Primula Cheese and Chive Oaty Biscuits for Autumnal Snacking

This autumn, Primula have challenged me to come up with a tasty autumnal snack using their famous squeezable, spreadable cheese.

My family love Primula in lots of ways, but I'd never tried using it as a baking ingredient. I really enjoy baking for my family, making healthier and higher quality alternatives to the products found on the supermarket shelves. So I decided to create my own take on the humble oat cake: a crumbly, oaty, wholemeal savoury biscuit, made using Primula Cheese with Chives, that can then be topped with some more squeezy Primula. The cheese and chives give an added richness and flavour to the oatcakes. A delicious cheesy treat for snacking.

This is such an easy recipe, using just four simple ingredients. You can quickly knock together a batch and serve them warm from the oven. Perfect for an after school treat, an evening snack or even for a grown-up cheese and wine party.

Savoury biscuits are a great alternative to sweet snacks that the whole family will enjoy. The wholemeal flour adds extra fibre and nutrients and oats are a good source of slow release energy. They will keep for a few days in an airtight tin, so will be great for the kids' lunchboxes. Just add a little pot filled with Primula for the little ones to dip their savoury biscuits in.

Primula Cheese and Chive Oaty Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients

2 oz of Primula Cheese with Chives 

1 oz  oats

4 oz butter or margarine

6 oz wholemeal SR flour

Method 

Cream Primula and butter together in a mixing bowl.

Add oats and flour and mix with your hands to form a dough. Bring together with a little extra flour if too sticky.

Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into twelve equal shapes using a cookie cutter.

Cook at 180 degrees for 15 minutes.

Serve topped with Primula and garnished with tomato, cucumber, sweetcorn or any other seasonal salad vegetables for a colourful, tasty snack.

For a really grown up, sophisticated snack, in keeping with the Primula idea of adventurous pairings, how about topping a Primula Cheese and Chive Oaty Biscuit with a good squirt of Light Primula cheese and finished with a slice of juicy fresh pear and a twist of ground black pepper? It is a great combination of flavours and textures. 

I am a member of the Primula Blogger Club, a paid for partnership with Primula.

Lunchbox planning for the new school year

We have completed our first few weeks of the new school year and we're just about settling into a nice routine. This includes the daily job of making lunchboxes to keep Freddy fed and watered for the school day. There has been a lot of talk recently regarding the healthiness of kids' packed lunches from home, and a recent survey commissioned by Flora concluded that only 1.6% of packed lunches are meeting food based standards for UK school meals. Only 17% of lunchboxes contain any vegetables or salad and 60% contain too many processed sweet and savoury snacks.

In response to this, Flora are investing in an initiative to inspire parents by distributing thousands of Flora lunchboxes via retailers, containing healthy lunchbox recipe planners.  They have also launched an online guide with useful tips and recipes for parents. There are some some great recipes and ideas for lunches, including a five day vegan lunch plan using Flora Dairy Free.

It is all too easy to fall into the habit of making a quick cheese sandwich and throwing in a bag of crisps and a chocolate biscuit for a child's lunch. We often find ourselves in a lunchbox rut, but this school year I'm determined to do better. So being organised and planning ahead is really important to keep up the motivation to provide healthy lunches with kid appeal to keep Freddy happy.

Typically, Freddy has a sandwich, a wrap, a panini or something baked like a vegetarian sausage roll or a cheese twist. He also has a portion of fruit such as strawberries, grapes or an apple, and a portion of veggies, such as cucumber or carrot sticks. A carton of fruit juice or a bottle of water complete his lunch. I know fruit juice is high in naturally occurring sugars and acid, but I prefer him having that than a sugar-free, chemical laden drink. Like Flora, I am a big advocate of the 'Powered by Plants' ideology!

To change things up, we sometimes bake some Quorn Chicken Style Nuggets or Linda McCartney's sausages (we pop them in the oven the night before while cooking dinner) and serve them cold with a ketchup dip. It's fun and high in protein. Add some breadsticks, fruit and veggies to the lunchbox for a balanced meal.

For a special treat, I make some individual pots of vegetarian jelly in little lidded tubs. They are low in calories, refreshing and Freddy loves them!  Making them yourself is so much cheaper than buying supermarket versions, and you can easily add some chopped fruit as part of their five a day quota.

Investing in a little flask allows them to take soups to school. Coupled with a chunky slice of wholemeal bread spread with Flora Dairy Free, it makes a lovely meal, especially as the colder weather sets in.

I firmly believe that we are what we eat. Freddy is still a bit set in his ways when it comes to food, but with encouragement he is enjoying a wider range of foods and becoming more adventurous. I aim to keep his lunchboxes varied, balanced and appealing and hope that his appetite and enthusiasm for food continues to grow!

“This post is an entry for the #FloraLunchbox Linky Challenge, sponsored by Flora. Check out their lunch planner and recipe ideas here. ”

Old El Paso Stand 'n' Stuff Tacos

Old El Paso Stand 'n' Stuff Soft Taco Kit range is great for quick 'n' easy midweek meals that the kids will love. Easy to fill, hold and eat, they bring the vibrant flavours and fun of Mexican cuisine to hungry families looking for something a bit different to eat. I was sent some to try out.

They are so easy to make in three simple steps:

Cook the mince using the seasoning in the kit - I use Quorn mince to make them vegetarian.

Prepare the fillings - we use salad, grated cheese, nacho cheese sauce, refried beans and salsa ( a sachet of salsa is included in the kits.)

Fill your taco and enjoy!

It's such a fun meal, sitting together and filling the soft tacos with the fillings of your choice. They are so much easier to make and eat than the crunchy tacos, making them easier for the kids to manage.

There are three taco kits in the range:

Smoky BBQ includes a smoky seasoning and taco salsa sachet with eight Stand 'n' Stuff soft tortillas.

Extra Mild Super Tasty includes a cool herb topping mix and a tomato stir in sauce with eight Stand 'n' Stuff soft tortillas.

Garlic and Paprika includes a mild, garlicky seasoning and a sachet of taco salsa with eight Stand 'n' Stuff soft tortillas.

You can also get a pack of eight Stand 'n' Stuff soft tortillas on their own, which are perfect for getting creative in the kitchen. You can stuff them with spicy flash fried onions and peppers or with Quorn pieces cooked in a chilli sauce. Or you could even use them for lunchboxes filled with grated cheese and salad.

The Stand 'n' Stuff Smoky BBQ and Extra Mild Kits are £3.79 RRP and the flour tortilla packs are £1.89 RRP. They are available to buy at major supermarkets. The Garlic and Paprika kits are limited to Tesco and Morissons.

Make your Lunctime a Quicknic with Greggs

Isn't it about time that you created a bit of me-time for yourself this summer by treating yourself to a relaxing lunchtime treat? Well, Greggs think so, and are challenging us to take time out of our busy day to relax and enjoy a stress free lunch. Dubbed the 'Quicknic', a 'quick picnic' for one - whether it is al fresco or al desko - could potentially put us in a better frame of mind and add to our daily productivity. Enjoying lunch, instead of bolting it down between phone calls, checking emails and banging away at the keyboard of a laptop, may give us the chance to wind down, nourishing our bodies and minds, making us better able to cope with the stresses and strains of a hectic day.

To test this theory, Greggs have provided me with lunches for a week, which I agreed to enjoy along with some much needed me-time. Greggs isn't all about the pies (although the vegetable pasty is a favourite of mine) they also have a range of salads and sandwiches, including their Balanced Choice items for a healthier option. Greggs also do fresh coffee or if you prefer a cold drink, they have a selection of chilled juices and soft drinks.

As a vegetarian, the range for me isn't as extensive, but there is still plenty to pick from, with some imaginative options for those of us who want more just a cheese sandwich!

The new Balanced Choice Mexican Five Bean Flatbread is a great way to spice up your lunchtime. The delicious flatbread is filled with mixed beans in a tasty tomato, chilli and coriander sauce, served alongside sliced red onions, jalapenos, fresh mixed peppers and finished with a light Monterey jack cheese with chilli. It's £2.50 and contains 328 Calories.

A lunchtime meal deal gives you a sandwich and a drink for just £3.00, so I you can pick one of the flatbreads, baguettes, rolls or sandwiches along with a flavoured spring water, soft drink or juice. It's a good value meal.

With a huge range of cakes to pick from, you can add a sweet treat to complete a lovely lunch. There are always some cake multi-packs on offer so you can grab a bargain.

The Mexican Five Bean Flatbread is really good, packed with fresh, crisp vegetables, spicy chilli and jalapenos. It has a real kick to it and makes a great lunchtime meal, full of flavour! I am very impressed with Greggs for doing some a bold option for vegetarians.

There is a nice cheese and tomato pasta salad, egg or cheese sandwiches, cheesy rolls, vegetable pasties and cheese and onion pasties as well as the Greggs Margherita pizza to provide variety at lunchtime for vegetarians. The prices are all really competitive, giving a good value lunch to treat yourself.

Getting a Greggs to take away and actually using a plate to serve it on, made lunchtime feel so much less hurried. Relaxing and enjoying my food certainly allowed me to unwind and appreciate the food I was eating. As someone who works from home, it is too easy to skip lunch or just grab a snack to eat whilst working on the laptop, so actually taking a half hour to myself was a real treat. The Quicknic is definitely a good way to reconnect with yourself and not lose yourself in a never ending stream of daily drudgery.

Enjoy a Greggs Quicknic and see whether taking some time out for lunch makes a positive difference to your day!

Green lentil and egg bake recipe

June Challenge #happyeggtastemakers

Lentils and eggs are a great combination, creating a healthy, iron rich and protein packed meal. Served with fresh veggies, it is a wholesome vegetarian dish that the whole family will enjoy.

You can use dried lentils and make the meal from scratch, but for a quick, easy and convenient midweek meal, use tinned green lentils.

Ingredients 

(per 2 servings)

1 can of green lentils

1 finely chopped onion

1 crushed clove of garlic

1 finely sliced leek

1 tablespoon tomato puree

1 teaspoon mixed herbs

1/2 vegetable stock melts pot

2 free range eggs

oil

Method

Heat oil in a pan and gently fry onion, leek and garlic until softened.

Mix in lentils, tomato puree, herbs and stock melt.

Cook for around 10 minutes until well combined.

Put into an ovenproof dish.

Make two hollows in the lentil mix and crack an egg into each.
Cover with foil and bake at 180 deg for about 20 minutes, until the eggs are set.

***

The Happy Egg Co is currently involved in a promotion with Kingswood offering free educational, outdoor school trips for children, by collecting codes from special promotional packs. Schools can collect codes for up to £1000 off an exciting activity day out. There's even a chance to win one for free!

Find out more at thehappyegg.co.uk/trips and collect codes from the back of promotional Happy Egg Co boxes.

Working on a whole new me

This year, after turning 46, I have decided to really take some control on my life. I'm not getting any younger and I'm aware that I'm not as fit nor as slim as I would like to be.  So rather than slipping complacently into middle age, I have decided to make it my mission to become the me that I want to be. A mum that my kids can be proud of and aspire to be like and a wife who will enjoy an active future with my husband.

My plan is multi-faceted, taking a holistic approach to health, happiness and well being. As my confidence in myself is increasing, these things are taking on a life of their own. I am finding things about me are changing and I'm happy just going along with it. 

Diet

I am a vegetarian. However, I am an over-eating vegetarian who enjoys food a bit too much. This meant lots of cheese, plenty of carbs and big portions of dinner. This year, I've made steps towards a more plant based diet. Many meals are becoming vegan and I'm making alternative dairy free versions of family favourite meals like my vegan Mac & Cheese. I've made switches to almond milk, soya cream and coconut oil. I've also added more nuts, seeds, vegetables and pulses to our meals, and I've cut down on my refined sugar intake. I still make some slightly more indulgent things from time to time and still enjoy the occasional treat, but on a whole, my family's diet has improved.

However, even though the food I was preparing and consuming was all good stuff, my natural propensity to greediness still resulted in eating to excess. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to bump into the lovely Sandra from Thinking Slimmer at this year's Blog On MOSI conference. Having worked with Thinking Slimmer before and becoming one of the original weightloss blogger poster girls for the product, I know that Slimpods work. They retune your mind using cognitive hypnotherapy, altering the way your brain thinks about food, allowing you to make good choices naturally.  Sandra agreed to me trialing the Slimpods again and I've started listening at bedtime. 

I must be very susceptible to the Slimpod's suggestion or maybe a part of my brain has been instantly reawakened, because from the very first day I changed. Like someone had thrown a switch in my brain removing the urge to mindlessly snack through every waking hour or eat beyond fullness. It was incredible and after a week I am 3.5 lbs down simply because my habits have changed. No calorie counting or having to make separate meals, I'm just eating less without even thinking about it. I know that the extra weight will be gone soon, while the foods I eat nourish and fuel my body, rather than fill me up with empty calories.

Exercise

Just by making the decision to take back control, I have found myself feeling more active: dancing around the kitchen while I wait for the kettle to boil, jumping up and lunging just for fun or doing some vigorous housework. I'm just more energised. Although doing structured exercise isn't really my thing (my Scoliosis means I end up putting my back out if I go to the gym or do a class), taking active days out with the family really appeals to me.  We have recently bought season tickets to Trentham Gardens and love going for long walks around the lake. I'd like to take our walking further. Climbing the Wrekin is something I'd like to try to do now Freddy is a bit bigger. Popping on our walking boots and packing our waterproofs, some water and healthy snacks in to a suitable rucksack (I've spotted some good rucksacks available online) I reckon we could scale the 1335 ft high peak!  Our Merlin Annual Passes are also great for going on days out. Alton Towers not only boasts some cool rides and CBeebies Land, it has some lovely walks through the gardens, which are pretty steep in places. You get a good workout and its very pretty.

I like the idea of us keeping fit together as a family. I am not the sort of person who could go solo and take up something like running (I have pondered this prospect over and over again as my sister runs and just completed her latest 10K race) but it's just not for me. Walking in beautiful places however, up hills, around lakes, through gardens or in woodland, whilst having fun with Ian and the kids sounds like a good compromise.

Beauty treatments

I've never really been the glamorous type. My own mother refused to leave the house without a full face of make-up, but I am the complete opposite. I'll happily do the school run with a face like nature intended. I've never really bothered with a full blown skincare cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, and until recently, I hadn't been to a hairdresser for years. My mum religiously dyed her hair for as long as I can remember, touching up her white roots with mascara in between treatments. Unlike her, I've decided to go grey naturally. Whether this is down to pure apathy or whether I think silver highlights look cool is open to debate!

Recently however, I've embraced my girlie side, relishing pampering myself top to toe. From face masks to nail varnish to fake tanned legs to pedicures - I am really enjoying using all my beauty products and feeling good about my self.  It feels good to have a bit of me-time while the kids are at school to do something for myself. Me-time is something I've never really understood until now, but investing a little in myself really is a positive thing. Although I'll never be a total glamour puss, I am enjoying taking a bit more time over myself and my beauty rituals. 

Happiness

I make no secret of the fact that I have previously found the concept of happiness quite elusive. In the past I've struggled with depression, dwelling on some dark parts of my life, able to achieve only a superficial kind of fleeting happiness rather than real contentment. But over the years this has changed dramatically. 

Becoming more mindful and reflective has allowed me to let go of so much of the darkness. I have found peace with a lot of issues that festered inside me, freeing me to live in the present and embrace the joy that surrounds me. The joy that comes from being a wife and mother to the most wonderful people that I have in my life. I strive to be a better person and have learnt that true happiness comes from giving rather than taking.

I am in a good place. That doesn't mean that bad things don't happen, but when they do I'm better positioned to help those around me through them. My mantra these days is that I can't change things that have happened, but I can change the way I deal with them and the effect they have on me. Life truly is so precious, to live it in the dark is such a waste.

Taking responsibility for my health, for my happiness and for my life has made a huge difference to me. Here's hoping I can maintain my momentum and emerge a better person.

Vegan Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe

I remember my first attempt at giving up dairy. My sister and I used a recipe from an old paperback vegan recipe book to make a 'cheese' sauce. We lovingly created the sauce and served it with jacket potato for our lunch. Unfortunately, seeing as the ingredients were basically just pureed carrot and potato, we overloaded on carbs, and the tasteless orange goo in no way resembled cheese. It was more akin to baby food than the cheese substitute it promised to be. It was starchy and bland.

Twelve years on, and I'm still exploring the benefits and delights of plant based cookery. Ingredients are becoming more available and there is so much more on the market. Nowadays, I am a vegetarian who enjoys vegan food and my eldest daughter follows a strict vegan diet. I love incorporating vegan dishes into our family meals because of the health benefits, the variety and the fact that they are cruelty free.

Cheese sauce is something I love. Over vegetables, with pasta, as part of a pie filling, it is lush. Sometimes I use almond or soya milk and vegan margarine to make a basic roux and flavour with Engevita or vegan cheese. However, I've been working on the full plant based, lower calorie, lower fat version and think I may at last be mastering the art of making vegan cheese sauce using carrot and potato as a base. Making it smoky and spicy adds a real depth of flavour and it works really well with Mexican food, as a topping on a bake, as a dip or as a sauce for pasta or vegetables. It keeps in the fridge and tastes even better after a day or two and reheats really well.  It is still a work in progress but I think it is good enough to share!

Vegan Spicy Cheese Sauce Recipe

2 medium potatoes

1 large carrot

1 clove garlic peeled

1/2 cup Engevita nutritional yeast flakes

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon smoky paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic granules

1 teaspoon salt

1-2  teaspoons of Sriracha Garlic and Chilli Sauce (to taste)

Dice potatoes and carrots and put in pan with garlic clove.

Cover with water, bring to boil and simmer until softened (about 10 minutes).

Strain well then put in food processor with other ingredients. (I used my Nutribullet.)

Blitz to form a thick sauce. (Add more water at this stage if you want a thinner sauce and adjust seasonings to taste.)

Put in an airtight container and keep in fridge if not using immediately. Reheat to use.

For Mac & Cheese

Cook up some pasta according to instructions and drain.

Put back in pan and add sauce to coat the pasta and heat through.

Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny at Wyevale Garden Centres

This Easter, if you are looking for something wonderfully seasonal to do with the family, check out the Wyevale Garden Centre's Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny event.  

Breakfast and Tea sessions are being held until the 5th April, with breakfast starting at 9 am and tea at 4 pm. Sessions last for approximately 90 minutes.

Suitable for boys and girls aged between 2 and 10, children get to meet the Easter Bunny in the restaurant. They also get to enjoy a meal, decorate an Easter biscuit and receive a cute, cuddly toy and a Lindt chocolate bunny!

We were invited to pop along to enjoy a delicious breakfast and some Easter fun at our local garden centre in Bridgemere. 

We were met in the restaurant and showed to our reserved table, which had been laid out ready for our breakfast.  The kids had an activity sheet and crayons to keep them busy, while Ian and I enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee.

We ordered vegetarian breakfasts, which were served to our table with hot buttered toast.  The children had hash browns, scrambled eggs and beans, while we had fried eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, beans, fried bread and tomato.  The food was well cooked and presented, and was lovely.

After they had eaten, the children had to shout for the Easter Bunny who then appeared  at the door much to their delight.  The Easter Bunny went around every table to greet families and pose for photographs. The bunny was very obliging, hugging little ones and doing selfies with the older kids.

Freddy and Kezia were able to pick a cuddly toy from a basket, which was filled with cute, wide eyed farm animal toys.  Freddy fell in love with the yellow duckling, giving him lots of cuddles.

Every child was then given a plate with a yummy, shortbread biscuit along with a tube of icing and a pot containing sprinkles, marshmallows and chocolate buttons. Freddy and Kezia enjoyed decorating their biscuits.

They were also given a box so that the biscuits could be taken home and enjoyed later. I thought this was a very nice touch, keeping their decorated creations safe and secure.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny costs £9.99 per child to include the food, drink, soft toy, chocolate bunny, activity sheet and biscuit decorating.  Adults having a full English breakfast with coffee or tea pay £7.99, or can have a Danish pastry and a coffee for £3.99.

Tea compromises of a hot kids' meal and a drink or a picnic option, along with all the other fun stuff enjoyed at breakfast, for £9.99.  Adults can enjoy a lovely afternoon tea of filled rolls, cake squares, clotted cream and jam scone along with tea or coffee for £7.99, or a slice of cake and a drink for £3.99.

We were really impressed with the quality and the value of the event.  The atmosphere was relaxed, the staff were all very friendly and efficient and the food was great.  The toys and the Lindt chocolate bunnies were lovely gifts to take home.

Book events online on the Wyevale website.

Times and dates may vary by centre.

Food Saving Tips and Menu Planning Love Food Hate Waste

I have taken part in the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, which aims to raise awareness to encourage families to stop wasting food. Reducing food waste will have both an economical and an environmental impact, making it really important to both our pockets and the planet.

There are lots of ways that we can make the fresh foods we buy last longer by using savvy storage ideas, and there are loads of ideas for family meals that will utilise leftover vegetables and fresh produce, so nothing goes to waste at the end of the week.

                         


Menu planning really is a great way to manage feeding the family.  Having a range of meals in your repertoire and buying ingredients that can be used to make several different dishes, sees that nothing goes to waste.  It saves money, and being well organised, can save valuable time and effort too.

With some careful planning, today's waste can become tomorrow's ingredients.  Sauces, cooked vegetables, excess pasta or extra sausages can be incorporated into the next day's dinner. Any leftover meals can easily be boxed up and frozen ready to be reheated.  Much cheaper, nicer and healthier than buying ready meals!

Here is a recipe that I make at the end of the week, which uses up any vegetables I have left over.  It also uses a cheese sauce made using any bits of cheese left in the fridge.  It is adaptable and versatile and is really tasty!

                        


Find out more on the website at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

Eating myself healthy - featuring Vegancity and Gourmet Spirulina

This winter has not been good for me health wise.  I picked up a bug back in October and ended up with a seemingly never ending round of coughs, colds, sinusitis, flu, upper respiratory and chest infections. I didn't have a 'well' day in three months.  When feeling grotty, lethargic and poorly becomes the norm, you know you have to take action.

This year, I made a stand against my ill health and pledged to start 2015 by embracing a much healthier lifestyle.  This means that all cooking will be done from scratch, incorporating lots of super healthy, nutrient rich ingredients.  Processed foods and refined sugars are to be kept to an absolute minimum. So far, I have kept to this new regime, and finally I am feeling good again!

Mornings start with a green smoothie made in my Nutribullet.  With 50% green vegetables such as kale and spinach, along with 50% fruit such as  banana, satsuma, apple, berries, kiwi or pear, plus a handful of nuts or seeds, topped with filtered water, my morning meal is a blast of vitamins, iron, anti-oxidants and plant goodness in a glass.

Family dinner times have been completely overhauled using menu planning and meals include tofu stir fry, lentil and sweet potato curry, vegetable based pasta dishes, Quorn and veg shepherd's pie and slow cooked veggie stews. Thankfully the kids are enjoying their vegetable laden meals.

Taking supplements is a great way to ensure that the whole family are getting a full range of nutrients and having every aspect of their health supported.  Vegancity supply 100% vegan supplements which are high quality, ethically sourced and suitable for everyone.  The company is committed to re-using packaging materials, using recyclable containers and reducing waste, minimising their carbon footprint. They are good for you, good for the planet and are cruelty free.

I received some Ester-C 1000 tablets which are a non-acidic form of the powerful antioxidant vitamin C.  They help boost the immune system and help the body fight viral attacks. They are priced at £7.95 for 30. I also received a bottle of Multivitamin and Mineral tablets. They contain a comprehensive vegan vitamin and mineral combination that covers all the major nutrients needed for good health. They are easy to take and convenient, perfect for topping up a healthy lifestyle and cost £7.75 for 60. Supplements are good for providing peace of mind, knowing that everyone is getting everything they need nutritionally to keep healthy.

Vegancity sell a huge range of vegan tablets and tinctures that are free from sugar, gluten, yeast and wheat, making them perfect for everyone.  I love that they are all vegetarian and vegan friendly, as so many supplements contain gelatin or products derived from animal sources, which I won't eat.  It's good to know that I can shop with confidence from Vegancity.

Find out more at www.vegancity.com.

Gourmet Spirulina is a range of nutritionally dense artisanal nibs, petals and crunchies, made using the iron, vitamin and antioxidant rich ingredient, raw spirulina.  Spirulina is considered a superfood, made from microscopic algae, that can help support health.  It is dark green in colour and contains phycocyanin, which is a blue pigment and a highly reactive antioxidant.

Spirulina Petals are delicate in both taste and texture, making them ideal for discovering both the taste and nutritional benefits of raw spirulina. They are ideal sprinkled in desserts or eaten in a dried fruit mix.

Spirulina Nibs are the mildest spirulina superfood with a nutty-taste, they are ideal for people new to the taste of raw spirulina, and can be sprinkled into virtually any dish.

Spirulina Crunchies are crisp and tasty, packed with chlorophyll. Their crispy texture makes them an ideal snack with fruit juice and they are also ideal for adding to everyday dishes, or nutritious smoothies.

I was sent a selection of samples and tried the Gourmet Spirulina Crunchies, which have a fine gravelly consistency, a crunchy texture and a savoury taste. It was quite an intense and interesting eating experience that turned my teeth green!  The flavour is quite unique but not unpleasant.  For me, the idea of adding the Gourmet Spirulina to dishes or sprinkling over meals seems like a great way to add some potent nutrients to what I eat.  I'll definitely be adding a Spirulina boost to my green smoothies.

Gourmet Spirulina Nibs, Gourmet Spirulina Petals and Gourmet Spirulina Crunchies all retail at £13.00 for 90g and are available on-line from www.pulpastore.co.uk and in health food stores.

I am really enjoying trying harder with the food I prepare for my family, packing as much goodness as I can into meals.  It's always great to find new vegetarian and vegan products like the Spirulina to add a little extra nutritional oomph into what I make.

I really do believe that we are what we eat, and my improving health is proving to me that paying extra attention to what goes in my mouth is definitely beneficial.  

Manchester Christmas Markets

This weekend, we were among the record breaking 200,000 people who descended on Manchester city centre for the opening of the Christmas Markets.  With Ella being at university there, we parked up outside her halls of residence and walked into town.  The weather was perfect and we felt very festive as we approached the beautifully adorned, wooden stalls each selling their wares from around Europe.

The smell of mulled wine and various foods was enticing and we simply had to sample the Garlic Mushrooms and Garlic Potatoes from Provence, which were cooked in huge pans on the street and smelled so good.  It was nice to find some vegetarian friendly food among all the German sausages on offer, and the potatoes and mushrooms were absolutely delicious - so, so tasty!

The children had their first ever macaroons, hand made by the French people running the stall. Freddy loved them but at £9 a bag they will only ever be an occasional treat!  He also had a white chocolate covered apple, which we bought from a very happy Bavarian man selling various fruits on sticks that had been dipped in chocolate and decorated. They looked really pretty.

The markets have a real international flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. There were so many cool things on display from jewellery to wooden ornaments to traditional nutcrackers to Christmas decorations alongside all the food stalls and pop up bars.  It was so busy and positively bustling, which is always good to see. Ella's boyfriend is working on one of the stalls at the markets selling Lemax Christmas Collectables. We popped across to say hello.  They were doing a roaring trade and selling their stuff off much cheaper than I've seen it in the garden centres. Nice to see some well priced stalls at the markets!  It was also good to see that the pop-up bars had a returnable deposit policy on their mugs, glasses and cups, as part of an environmentally friendly initiative. 

With a visit to the Arndale Centre included in our day out, we really enjoyed spending the day in Manchester.  Freddy coped really well with the crowds and the long walk around all the sites.  My little boy is definitely growing up and getting more able to deal with situations outside of his comfort zone, which is really pleasing.

Afterwards we popped in to see Megan, who couldn't join us at the markets because she'd had friends rounds after a big night out.  We bought some vegan take out food from Eighth Day to make up for her missing the garlic potatoes! I love being able to visit my grown up kids and having two living in the same city is such a bonus.    

The Manchester Christmas Markets are open everyday until December 21st.

Food Review - Healthy Treats from 9bar

9bar

When you need an energy boost, a 9bar really does the trick.  The wholefood bars are packed full of good stuff, like nuts, seeds and dried fruits, to deliver a great tasting and nutritious snack. I received a delicious hamper containing some of their Breakfast Bars as well as some handy things to help me out on a busy morning!

Among the goodies were some Cashew and Cocoa, Almond and Raspberry, Peanut and Raisin and Apricot and Srawberry breakfast bars, as well as a Fruity mixed seed bar and a Pumpkin bar to try out.

The bars are really nutritionally dense, containing vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, and have absolutely no nasties in them.  They are approved by the Vegetarian Society and the Coeliac Society.  Their complex carbohydrates make 9bars an excellent source of energy to get you through the day, which is so much much healthier for you than grabbing a sweet snack that is high is bad fat and refined sugars.

I thought the bars were all delicious.  I love seeds so to have pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, poppy and sesame seeds all packed into one bar was a real treat.  Hemp seeds are a real superfood, containing all the essential amino acids, including the nine that are the building blocks for good health (giving 9bar its name!)  The bars are naturally sweetened with cane sugar and honey, and are packed with fibre and complex carbohydrates from their all natural ingredients.

The Almond and Raspberry Breakfast Bar reminded me of Bakewell Tart giving me a cakey fix in a healthy format!  The Cashew and Cocoa has crunchy nuts and choc chips, for a choccy fix.  The fruity Apricot and Strawberry is packed full of fruit pieces and the Peanut and Raisin has a lovely nutty crunch. The Fruity bar had a carob topping which was quite indulgent and  I loved the simplicity of the Pumpkin bar with its seedy, flapjack-like texture.

9bars are really filling and if used as part of a balanced diet provide a great energy boosting treat, with lots of nutritional benefits.  They are chewy and very satisfying to chomp on.  If you are in a rush in the mornings, 9bar is a great way to grab a nutritious, energy-boosting snack on the go.

You can find them in Holland and Barrett, independent health food shops and in the Free From or Wholefood sections in major supermarkets.  You can also buy them online at the 9bar Shop.

If you want tips, news and even the chance of free samples, you can sign up for the fun 9bar newsletter at www.9bar.com/subscribe

Eat Well with Olives Et Al

I was sent a selection of products from Olives Et Al, which is a Dorset based company specialising in award winning olives, nuts, dressings, marinades, sauces and oils.  With authentic global flavours, this lovingly handcrafted gourmet range gives us the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic fayre in the comfort of our own home.

I received some Red Chilli Harissa Sauce, Pink Grapefruit Marinade, Chipotle Chilli Olives and Chilli Billy Jelly Relish to try out.  They are all suitable for vegans, vegetarians and are gluten free and will enhance meals with their intense natural flavours.  They are additive free and made using the finest ingredients.

Ian is a huge fan of olives and was delighted to sample the Smoky Chipotle Chilli Olives.  The whole green olives are marinated in chipotle chilli infused extra virgin olive oil to give a lovely smoky warmth.  Once the olives are eaten, the oil can be used to add a spicy, smoky depth to dishes.

The intense, fiery, aromatic flavour of the North African style Red Chilli Harissa Sauce gives a flavousome hit of heat to dishes.  I made Harissa Houmous, combining chick peas, oil, lemon juice, nut butter, smoky paprika and a spoonful of Harissa.  It gave the houmous a lovely kick of flavour, enhancing its taste.

Serving the Harrissa flavoured houmous and the Chipotle Olives alongside a plate of warmed, sliced wholemeal pitta bread made a wonderful supper for my family.  Delicious and so simple.

The Chilli Billy Jelly is a chilli and ginger relish, which is perfect with cheese or can be added to soups and stews.  For me, it will be served as the condiment on a Halloumi and Portabello Mushroom Burger. The relish has a powerful kick of heat with the warmth of ginger, which will work perfectly with the salty cheese.  It will be a great relish for the festive season with all its cheeseboards! 

The Mojo Pink Grapefruit Marinade and Dressing is inspired by a recipe from the Cayman Isles in the Caribbean. For a tasty vegetarian accompaniment, it can be served with rice or salads, adding a fruity Caribbean twist to mealtimes.

I love the all natural products, made from real, fresh ingredients.  It is great to find such quality, authentic, flavoursome products that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. They are versatile and can add a flavoursome punch to an array of dishes. 

I'm planning on adding Harissa to mayonnaise to serve with veggie burgers and and the Chilli Billy Jelly will be great in Chinese dishes such as marinated Tofu stir fry. 

They are available online at Olives Et Al and from other stockists (detailed online).  The products I have tried all retail at £4 each, which is a great price for such quality.

Creamy Mushroom and Parsnip Bake Recipe #mushroommeals

Being a vegetarian mum with a vegetarian family means that I am always on the look-out for family friendly recipes that everyone will love.  One of my favourite ingredients to use is mushrooms.  They are quick to cook, simple to prepare, very versatile, tasty and add a 'meaty' texture to meals.   

We have been challenged by the Mushroom Bureau to make a recipe for a tasty family meal, which incorporates cooking with mushrooms. I chose to make a Creamy Mushroom & Parsnip Bake.

Ingredients

450g parsnips cooked and drained

8 teaspoons oil

1 onion chopped

2 tablespoons fresh coriander chopped

2 small beaten eggs

3 tablespoons double cream (I used soy cream)

ground pepper

275g open cup mushrooms sliced

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

8 slices brown bread crusts removed

margarine

Method

Blend the cooked parsnips in food processor until smooth.

Heat 2 teaspns of oil in pan and fry onion.

Turn into processor with with parsnips, coriander, eggs, cream and seasoning and blend until smooth.

Heat the remaining oil and cook mushrooms and cumin seeds for 5 minutes until moisture evaporates.

Spread the margarine on the bread and cut into triangles.

Oil 4 300ml ovenproof dishes and line each with four triangles of bread.

Spoon on parsnip mixture, then some mushrooms in layers.

Repeat, ending with mushrooms on top.

Bake at 190 degrees for about 30 minutes.

The Parsnip and Mushroom Bake was absolutely delicious and perfect dish for the summer.  It had a similar texture to a quiche or a souffle with layers of lovely chunky mushrooms, seasoned with cumin, running through it.  The wholemeal bread base held the bake together and made a nice change from pastry, and added fibre to the dish. 

  

It is a very quick and easy dish to make.  The sweet parsnip cooks quickly and makes a lovely creamy puree, which is the basis for this recipe.  The mushrooms fry up in minutes too.

The kids enjoyed the Parsnip and Mushroom Bake very much.  The sweetness made it very kid friendly, and as my family all love mushrooms we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.  Serving with baked beans made it an extremely easy meal to put together, giving us at least two of our five a day.  The bread base and the parsnip was sufficient carbohydrate, so we didn't need a portion of potatoes on the side as well.

This is definitely a recipe I will use again. Instead of making individual portions, I think I'd make a family sized one and cut it into slices.  I might also experiment and use sweet potatoes in place of the parsnip and use chestnut mushrooms in place of open cup.  

Finding family friendly recipes like this one, is a great way to get extra vegetables into the children's diets.  Introducing children to a wide variety of vegetables is the best way to encourage them to eat their five a day and nurture a life long love of veggies.

Mushrooms are a great source of  B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, plus they are fat free, low in calories, cholesterol free and gluten free. They can be added to everyday dishes or served as a side dish, they can be stuffed or made into a delicious pate for sandwiches.  They really are versatile, which is why they are on my shopping list every week!

www.justaddmushrooms.com

Check out the Twitter feed @moretomushrooms using the hashtag #mushroommeals for some mushroom inspiration!

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