Healthy Chocolate Orange Smoothie
(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients
1 frozen banana, chopped into chunks
1 orange - juice and zest
Handful of spinach
1-2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened) or cacao
200ml plant based milk (I used soy vanilla)
1 tbsp flaxseed

- Simply blitz until smooth, and enjoy!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead! I started mine early by visiting a friend's allotment last night and we planted a black currant bush and turned some soil in the planting beds, it was good fun! And so nice being out in nature! Tomorrow Kev and I are going to see the new Avengers film - that should be good! Today I'll just get a few housey things ticked off though, have a leisurely one *smiles*

No-Time Smoothie

Hi! And happy Sunday!

I hope you have had a great weekend so far! Here in Glasgow most people I know got one or two days off work due to the crazy amounts of snow we've had! Today I have just plodded along doing housey things after catching up with several lovelies on Friday and Saturday.

What have you guys been up to?

I thought I would post this recipe up, as it is literally two ingredients, but it has become my go to smoothie! Pink, red, yellow - it can be whatever colour you like, the orange base just gives you a really fresh start-point!

No-Time Smoothie
(Serves 1)

Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen fruit or berries (ANY kind will taste delicious, here I have a tropical mix with mango and pineapple)
1 cup orange juice

- Simply blitz and enjoy! It really is that simple....

This is also a super easy way to get 2-3 of your 5 a day in one go! I've definitely needed these vitamin boosts this Winter, brrrrr!

What is your go-to snack/drink when you are in a hurry?

xox J

Vegan Choco-Banana Iced Latte

Good evening and happy Saturday!

Today has been busy busy and I have made some vegan sushi, as well as a vegan spread - both recipes from a Norwegian (or Norvegan should I say :P) vegan website, where you see the pictures and you just want to make everything all at once!

However, I decided to share a quick and delicious pick-me-up coffee recipe, I came up with this myself when I wanted to experiment. Do you remember those foamy chocolate covered banana sweets you get? I lived right next to a chocolate factory as a child, and the days they were making these chocolate bananas the air just smelt..... amazing!! Anywhoooo - now that I am trying to go vegan (and even as a vegetarian) I haven't come across any vegan chocobananas, sigh... BUT somehow adding a banana to my iced latte magically, despite not adding chocolate, tastes JUST like those sweets! When I discovered this I was in awe, and slightly proud one of my experiments actually turned out decent! I have many strange failures in the kitchen behind me, and probably more to come.

Without any further ado.... here you are!

Vegan Choco-Banana Iced Latte

(PS, I have gone over to using re-usable straws now!)

Ingredients
1 espresso shot (usually I use about 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee + 3 tbsp boiling water)
3-4 ice cubes
1 banana, torn into pieces
250ml vanilla soy milk

- Make the espresso first, transfer to a mixer and then tip in the ice cubes to allow it to cool whilst you get the milk. Add the banana and then fill up with milk - Wroom, wroom - and there you have it! It's really that simple!

Please try it and let me know what you think! I still ponder how the chocolate flavour gets in there... It will forever remain a mystery, ha!

The other day, my sister and I checked out a charity shop at random - and they had a painting that we had a copy of in the dining room as children! My mum actually still has it. I nearly ended up buying it, but at the moment I'm still waiting to start my job - so I saved the £15 and just use it as a background on my mobile phone instead....

Turkish Cafe - August Macke, I just love these vibrant colours - makes me feel like I am on holiday!

And here are the things I made today!

Roast Aubergine and plum sushi, and I added some cucumber to some of them as well - SO tasty!

And this is "mockerel" in tomato sauce! I'm trying to find other things rather than hummous to have on my toast in the morning, over the past three years there has been a lot of hummous... and I just want to mix it up!

I also tried tempeh that I got from the health shop today - but that really wasn't to my taste.... But that's OK, I still have a full tray of sushi that needs polished off! Yarr!

Have you had any culinary adventures this week?

I hope you have a fandabbydosey weekend!

xox J

Refreshing Mocktail

Yes, I know... The weekend is just over - but that is not to say you cannot enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage in the evening, surely? *smiles*

I made these when I was hanging out with some friends, and we didn't want to get tipsy or whatever, so I just rattled up some of these!

Refreshing Mocktail

Ingredients
Gingerbeer
Lime
Grenadine
Glace Cherries (optional)

- Pour each glass almost full with ginger beer, then add the juice of 1/3 lime, a good splash of grenadine, and finish off with a glace cherry. Easy as that!

I hope you are having a good Monday! I have really struggled to get any proper sleep over the last week, so I hope that changes soon. It was Kev's birthday yesterday, and so we went to this lovely restaurant in Finnieston called Fanny Trollopes - and yes, it might have a peculiar name; but you couldn't dine in a more friendly place! The food was absolutely stunning! And they didn't even flinch when I asked if they could make something vegan for myself. The birthday boy was so impressed that it's now his favourite restaurant here in Glasgow, fancy that!

Tonight, I am playing badminton,tomorrow's college, and I hope I hear about starting my new job soon!
What have you got planned for the week?

In any which case I wish you a merry Monday! x J

Tropical Apple Trap Smoothie

After a long but leisurely walk, I came home and rattled up this for lunch. It works perfectfor lunch, as it is quite filling, not to mention it counts as almost FOUR of your five a day!

Tropical Apple Trap Smoothie
(Serves 1)

1 apple, peeled and cut into dice
1 banana, cut into chunks (frozen, if you have it!)
1/3 cup coconut cream
1/2 glass orange juice

- Simply mix all together, and use blender or stick blender and whizz until smooth - make sure there are no apple bits in there!

Yup, that's how simple it is *smiles*

Last night, we had a flat warming for my new flat mate, and it was really good! I was surprised I lasted longer than midnight, as I had been up since half past seven doing a full shift before hand. There were familiar faces and new ones, a really lovely bunch of people!

Today I have had a lazy Sunday afternoon, just uploading some foodie photos, and earlier on we went to the park and fed the birds, then stopped by my favourite cafê on our way home, mmmm

Hope you have had a lovely weekend so far! I'm still savouring the little that is left of it *smiles*


Recipe by yours truly,

- Jules

Scerf's Irish Toddy

Throat infection, squeaky voice - dilemmma! Or do you just want to get your toddy on? Well then, look no further! My friend Emma made this lovely brew when I was ill.

Back in Norway, hot toddy is non-alcoholic, and normally just hot black currant juice, but here in Scotland... When I asked for a toddy, I was given something just a liiiiittle bit stronger.... Emma, from Ireland no less! told me that in Ireland they add cloves, and on this here occasion, she also added a little bit of cinnamon, delicious!

Scerf's Irish Toddy
(Serves 2-3)

500 ml boiling water
1/2 lemon, juice
10 cloves, whole
6 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Whisky to serve
Slices of lemon to serve

- Simply start by boiling the water. Pour into a tea pot, and if you have one of the ones with a metal filter, you can put the cloves in there to let the water infuse for 5-10 minutes before removing it, or use a sieve - both works!

- Add the lemon, honey, and cinnamon and leave until it is hot enough to handle.

- Pour a measure of whiskey into a small whiskey glass or a tea cup and then pour over the toddy, this way you don't have to risk the full mixure with whiskey going cold, and you can choose what measures you'd like - which is certainly not a bad thing if you ask me!

What's your favourite hot toddy recipe?


Recipe by my friend Emma aka Scerf

- Jules

Yogi Chai Chocolate Smoothie

Rose of The Clean Kitchen couldn't keep this recipe to herself, and now I can't either, seriosuly - it is soooo good!

Over the last few weeks, the smoothie craze has hit the food world, and they are whipping them up East, West, North and South. So it was Julie here decided to try her hands on one herself - I hadn't made smoothies in what seems like forever ago, and then this... Mmmmm...

The chai tea I used, was Yogi Yogi Chai curtesy of the almight Tchai Ovna (One of my favourite places on Earth!), brewed on almond milk and chilled for a couple of hours.

I am tempted to try it without cocoa next time, just to see what the flavours will be like then, but for now - chocolate, cause you know it's good for you! Make the tea the night before and you'll have this little number for breakfast in less than five minutes!

Yogi Chai Chocolate Smoothie
(Serves 1)

1 cup brewed milky chai tea, cooled for a couple of hours or overnight
2 chopped frozen bananas
1/3 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 tbsp maple syrup or other syrup (for vegan) or honey

- Add all the ingredients in a tall jug, and whizz with a stick blender, or use a blender until you have a silky smooth chocolate chai smoothie, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy....

Possibly the best tea ever!

Also, yesterday I was feeling like I should do something productive, and so it was I decided to get some seeds and plant some stuff!

Peas and spinach actually! I was a little puzzled when the woman in the shop asked if I was going to do some planting when I was buying the seeds, not quiiiite sure what else they would be good for, hah!

Bad puns all the way!

I hope you have had a good start to your week, any plans? I was going to go to the gym after work today, but it was pouring down so badly, and I got drenched, plus my umbrella broke, soooo I think I will just try and do some yoga in the flat instead *smiles* How did you start your Monday?


Original source:
http://www.thecleandish.com/chocolate-chai-smoothie-vegan-grain-free-gluten-free-refined-sugar-free/

- Jules

PB & J Smoothie

Katrina at Warm Vanilla Sugar posted this ingenius recipe for a peanut butter and jelly smoothie, and I knew I had to give it a go (...SO glad I did!), I skipped the "jelly" though, as I knew the berries would do the trick regardless.

I thought smoothies couldn't fill you up, but I was wrong, this is an energy bomb which is sure to see you through the morning or lunchtime. Or perhaps enjoy in the evening? S'up to you!

Because the banana and berries were frozen, this turned into almost a hybrid between a smoothie and sorbet, which I really didn't mind! So filling, ad you can always add a little bit extra milk if you want and share it with someone *smiles*

PB & J Smoothie
(Serves 1)

2 small bananas, chopped and frozen
1-2 handful frozen summer berries
2 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 cup yogurt (I used Alpro soy)
1 cup (almond) milk

- Swish swish in a processor or which a stick blender, and dig in with either a spoon or a thick straw, and enjoy! I love how the peanut butter actually cuts through the fruits and berries, and I hope you will too!

I am also happy to announce that yesterday, my friends and I got back to making Game of Thrones popcorn, this week - it was the Greyjoys, we concocted it using corn kernels, butter, honey, smoked seasalt and red wine vinegar. Surprisingly tasty combination, I must say!

Another result of watching Game of Thrones last night, was all of us ending up making creatures out of pipe cleaners - y'know, as one does after having spent a full shift pretending to be a grown up... *cough cough* Yes, I am 25 years of age... These things happen!

I made the orange one, and my friend Emma made the green and blue one!

And they just so happened to nestle up in the bowl of potpourri I had standing in the living room... Heh!


Original source:
http://warmvanillasugar.com/2015/04/30/pbj-smoothie/


- Jules

Citrus, Ginger & Coconut Smoothie

I came across this recipe over at NITK and after having just bought an extra large piece of ginger (I always feel kinda bad when I only break off a little bit....) it seemed like the right thing to use some of it for!

This smoothie contains two of your five a day, and is a great way to detox your body a little. It's zingy, sweet and fresh - perfect when you need a little something to wake you up!

Citrus, Ginger & Coconut Smoothie
(Serves 1)

1 cup (about 130g) peaches (can also use apricots or pineapple, or a mix!), choppped
Optionally a few icecubes (or just freeze the fruit overnight)
1 cm ginger, grated
200ml coconut milk from a carton, not tin
1 tbsp coconut cream (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 1/2 lime
5 drops stevia

- Simply have all the ingredients in a blender or process with a stickblender until smooth, and serve!

The sunshiney-colour just wakes you up a little instantly!

Do you have any favourite smoothie combinations?


Original source:
http://www.nutritionistinthekitch.com/2015/01/01/fresh-lemon-ginger-detox-smoothie/

- Jules

Persimmon "Shake" with Berry Sorbet

Hello! Have you had a good week so far? I have been powering through work, bumped into friends and cooked - mainly, and then I finished readin the second book in "The Dresden Files" called Fool Moon. Are you reading anything at the moment?


Today I wanted to share a weird and wonderful recipe with you, it's like mousse, but not quite, like smoothie, except not. All I know is that I thought this was a great way of using up the last persimmon fruit I had, and the blackberry sorbet on top added a bit of refreshing berry-ness which I thought went really well with it. You can substitute blackberries for raspberries if you want, or also freeze the diced persimmon before blitzing it for a double-bill sorbet!

Persimmon "Shake" with Berry Sorbet
(Serves 1, easily doubled)

1 persimmon/sharon fruit, diced (optionally frozen)
50g blackberries or raspberries, frozen
1 tbsp xylithol, agave syrup, maple syrup or brown sugar
Juice of 1/3 lime or 1/4 lemon

- Start by blending the persimmon fruit until you have a nice, smooth pureê, pour into a serving glass or bowl.

- Now, blitz the berries, sweetner and citrus juice until you have a sorbet, it doesn't have to be super smooth, I like when it has a bit of a texture.

- Top the persimmon with the berry mixture, and enjoy!

Do you have any good recipes that calls for persimmon fruit?


Original Source: Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter, p. 184

- Jules

Choc-a-Lot Smoothie

After having tried making a healthy tamarind drink, only to realise once it was done that I had used the salted preserved tamarind instead of sweet tamarind chutney and finding to my horror that it was...dreadful - I knew I had to redeem myself and make up for the funny faces that I caused my face to pull. I'm sorry face, let's try again...

And so it was that I made the "Good Mood Food"'s smoothie, and it made up for everything wrong and took me beyond - so simple, and so good - for both mind and soul ^ ^ You might wanna double of tripple this recipe, just sayin'!

Choc-a-Lot Smoothie
(Serves 1)

1 cold (or frozen) banana, broken into bits
300ml low-fat natural yogurt (or Alpro!)
1 heaped tbsp cocoa

For sprinkling: I used cinnamon and a little bit of nutmeg, but you can use chocolate powder too of course!

- Simply whizz everything smooth either in a smoothie maker or with a stick blender. Pour, sprinkle and enjoy - it doesn't have to be more difficult than that *smiles*

Have you ever had a bit of a funny fail in the kitchen, mixing up ingredients or whatnot? I think most people have been there done that, that's what I tell myself to make me feel less of a fool anyway *starts playing Fool on the Hill by the Beatles*

PS. The evil tamarind drink in question, it looks like the one in the picture alas - tasted nothing like it would have using sweet tamarind!

I hope you have had a great start to your week!


Original source:
Good Mood Food, p. 32

- Jules

Coconut Fog

So I have recently discovered the cappuccinos of teas that is the Fog, or more specifically the London Fog - made with Earl Grey as the main component. There have been several takes on the Fog-teas, and I am pretty sure I heard that somewhere even had a Glasgow Fog too...I have to do more research (which basically means I just have to spend more time in cafês, which I am more than happy to do by the way! I'm addicted).

Anywhooo....I thought of trying to give it a bit of a tropical twist and so, used Coconut milk. It definitely gave it a bit of a different flavour, but in a good way!

NOTE: This will not be as sweet as the one you get served in cafês, but you can of course add more sweetener or some vanilla syrup if you want to.

Coconut Fog
(Serves 1 - tall glass)

1 tbsp agave syrup
1/3 tsp vanilla extract
A few drops stevia vanilla creme (optional)
1 cup Earl Grey
150ml Alpro coconut milk

- Boil up water for the tea, in the mean time find a tall heat-proof glass and have the agave, vanilla extract and stevia (if using).

- Now, brew the tea for a few minutes, squeeze the teabag and discard the tea bag - you don't want that in the glass!

- The final step is to heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan, once hot, but not boiling, use a milk frother and froth lightly (it wont froth up as much as milk) before pouring into the tea. Let it cool for a few minutes, before taking a sip, and hopefully approve of this lovely coconutty tea!

Have you ever tried a London Fog before, or made something similar yourself?


Recipe by yours truly,

- Jules

Cherry Pie Smoothie

First of all - Hello!

I hope you are having a lovely day so far, if not - why not make a cherry pie smoothie? Hell, even if you're having a good day, that is just as good enough a reason to whip up this luscious smoothie!

When I saw Katrina's "Blueberry Coconut Milk Smoothie", my first reaction was "I need this in my life!" then I realised I didn't have any blueberries at hand....The disappointment! BUT what I did have, is also a well known delicious berry-thing that works well in pies: Cherry! And so off I went first thing in the morning and had this for breakfast.

Cherry Pie Smoothie
(Serves 1)

1 cup light coconut milk, about 200-250ml
1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted
1 small frozen banana, or 1/2 a large one
2 tbsp oats
3-4 pecans (or cashews, almonds...)
A few drops vanilla extract
A good pinch of cinnamon
A slightly smaller pinch nutmeg
Chopped pecans, granola or crumbled sweet crackers to top with

- You know how the rest goes - pop everything into a blender or use a stick blender and whizz until smooth. Pour into a tall glass (mine was too tall, so I opted for a wine glass - fancy!), and top with the sprinkle of choice. Et voilâ! And that covers two of your five a day, magic!

Aaaaalso, there was a certain mentioning of good news yesterday, was it not? Well let me tell you who handed in her resignation today!
Yours truly, as I will not be working in an office anymore, yay! I've gotten a job in one of the Street kitchens in town, so needless to say - I am pretty excited! I finish up my "old" job next Wednesday, taking a few days off, and then it'll kick off, and I cannot wait!

I hope you are all having a good week so far!


Original source:
http://warmvanillasugar.com/2014/07/09/blueberry-pie-smoothie/

- Jules

Pineapple & Mint Slushy Sorbet or Granita

The weekend is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself, right?

OK, so originally this was meant to be a granita, BUT I felt bad about potentially having to discard all the delicious pineapple pulp and so I ended up with delicious, thick, slushy sorbet instead! Fret not though, I will add both the methods to the tropical madness here.

Pineapple & Mint Slushy Sorbet or Granita
(Serves 2-3)

1 pineapple, skin and core removed, cut into chunks
1 large sprig of fresh mint
1-2 tbsp agave syrup

For Granita:
- Have the pineapple chunks in a food processor and blend until smooth. Now, strain the pineapple juice with a fine sieve or jam cloth.

- Boil up water and have in a heatproof bowl and blanch the mint sprig, once wilted, immediately run under icy cold water. Chop the mint finely and add to the pineapple juice. Add agave syrup to taste.

- Pour the mixture into a shallow metal container, and leave for about an hour and a half (2 hours if doubling the amount). Use a wooden spatula or the like to break up the ice, and refreeze for another hour and a half, repeating the breaking of the ice.

- Shave the frozen pineapple into glasses and serve.

For the (slushy) sorbet:
- Start by wilting the mint in hot water in a heatproof bowl, then run under cold water and strain.

- Add pineapple to the bowl, or transfer both fruit and mint into a food processor along with a bit of agave syrup, and whizz until smooth. Transfer into a metal container (I used a small cooking pot) and place in the freezer for an hour and a half.

- Now, use a wooden spatula and mix the slush well. Refreeze for another hour and a half and repeat. Leave for about an hour extra if you want scoopable sorbet (Scoopable is totally a word by the way). Serve garnished with fresh mint leaves and enjoy!


Original source:
From Season to Season, p. 241 (By now you must be convinved to buy the book, surely? So many amazing recipes in there!)

- Jules

Avocado Nut Milk Smoothie

Fruity, creamy and delicious! I think that pretty much sums this recipe up *smiles* The perfect pick-me-up in the middle of the week, be it for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack!

Avocado Nut Milk Smoothie
(Makes 1, easily doubled)

1/2 ripe avocado, or 1 small, cut into chunks
1-2 tbsp blanched almonds (can also use ground almonds)
1 small frozen banana, chunks (easier if you freeze them cut up)
250ml skimmed or soy milk (I imagine almond milk would be delicious too!)
1-2 tsp agave syrup (for vegan) or honey

- Simply have all the ingredients in a processor us use a stick blender to whizz smooth, and enjoy cold with a couple of ice cubes!

I hope you have a great day!


Original source:
From Season to Season by S. Dahl, p. 130

- Jules

Pomegranate & Pineapple Smoothie

So you bought that pineapple in the shop in December because it looked pretty, and you come home asking yourself - what on earth am I going to do with this?! It's almost christmas! Well, eat most of it raw, as it's so delicious! And then if you have some left, why not use it with some leftover pomegranate seeds or maybe rasberries and make a nice smoothie? I found the pineapple I bought was one of the best I have ever had! Are they in season now, do you know?

Originally, you were meant to use two parts pomegranate seeds to one part pineapple, buuuut the pomegranate I had only contained 150g seeds, so I added some more pineapple for good measure. It was very tasty though, and I had this as a dessert after I'd made myself a Hawaii burger, a perfect little dessert after dinner.

Pomegranate & Pineapple Smoothie
(Makes 2 small glasses, about 95 calories each)

150g pomegranate
120g pineapple

- Right, this is probably the shortest "how to" there is on my blog. Have the fruit in a food processor and whizz until smooth, or use a stick blender. Add a little water if the consistency is a little too thick. Cool before serving!

Aaaaand speaking of drinks, I got four free samples of tea in a Wholefoods shop last week!

I have tried all of them now, and here are my honest review of the products:

Pukka - After Dinner

As promised on the package, it says it has tones of fennel, chicory and cardamom. It is aniseedy but in a lovely subtle way. Mmmm! Scandinavians do tend to be fond of their licoricy sweets, and this tea is no exception!
Seems I got to try the best one out of the lot first - lucky! But worry not, it's not all downhill from here!

Yogi Tea - Green Tea Ginger Lemon

Usually, the Yogi Teas are heavily spiced (in a good way, I may add), but this green tea of theirs is a little different. It is much lighter, and does thankfully have that lovely zesty taste through it - because I'm usually not too keen on green tea, but that's down to preference of course.

Dr. Stuart's Echina Plus

This tea, I was particularly curious about, mainly because of the name and the rather textbooky look of the packaging... The tea itself has a lovely red berry colour, but it smells of pharmacy and it tastes like it too... I know that isn't the most professional term to use, but then again, I am just a customer. I gave it an extra point on the dice because it is probably very healthy for you. I wont go near the stuff again though!

Pukka - Three Tulsi

The second Pukka tea out of the lot! I had to do some research and see what tulsi actually was, and it appears that it also is known as Holy basil, now how about that?!
I wasn't completely sure what I thought of this. It had a fruity taste, which I like, but there seemed to be a little soooomething lacking in the flavour. I wouldn't mind having it again though!

What is your absolute favourite tea?


Original recipe:
Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter, p. 185
Dice photos are from Google Images, until I get my own photographs for them!


- Jules

Pineapple Water

I am currently doing a home nutrition course, and my dad gave me this book of recipes that contains loads of ideas and inspiration for how to make great vegetarian dishes and drinks. This book is sectioned into what parts of the body the recipes are good for, which I think is pretty neat! I reckon it'll also be quite handy when I get onto working on the exercises and essays for my course.

Preparing the pineapple skin this way, is a great source of nutrients that you would normally just throw away. Like a lot of other fruits and vegetables the pineapple skin contains all the same nutrients as the fruit does, and helps with digestion. It contains manganese, copper and iron. It is great for your kidneys and stomach, particularly if you drink it a little while before a meal.

Pineapple Water
(Makes a little under 2 litre)

Skin of 1 pineapple
2 litres of water

- Wash the pineapple before you peel it. Chop the skin into pieces, and transfer to a bit pot.

- Boil up 2 litres of water and pour over the pineapple. Simmer for about 30 minutes before taking out the peel.

- Chill, and serve cold. If you want, you can sweeten this water with brown sugar, honey or molasses. Delicious! I had it this morning before my breakfast.


Original source:
Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter, p. 171

- Jules

Warm & Sweet Plantain Milk

It was only last year I discovered the plantain, a larger version of the banana, and often the skin was brown or almost blackened, a sign that the plantains were ripe. It was only the other day, that I got to use it for the first time. I struggled a little bit with peeling it, but I got there eventually!

Now this was meant as a soup, but I reckon the recipe turned out a little too watery to be called a soup, and so I decided to put it up as a drink, as that's the way I served it up - in a cup!
I might make some adjustments to this recipe, for a thicker and more soupy version, adding an additional plantain, and using almond milk instead, I think that might work...Hopefully I'll find out!
In the meantime, here you have it - a warm cup of comfort packed full of goodness and easy to make! Perhaps snuggle up with this instead of a cup of tea in the evening?

Warm & Sweet Plantain Milk
(Serves 2, about 200 calories each)

1 plantain
500ml skimmed milk
500ml water
1 tbsp agave syrup
1 tbsp plain flour (optional)

- Start by heating the milk in a pan, peel and cut the plantain in chunks before having them in the pot along with the agave syrup. Once warm, use a stick blender and mix until you have a smooth liquid.

- Add the water and flour and stir until it is free of lumps. Taste and see if it needs a little more syrup, before serving warm, in bowls or in cups!

Oh, and I thought I would treat myself the other day, drawing a bath and popping in one of these little bad boys:

A Dragon's Egg from Lush! It dissolved like a mixture of foam and popping candy, and even though I normally go for the more fruity products of theirs, usually with a bit of zing, this one smelt too good to not get!

Ever cooked with plantains before? Or got any favourite Lush products?


Original source:
Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter Basert på Salgssuksessen "Frisk av Mat", p. 168

- Jules

Avocado & Apple Shake

Here's another little shake combination for you all! Avocado with apple! You can taste both of them, but the avocado not too much, it's surprisingly sweet considering the honey and apple are the only sweetners in this, but I suppose the almond milk contributes a little bit too!

Avocado & Apple Shake
(Serves 2, about 220 calories each)

1 avocado, about 150g when peeled
1 apple, peeled and cut into chunks
100ml almond milk
1 tbsp honey

- Have the apple, almond milk and honey in a blender.

- Remove the stone from the avocado, scoop out the flesh and add it to the mix. Blend until you have a smooth shake, you can add a little water if you think it is too thick. I ate mine with a spoon as a sort of light mousse!

Super healthy, and super delicious! You can maybe try and make your own twist to the recipe. Cocoa powder sprung to mine, but I have yet to try that!

I could only eat so much after dinner that day, and so I froze the rest for avocado-apple quick fixes for some other day!

Oh, and as if seeing Regina Spektor the other night wasn't enough, guess who came to play a wee set in the local CD shop in Glasgow!

That's right, Andy and Fran from Travis! I got my album signed too, but unfortunately the security people mucked up when they took a photo of me with them, so it was all blurry, boo! BUT the guys were lovely, and I have actually met them before, seven years ago in Norway, where I told them I'd move to Scotland. I told Fran quickly that I'd done it, and he seemed mighty chuffed, and asked if I liked it here! I hardly got a chance to answer though, as the security tried to keep a tight schedule. So I answered as quickly as I could, with a big smile on my face "Yes! It's good" That's five years I've been living here now... Wowser!

Five years back in time, I would never ever even have dreamed of getting to see two of my favourite bands/singers in two days!

Thanks for the show guys, and for being ever-inspiring!


Original source:
Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter Basert på Salgssuksessen "Frisk av Mat", p. 129

- Jules

Apricot Shake

So I needed to get my daily intake of fruit, and had come across this really easy recipe that I found in a vegetarian recipe book. My father gave me the book, as he hadn't found any use for it. Plenty recipes to try out in the future!

Four ingredients, and a minute in the blender, and you've got yourself a mighty fine fruity drink!

Apricot Shake
(Serves 1, about 240 calories)

100g apricots (about 3-4), washed
1 banana
3 tsp agave syrup (or use honey)
100 ml soy- or hazelnut milk (add more for a thinner shake)

- Get your blender out! Remove the pips from the apricots and have in the blender along with chopped up banana, agave syrup/honey and the milk. Whizz until smooth, and serve - that was easy, wasn't it?!

- For a colder shake, just add a few icecubes to the mix!

Original Source:
Friske Vegetariske Oppskrifter Basert på Salgsuksessen "Frisk av Mat", p. 81