All in Recipes

5-minute chia jam

When porridge season is upon us, making sure we have a wide choice of healthy toppings is key to good breakfast nutrition. Nut butters are a favourite in our house, but this no refined sugar jam is a great healthy alternative. The key to making porridge last you until lunchtime is to include some protein and healthy fats. With the addition of the chia seeds, this jam does both of these things! We have used some of our "pick your own" summer fruits for this one.

ย 

pea & mint hummus

This recipe came about after a friend said she fancied a pea houmous and could I come up with a recipe for her. Well of course I could, so here it is Gayle! I added mint and cumin since they both go so well with peas. You can use this as a dip, or mixed into a salad to give it a protein hit.

nuts & seeds energy snacks

Healthy snack bars are very hard to find and can sometimes be deemed healthy or advertised as such but beware! When possible, we try and make a batch on a Saturday or Sunday to get us through the hectic schedule of after school sport. Packed with essential fats and protein, gluten free and with no refined sugar, they will keep you going steadily for longer. 

sweet & spicy lamb koftas

When looking for inspiration for healthy on-the-go finger food, I find that the mediterranean food I grew up with has a lot to offer, and I thoroughly enjoy revisiting old family recipes. These koftas are quick and easy to make, keep well, and will provide you with the perfect make ahead lunch box item for kids and adults alike.

simple vegetable curry

When days get shorter and cooler, we all seek comfort in warming foods. Spices do just that, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Plenty of vegetables and plenty of gorgeous colours are sure signs that you're eating something full of goodness. So have a go! This is a great vegetarian dish on its own or the perfect side for a roast chicken for example.

stewed apricots & plums

When fruit season is in full swing, let's take advantage of it! Having fruits as part of a healthy nutritious breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. This very simple apricot and plum stew is not only seasonal and delicious, it is extremely versatile. It makes a perfect crumble base, or a great topping for your morning oats or Greek yoghurt!

Pick me up smoothie

Could this purple bit of goodness be any prettier? Not only will a smoothie offer one of the easiest and most versatile way to add goodness to a healthy diet, I have found that with kids, it is such a practical on-the-go way to supplement their diets with essential vitamins and minerals they may lack. Packed full of seasonal ingredients they have become part of our daily life.

vegetable tagine

This tagine serves a delicious spicy punch. Not one for little ones unless adventurous! A great vegetarian meal that packs in lots of different vegetables. Can be made ahead and reheated and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Delicious served on its own, but if you are super hungry then serve with brown rice, quinoa or some cauliflower rice. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients - the spice paste is ever so easy to make!

blueberry & almond loaf

Reworking childhood recipes with a healthier twist is one of my favourite kitchen challenge. I strongly believe in enjoying old fashioned foods. French classics such as clafoutis are delicious, seasonal and the opposite of fussy. Try this no refined sugar, gluten and dairy free version and share with the family this summer!

tomato and coconut chicken

This is perfect for introducing your children to spices. It's not that hot, so I add a couple of dried chillies when I cook it for some extra heat. If your children aren't used to spices then don't add any chillies the first time you make it and then introduce gradually. Don't be put off by the long list of spices it's a very simple dish and the oven does the hard work!

mocha energy shot

These energy balls were inspired by, or should I say, commissioned by my Sweaty Betty team mates! They have been designed to be free from most of what we try to avoid or reduce and full of the flavour of that much loved coffee shot! They are a perfect made ahead item and were a massive instant hit at our Monthly meeting!

French cherry & almond clafoutis

Reworking childhood recipes with a healthier twist is one of my favourite kitchen challenge. I strongly believe in enjoying old fashioned foods. French classics such as clafoutis are delicious, seasonal and the opposite of fussy. Try this no refined sugar, gluten and dairy free version and share with the family this summer!

avocado and mango salad

This colourful salad is perfect for lunch on a summer's day. It's ideal to serve on its own, but can also be served alongside a BBQ on a summer's day. It's very quick and easy to prepare leaving you more time to spend outside. I'm not usually that keen on adding fruit to a salad, but trust me โ€“ this really works!

courgette & mint fritters

If you grow your own vegetables then you will need lots of recipes to use up the courgette glut that is inevitable! Even if you don't grow courgettes this summery recipe is a great way to combine the delicious summery flavours of courgette, mint and pea. Serve with a simple salad and a yoghurt and cucumber, mint dip for an easy lunch.

rainbow salad

Did you say green salad? Why stop at green? Although green is THE compulsory colour on our plates at all times, we love a rainbow. With mixed elements of raw and roasted vegetables, it will accompany your summer barbecues perfectly and provide a useful nutrient dense and balanced option for your vegetarian friends.

peachy smoothie

Smoothies are the easiest, quickest and most versatile way to manage a nutrient rich balanced healthy diet. Packed full of seasonal ingredients they have become our best friends.
This new smoothie is sunshine on tap and nice little health boost for a peachy smooth skin.

raspberry & coconut FroYo

It's not just any yoghurt...oh no! It's frozen yoghurt, aka Fro-Yo. And that takes us into a whole different world of yummy healthy desserts. With so many different fruits available in the summer, the possibilities are endless.

chia jam strawberry tart

Strawberry season has well and truly arrived! Our local farm have opened their doors for the traditional annual PYO tradition!
My favourite way of enjoying strawberries is just the fruit, but my not so little children and husband do demand a proper dessert occasionally so this tart does fit the bill. Perfect for your next Sunday lunch with the family!

kale & mint smoothie

This fresh tasting mint smoothie is the perfect accompaniment to a summer weekend breakfast or a mid morning pick me up. We have made it sweet to appeal to children as well, but if it's only for you, then you might find that one pear, or even none, will do. There's no protein in the smoothie so it's not a substitute to breakfast. If you want to eat on its own then include a handful of almonds in the smoothie.