Alt Bulletproof Coffe

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup of coconut oil
• ½  tbsp of honey
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa (optional)

Instructions:
Mix these ingredients together in a glass jar, and store it in the fridge.
Use:
Every morning, you should add a teaspoon or two of the mixture to your freshly brewed coffee, stir well, and drink it! Enjoy!

Source:  HealthyFoodHouse

Baking Soda, Baking Powder and Self Raising Flour.

To make self raising flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to one cup of plain flour.  To make equivalent baking powder from other ingredients, follow these recommendations.

1 teaspoon of baking powder= ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda + 5/8 teaspoon cream of tartar.

1 cup self-raising flour = 2 teaspoons of baking powder or 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda + 1 ¼ teaspoons cream of tartar to 1 cup of plain flour.

1 teaspoon baking powder= ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda + ¼ to ½ cup molasses, honey or golden syrup.

1 cup sour milk= 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon fresh milk+ 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

1 teaspoon baking powder= ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda + ½ cup buttermilk, sour milk, yoghurt or sour cream. Decrease liquid in the recipe by about ½ cup or by a 1/3 cup for a thick yoghurt or sour cream.

Source:  Perth Diet Clinic,  Nigella


In other words, in order for baking soda to function properly, you need to make sure:

• that your batter contains a liquid ingredient (such as water or milk)
• that your batter contains an acidic ingredient (such as yogurt, buttermilk or lemon juice)
• that you heat the batter to a temperature of 80°C/175°F

Source: TheToughCookie

Vegetarian Sushi Bowl

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  45 mins

Total time:  1 hour

Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup short grain brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 Stash Organic Premium Green Tea bag
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown rice syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 
  
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
• 
  
• 1 small avocado
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red pepper
• 2 to 3 tablespoons pickled ginger
• 
  
• Sesame Seeds, for serving
• Soy Sauce, for serving
• Scallions, for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the brown rice well. Combine with water in a medium pot. Cut open the green tea bag and sprinkle over the rice then give a stir to combine. Cover and let the rice cook until all the water has absorbed, 45 minutes. Whisk together the rice vinegar, rice syrup, and salt then stir into the cooked rice.
2. While the rice cooks, prepare the vegetables. Combine the cucumbers, carrots, radishes with the sesame oil and sesame seeds; let sit.
3. Once rice is done, assemble the bowls with all the vegetables and pickled ginger. Serve with extra sesame seeds and soy sauce.

Herbed Whole-Oat Salad

Yield

Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish

Ingredients

1. • 1 cup whole oats (also called oat groats)*
   • 1/2 cup minced onion
   • 1 large shallot if desired, minced
   • 1 1/8 teaspoons ground allspice
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin), or to taste
   • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
   • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
   • 1 cucumber, peeled if desired, seeded, and chopped
   • 1 cup vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, quartered

Preparation

In a large saucepan of salted boiling water cook oats 25 minutes. Drain oats in a colander and rinse under cold water. Set colander over a kettle of boiling water (oats should not touch water) and steam oats, covered with a kitchen towel and lid, until fluffy and dry, 5 to 10 minutes (check water level in kettle occasionally, adding water if necessary).
      
While oats are cooking, in a large bowl stir together onion, shallot, allspice, and salt. Stir in hot oats and cool. Stir in lemon juice, oil, parsley, mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Add cucumber and tomatoes and toss gently. Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered (herbs may discolor slightly).

Bring salad to room temperature before serving.

Source:  Epicurious

Honey-Lime Oat and Black Bean Salad

If you can't find oat groats, substitute wheat berries, whole spelt, brown rice or any whole grain.

6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat groats
• 1 cup drained rinsed canned black bean
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onions
• 1/2 avocado pitted, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon choppedf fresh cilantro

Honey-Lime Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon liquid honey
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

Method

In large saucepan, bring 2 cups water to boil; add groats. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until tender and no water remains, about 45 minutes.

Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again.

Honey-Lime Vinaigrette: Meanwhile, whisk together oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt and pepper.

In large bowl, combine groats, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper and onion. Add vinaigrette and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 24 hours.)

To serve, stir in avocado and sprinkle with cilantro.
Source:  Canada Living

Oatmeal Tabbouleh

Unlike traditional tabbouleh, which is a really a parsley salad with a little bit of fine Bulgar, this is more of a lemony grain salad with a generous amount of parsley and other herbs. For best results, toss the soaked oats with the dressing and refrigerate overnight.

 Yield  4 servings   Time1 hour

Ingredients

• ½ cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 2 to 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (omit if not in season)
• 1 cucumber, 2 Persian cucumbers, or 1/2 European cucumber, seeded if necessary and cut in small dice

Preparation

1. Combine the steel-cut oats and salt to taste in a bowl and pour on 1 cup of boiling water. Let sit for 25 to 30 minutes. Drain through a strainer and press the oats against the strainer with the back of your spoon to extract water. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Combine the lemon juice, salt to taste, cumin and olive oil and whisk together. Toss with the oats and let sit for at least 20 minutes or, preferably, cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, toss together and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes or longer (in the refrigerator if longer than 15 minutes) before serving.

Source:   NY Times Cooking

Wheat Berries and Spelt

Here are several alternates to give a rough idea on cooking wheat:-

Standard Cooking Method

Step 1

Place spelt berries into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 2

Place rinsed berries into a pot. Add water. Ratio of water to grain should be three parts water to one part spelt. Add a few pinches of sea salt to the pot.

Step 3

Place the pot on a burner over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. After the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the grain is tender. This generally takes 50 to 60 minutes.

Presoaking and Cooking

Step 1

Place spelt berries into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 2

Place rinsed berries into a bowl and cover with water. Allow the berries to soak for at least four hours or overnight.

Step 3

Drain the berries in a colander after soaking.

Step 4

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Add drained spelt berries and saute for one to two minutes until slightly toasted. This will help bring out the nutty flavor of the grain.

Step 5

Add stock, broth or water to the pan, covering the spelt berries entirely. Place a lid on the pan and allow the berries to simmer until the liquid is absorbed. This will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Cooking with broth or stock instead of water will allow the spelt to develop more flavor.

 LiveStrong

---

I have found that it really helps to toss warm wheat berries with at least a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt just after draining.  If your recipe calls for other ingredients in the dressing such as lemon or vinegar and garlic, add those as well. The grains will soak up this all this goodness and really pop with flavor when chewed.

Another trick I learned is to toast the berries for a few minutes before cooking to encourage their nuttiness.  (I got this from Camino, a restaurant in Oakland, California.  More information here.) Spread them out on a sheet pan and toast in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until they brown a little.  This step is totally optional but a nice thing to do if you have the time.

Be flexible

The recipe below is based on cooking hard red winter wheat berries.  The specific kind of wheat berry you buy, as well as how old it is, will influence the cooking time.

How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries

Approximately 3 cups

What You Need

Ingredients
1 cup wheat berries
Salt
Olive oil (optional)
Equipment
Measuring cups
Baking tray (optional)
2-quart sauce pan with lid
Strainer
Bowl for tossing (optional)

Instructions

1. Toast the wheat berries (optional). Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Spread the wheat berries on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly colored and aromatic.
2. Cook on the stovetop.  Transfer the wheat berries into a sauce pan and add 3 cups of water and a big pinch of salt.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover the pan.
3. Check for doneness.  At about 30 minutes, start checking for doneness by scooping out a few berries and carefully tasting after they've cooled a bit.  They should be chewy but not tough. If not quite done, continue cooking and check the wheat berries every 5 minutes. You may need to cook them up to 25 minutes longer depending on the exact variety of wheat berry you purchased and their age.
4. Drain.  Drain the berries in the strainer and transfer to a bowl.  Toss with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
5. Store in refrigerator.  If not using right away, store the cooked wheat berries in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.  Gently reheat in a frying pan over low heat until hot, or serve at room temperature.

The Kitchn


• If you want the spelt berries very soft, like steamed rice, add 3 cups of water or stock to 1 cup of spelt, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
• If you like it chewier and nuttier, like for salads, use 2 cups of water or stock for every cup of spelt berries. Cook the spelt like risotto, adding half a cup at a time and stirring after each addition until the liquid evaporates. They should be tender after about 30-40 minutes.

TheKitchn

---

 Red Winter Wheat

• 2 cups hard red winter-wheat berries, (see Tip)
• 7 cups cold water

Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse.

EatingWell

---

Braised Chicken

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (this is what the recipe called for, but I found it too strong.  Next time I will try 1/4 cup.

• 1 (400g) tin diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

---

Directions

Preparation:10min  ›  Cook:20min  ›  Ready in:30min 

1. Season chicken breasts with ground black pepper and garlic salt. Heat olive oil in a medium frypan and brown the onion and seasoned chicken breasts.
2. Pour tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken and season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear; about 15 minutes.

Garlic Salt

If you don't have any garlic salt use plain salt and a crushed garlic clove. Brown the garlic with the onions.

Inspiration:  Allrecipes

Wheat Berry Salad With Leeks and Marinated Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, diced
• 1 large (12-ounce) leek, diced
• 2 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon picked thyme leaves, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, divided
• 6 cups cooked whole-grain spelt (from about 24 ounces dry)
• 2 small Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise, then sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup minced chives
• Espelette pepper powder, for garnish (optional)

Directions

 In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until tender and their water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Add leek, garlic, and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook until leak is tender, about 4 minutes.

Transfer to large bowl and stir in 1/4 cup cider vinegar. Let stand 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir together spelt, cucumbers, and mushroom-leek mixture.

Stir in remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, parley, and chives, and season with salt and pepper.

Spoon salad into bowls and sprinkle with espelette pepper, if using.

Source:  SeriousEats

Black Bean Stew (Feijoada)

Ingredients

For:  8 servings

• 1 pound dried black beans, or 4-14 ounce cans, drained
• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1 cup bell pepper, (red or green, I used red)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups vegetable broth, or water (optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper 

Instructions

1. If you are using dried beans, sort beans to remove debris. Rinse beans and soak overnight in cold water at least 3 inches above. If using canned beans go to number 4 of recipe instructions.
2. The following day, drain and rinse beans. Place beans in a large pot with cold water.
3. Bring to boil on medium-high, cover and reduce heat to simmer until beans are tender, about one hour. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat, add onion and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in beans (along with remaining liquid if using cooked beans). If using canned beans add water or vegetable broth
7. Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally for flavors to blend. Using the back of a ladle mash some of the beans to help to make a creamy thick sauce. Add extra liquid if needed.
8. Stir in cilantro, cayenne pepper and salt to season.

Source:  Healthier Steps

VEGAN CHICKPEA CURRY

Preparation Time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time: about 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 tbs oil (I used rice bran oil)
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 small piece of ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
4 tsp curry powder
2x 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
10 tbs ketchup
1/2 cup of water or a tiny bit more if needed
juice of 1 lemon
a pinch of salt and pepper to taste
fresh coriander to serve

 Instructions:
Pour the oil into a large frying pan over a low-medium heat.
Add the onions and sweat them down until translucent, stirring them regularly (for about 5 minutes or so).
Once the onions are ready, add the ginger, garlic and curry powder briefly stirring them
Add the chickpeas, ketchup and some water.
Simmer and stir for about 5 minutes or so.
Add the lemon juice, a pinch of salt/pepper...........
Serve with fresh coriander and a portion of rice.

Consider keeping and using the chickpea water for baking  #aquafaba.

Source:- The Little Plantation

Snacks:- Homemade Healthy Energy Bars

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup hemp seeds
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons goji berries
• 8 Medjool dates
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and begin to chop slowly. Increase the speed as you begin to notice the ingredients mixing together.
2. Once the ingredients are mixed together, remove from the food processor, and place into an 8x8 dish. Make sure to press down with your spoon or spatula to create a large, compact square.
3. Place in the refrigerator for roughly 1-3 hours before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Source:  Food Babe

Snacks:- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes Yield: 12

Ingredients

3 cups brown rice cereal (Rice Pops)

1/2 cup honey (or brown rice syrup)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter*

1/4 cup protein powder of choice (I used hemp protein)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (chilled in freezer)**

1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)***

Instructions

1. Line an 8 x 8” square dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Next combine the honey and nut butter in a small saucepan over low heat and stir together. Cook for a few minutes until they are melted and thoroughly combined then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the brown rice cereal, chopped nuts, and protein powder to the saucepan and stir everything together until well-combined. Lastly, add the frozen chocolate chips (this helps keep them from completely melting) and stir a few times.
4. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and then place another piece of parchment paper on top. Use your hands to smooth the mixture down into the dish, pressing firmly until the surface is as even as possible. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can freeze them for 1-2 hours.
5. Once the mixture has set, use the parchment paper to lift it out and place on a surface for cutting. Use a large knife to cut it into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container on the counter or refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

**can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter

***can substitute dried fruit like cranberries or raisins

***can substitute extra 1/2 cup rice cereal, oats, other chopped nuts, or seed of choice

Note: add a pinch of salt if using unsalted nut butter

Source:  5 Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Snack for Knees and Joints

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons of unflavoured gelatin (40 grams)
    or corn flour (50 grams)
• 8 teaspoons flaxseeds
• 4 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 40g pumpkin seeds
• 200g honey

Method:

Place dry ingredients in food processor and blend into course mix (not dust).  Place honey in a small bowl and pour dried ingredients and mix well into the honey.  Use a heaped teaspoon or tablespoon to either consume as is or dollop on grease proof paper and place in closed container in the fridge.

Inspiration:  Healthy Food House

Thai pork & peanut curry********

 The above was a variation on the below.  Used what was available and affordable.  Baby corn here was $40.00 a kilo, so I used sweet potato (found in another recipe) instead; could not find lime, so used lemon.  The mix was double to make it more economical over a week, without wastage.

Turned out yummy...

Ingredients

    1 tbsp peanut oil
    bunch spring onions, sliced
    small bunch coriander, stalks finely chopped, leaves picked
    400g pork tenderloin, sliced
    4 tbsp Thai red curry paste
    4 tbsp peanut butter
    1 tbsp soft brown sugar
    1 tbsp soy sauce
    Soy sauce
    400ml can light coconut milk
    175g pack baby corn
    juice 1 lime
    Lime

    steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Method

    Heat the oil in a large saucepan or flameproof casserole. Add the spring onions and coriander stalks and cook for 1 min. Add the pork slices and cook for 5 mins until starting to brown.

    Stir in the curry paste and peanut butter. After 30 secs, add the sugar, soy and coconut milk, plus ½ can of water. Mix well, put a lid on and leave to simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally.

    Remove the lid, add the baby corn and increase the heat. Bubble for 3 mins until the corn is cooked and the sauce has thickened a little. Stir in the lime juice and check the seasoning. Can now be frozen for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen: thoroughly defrost, then heat in a pan on the hob until curry is hot all the way through. Serve scattered with the coriander leaves and rice.

Source:  Goodfood

Shakshuka

 North African eggs with optional extras.  You can add anything to this including eggplant or minced meat.

Serves:  6.  Cooking time: 30mins

Ingredients:-

    1 tbsp olive oil
    1 medium brown or white onion, peeled and diced
    3-4 clove garlic, minced
    1 medium green and 1 red bell pepper, chopped
    4 cups ripe diced tomatoes, or 2 cans (400g each) diced tomatoes
    2 tbsp tomato paste
    1 tsp chill powder (mild)
    1 tsp cumin
    1/2 tsp coriander
    1 tsp paprika
    Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste spicy!)
    Pinch of sugar (options, to taste)
    300 - 500g raw chorizo sausages, cut in thirds and pricked.  (or browned minced meat of choice)
    3/4 Salt and 1/4 pepper to taste
    5-6 eggs
    150g  (1.25 cups) Fetta Cheese crumbled (Optional).
    1/2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Method:-

1.  Heat oil on medium in a deep skillet or targine.

2.  Saute chopped onion until it softens and not browned.

3.  Add garlic and continue saute until fragrant.

4.  Add Capsicum and saute 5-7 minutes until softened.  The secret is in cooking the capsicum well.

5.  Add tomatoes and paste to pan and mix well.

6.  Add spices and sugar, mix.

7.  Add the chorizo and submerge them below the sauce and allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until mixture thickens.  Beware of drying out or sticking.  For runny yolks, simmer for an extra 2-5 minutes.

8.  Season to taste and adjust spices (Sugar, Cayenne etc) if required.

9.  Make wells for each egg and crack eggs evenly spaced, into mixture.  Sprinkle fetta cheese over top.  Cover pan and simmer 10-15 minutes.  For runny yolks, simmer for 2 -5 minutes less.  Can be baked if preferred at 180deg.


10.  Garnish with parsley or cilantro. 

Inspiration:-  BBC goodfood
                      From James to Jamie

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

A cheap cut of pork, or a good one at a sales price and a slow cooker is a combination for the lazy cooks ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons fennel seeds, 
• 20 fresh sage leaves finely sliced, 
• Tablespoon fresh rosemary finely sliced, 
• pinch Celtic salt, 
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic 

•  1kg Free-range Pork Shoulder 

Method

Crush all the fennel seeds, sage, rosemary and salt in a mortar and pestel or a food processor until the fennel is powdery.

Add the garlic and oil and mix into a paste.

Score the pork and make a few incisions on either end (depending on cut) and insert the paste into the incisions and rub the rest all over the flesh and skin. 

Place in a covered tray and place in fridge for at least two ours, preferably overnight.

Add 50mls of water to slow cooker and add pork.  (I generally use a small trivet to keep the pork out of the water, but not essential).  Cook on low for about 9 hours (depending on cooker).

Cut skin off the joint and keep the joint covered and warm for 10 minutes before pulling with two forks.  Thicken the remaining liquid in the slow cooker if necessary and return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir the meat into the juices.

Add salt and place in preheated over at 250dec C for 10 minutes.  (Again, I use a trivet to keep the underneath dry).

Voila!  Pulled pork and crackle.  Wack the pork in some fresh buns with slaw and crackle on the side, or serve on a plate with veggies.  

Source:  Natural Kitchen Adventures

Snacks:- Coconut Gummy Snacks

Coconut Gummy Snacks (Gut-Healing Recipe)

Serves: 1½ cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup full fat coconut milk
• ¼ cup raw honey or natural sweetener of choice
• 3 tablespoons grass fed gelatin (I use Vital Proteins or Great Lakes)
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla bean powder or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small bowl mix ½ cup of coconut milk with raw honey and vanilla.
2. Add the gelatin to the coconut milk and let it soak for a minute or until it gels up.
3. Heat the remaining ½ cup of coconut milk in a saucepan on low heat. You want the coconut milk to be hot but not boiling.
4. Pour the hot coconut milk over the gelatin mixture.
5. Use a whisk and mix the ingredients together.
6. Pour into molds or into a 5×7 inch Pyrex pan.
7. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.
8. Store coconut snacks in a closed container in the refrigerator.

Source:-  Coconut Mama

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Shoulder**********

Slow cooked pulled pork is a game saver.  Stick it in a slow cooker with seasonings, push the button, walk away, and 6 - 10 hours later, you have the best comfort food ever.  Served best with 'slaw in my  opinion, but anything will do.


There are many variation to the theme, here are a few:-

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast
    1 cup barbeque sauce
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    1/2 cup chicken broth
    1/4 cup light brown sugar
    1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    1 tablespoon chili powder
    1 extra large onion, chopped
    2 large cloves garlic, crushed
    1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
    8 hamburger buns, split
    2 tablespoons butter, or as needed

Method:

    Pour the vegetable oil into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker; pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cover and cook on High until the roast shreds easily with a fork, 5 to 6 hours.

    Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir the meat into the juices.

    Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast the buns, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Spoon pork into the toasted buns.

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Shoulder with Vegies

The same as above except with vegies.

Chickpea, Pumpkin & Prawn Thai Red Curry

Yield  Serves 4;  Active Time 10 minutes;  Total Time 45 minutes

 
Ingredients

        1 small butternut squash (about 1kg/2 pounds)
        2 tablespoons peanut oil
        1/3 cup Thai red curry paste
        One 420g/15-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
        Kosher salt
        One 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
        1/3 cup fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
        500g/1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)

Preparation

        1. Peel the squash, cut it lengthwise in half, and scoop out the seeds. Cut off the top where it meets the bulbous bottom. Cut the bulb end into 3/4- inch-wide wedges. Cut the neck end into 1/2- inch-thick half-moons.
        2. Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil, then add the curry paste and stir for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the squash and stir to coat with the curry paste. Stir in the chickpeas and season with salt. Add the coconut milk and 3/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the squash just begins to soften.
        3. Stir in the cilantro and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender but not falling apart and the sauce has reduced slightly. Season to taste with salt.
        4. Divide the curry among four soup bowls, top with cilantro, and serve.
        5. Add prawn to the curry during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cous Cous with Char-grilled Mediterranean Vegetables

Israeli Cous Cous with Char-grilled Mediterranean Vegetables

02/03/2016 , 8:25 AM by Brad McCahon

Chef - Barney Burge

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

2 cups Israeli or Pearl Cous Cous
4 cups chicken stock
1 eggplant
1 red capsicum
2 tomatoes chopped into large chunks
1 small red onion finely diced
1 clove garlic finely diced
2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp olive oil


Method

1. Prepare the eggplant by cutting into thick discs, brush with olive oil and place on BBQ or under grill until golden and softened.  Cut into large chunks and set aside.
2. Cut capsicum into 4 cheeks and place skin side down on BBQ or skin side up under grill.  Remove when skin is blackened and blistered.  Pop into a plastic bag and allow to steam for a few minutes then remove skin and slice into strips.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan and saute onion and cumin seeds for 2-3 minutes until onion becomes opaque.
4. Add garlic and saute for a further minute.
5. Add Cous Cous and paprika to onion mix and stir for 2 minutes until well coated.
6. Add heated chicken stock and simmer for 8 minutes.
7. Add prepared eggplant, capsicum, tomatoes and chopped parsley.
8. Turn out onto a serving dish and garnish with a little more parsley.

Slow Cooked Baby Back Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bbq sauce
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp. of cider vinegar
• 3 tsp of oregano
• 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp. of cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. of chili powder
• 3 lbs of baby back pork ribs
• Salt & pepper

• (1.5 kg Pork Baby Back Ribs)

Directions:

Combine bbq sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl.

Salt and pepper the ribs. Place ribs in slow cooker, and cover in sauce. Cook low and slow for eight hours or high for four hours.
After the ribs are done, spoon the bbq sauce in the slow cooker over the ribs before removing. Cut the ribs, serve with bbq sauce.

Source:  BuzzFeed

Pizza Toppings

Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Balsamic Red Onions

 Brussels sprouts pizza topped with balsamic caramelized onions (or opt for red sauce, just eyeball the amount) and mozzarella, baked to crispy, golden perfection! Recipe yields one large, 12-inch pizza (or two smaller, 9-inch pizzas).

Ingredients

 

Balsamic red onions

• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium or 1 extra-large red onion
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Dash salt
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Brussels sprouts

• 8 ounces (1/2 pound) Brussels sprouts
• 1½ to 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place a pizza stone on the middle rack if you have one. Slice your onions into thin rounds (the thinner you slice them, the faster they will cook).
2. Prepare the Brussels by slicing off the tough ends and discarding them. Use your fingers to pull off the individual leaves around the outside, then trim off the newly exposed tough end, and continue until you have broken the sprout into leaves. Repeat for about half of the Brussels sprouts, then slice the rest into thin slices from top to bottom. Drizzle the sprouts with 1½ teaspoons olive oil and toss well. Rub the oil into the sprout leaves so they're all lightly coated in oil, adding another dash of oil if necessary. Toss with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and set aside.
3. To prepare the red onions, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of salt. Toss to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the onions are nice and soft. The thinner you sliced them, the sooner they will cook. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Continue cooking, uncovered, for a few more minutes, until the balsamic vinegar has condensed and mostly absorbed into the onions. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the pizza dough as directed. If you're using store-bought dough like me, I'd roll it out into one pizza. If you're using my pizza dough recipe, I'd make two pizzas. I like to roll out the dough on pieces of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven. For best results, roll the dough out as thin as reasonably possible while maintaining an even surface level.
5. Top the dough with an even layer of red onions, followed by mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the Brussels on top, then finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
6. Transfer one pizza to the oven at a time (if you don't have a baking stone, bake your pizza on a cookie sheet). Bake until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbly and the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the edges, about 10 to 14 minutes. Repeat with remaining pizza, if you have one. Top the pizza(s) with a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper (trust me!) and red pepper flakes if you'd like, then slice and serve.

Pesto Pizza


 Ingredients

• 1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1 ripe tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (2 ounce) can chopped black olives, drained
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

 Instrurctions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Spread pesto on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.