Crispy Fried Anchovies
Thursday, October 17, 2024Anchovies might be small, but they have huge health benefits and flavour. They are a good source of omega-3, protein, various vitamins and minerals. So I hope that you embrace the idea of popping the whole fish (yes, heads, bones, fins..all is GOOD) into the mouth and savour every bit of this oily, bite-size superfood. The preparation is rather simple and straightforward-fresh anchovies are rinsed, dried and simply battered by tossing them with ground pork rind (or flour if you ain't on keto) and then in egg, and then quickly fried in tallow (or olive oil) until golden brown. They are great as a snack or an appetizer.
Rosemary Pumpkin Fritters with Truffle Balsamic Glaze
Tuesday, October 15, 2024Bulgur Patties with Garlic Dip
Friday, September 20, 2024These vegetarian patties are chewy, nutty and so flavourful. You could put them in wraps / pita pockets, or as topping for salads. Bulgur is cracked wheat berries that have been partially cooked and then dried. This whole grain is nutty and rich in fiber, it cooks fast and is used a lot in Mediterranean cuisine.
Blackberry Hazelnut Flapjacks
Saturday, August 17, 2024British flapjacks, aka cereal bars or oat bars, are made from oats, golden syrup, butter, and sugar. They are quick, easy to make and budget friendly. The variations on the traditional recipe are endless and this one is based on the recipe I found on BBC Good Food. I replaced the sugar with erythritol and used pomegranate syrup instead of golden syrup. You can use any seasonal fruit you have to make these flapjacks, such as cherries and apricots and experiment with different nuts or seeds. They are great for breakfast on the go, lunch boxes, picnics or afternoon tea.
Keto Aubergine Balls
Sunday, August 11, 2024These keto aubergine balls are made with a mixture of egg yolks, almond meal, flat parsley, garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of salt and pepper. They are then coated with ground pork rind and fried in lard until golden and crispy. If you are not on keto, then replace almond meal and pork rind with breadcrumbs. Whether as a starter with a delicious dip or as finger food at a party, or take them to a picnic, these aubergine balls always work!
Butter-dipped Radishes
Monday, August 05, 2024Radishes dipped with softened butter and sprinkled with sea salt is a classic low-carb snack in French cuisine. The secret to this French canapé is in the quality ingredients. So use the best unsalted butter, fresh, mild radishes (I used tri-coloured radishes) and sea salt, like fleur de sel or herb/spiced salt. I used kala namak black rock salt because I love it. The butter really works to tame the pungency and peppery flavour of the radishes and, of course, a little salt simply enhances the flavour.
Spicy Green Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Wednesday, July 10, 2024Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside and spiked with spices, these green falafels can be eaten as a snack, with a salad or wrapped in warm pita bread. Falafel are traditionally made in the Middle East from dried chickpeas or/and broad beans but this recipe starts with a tin of drained chickpeas for speed.
Use chickpea flour to coat your hands when shaping your falafels or with a bowl of water on hand to keep your hands wet. Either technique works well to prevent your hands from becoming sticky with the falafel mixture.
Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Koftas
Sunday, July 07, 2024Prepared mainly with red lentils, fine bulgur and some spices and herbs, mercimek köftesi, aka Turkish red lentil koftas, are easy to make, and as comforting as they are delicious. They are great as a snack, breakfast or even as a main. Onion and spring onions are essential ingredients for mercimek köftesi, so don't skip them. Shape them any form you like, I just squeeze the mixture between the fingers and palm..easy peasy!
Red Lentil Crackers
Saturday, June 22, 2024You only need a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of preparation to make homemade lentil crackers / crisps. Your oven will do the rest for you and they are guaranteed to be crispy, and kept fresh for several days. They are naturally gluten-free, protein-rich and free of any grains. A fun and healthy way to enjoy some legumes. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices and have fun!
Super Seedy Vanilla Bars
Wednesday, June 12, 2024These seedy vanilla bars from Donna Hay are scratch-made from chia, pepitas, sesame, Corinthian raisins (dark black currants) desiccated coconut, vanilla and honey. Lots of healthy fat are packed into these little treats, which make a perfect, clean, on-the-go snack to keep you full and nourished.
Vanilla powder is whole vanilla beans that have been dried and processed into a powder. It has a more concentrated and intense vanilla flavour than vanilla extract or paste.
Corinthian raisins are often called currants, and sometimes called Zante currants. But in fact they are not currants at all. They are truly raisins, dried versions of the sweet, seedless grape called Black Corinth. They are so much smaller than regular raisins or sultanas.
There are three different types of dried grapes: raisins, sultanas and currants. Raisins are dried white grapes. Sultanas are dried white grapes from seedless cultivars. Currants are dried, dark red, seedless grapes produced in Greece.
Bacon-Wrapped Carrots with Cholula Maple Glaze
Sunday, February 25, 2024These maple cholula glazed carrots are easy to make yet extremely delicious. Cholula is a Mexican hot sauce. You can use sriracha instead or tabasco if you want it more spicy. These bacon wrapped carrots are best enjoyed fresh right out of the oven, but you can wrap the carrots with bacon ahead of time. Peel the carrots if they ain't organic.
Beer Battered Garlic Cloves
Saturday, September 02, 2023These pub-worthy, beer-battered garlic cloves are flavourful, crispy and pair perfectly with spicy sriracha, and make a delicious appetizer. Besides sriracha chilli sauce, aioli, ranch or even a spicy mayonnaise are perfect with battered garlic. The beer batter is great for seafood, vegetables and chicken too.
Brioche with Coconut Pudding Cream and Apricot
Tuesday, August 15, 2023This yeast brioche dough is the perfect base for fruity buns. Apricots or peaches are the ideal accompaniment: a creamy well-scented coconut pudding cream goes perfectly with the juicy and slightly tart stone fruit, while almonds provide the crunchy component. They are great for in between meals, but are also delicious for breakfast. You can made the pudding cream ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days and use regular milk instead coconut milk if desired, and flavour it with vanilla or rose water. They are best served fresh, slightly warm, or at room temperature.