All in Recipes

Gluten free no flour zesty muffins

Because life is all about balance and enjoying real good food, I decided to give the classic muffin a little Health Boost twist. The kids requested two different flavours – Lemon and poppyseed and choc-orange. I accepted the challenge and this recipe is for 12 light and fluffy muffins – 6 of each flavour. I have used ground almonds instead of flour and raw honey as the sweetener. 

vegetarian stuffed squash

Since signing up to a weekly veggie box delivery, I have managed to convince my whole family that it is fun to be surprised every Friday with  an eclectic array of seasonal organic vegetables. New colours, shapes and simply new never tried ones!
Aside from the good looking nature of this vegetable, the pattypan squash is full of goodness and brings an element of fun to the table! 

apricot & oat bars

These bars are permanently in my fridge at the moment as they are proving a big hit with my daughter who is taking them into school as a mid morning snack. With no nuts they are suitable for the schools no nuts policy, and with a good combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and no hidden nasties they are keeping me happy too! They are so easy to make and then I store in the fridge ready for the week ahead.

squash & courgette curry

A fresh and zingy curry - perfect now that there's a chill in the air. It's packed full of ginger and garlic, both great anti-inflammatory foods that will help if you are feeling below par. I often just serve this on it's own, but you could always add some chickpeas or other beans. Can be served on its own, with brown rice or cauliflower-rice. You can substitute the butternut squash with pumpkin if you prefer.

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.

 

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 – 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.