Wednesday 31 July 2013

Cheese Ball

This is a super tasty, easy, throw into the food processor or thermomix recipe.  Every time I make this it has been popular.  Great for a crowd or feeding hungry teenagers. It can be made a day ahead, so if you are rushing out the door after work you can have it pre-made the night before.




INGREDIENTS
250 g cream cheese
250 g grated tasty cheese
1 finely chopped small onion
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/4 tbsp curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley


INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients together well. Can be done in food processor or thermomix
Make into balls
Roll in chopped parsley
Freezes well


Serve with crackers or veggies sticks.


Savvy Tip

# If you don't want to make into a ball works great as a dip in a bowl as well.

ENJOY !

Freezing Herbs

Image from Our Garden Gate blog
#Savvy Tip

Freezing herbs is a great way to make use of surplus herbs in your garden or instead of throwing out herbs that you have purchased for a special recipe, freeze them to use later. Frozen herbs will keep their flavor for several months. Unlike dried herbs, where the flavor gets more concentrated when drying, frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh herbs. There are two ways that you can easily freeze herbs.

To Freeze Herbs

Option 1 - Free flow

  1. Make sure the Herbs are clean and dry. Spread the individual leaves on a small tray. Freezing the leaves flat and individually will prevent them from freezing together into a brick.
  2. Cover and place the tray of leaves into the freezer
  3. When frozen solid, place in airtight containers or plastic bags and return to the freezer. 
Once frozen individually, the leaves will not freeze together.


Option 2 - Using Ice cube trays

  1. Make sure the Herbs are clean and dry.
  2. Put 2-3 individual leaves or a spoonful of chopped herbs in ice cube trays.
  3. Fill the tray half way with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can. They will tend to float, but we'll fix that with the next step. Place the half filled tray in the freezer.
  4. Once the ice cubes are pretty much frozen, finish filling the try with water. The leaves will no longer be able to float and should be completely surrounded with water. Now place the tray back into the freezer to freeze solid.
  5. Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zip closure bags.

When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favourite stew or dish.

Tuesday 30 July 2013

Pastry - Short Crust


This is a super easy pastry recipe, that always turns out really well. A  great way to turn left over beef stew (that the kids weren't so keen on) into to a meal that the whole family loves, as well as making the leftovers go further.

Ingredients
3/4 cup (110g) plain flour
75g cold butter
1 tablespoon finely grated parmesan cheese 
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 egg yolk
3-4 teaspoon iced water, approx

Method
In a food processor or thermomix, process the flour, butter, parmesan and paprika until it resembles large breadcrumbs.
Add the egg yolk, and while the motor is running, add enough iced water until the mixture just comes together.
Knead the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Wrap in clingfilm, and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Roll and use as required, bake 180 C until golden.

Savvy Tip
# Don't have parmesan, works just as well with edam cheese.

Monday 22 July 2013

Cocktail Meatballs with Chutney



This is one of those recipes that is sure to please, great to whip up if you are asked to bring a plate of nibbles or for a potluck dinner (just make the balls a bit bigger).  I made these and various other nibbles last Friday for a Midwinter Christmas function and they were everyone's favourite.


Ingredients

Meatballs
500 g topside mince
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup coconut
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 egg
2 teaspoons Worcester sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Chutney Sauce
1/2 cup tomato chutney or sauce
1/3 cup plum jam
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Method
Meatballs
Preheat oven to 180 C.
Mix all ingredients together.
Shape into little balls around (2.5cm)
Place on oven tray and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.

Chutney Sauce
Mix all ingredients in a large pot, heat to just boiling.
Turn to low and add meatballs, heat through.
Serve meatballs with toothpicks.


Savvy Tips

# when shaping meatballs use wet hands.

# make meatballs a couple of days ahead and keep in fridge or make and freeze until you need them.


# to reheat - use a slow cooker, add meatballs pour over sauce and heat for approx. 1 hour before serving.


Sunday 21 July 2013

Get Savvy - Easy steps to REAL FOOD

We believe in nourishing our bodies for improved well-being.



Finding out what works for your health & well-being can take time, but you are worth it. So please don't force yourself to eat something just because it's "good for you" eat it because you like it. Food should be delicious & enjoyed, aim for quality over quantity.

Make small changes for better well-being, they will soon add up. 

Check out some simple "swaps" below...

SWAP OUT MARGARINE FOR BUTTER
Homemade Butter Spread




ADD IN MORE VEGETABLES 
We don't mean forcing yourself to eat veggies you hate. There is no point forcing yourself to eat plates of steamed broccoli if you don't like it. (Plus there are loads more interesting ways to eat your greens).

Take small steps make a list of what you do like and look at different ways to incorporate these vegetables everyday. Then each week add in a new vegetable, sometimes we have childhood memories of not liking certain foods, but frequently these are are linked to the way these foods were prepared and/or cooked. Make sure you eat a variety of colours, the health benefits of fresh vegetables is immense. Eat in season, each month we publish a what's season in NZ list and then we share great recipes - great for your health and eating in season will help with the budget too!



GO GREEN
Leafy green vegetables should be a vegetable group in their own right. These are supercharged with nutritional benefits. Probably the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of are phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutien, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega 3-fats.
Green Smoothie


DITCH THE FIZZY!
Loaded with sugar, these are empty calories. Drinking water or herbal tea is a much healthy way to hydrate your body. Plus water is beneficial in eliminating toxins and herbal teas offer other health benefits too. 


Reduce refined ingredients - WHITE SUGAR & WHITE FLOUR
These are both highly processed and refined. Try substituting sugar for honey or natural maple syrup. It is easy to swap out white flour for wholemeal, unbleached organic or even spelt. Start by swapping out 50% of the white flour in your baking recipes. (If you have a bulk store locally they have a great range of flours as well as gluten free options).

Did you know that different flours have different nutritional elements - for instance spelt flour is a good source of calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron and manganese. It has vitamin-E and B-complex vitamins too (especially niacin). It is also high in protein. 

   
SNACK WISE
Fruit is one of the easiest and most convenient snacks. Grab a apple, handful or grapes or a mandarin. Easy to drop in your bag and run out the door! Nuts and seeds are nutrition powerhouses too and really easy on the run.  Try popcorn in place of crisps.  Bake your own muesli bars, cookies or muffins in large quantities and freeze so you can grab in go with these too. Unsweetened Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit makes a lovely after dinner treat as do frozen grapes.
Wholesome snacks
Basil Pesto / Pumpkin Hummus


ADD IN A SMOOTHIE or/and FRESH JUICE  
If you are struggling to get your 7+ a day, a smoothie or Juice is a great nutritional boost and its amazing what you can hide in them and they still taste amazing.
Smoothie Recipe
Juice Recipe


USE THE WEB 
Real food recipes are abundent on the web, once you find them print off and keep them together. Once a week try a new recipe - and don't forget to share it will us your SAVVY AT HOME family on facebook.
Click Here to go to our Facebook Page.


HERBS & SPICES
Not only to these pack a flavoursome punch they are filled with nourishing qualities.
Try making your own spice mixes/blends. 

UNSWEETENED GREEK YOGHURT
We love greek yoghurt! 
Savvy Ways with Greek Yoghurt

 

Remember to "Nourish you body everyday with great food choices!"

We'd love to hear how you make the most of adding real food to your day. 
Share whats regularly on your menu and leave a comment below.


Take care of you 

Trish & Treena x


Sourced from the Internet and personal experience.