tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29221300992669663502024-03-13T22:31:18.340+11:00A sprinkle of LoveFood Family FunJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-66171702804301581502012-04-06T14:43:00.001+10:002012-04-06T14:43:19.905+10:00I have moved!!Hello, I have moved my blog.<br />
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Please click on this link to go to new site <a href="http://asprinkleoflove.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://asprinkleoflove.wordpress.com</a><br />
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Hope to see you there.<br />
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Juls xJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-59967483437967212962012-03-11T10:50:00.001+11:002012-03-11T12:25:36.214+11:00Perfect PestoI went to the Farmers market this morning, which by the way is my idea of a perfect Sunday...LOVE IT!! Anyway I got my hands on a lovely bunch of fresh organic basil and decided it was pesto time.<br />
<br />
So here it is, my recipe for fast and fabulous pesto. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWkRnwbs4_E/T1v3XEQqLNI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SZ31fiNcbCY/s1600/Pesto+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWkRnwbs4_E/T1v3XEQqLNI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SZ31fiNcbCY/s320/Pesto+1" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Fresh basil, minutes from the farmers markets smells delicious</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong><br />
<br />
1 bunch of basil<br />
80gm Pine nuts (you can also use walnuts)<br />
50gm Parmesan cheese<br />
1 clove of garlic<br />
1/4 cup of cold pressed olive oil<br />
salt & pepper<br />
<br /><br />
<strong><u>Method:</u></strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WbehIplmLo/T1v4WU4sNCI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xlJL5378yT0/s1600/Pesto+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WbehIplmLo/T1v4WU4sNCI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xlJL5378yT0/s320/Pesto+2" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Pre 'wazzing'</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz on high until you get desired consistency. <br />
<br />
You may need to occasionally scrape down the sides of processor to make sure that everything mixes well.<br />
<br />Spoon into glass jar (for some reason it just stores better in glass) making sure that you don't leave any air pockets (tap jar on counter top). <br />
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Then pour a little olive oil on top and seal jar.<br />
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Store your pesto in the fridge.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_9LY7nglEE/T1v5DXBjKMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/up-Xt8ofMrk/s1600/Pesto+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_9LY7nglEE/T1v5DXBjKMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/up-Xt8ofMrk/s320/Pesto+3" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This won't last long . . . . trust me.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It can be used in lots of delicious ways. <br />
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I am going to be using mine this week on my slightly tweaked version of 'Very Vege Lasagne' from one of my favourite new blogs <a href="http://farmerkskitchen.com/2012/02/22/very-veggie-lasagne/" target="_blank">Farmer K's Kitchen</a>.<br />
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Enjoy xx<br />
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<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-4396829190732085012012-03-08T13:31:00.000+11:002012-03-08T13:33:17.213+11:00Food really does matter!!I recently watched a couple of documentaries that quite literally scared the hell out of me, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/movie/the-beautiful-truth" target="_blank">The Beautiful Truth</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoccBtYDpt4" target="_blank">Food Matters</a>. Woah!! Talk about eye opening. You see I have a love affair with food that varies from super healthy to super bad.<br />
<br />
One of my biggest vices, until recently, was crisps.....oh I could smash a large bag of them in minutes, lick my fingers and then wonder if there was a second packet. That is until I learned that they are loaded with MSG....that's right nasty MSG, they just call it something else on the packet (check out this link <a href="http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html" target="_blank">Truth in Labeling</a>). Ever wondered why you can't stop at just one or two handfuls? MSG is a flavour enhancer that actually turns off receptors in the brain that tell you "I have had enough", it makes you want more...and more....and more. My other weakness....sugar, in particular chocolate. Luckily I have found, <a href="http://lovingearth.net/" target="_blank">Loving Earth</a>, an amazing Australian company based in Melbourne. They truly make the most delicious raw chocolate and are a hub for all your superfood needs. Take a look at their website and get ready to drool, you will be hot footing it to your nearest health food store to stock up.<br />
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Anyway as a result of watching the doco's nothing processed has passed my lips since Saturday. I have spent a lot of time making the effort to cook everything from scratch. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all lovingly prepared with quality ingredients (organic/pesticide free where ever possible). I also downloaded a great IPhone app called <a href="http://www.chemicalmaze.com/products/?gclid=CN74ptub1q4CFYmBpAodhDExwA" target="_blank">Chemical Maze</a>. It helps you to decipher preservatives/additives etc so you know what you are putting into your mouth. I went through my pantry and did quite the clean out.<br />
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My goal is to continue educating myself about nutrition, preparing healthful foods and making small changes day by day so that this new way of eating becomes a way of life. I have no doubt that I will fall off the wagon along the way, but I will get straight back on because this means a lot to me.<br />
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Here are some pics of this weeks cooking.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccxmuSliArE/T1gZheoR-AI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/7L4AFWN7TZk/s1600/food+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccxmuSliArE/T1gZheoR-AI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/7L4AFWN7TZk/s1600/food+2.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29tpk4oE05U/T1gZfjSSpZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/j6oxbx4g7fQ/s1600/Food+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29tpk4oE05U/T1gZfjSSpZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/j6oxbx4g7fQ/s1600/Food+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-36064390458800947852012-02-23T12:12:00.000+11:002012-03-11T11:24:53.022+11:00Almond Milk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94fQ56Iu8h4/T0WO8KAjptI/AAAAAAAAADw/f55ifFHFfpI/s1600/almond+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94fQ56Iu8h4/T0WO8KAjptI/AAAAAAAAADw/f55ifFHFfpI/s1600/almond+milk.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is a super powerhouse of goodness if you aren't a fan of regular milk or soy. I have been buying it fresh made at a local farmers market but it is sooooo expensive. After reading a few different websites/recipes I decided to give it a go myself. Success!! It is absolutely delicious and super easy to make.<br />
<br />
Health benefits of Almonds<br />
<ul>
<li type="square">Almond nuts are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals; the kind of well-balanced food ensure protection against diseases and cancers.</li>
<li type="square">These nuts are rich source of energy and nutrients. They are especially, rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like <em>oleic</em>and <em>palmitoleic acids</em> that help to lower <b>LDL</b>or "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol." Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.</li>
<li type="square">The nuts are an excellent source of <b>vitamin E</b>; contain about 25 g per100 g (about 170% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.</li>
<li type="square">Almonds are free in<i>gluten </i>and therefore, are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas. Such formula preparations are in fact healthy alternatives in people with wheat food allergy and <i>celiac disease</i>.</li>
<li type="square">These nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.</li>
<li type="square">They are also rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. </li>
</ul>
Equipment:<br />
<br />
Blender<br />
Nut milk bag<br />
Bottle/Jug for finished product<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>*you can buy nut milk bags online from a wide variety of suppliers/retailers, they cost around $15-$17</strong></span><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
1 cup insecticide free or organic raw almonds<br />
Water for soaking, plus 3 cups of cooled boiled water<br />
Pinch of Himalayan Rock Salt (or celtic sea salt). <br />
(I found that the above ratio of ingredients makes approx 1ltr of milk)<br />
<br />
Recipe:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Soak the nuts overnight in enough water (plus pinch of Himalayan rock salt) to cover them. Soaking the nuts activates them. Activated nuts are easily digested and more nutritious than raw or roasted nuts. Raw nuts contain enzyme inhibitors that make them difficult to digest, inhibiting our body's ability to absorb nutrients.</li>
<li>In the morning rinse the nuts thoroughly.</li>
<li>Place them into a blender and add 1 cup of water and blend until finely ground, then slowly add the remaining 2 cups of water and allow to blend for around 1 minute.</li>
<li>Place nut milk bag inside a bowl or jug that is deep enough for the bag.</li>
<li>Pour contents from blender into the nut bag and then simply gather the top of the bag together and squeeze to remove all the liquid. </li>
<li>Tah dah....you have just made your first batch of almond milk. It might sound time consuming but it literally took me about a total 5-10minutes and tastes amazing.</li>
</ol>
You may wonder what you can do with the pulp that is left over, well some would just throw it away but you can also freeze small portions for later use in smoothies to boost protein or you can make a yummy hummus, check out this great recipe from one of my favourite blogs <a href="http://mynewroots.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/waste-not-want-not-raw-nut-pulp-hummus.html" target="_blank">My New Roots</a>.<br />
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Let me know if you give it a go and how it turns out for you.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-45400024109191823332011-12-23T13:02:00.000+11:002011-12-24T19:04:48.643+11:00Some foodie inspiration<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I read a wonderful blog called </span><a href="http://www.thevegiemama.com/"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">www.thevegiemama.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> and found a great recipe for oven baked ravioli for the lil man. It is a super quick and easy meal guaranteed to please. </span><a href="http://www.theveggiemama.com/2011/10/baked-ravioli-bites.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> for the recipe.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-og5R2kO9S9w/TvPfQ-fNBoI/AAAAAAAAADc/7B7thyuoHZw/s1600/baked+ravioli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-og5R2kO9S9w/TvPfQ-fNBoI/AAAAAAAAADc/7B7thyuoHZw/s320/baked+ravioli.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Another inspiration from this lovely blog was about a great magazine called </span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/super+food+ideas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Super Food Ideas</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">, you can pick it up monthly for $3.25 per issue. Crazy cheap and jam packed with recipes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loEO6ZoJZFE/TvPgV_EzxiI/AAAAAAAAADo/0CcmCrJPemY/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loEO6ZoJZFE/TvPgV_EzxiI/AAAAAAAAADo/0CcmCrJPemY/s320/salad.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Today I made the Warm Tortellini and Broad Bean salad (above) for our lunch.....it was delicious and quick and easy to prepare. I am all about convenient cooking. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">What inspires you in the kitchen?</span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-7742982712121234242011-12-22T11:56:00.000+11:002012-03-11T11:25:16.277+11:00Fail Safe French Toast!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Wa5hJ4uDk/TvJ9cTwUOfI/AAAAAAAAADQ/lJBhCWhjT4E/s1600/FTcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Wa5hJ4uDk/TvJ9cTwUOfI/AAAAAAAAADQ/lJBhCWhjT4E/s320/FTcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is my go to breakfast for the lil guy. It is a huge hit, tastes great and is fantastic if you need to get on the move in the morning because you can take it with you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You will need:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">*One slice of thick sliced raisin bread (or regular bread)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">*One organic egg</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 heaped tsp Coconut oil</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Blueberries</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A sprinkle of love</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Gently whisk one egg, dip bread into the egg and let it soak in on both sides. Heat coconut oil in small pan (you can use butter or another oil of choice if you prefer), then place the egg soaked bread into pan and allow to brown on each side. Remove, allow to cool, cut up into fingers and serve with fresh blueberries (or which ever fruit you like).</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Another version of this recipe is to add in a mashed ripe banana to the egg mix and then soak the bread. This version is particularly popular in our house. It is nourishing and filling for little tummies.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If your little one has any gluten allergies you can always use GF bread or try sprouted bread which is quite dense but very easy to digest.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy!!</span><br />
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<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-14171955463692611082011-12-13T10:19:00.000+11:002011-12-13T10:19:53.382+11:00Wake up to Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCLcBAcA7GY/TuaLgByWaEI/AAAAAAAAACg/kNE7DT1vi4E/s1600/Gratitude+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCLcBAcA7GY/TuaLgByWaEI/AAAAAAAAACg/kNE7DT1vi4E/s320/Gratitude+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I stumbled across this wonderful TED talk today. This is going to sound very "Dr Phil" but it is a wake up call....a wake up to gratitude. I can put my hand up and honestly say that I am ungrateful on a daily basis, some may even say selfish or just living into being a victim etc etc. Sadly I need someone or something to snap me out of my ungrateful funk, put things in perspective and then I can step back and say "well holy crap I really have nothing to complain about and everything to be grateful for....oh and by the way self....life is pretty frikkin amazing".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you have 10 minutes to spare then watch this, if you woke up feeling grateful then this will just make your smile and your heart open more, if you woke up in an ungrateful funk then this will open your eyes and kick start your gratitude.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude.html"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude.html</span></a><br />
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</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-82043510614062260862011-12-12T16:55:00.000+11:002012-03-11T11:25:39.795+11:00Banana Berry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7ivylz-6Yo/TuWTRGCuEgI/AAAAAAAAACI/eX3JhuZ6oss/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7ivylz-6Yo/TuWTRGCuEgI/AAAAAAAAACI/eX3JhuZ6oss/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">It is raining today and I felt like baking so had a crack at these delicious muffins. I wasn't sure how they would turn out but rest assured....they are yummy. I licked the bowl clean after I poured the mix into the muffin tin and then couldn't even wait for them to cool before I turned one out (evidence above) and gobbled it up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">makes 12 medium sized muffins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">200 g almond meal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">100 g desiccated/shredded coconut</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">1 large ripped banana</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">3 eggs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">4 tbsp melted *coconut oil (you could also use butter)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">1/2 cup yoghurt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">10 medjool dates (seeds removed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">2 tsp baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">1 tsp vanilla essence</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">1 tsp cinnamon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">a pinch of salt</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">a sprinkle of love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">2 handful of berries (defrost first if frozen)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Set the oven at 180c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Add all the ingredients into food processor except the berries and mix for a minute.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Add the berries and stir around with a spoon.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Use a spoon to divide amongst muffin tin and bake for approx 15mins (or until golden on top and toothpick comes out clean). Allow to cool slightly before turning out onto a rack. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I don't know that I would freeze these muffins but I actually don't expect they would last long enough to even bother.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">*check out this link to Sarah Wilson's blog for info on Coconut Oil</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><a href="http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2011/11/why-i-get-excited-about-coconut-oil/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2011/11/why-i-get-excited-about-coconut-oil/</span></a></span></span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-57259159848021014852011-12-11T19:11:00.000+11:002012-03-11T11:26:05.270+11:00Raw Cacao Smoothie....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d04KIWb6IxU/TuRh9e25J7I/AAAAAAAAACA/9XK4J07UG2U/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d04KIWb6IxU/TuRh9e25J7I/AAAAAAAAACA/9XK4J07UG2U/s1600/smoothie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This has become a firm favourite of late, especially when the sometimes fussy 17mth old is refusing everything else. I was inspired by two blogs I follow, </span><a href="http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.greenkitchenstories.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and also </span><a href="http://www.mynewroots.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.mynewroots.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I tweaked them to suit the lil mans taste buds (and mine).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*1 ripe banana </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 avocado</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Handful of frozen berries (I use blueberries)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Handful of ice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tbsp raw honey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tbsp raw cacao</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle of cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp chia seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup of filtered water (I have also used fresh coconut water which is delicious, you can also use coconut milk/cream)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">**A sprinkle of love</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy. Pour into tall glass, sip and enjoy......you may even need a spoon to eat it.</span><br />
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*tip: when bananas are in season buy a few extra and when they are nice and ripe cut them into chunks and freeze, then you can use them in smoothies/baking etc<br />
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**please note that this ingredient can't be purchased in stores, it comes from the heart and a little is all you need as it is quite strong.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922130099266966350.post-91577387805429044652011-12-08T12:31:00.001+11:002011-12-08T15:36:46.126+11:00What the books didn't tell me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro0BSJ1Atvc/TuAC-kNvmqI/AAAAAAAAABw/G2cBADOGemQ/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro0BSJ1Atvc/TuAC-kNvmqI/AAAAAAAAABw/G2cBADOGemQ/s320/Books.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a mother. I would quite literally stop strangers to goo and gaa over their little ones. When we got pregnant I was happy as a kid in a cupcake shop, I read every book relevant to being pregnant, giving birth, babies first 12mths and more. But here is what I have learned, there is NO book that can/will or does prepare you for pregnancy, giving birth or babies first 12mths. I thought I had an idea of what it was all going to be like but somehow I totally underestimated just how hard it would be. I struggled, I mean really struggled, in the beginning, the birth was difficult (my son was a giant 4.545kg) and I was not all glowy and overcome with happiness and warm fuzzy joy. I was terrified, insecure and worried that I was going to totally screw up. The realisation that I was suffering from post natal depression came whilst sitting with baby in my arms and watching the Melbourne Cup in 2010. As the winning horse crossed the line I burst into tears.....I promptly organised a doctors appointment. Yikes!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The books don't seem to talk about the bad stuff, like how lonely and isolating becoming a parent can be. The dynamics of friendships change and people fall away. But the upside is that it has also been an incredible learning experience for me, not only about how to be a parent but also about who I am. Every day I learn something new about my son, myself and my relationships. I have bad parenting days, bad girlfriend days (apologies to my very patient spouse) and bad "what the hell am I doing and who the hell have I become" days but they all allow me to dig deeper. I am learning that I need to be more compassionate with myself and slowly let go of controlling everything. Control is my safe place, structure allows me to function and hold it all together but my son is a great teacher, he sees wonderment and joy in the simplest of things, his needs are basic and I have so much to gain from being his mother and spending time with him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So I choose to embrace the bad days, find the good in them, add a sprinkle of love, live with more joy and less control. I will slip up along the way but that is ok, that makes me human.</span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08057394332358822719noreply@blogger.com1