DENISE’S CHOCOLATE CAKE

To celebrate this weeks 100th episode of our Newsletter we are sharing an old family favourite. A rich chocolate cake, no holds barred. This one comes with all the trimmings and tastes divine. Enjoy!

GLUTEN FREE MINI QUINOA & VEGETABLE FRITTATA’S

It’s so easy to run out of ideas for school lunches or healthy snacks to have on hand in the fridge. Often this results in us going for a less nutritious (or sometimes sugary) option which doesn’t really support growing or fully grown bodies. Here is a simple frittata recipe using quinoa and fresh vegetables that is a delicious option for those looking for a little healthy inspiration.

WHOLEFOODS FOR KIDS

In a world where allergies, anxiety and attention disorders are sky-rocketing in our kids, there is much to be said about eating a wholefoods diet and its role in the prevention and treatment of these conditions. It is also a great way to educate children, and bring more fun into eating for them as they explore the different textures, tastes and shapes of natural wholefoods.

STICKY CARAMEL POPCORN

When you ask Nutritionist & Naturopath Casey-Lee Lyons for a popcorn recipe or two, oh boy does she deliver. Here is a fun popcorn snack with homemade sticky caramel for all the sweet tooth’s out there.

How to make stove top popcorn (makes approx 8 cups)

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels

Method:

1. Heat oil in a thick bottomed saucepan (with lid).
2. Melt coconut oil. Put 3-4 kernels into the oil, when kernels pop the temperature is right. Add the rest of your popcorn (across one even layer).
3. Cover (with a lid slightly ajar for drier and crispier popcorn) and remove from heat for 30 seconds (this helps to even the temperature so that they pop at the same time).
4. Return to heat. Once popping slows remove from heat.
5. Allow to cool.

Sticky Caramel Popcorn

• Serving Size: makes 3 cups
• Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp hulled tahini
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 cups popped popcorn

 

Method:

1. Set aside popcorn in a heat proof mixing bowl.
2. In a small saucepan combine maple syrup, tahini and coconut oil. Mix well.
3. Over medium heat allow the syrup to come to a boil and leave to bubble away for a full minute.
4. Remove from heat and pour over popped popcorn.
5. Mix to combine caramel with popcorn.
6. Allow to cool in fridge. Store in an air-tight glass container in your fridge for freshness.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS & SPICES

Not only do herbs and spices improve the taste of our food, they also provide a range of nutrients and health benefits. Some spices are known to boost metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity and improve digestion. Many herbs and spices also contain more disease-fighting antioxidants per gram than fruits and vegetables.

PALEO SWEET POTATO FRITTERS

 

Inspired once again by a recipe from Delicious Magazine, here is a super simple lunch or dinner idea for all our paleo readers.

Serving Size: 4 – 6

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic bulb (grated)
• 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 500g sweet potato, peeled & grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1 cup almond meal
• 2 eggs
• Lemon wedges to serve
• Toasted flaked almonds to serve

 

Lemon Tahini Dressing

• 1/2 bulb fresh garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 cup tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup iced water

Method:

1. Place the sweet potato, grated garlic, spices, almond meal and eggs in a bowl and mix until well combined.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large non stick fry pan.
3. In 2 batches, add 1/3 cup sweet potato mixture per fritter to the fry pan.
4. Flatten with fritters with a spatula into 10cm rounds and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil off on paper towel.
6. Add the fresh garlic, tahini, lemon and iced water into a food processor and whiz together until thick and glossy.
7. Serve your fritters with a dollop of dressing and some fresh greens. Enjoy.

Read more at: http://www.affordablewholefoods.com.au/blog-recipes/

SENSATIONAL SUMMER SALAD

This is hands down our pick for a sensational salad this season. Fresh, crisp, sweet, crunchy and wholesome in one. With the addition of quinoa, combined with lightly toasted walnuts, fresh salad vegetables and leafy greens it covers all bases on the nutritional front, but doesn’t leave you feeling hungry like other green salads can. It’s also simple and enjoyable to make. Enjoy!

Serving Size: Serves 4 as a side OR 2 as a complete meal

Snickers Bliss Balls

We’ve had this sweet little number up our sleeve since the Affordable Wholefoods Christmas get together last December. You can always count on Tess (Our Coffs Harbour store Manager) to bring something high on the decadent scale, and this time she surpassed even her own standards. Tess found the original inspiration for this recipe on the Wholefoods Simply Recipe Blog and modified it slightly to her own tastes. Peanut butter, chocolate, maple syrup & rose petals, say no more…….

PIZZA POPCORN

A savoury popcorn snack with Mediterranean inspired flavours reminiscent of traditional Italian pizza. This recipe has been created and made for Affordable Wholefoods by Nutritionist, Naturopath and recipe developer Casey-Lee Lyons from Live Love Nourish.

How to make stove top popcorn (makes approx 8 cups)

SIMPLE STARTER RECIPES FOR KIDS

Wholefoods are the foundation of a healthy diet and nourished body and are one of the best gifts we can give to our children. As we discussed in last weeks article,  bringing our kids into the kitchen at an early age and teaching them about cooking with wholefoods is a great way for them to learn about different nutritious foods and to help them feel more independent and involved in their food choices.