15 January 2016

Nut Nut Nutty

Ringing in the New Year always has plenty people trying to embark on a healthier routine. This New Year I made no resolutions, but am continuing with my journey begun 9 months ago to improve health and energy (something I really need with two MonkeyMoos like mine).

I started trying out living the Paelo diet, but found being dairy free wasn't really for me- I then moved to Banting (The Real Meal Revolution) or a Low Carb, High Fat way of living (diet implies I'll stop at some point).

This has by far been the easiest lifestyle switch I've ever made, and apart from the first three months of hating every cup of tea without sugar, all the other changes have been simply easy.

I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything, and have a new found love for cauliflower, in any form, cauli mash, cauli rice or simply steamed, I'm happy either way. But that's not what this post is about; I recently shared a pic on Facebook of a nut granola I had just finished making, and the request for samples, and recipe caught me by surprise (it shouldn't have really as there are plenty of friends doing either Banting or LCHF diets) SO thought I best share it here for anyone who may wish to try and make it.

 

It's truly simple, and quick but best of all totally tasty!

100g Brazil nuts
50g Walnuts
50g Almonds/Macadamia nuts
80g Sunflower seeds
80g Almond flakes
40g Coconut shavings (unsweetened)
25g Dried cranberries (optional)
2tsp Cinnamon
2tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
3 tbsp Coconut oil

Preheat your oven to 160' C.
Chop the brazil, walnuts and almonds.
In a heavy based saucepan or frying pan heat the coconut oil, then add the spices (increase or decrease the amounts you your taste- I personally like to heap the the ginger and nutmeg)
Heat the spices gently and then add all the nuts and coconut shavings. Stir over a low heat for about 5 minutes ensuring all the mix is coated well. Add the cranberries and remove from heat.
Place the mix on a baking sheet, spread it out.
Put this into the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, checking every 6-10 minutes to avoid burning the nuts. You may want to give them a stir to help them get an even roast!
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled you will need to store it in an air tight container.


Serve with plain full fat yoghurt! Enjoy!  

9 January 2016

Stormtrooper Has A Birthday Cake

My little Stormtrooper just turned nine. Nine, not sure how that's even possible. And along with the new age, he has turned his back on the joys of his younger interests and is now solely fixated on anything Star Wars.

If he had his way his entire Christmas bounty would have consisted of Star Wars light sabres (of any description ) and Star Wars Lego, all of it! Needless to say, Santa is rather wise and doesn't believe in giving everything you ask for! Lets face it, there are times MonkeyMoos should only be getting coal and oranges, but Santa is a forgiving man and doesn't punish the "sometimes" naughty boys!

In my previous post I told you my specific instructions were to make cupcake toppers with the Rebel Alliance logo and his cake must be a StormtrooperThank heavens for Pinterest for inspiration for creating this cake.

Lets not lie, by the time I'd worked out how to ice it, drawn up some paper templates, baked the cakes I was sick of the sight of Stormtroopers! (You'd be shocked to know I then accompanied MonkeyMoo to watch The Force Awakens) He is by no means perfect, and there is room for improvement, but happy with him we are!

Well here he is: