Wednesday 29 May 2013

Bircher Muesli


Bircher Muesli presented with flair
Last week I was over in the Sunshine Coast in Australia. We popped out for breakfast at this great spot in Coolum, had Bircher Muesli and not only did it look stunning it was super delicious.

This is my favourite recipe I use, not only is it simple but delicious too.  You can keep it simple or you can add  anything you want (and I often do).  Such as - dried fruit, fresh sliced fruit, nuts, wheat germ, seeds, berries, and banana.

Ingredients
½ cup natural yoghurt
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk
2 oranges (juiced)
1 peeled, grated apple
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey

Method
Make the night before you want to eat it.
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and place in fridge overnight.
Keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Serves 1-2


Savvy Nourish snapshot

Rolled oats  - b
oast soluble fibre that can help lower blood cholesterol
Natural Yoghurt - contains lactabacillus bateria which helps prevent bowel concer
Cinnamon - helps control blood sugar and stimulates brain activity
Honey -  high in antioxidants and immune boosting compounds

Monday 27 May 2013

Chickpea Casserole





So simple and so hearty, this Chickpea Casserole is the perfect winter comfort food. 

Its a healthy little casserole thats lick-the-bowl delicious, quick to prepare and easy on the budget. Packed full of flavour and a great way to get your daily intake of vegetables.
This is one of those dishes where you can literally use up what's in the fridge. 
It is so versatile, try different combinations of vegetables that are in season to truly nourish your body. I first stumbled across this recipe when dining at my good friend Sonia's house, she is one of the first people who influenced me and showed me that vegetarian food is delicious (it was a few years ago!). This version is as close to the original that I can recall, whenever I make this recipe I always think of her (and our hilarious attempts at playing tennis!). 



I love the way that (for me) food provokes memories and 
transports (me) to another time and place - Trish


  • Take 1 can of Chickpeas (drain) place these in the bottom of a casserole dish. 
  • Saute 1 onion and 1-2 cloves of garlic in approx 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil.
  • Then take 1/2 of a 800g can of chopped tomatoes and layer over the chickpeas.
  • Next layer is the onions and garlic. 
  • Next layer 2 cups of other vegetables (I used red pepper, roasted pumpkin and spinach)
  • Then the other 1/2 of the canned tomatoes.
  • Make sure to add some fresh herbs in the layers 
  • (I used sage and basil) dried herbs is fine too.
  • Top with 1/2 cup of unsweetened greek yoghurt (you could use sour cream) mixed with 1 egg.
  • Sprinkle with crumbed feta cheese


Bake 170 degree celcius for approx 30 minutes or until brown on top and vegetable are cooked through.



How often do you eat "Meatfree"? 

Enjoy!
Trish and Treena x

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Savoury Muffins



These muffins are super easy, very yummy and economical to make.  Also a great way to use up vegetables, both raw or cooked (dice up left over roast veges).  There is no butter or oil in this recipe - the cheese brings the richness.

Makes 10 -12  muffins

3 cups plain flour
6 teaspoons baking powder
3 pinches salt
3 pinches black pepper
2 cups grated tasty cheese (go for a mature cheese)
4 cups mixed roasted vegetables, with feta. spinach, mushrooms, or or frozen corn etc.
3 free-range eggs
1 1/2 cups  full fat milk
3/4 cups relish or chutney
Poppy seeds or sesame seeds for top



Ready to go into the oven
Pre-heat oven on fan bake 190°C. 
In a large mixing bowl sift flour and baking powder. Add salt, pepper and grated cheese mix through. Add chopped veges, feta, spinach and whatever else you want to put in the dry mixture.
Add eggs and milk then mix with a large spoon to combine, making sure all the flour at the bottom of the bowl is incorporated.
Set aside for five minutes as you grease your muffin tin.
Pile the mixture into the muffin tin, making sure there is an even amount in each space.
Top each with a generous teaspoon of your favourite relish or chutney and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Place muffin tray in the centre of your pre-heated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Leave in the tin for a few minutes before turning out and devour with lashings of butter.


Savvy Tips

The chutney or relish on top of the muffins is important.  If you don't have any use pesto or tomato sauce.

When making these muffins prepare the dry and wet mixes the night before. Just combine the next day when you are ready to make them.

Try adding chopped up parsley or thyme to the mix for added flavour.







Tuesday 14 May 2013

Farmers Markets

But buying your vegetables at your local Farmers markets is a great alternative to growing your own.  

Now I like the idea of growing my own veggies, but find I am quite sporadic with the old veggie garden.  This year really has been a bit of a disaster, great weather for the beach but not so good for the veggie patch. We are on tank water so watering was not a option often this summer. Now with all this rain the garden is growing lots of weeds but not much else, due to it lacking the care and attention to actually produce something. 

Farmers Markets are a great way to buy fresh produce directly from the people who are growing it.  Also a great way to support your community as well, not to mention if you are a foodie a fun way to spend the morning.

To see where your nearest market is please check out http://www.farmersmarket.org.nz/






Wednesday 8 May 2013

Savvy Mothers Day Ideas

Mum's are one of the most special people in our lives and Mothers day is a great reminder to:

Show and tell your Mum how much you love her.  Doesn't mean you have to spend lots of money (but if you want to that's ok to).  Time and love from their families is the best gift for any Mum.  Gifts homemade with love are a wonderful way to show your Mum how much you love and treasure her.  




Homemade gifts are always special - Here are some of our Savvy Idea's and links to some of our posts to inspire you.

# Body Scrub
This  Body scrub will leave her skin feeling soft and smooth.




Homemade Muesli - Makes a lovely present, pop into a nice jar and tie a ribbon around.
# Breakfast, make a special breakfast at home or treat Mum to breakfast in bed
# Flowers arranged by you.
# Make a gorgeous cake to share - Cake Decorating tips
# Celebration Lunch, treat Mum with a simple lunch on a beautifully set table. Homemade quiche with a salad and homemade gluten free friands always go down well in our house.
# Vitality truffles - make these delish quilt free truffles for Mum, find a jar to recycle and wrap them beautifully with cellphone and ribbon.
# Make homemade chutney\relish or jam - try this recipe Feijoa and Apple Relish

But most importantly Enjoy a Fun filled day full of Love, smiles and memories!

Treena and Trish xx



Gorgeous Homemade Body Scrub

Pamper your self with this easy to make Body Scrub, it is one of my favourites. Leaves your skin silky smooth and moisturised. I love making this to give as a gift.



Natural Body Scrub

¼ cup Almond oil
½ cup Coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salt (or sea salt)
10 drops essential oil (use your favourite)

Place all ingredients into a glass jar with a lid
Mix thoroughly.

To use scoop out a small amount and rub over
entire body, then rinse off. Pat skin dry.

NB: The oil can make your shower slippery so
be sure to give it a quick wipe out if needed.


Tuesday 7 May 2013

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

#SavvyHealth  #FoodForThought  #B-Inspired

This is well worth a watch. After watching this felt quite convicted to make some changes :) and as a wise lady said to me today don't rely on being motivated just make a decision to do it and be consistent. 


Click below

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?




About Dr. Mike Evans

He is a founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician at St. Michael's Hospital

Wednesday 1 May 2013

Healthier chips



We've been making "healthier chips" or crisps for many years now. 

These were a huge hit at the you are for women's conference. 

You'll be surprised how simple these are.

1. Cut your mountain bread into squares
2. Spray with olive oil
3. Fan Bake 170 degree celcuis until crisp.

Savvy Tip # Add Herbs or spice mix or Parmesan for flavouring

Make sure to watch them so they don't brown too much or burn!

Delicious and guiltfree!


Trish & Treena