Easy Read Recipes by Leanne Foreman

Real food recipes in an easier format that makes it as easy as possible for as many as possible to read and follow a recipe.

Lemony Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

by Leanne Foreman

This fresh-tasting and nutritious Chickpea and Quinoa Salad can be eaten as a side or all on its own. It is a great standby to have on hand in the fridge.

Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is a type of edible seed that is often classed as a whole grain. It comes in various colours including black, red, yellow, and white. The lighter colours have the mildest taste.

 

Nutritional Information for Quinoa

Because quinoa is gluten-free it is a popular choice for coeliacs.

Chickpeas and quinoa provide the protein that is necessary for building and maintaining a healthy body. According to an article from the Harvard School of Health, quinoa is one of the few plants that provide complete protein, “meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own.” This is very important for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

 

Preparation Tips for Cooking Quinoa

“After the seeds are harvested they undergo processing to remove the natural saponins, a bitter-tasting chemical compound coating the exterior that acts as a natural pesticide.” To ensure all the saponins have been removed, I always rinse quinoa, including the brands advertised as “pre-rinsed”.

Extra flavour can be added to quinoa by using stock instead of water. Also, try adding your favourite herbs and spices to the cooking liquid.

I have found that the easiest way to cook quinoa is in a rice cooker. As a side note, I found a stainless steel bowl rice cooker because I want to avoid the Teflon found on most. If you want to know why, watch the film “Dark Waters” with Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins.

With this particular quinoa salad recipe, I sometimes leave out the tomato and add dried cranberries or currants and toasted sliced almonds. If you want more vegetables instead, leave in the tomato and add cubed cucumber, pitted black olives, and/or fresh spinach leaves. Play around with it until you find your perfect combination.

 

Spicy Roast Potato Wedges

by Leanne Foreman

Potato wedges can go from boring to brilliant with the addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. A simple, tasty, and nutritious recipe – it ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients for Spicy Roast Potato Wedges

It is best to use cold-pressed extra virgin oil whether it is olive, avocado, or coconut. We need these “good” oils for the health of our brain and body. In fact, our brain is 60% fat.

I use the chilli powder if the wedges are going to be finger food to dip in some sauce. For my Quick Blender Aioli recipe go here.

Experiment with your favourite spices and dried herbs. I have successfully used dried parsley, fresh or dried rosemary, cummin, and even curry powder.

Cooking tips for Spicy Roast Potato Wedges

I have used an enamelled cast iron baking tray that I bought on sale. I feel they are worth the extra money for the following reasons:

  1. They hold the heat well and this helps to brown the bottom of roast vegetables and keep the food warm once out of the oven.
  2. They are very easy to hand wash if left to soak for a couple of hours.
  3. There is no toxic substance that will leach into my food. If you are still undecided as to whether or not you should use non-stick pots and pans, watch the movie called “Dark Waters” starring Mark Ruffalo.
  4. They are practically indestructible, so I will be passing this on to my son or daughter.

If you want to reduce the cooking time of these potato wedges, then cut each potato into sixths or eights.

 

Gluten-free Zucchini and Corn Fritters

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

These Zucchini and Corn Fritters are perfect for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Fritters are a really delicious way to add more vegetables into your diet.

If you have leftover zucchini you could make my Zucchini Muffins or Zucchini Salad.

Using buckwheat flour makes these fritters gluten-free. To make them Paleo, use Cassava flour instead of Buckwheat. Cassava flour is sold at most health food stores.

 

Whatever-is-left-in-the-fridge Korean Fried Rice

by Leanne Foreman

Korean Fried Rice is the Korean alternate to the well-known Chinese Fried Rice. The addition of Kimchi is what makes this version so unique. So, if you have a bottle of Kimchi at the back of the fridge that you don’t know what to do with? Here is the answer!

This dish has become a lunch favourite in my household for the following reasons:

1. The Kimchi gives it much more flavour compared to the usual fried rice.
2. It is one way to use some of the contents of the two large jars that my Kimchi recipe makes.
3. It is the perfect way to use up all the vegetables left in the fridge at the end of the week.
4. It uses up the rice that is usually leftover from a curry made during the week.
5. It helps me to eat more vegetables and reduce our food waste.

Korean Fried Rice Cooking Tips

The ingredients and measurements of the vegetables are just a guide. Add as little or as much of the vegetables that you have in the fridge. If you don’t have any fresh vegetables, then frozen work just as well. I have started to make this dish with more vegetables in it than rice. So delicious and nutritious!

For more protein add a small can of tuna, some nitrate-free bacon, or some chopped-up chicken pieces. The tuna can be added with the rice, and the bacon or chicken can be cooked separately or before the vegetables.

If you want more saltiness, add more tamari.

The overall spiciness of this dish will have a lot to do with the spiciness of your kimchi. For more spiciness, add some kimchi juice or some gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).

Korean Fried Rice Ingredients

If you can wait a couple of weeks for the Kimchi to ferment, go here for my Cabbage and Carrot Kimchi recipe. If you decide to buy rather than make the Kimchi, it can be easily found in the fridge section of a health food store. In the supermarket, look for it in the fridge alongside refrigerated vegan foods, or in the International, Bottled Vegetable, or Natural/Health Food sections. The leftover Kimchi can be added to salads, sandwiches, burgers, and sushi, or served as a side for a cooked breakfast.

Once, Tamari Sauce was to the Japanese, as Soy Sauce is to the Chinese. Now, soy sauce is common in Japan and all Asian countries. Because of the way the soybeans are fermented, tamari is smoother, richer, and less salty tasting than soy. I use tamari instead of soy sauce because it is usually gluten-free and easier to get an organic version. I prefer organic because soybeans are now often genetically modified to resist the herbicide glyphosate (think Zero and Roundup). The use of glyphosate makes harvesting the beans easier. Unfortunately, this chemical does not make it easy for our beneficial gut flora to survive.

I like using brown rice wherever possible, whereas my husband is partial to white rice. For white rice we use long grain basmati as it has a lower glycemic index, that is, it doesn’t cause our sugar levels to spike as rapidly as jasmine rice. As a further note, cooked white rice that has been allowed to cool is a good prebiotic (food for our beneficial gut flora).

In this Korean Fried Rice recipe, and any other fried rice recipe, using cooked rice that has been sitting in a container in the fridge for at least a day prevents the rice from clumping together because of too much moisture.

 

Grain-free Chocolate Celebration Cake

Adapted from a recipe by Tania Hubbard

A beautifully moist celebration cake that will delight everyone, especially your paleo and coeliac guests. This celebration cake is adapted from the famous Chocolate Chia Seed Cake recipe by Tania Hubbard. Another of my favourite cakes is Tania’s Date, Cinnamon and Rosemary Cake.

This recipe has been doubled to make two layers that will sandwich together. If a single layer is your preference, simply halve the ingredient amounts and use one tin.

Celebration Cake Decorating Tips

To decorate this cake, firstly I coated it with a mixture of 1/4 cup softened coconut oil, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup or more of cacao powder, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. I kept adding cacao powder until I got the spreadable consistency I needed.

Then I used chocolate chards made by melting a good quality dark chocolate, spreading it on a layer of baking paper, covering with a second piece of paper, rolling up to a sausage width, then letting it set in the fridge or freezer. Once set I gently pulled the two pieces of paper apart to release the chards. Go here for the video that I used as a reference. If you don’t own an offset spatula then use a rolling pin as was done here. I made my chocolate layer for the shards a little thicker than normal and rolled the baking paper not so tightly as I wanted sturdy chards that would survive the transport of the cake. I used a little melted chocolate to attach the shards.

I then used strawberry halves alternated with fresh bay leaves around the top edge.

Finally, I sprinkled with a dusting of cacao powder (mainly to cover an imperfection that was in the centre of the cake. 🙂

Cherry and Hemp Seed Brekkie Bake

Adapted from a recipe by Fiona from Real Food Pathway

A brekkie bake is perfect to have on hand for breakfast, a snack, or for a lunch box addition. To make it extra special, serve with a dollop of thick plain yoghurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

If you like oats but don’t like the idea of a brekkie bake then try my Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats.

Cooking Tips for Brekkie Bake

The original recipe from Fiona @realfoodpathway on Instagram uses pears. I have used cherries however I am sure raspberries, blueberries, or chopped up apple would work equally as well.

I have used an ovenproof glass pyrex storing dish as my baking dish. The cooking time will vary according to your type of dish so check after 30 minutes to see if it is firm enough to slice.

Ingredients for Brekkie Bake

This recipe needs “rolled” or “traditional” oats. Please don’t try to substitute “steel cut” or “quick” oats,  Sometimes you see a package labelled “gluten-free oats”. Even oats that have been processed in a gluten-free factory still have their own gluten-like protein. Some coeliacs can tolerate this gluten-like protein while others can’t.

Hemp seeds are beneficial because of their high content of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation and heart disease.

If you want to turn this into a Christmas version and can’t get Mixed Spice, find an empty jar and make your own simple version by combining:

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon allspice (pimento)

1/2 tablespoon nutmeg

 

 

Crunchy Christmas Salad

by Leanne Foreman

A crunchy Christmas salad of broccoli and cauliflower with the sweetness of dried cranberries or cherries and the extra crunch and goodness of macadamias. It is mixed together with a sweet yoghurt dressing.

Cooking tips

If you aren’t a fan of fresh mint then try swapping it for 1/2 cup of dedicated coconut.

For paleo or vegan diets use plain coconut yoghurt.

Another salad that can be converted to a Christmas salad is my Sweet Nutty Coleslaw. Simply use dried cranberries or cherries for the sultanas and red apple for the green apple. I think it is so much fun using food in the Christmas colours of red, green and white.

Chocolate Drizzled Nut Butter Cookies

by Leanne Foreman

Nut Butter Cookies are taken to a whole new level of deliciousness with a drizzling of dark chocolate. So choose your favourite nut butter and give these a try!

If you would prefer another cookie option try the easy read version of Alexx Stuart’s Chocolate Chunk Cookies or Danielle Shine’s Healthy Anzac Cookies.

 

Ingredient Shopping for Nut Butter Cookies

Almond flour is ground blanched almonds and almond meal is ground whole almonds.

Cassava flour is made from drying and grinding the tuberous root of the cassava plant. It is naturally gluten, grain and nut-free. Because of its fine texture, light colour, and neutral taste, it is becoming a popular substitute for wheat flour, especially for baking. It can be purchased from health food stores and some supermarkets.

Tigernut flour is less starchy than cassava flour. A tigernut is not actually a nut but another tuberous vegetable. Again it can be purchased from health food stores and some supermarkets.

Oat flour is simply blended or processed rolled or traditional oats. I make my own if I need oat flour. I always start with organic oats to avoid the glyphosate (think zero and roundup) often used during the harvesting of non-organic grains.

If beginning a Paleo diet then use the cassava or tigernut flour and not the oat flour.

Nut butter can be a choice of peanut, almond, macadamia, cashew, or even tahini. Just be sure it has your chosen nut as the only ingredient. Some brands sneak in salt, sugar, and even vegetable oil. I used organic peanut butter for my cookies.

Look for dark chocolate that uses cocoa butter and not the cheap, nasty, and highly processed “vegetable oil”. Vegetable oil sounds healthy but is anything but healthy.

Also, choose dark chocolate with at least 75% cocoa. You end up with less sugar that way.

 

Cooking Tips for Nut Butter Cookies

Step 5 – To get your biscuits the same size, use a measuring tablespoon or a cookie scoop. A cookie scoop is like a small ice cream scoop like the one on the right.  I found mine so useful that I now have three different sizes. They are easily purchased online.

Step 7 – Cooling on the tray for 5 minutes helps the cookies firm up a little before moving them. Then using a cooling rack helps any residue steam to escape. This helps the cookies firm up better.

Step 9 – When drizzling the chocolate, use the empty, lined cookie tray underneath to catch any chocolate drips. This prevents less chocolate mess on the kitchen bench.

 

Keto-Friendly Vegetable Frittata

by Leanne Foreman

I really enjoy a good hearty frittata, especially for Sunday brunch. A frittata is basically a quiche without a base. This keto-friendly frittata uses keto allowed vegetables, bacon and fresh cream, however, you can customise it for your own taste preferences.

For non-keto, a frittata is still a good way to use up any sad vegetables in the refrigerator. I’ll often add grated sweet potato and put grated parmesan cheese on top.

If you prefer a vegetarian diet, then the bacon can be left out without sacrificing the flavour.

Another Keto and Vegetarian breakfast or brunch dish is my Shakshuka Poached Eggs.

 

Frittata Cooking Tips

An ovenproof frypan makes the job more convenient but if you don’t have one, transfer the frypan cooked ingredients to your usual baking tray. Due to the loss of the residual heat of the frypan, it may take a little longer for the frittata to cook.

 

Homemade BBQ Sauce

by Leanne Foreman

Have you read the ingredients on store-bought BBQ Sauce? It is at least half sugar and it is refined sugar!

Back when I didn’t know better, I would let my son use BBQ Sauce on everything as a way to entice him to eat.

This very easily made BBQ Sauce is four times less sugar and it is refined sugar-free. There is also an option to add some chilli powder to make it even more flavoursome.

So, next time you are having guests for a BBQ, impress them with this tasty and more nutritious version of this must-have condiment.

Cooking Tips

I have used repurposed tamari sauce bottles that were thoroughly washed then rinsed with boiling water before bottling the sauce.

When I bottled the sauce I had to be careful that the sudden change in temperature of the air in the bottle didn’t cause the sauce to spit out as I was pouring in. That is why I have recommended letting the mixture cool a bit before bottling. A jar works just as well and the spitting won’t be a problem because the mouth of the jar is large enough to let the expanded air escape.

In fact, if you use a wide mouth jar rinsed with boiling water, carefully pour in the sauce straight from the stove and seal straight away, the sauce will last longer in the fridge. This is because the jars have been sterilized and sealed before any bacteria can get in.

Also, vinegar is a natural preserving agent. Foods that have a pH value of less than 4.6 will not support the growth of disease-causing bacteria. When I have been more particular with my sterilizing, I have kept the sauce in the refrigerator for a couple of months before opening. Once opened it needs to be used within the 10 days.

If you open it your sauce jar and there is a rush of escaping air, mould growing on top, or the flavour has changed for the worse then discard it.

I usually make my sauce the way described in the recipe and either give a jar away or make sure my weekly meal plan includes recipes that go well with BBQ sauce. These could be homemade hamburgers, pulled organic pork, nitrate-free bacon and eggs, frittata, or a mixed grill.

If I could do it all again, I wouldn’t have brought a store-bought bottle of BBQ Sauce into the house in the first place! I hope you try this recipe and decide for yourself if you want to go back to a store-bought sauce that is 50% sugar.

 

Sweet Nutty Coleslaw

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

A nutty coleslaw with the added sweetness of apples, sultanas, and a sweetened yoghurt dressing.

This Sweet Nutty Coleslaw is perfect served with barbequed meat, especially pork.

For another popular coleslaw recipe, try my Asian Style Coleslaw.

Nutty Tahini Bites

Adapted from a recipe by Changing Habits

These Nutty Tahini Bites are a protein-packed sweet treat! Use any nuts and seeds you have on hand to create your own favourite Tahini Bites. They will be hard to leave alone!

If you don’t like ground ginger then you can replace it with 1 or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.

Tahini is often associated with Hummus yet it is also a nutritious addition to sweet treats, especially if you have a nut allergy. I also use Tahini in salad dressings like in my Asian Style Coleslaw recipe.

 

 

Baked Jalapeño Poppers

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

The story behind these Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Millen Farm gave me the challenge of developing a recipe for their crop of jalapeños. As I had never eaten a jalapeño, this challenge had me definitely outside of my comfort zone. I had assumed jalapeños were too spicy for my palate.

When I went to buy some, I saw a woman grabbing about a dozen. I had to ask her what she was about to make. “Jalapeño Poppers” was her reply. I had never heard of them but her description had me curious.

After a bit of research, I discovered that Jalapeño Poppers are a popular party appetizer in the USA. Fresh Jalapeños are filled with a herbed and spiced cheesy mixture, topped with crumbs, and then usually deep-fried. I never deep-fry anything, so I concentrated on developing my own baked version.

I was so very surprised at how delicious they were. Yes spicy, but tasty without being too hot. My beloved was also totally impressed.

Make up a batch for the next barbeque or the next time a crowd is sitting down to watch a sporting match on television. I hope you find these Baked Jalapeño Poppers as hard to resist as we did, especially when served with homemade Aioli!

 

Dietary preferences

I try to give ingredient options in all of my recipes so that they can be adjusted according to dietary preferences.

For these Poppers to be grain-free choose the nut option, and for nut-free, choose the breadcrumbs (gluten-free if necessary). If you follow a vegetarian diet, these poppers will still taste good with the bacon left out.

 

Banana Cake Smoothie

by Leanne Foreman

This Banana Cake Smoothie gets its better-than-average banana smoothie taste by the addition of other Banana Cake ingredients; namely cinnamon and walnuts. These ingredients make this smoothie nutritious as well as delicious.

Ingredient preferences:

This Banana Cake Smoothie recipe works just as well with whatever milk suits your dietary preference. Nut milk is a good choice if you prefer dairy-free, paleo, or a vegan diet. Oat milk works for dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.

If you are using dairy, then the best quality milk would be one that is whole fat, and pasteurised but not homogenised – the less processing the better.

Ingredient Nutrition facts:

Bananas are a good source of potassium which helps to lower blood pressure, fibre which aids digestion, Vitamin C for a healthy immune system, and B6 that helps the body with stress. I’m sure you will agree that this very convenient fruit is quite a powerhouse of nutrition. FYI, rub the inside of a banana skin on your next bug bite and see if it reduces the inflammation. For more banana recipes try my Grain-free Banana Slab Cake or Jason Ford’s Paleo Pancakes with Berry Salsa.

According to an article at Food Matters, cinnamon prevents inflammation in the body, helps to regulate cholesterol levels, and is useful for lowering blood sugar levels.

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acid which is considered critical brain food. Studies have found that the omega -3 in walnuts may help to lower cholesterol. Walnuts also have good amounts of protein, fibre, and calcium.

Chia seeds are thrown in for even more protein, fibre, calcium, and omega-3. You can read more about the benefits of chia seeds here.

 

Avocado and Pea Smash

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

The brunch dish known as Avocado Toast has been transformed into the fancier and tastier Avocado and Pea Smash. Go from a boring to a brilliant breakfast or brunch with this impressive version of the humble Avocado Toast.

I have used homemade grain-free bread to make this dish also suitable for those avoiding grains or gluten.

If you are following a vegan diet, simply omit the feta or use a vegan version.

This recipe will feed two hungry people or if served with a poached egg, hash browns and salad, it will easily feed four.

 

Quick Blender Almond Meal Chocolate Cake

Adapted from a recipe courtesy of Leah Follett

This Blender Chocolate Cake uses almond meal instead of wheat flour. Almond meal makes this a wonderfully rich, moist, and nutritious cake that is not too sweet. A small slice is all you need to satisfy any craving.

It is so easy to make that the kids can make it for you. All the ingredients are quickly mixed in a blender or food processor before being poured into the cake tin.

Ingredients

Almond meal is easily made at home by blending or processing raw almonds into a coarse flour-like consistency. Blanched almond flour can also be used however it is usually more expensive. Blanched almond flour has the almond skin removed before grinding it to flour.

I store my almond meal and flour in the refrigerator as this prevents the natural oils in the flour from going rancid. This is more likely to happen now that the surface area of the nut has been increased with the grinding.

Use an extra virgin oil – a good oil that will feed the brain. Processed oil, like “vegetable oil”, is to be avoided because of the harmful chemicals and extreme heat that is used in the processing. Extreme heat has an undesirable oxidation effect on the oil.

A light tasting extra virgin olive oil can also be used. If you are still worried about a strong olive oil flavour, I would add a teaspoon more of vanilla and perhaps a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Cooking tips

If you don’t have a blender or food processor, a bowl and whisk will do just as well. Simply ensure there are no lumps left in the mixture.

This mixture is runnier than most cake batters, however, this does not affect the end result.

I feel it is important to take pride in the presentation of any dish. It takes only a little extra effort to dust some cacao powder or sprinkle some coconut sugar onto the top of the cake. Edible flowers are a really quick way to add some colour and interest. I have used dianthus that I grow in my garden. You can also use marigolds, geraniums, violets, impatiens, and clover blossoms to name a few.

 

Braised Red Cabbage

by Leanne Foreman

This easy Braised Red Cabbage recipe is the perfect accompaniment to roast beef or chicken. The addition of apple to the cabbage gives this dish a little sweetness.

I first discovered Braised Red Cabbage when I lived in Austria. I was immediately converted to this delicious side dish that I still use for roasted or braised meat.

For any leftover red cabbage, you could make Asian Style Coleslaw.

Paleo Zucchini Muffins

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

These moist Zucchini Muffins are protein packed and quick to make. They are perfect to have on hand for a quick breakfast or lunch box addition.

Offer these sweetened Zucchini Muffins as a way to get your kids to eat more vegetables. You really can’t taste the zucchini.

These are a great way to use up any zucchini that are starting to get a bit old looking. Another way avoid waste is to make them into bite sized mini muffins so that if the kids do turn their nose up at them, only a small one goes in the school bin rather than a large one. I have the philosophy to always “serve small then come back for more”.

Other muffin recipe to try is the Sticky Date Muffins from Anja Cass. Otherwise, any favourite cake recipe can be turned into quickly made and convenient muffins.

 

Marinated Roasted Eggplant

by Leanne Foreman for Millen Farm

The lemon and herbs help this Marinated Roasted Eggplant go so well in an Italian panino (sandwich), or as a side dish for a picnic lunch. One of my friends, who usually doesn’t like eggplant, likes it heated up as a side dish with Roast Chicken.

This recipe is the first of the year for Millen Farm, where I am now volunteering as the recipe developer for the beautiful organic foods in season.

 

Ingredients

Globe eggplants are usually big, black, and bulbous like a light globe. They should be firm and shiny with a green, not shrivelled, stem.

Lemon juice can be substituted with Apple Cider vinegar for a stronger pickled flavour.

Thyme can be replaced with oregano leaves.

I have used mild green chillies, however, the choice is yours as to whether you prefer it hotter. Red chillies give a pleasing colour contrast.

 

Cooking Tips

Instead of roasting in the oven the eggplant can also be pan-fried on the stovetop or barbequed on a grill. In fact, the grill lines make this a more attractive dish.

 

Seed Crackers

by Candice Bauer from BARE by Bauer

Seed Crackers are now popular for those who are trying to avoid grains. These are also dairy, egg, and nut free.

This easy recipe is courtesy of the delightful Candice Bauer. Candice, and her equally delightful husband Matt, have a natural skincare company BARE by Bauer, so it makes sense that she cooks real, whole food that will also nourish the skin from the inside out.

If you are looking for a dip recipe to serve with these crackers, try Leah Follet’s Beetroot Dip (pictured below), Rowena Jayne’s Olive Tapenade, or my Basil and Pepita Pesto or Pumpkin Hummus.

Cooking Tips

These crackers are flavoured with rosemary and smoked paprika, however, you can easily substitute these with your favourite herbs or spices. Turmeric works really well.

If you want to use a rolling pin instead of pressing the mixture into the tray, you may find your rolling pin too big to avoid the tray’s edges. If this is the case, then use a glass jar as a rolling pin.

Instead of scoring the mixture into squares or triangles, Candice likes to make it even easier by simply breaking the cooked mixture into rustic looking pieces.

The crackers are left in the oven to cool in order to help them dry out a little more.

 

Grain-free Christmas Pudding Mug Cake

by Leanne Foreman

This Grain-free Christmas Pudding Mug Cake is a great recipe to have on hand if paleo or gluten-free guests turn up to your Christmas gathering.

It is also quickly made if you want to have your own grain-free Christmas pudding alternative. This is what I am doing, as my diet is now gluten-free.

If Christmas Spices aren’t your favourite flavour, then try my Grain-free Double Chocolate Mug Cake recipe.

 

Cooking Tips

If you can’t get Mixed Spice, find an empty jar and make your own simple version by combining:

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon allspice (pimento)

1/2 tablespoon nutmeg

 

Other ingredients you may like to add to the pudding to vary the flavour:

1 TBS coarsely chopped nuts,

1/2 tsp vanilla extract,

1/2 tsp orange zest, and/or

pinch cloves

 

Nutritional Information

If you are interested, I am now gluten-free for the following reasons:

  • I find that if I omit gluten from my diet then my arthritis symptoms subside. Arthritis can be due to inflammation in the body and obviously, gluten seems to inflame my body in some way.
  • I want to avoid commercially grown wheat, as so much is now sprayed with glyphosate (aka. Zero or Roundup) before harvesting. Trace amounts of glyphosate remain in the wheat and I don’t want to ingest even trace amounts of a herbicide that can interfere with the delicate balance my gut flora. Click here if you want to read more about it.

As sugar cane can also be sprayed with glyphosate, I search for organic molasses and rapadura (unrefined cane sugar aka jaggery or panela).

 

Shakshuka Poached Eggs

by Leanne Foreman

Shakshuka is a tasty and hearty dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato base.

It is popular in the Middle East and North Africa and is rapidly becoming a popular breakfast in trendy cafes.

Shakshuka is so easy to make at home and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. It makes an excellent Sunday brunch!

 

Cooking Tips

I realise that coriander (cilantro) is either loved or hated. If you are a hater, then you can leave it out without sacrificing the overall enjoyment of this dish.

If you are not a fan of capsicum (bell pepper), you can either use half of each or just the sweeter red capsicum or simply leave it out altogether.

For a Paleo or Dairy Free version, omit the feta. For Vegetarian, use vegetable stock powder instead of the broth powder.

If you don’t use the broth or vegetable stock powder in step 5, you will probably want to add some salt and pepper in step 6.

For the feta, I use goat’s feta as a special treat.

 

Nutritional Information

It is difficult to get a broth or stock powder that doesn’t have fillers or added “nasties”! If you want to get the lowdown on purchased stock in general, click on this article from Additive Free Kids to read about the sneaky tactics to watch out for when buying additive-free stock/bone broth. I personally use the Vegetable Stock Powder or Broth Powder from Broth of Life.

 

Almond and Raspberry Roulade

by Leanne Foreman

This roulade is a light, grain free cake rolled with jam and cream. It is refined sugar free, easy to make, and is sure to impress.

The main ingredients are egg and almond flour. This makes it a protein packed dessert that it so much more nutritious than the usual high carb dessert.

Cooking Tips

Instead of separating the eggs and beating one at a time, the eggs, vanilla and maple syrup are beaten together for 10 minutes in order to incorporate as much air as possible. After 10 minutes the egg mixture should look like this.

 

I have used my Raspberry Chia Jam recipe though any berry chia jam or fruit spread will do.

In strawberry season, I also make this with cut up fresh strawberries instead of the jam.

While cooking, the mixture will rise a bit then sink back down. This is what it is supposed to do, so don’t panic.

To decorate, I cut the corner out of one of the last sandwich bags I have left, filled it with the cream then piped the cream out with a side to side swirling motion – like piping a smooth zig zag.

Honey Soy Noodle Soup

by Little Acre Mushrooms

An easy asian noodle soup by Little Acre Mushrooms using oyster mushrooms, bok choy and either ramen or gluten-free soba noodles.

For other asian style recipes try my Asian Style Coleslaw, Thai Coconut Chicken Soup or Vegan Pad Thai Salad.

 

Ingredient information

Oyster Mushrooms have a fluted cap that resembles an oyster shell. They have a mild nutty flavour and are usually a creamy beige or pink in colour. However, since I live Queensland, Australia, I have used the Queensland Gold variety that I actually grew myself using a growing kit from Little Acre Mushrooms.

Choose mushrooms that have a dry surface and free of brown spots. Store them in a brown paper bag in the lowest section of the refrigerator. They don’t need washing; simply wipe any dirt away with a damp cloth before cooking.

Bok Choy, a.k.a. Pak Choy, Bok Choi, Chinese White Cabbage, has a sweet cabbage flavour and both the green and white parts are edible raw or cooked.

Ramen Noodles are made from wheat, whereas Soba Noodles are made from buckwheat so are therefore gluten-free.

 

Cooking Hints

If you are using the boiled egg, the egg can be cooked in the noodle water by adding them for the last 4 or 5 minutes for soft boiled.  Remove them with a slotted spoon and plunge into some cold water to make them easier to peel.

Another way is to crack the eggs into the simmering broth once the bok choy is added. Cover with a lid to help it cook quickly. Have a look here for inspiration!

 

Healthy Anzac Cookies

by Chef Danielle Shine

In Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is on the 25th of April and these oat based cookies or biscuits are a mandatory fare.

Yes, I know they traditionally should be called ‘biscuits’, however in the USA biscuits are what we call ‘scones’ here in Australia.  The recipe author, Danielle, and I didn’t want to totally confuse our friends in North America.

This recipe was kindly contributed by the lovely Chef Danielle Shine. Danielle has many versions of Anzac biscuits as she cleverly creates a version for every diet preference and allergy.

 

What is “Anzac”?

ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

“Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.”

My great Uncle was a Light Horseman in the Boer War. He was a very young man who believed he was doing his duty and I admire his courage and conviction. However, the reality of war was such a harsh one that he never ever spoke of his experiences as a soldier. He even refused to accept a prestigious medal of honour that he had been awarded.

My much older cousin was conscripted into the Vietnam War. I can’t imagine the emotions my Aunt must have felt as she saw her precious oldest son go off to a war he didn’t want to fight; and then be rejected for it when he came home.

I am so very grateful that I live in a country and in a time where I don’t have the unfathomable nightmare of seeing my children have to deal with war.

Anyhow, on a lighter note, according to the New Zealand National Army Museum, rolled oats based biscuits were “sold and consumed at fetes, galas, parades and other public events, to raise funds for the war effort.” This connection to the troops serving overseas led to them being referred to as ‘soldier’s biscuits’ and later ‘Anzac biscuits’.

 

Cooking tips

To get your biscuits the same size, use a measuring tablespoon or a cookie scoop. A cookie scoop is like a small ice cream scoop and I now wouldn’t be without it.

Because these biscuits don’t have egg as a binding agent, don’t press them down too thinly before cooking, or they may be too fragile once cooked.

Enjoy!

 

Dairy-free Matcha Latte

Inspired by a recipe by Rebecca Lilly Costa

A lovely non-dairy Matcha Latte that can be served hot or cold. I find it difficult to detect that it is not based on milk.

I was inspired by a recipe I found on Instagram by Rebecca Lilly Costa @xxrlily. As I now rarely have dairy in my fridge, I wanted to create a totally dairy-free version so that I could enjoy this drink whenever I wanted.

I apologise to my Italian friends, including my Italian ex-husband, for using the words “dairy-free” and “latte” in the same sentence. I suppose it is similar to the way the words “nut milk” might upset dairy farmers.

Nowadays, it isn’t just Vegans who are looking for dairy-free latte alternatives. So many of us now find the lactose or the high proportion of A1 protein in today’s commercial milk, difficult to digest.

For those who can tolerate dairy fat, Rebecca adds a little ghee to her recipe. This makes it a richer version.

If you are after another drink recipe that uses nut milk as a dairy substitute, check out my Choc Banana “Sneaky” Shake.

 

Gluten-free Blue Pancakes

by Karen Insignares from Saving Flavors

This pancake recipe and the beautiful accompanying photo are courtesy of the lovely Karen Insignares from Saving Flavors. Karen develops recipes that save time and money while still being full of “flavor”.

Thanks to the addition of blueberries, these fabulous natural blue coloured pancakes are sure to excite the kids. They also have the advantage of being gluten-free so that they can be enjoyed by more people.

Oats and Gluten

Did you know that oats are actually gluten-free? However, they are often processed in the same place as wheat, barley and rye. Therefore, they end up becoming contaminated by those gluten containing grains. There are oats that are labelled “gluten-free”, however Coeliac Australia advises that it is best to avoid oats if you are a Coeliac sufferer. This is because some Coeliacs are also sensitive to avenin, which is a protein in oats that is similar to gluten.

Allergen-free Cookies

Adapted from a recipe by Chef Danielle Shine

These popular, crunchy, refined sugar-free cookies are free from many of the common allergens including gluten, dairy, nut and egg.

The optional pink colour is obtained by using beetroot powder which can’t be tasted in the finished product. You have to trust me here as I also tested them on a 14 year old boy who couldn’t stop at one.

I also trialled a ginger snap version where I replaced the beetroot powder with an equal amount of ground ginger. These were as popular as the ones without, so it’s up to you if you like ginger or not.

This recipe was adapted from a recipe kindly contributed by Chef Danielle Shine. The only reason I ended up adapting it was because I didn’t have the coconut butter that is called for in the original recipe. Check out the original version on Danielle’s Instagram feed @chef_shine.

Zucchini Salad

Inspired by a recipe by Jamie Oliver

This fresh lemony zucchini salad is a perfect accompaniment to dinner, or it can be eaten alone as a light lunch.

It is inspired by a Jamie Oliver recipe from his “Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals” cookbook and has become one of my favourites.

To some it may seem unusual to eat raw zucchini as a salad but please give it a try. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Salted Caramel Roasted Cashews

by Leanne Foreman

These Salted Caramel Roasted Cashews are a quickly made, delicious and nutritious high-protein snack.

The cashews are coated in a sweet but slightly salty mixture before being roasted in the oven.

Malaysian Laksa Soup

by Luba Pavia from Cook Vegetarian

A beautiful blend of fresh ingredients makes this light Laksa soup the perfect lunch or light dinner. If I had known Laksa soup was this easy to make from scratch, I would have been making it long ago.

Choose the size of the red chilli that will give you the heat you want – as a rule of thumb, the smaller the hotter, and adding the seeds will make it even hotter. Using a deseeded long red chilli makes it a very mild laksa. If you start mild and want to add extra heat at the end, use small amounts of bottled chilli paste until you get it to your liking.

If you are an omnivore and prefer meat to tofu, simply add small pieces of chicken thighs alone in step 7, simmer for 5 minutes, add the green beans and baby corn, and then simmer a further 5 or more minutes depending on how crunchy you like your beans.

You might like to squeeze some lime juice over the finished product.

Luba Pavia from Cook Vegetarian kindly contributed this recipe and photo. More of her vegan and vegetarian recipes can be found on Instagram and Facebook @cook.vegetarian. She has over 116K followers on Instagram so she must be doing something right.

This recipe is just one from the Easy Read COOK VEGETARIAN Recipes eBook that we have collaborated on. Click on the book title to check out the preview!

Apricot and Almond Chia Jam

by Leanne Foreman

This week’s recipe is a refined-sugar-free jam or fruit spread that is super easy as well as delicious on toast, pancakes, or waffles. It is also fabulous stirred through plain yoghurt or homemade ice cream.

If you want a nut free option simply leave out the flaked almonds.

500 grams of pitted fresh apricots is approximately 8 apricots.

Date, Cinnamon and Rosemary Cake

by Tania Hubbard from Gluten Free Grain Free

If you don’t like Christmas Cake then here is a truly moist and delicious grain-free alternative! Don’t be deterred by the addition of rosemary as it combines perfectly with the spices and olive oil to give a wonderfully rich flavour. This cake is one of my all time favourites!

The original recipe is by the talented Tania Hubbard. It can be found in her recipe book “Abundance” and on her website at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese Sauce

Most of us could use more plants in our diet and this plant based bolognese is a quick and delicious way to achieve that.

It is quick because split red lentils cook much quicker than regular brown lentils, and a food processor does all the chopping involved.

Depending on the stock you use, you may want to add more salt – a good quality salt of course. If you like spicy, the amount of chilli flakes can also be increased.

This recipe makes nearly 8 cups so unless I’m cooking for a crowd, I use half then freeze the other half.

Nourishing Seed Bread

by Penny Benjamin

This very easy, protein-rich bread recipe by Penny Benjamin is the solution for those wanting a nourishing dense loaf yet are intolerant of gluten, egg and dairy.

If there are any leftovers, slice and bake in a very slow oven until crisp. This makes a type of cracker that is great topped with avocado.

Thermo Cooker Turkish Delight Custard

If you like Turkish Delight, you are going to love this smooth, grain-free, chocolate and rosewater flavoured custard.

This is the first of my recipes that has catered for those who have some type of Thermo Cooker.

A Thermo Cooker makes this grain free custard a no fail dessert but if you don’t have one, then don’t despair. Simply blend all the ingredients, then cook over a double boiler while constantly stirring with a silicon spatula. It will be cooked when the mixture coats the spoon.

COOKING HINTS

Preparation

Gather your ingredients and utensils. Please note that I have used an Australian 20 ml tablespoon, which equals 4 teaspoons.

Step 1

This recipe is grain free as it uses tapioca flour/starch instead of cornflour. Cornflour can be used as a substitute, however use only 1 tablespoon.

This custard can also be dairy and/or nut free depending on the type of milk you choose. If you are on a low FODMAP diet, it will also determine what milk you use.

Honey can be used instead of maple syrup but as it is stronger tasting you may want to add less than the 2 tablespoons. You can always stir in more at the end.

I find the best additive-free rosewater in my local Persian grocery store. I love the taste of rosewater so I would add the whole tablespoon. Use less if you haven’t tried it yet. If you aren’t a fan of rosewater then simply leave it out.

Step 2

You don’t need fancy dessert bowls – nicely shaped water glasses will work just fine.

Step 3 

I’m trying to do away with using plastic wrap so I use a saucer to cover the custard while it cools. Never heat food covered in plastic wrap as it emits toxic fumes. In fact, don’t let it come in contact with food as it is full of nasty chemicals. I will still sometimes use what I have left to cover food without letting it touch the food.

Step 4

You can eat this custard warm, however I think it tastes better as a cold dessert.

Step 5

If you feel uneasy about getting an uneven sprinkle of cacao powder, use a sifter or shaker. Cacao is different to cocoa, in that it is the raw version that is higher in antioxidants.

Step 6

Using rosebuds is an extravagence but you must admit it looks good. You could even use fresh rose petals, however it would be difficult to find organic. You would definitely not want to ingest the pesticides sprayed on the roses bought in the supermarket and most markets.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Chia Pudding

by Leanne Foreman

This Pumpkin Pie Spiced Chia Pudding is a fun treat for a Halloween breakfast or dessert!

Preparation Hints:

Step 1 – For the faces, I painstakingly cut out shapes from chalkboard stickers. I wish I’d been able to find my glass window paints as that would have been so much easier. Don’t try to stick on or paint on the glass once the pudding is inside, as the condensation from the cold pudding will prevent any adhesion.

Step 2 – Use your choice of nut, seed, organic soy, or dairy milk to suit your particular diet preferences. For a richer pudding, use coconut or dairy cream.

This is a fairly standard pumpkin pie spice mixture, however it can easily be adjusted according to taste. For example, as I find nutmeg quite strong I would use half the amount stated. The amount of cinnamon can easily be doubled if cinnamon is a favourite spice of yours.

Step 3 – Black chia seeds would also work well, as long as you don’t mind the orange colour being less vibrant.

Step 4 – These serving glasses are recycled from Chocolate Pudding Cups bought at Aldi, though I’m sure you can come up with something equally as inventive.

Step 5 – The dark chocolate used for the hair could be replaced with raw cacao nibs or crumbled homemade chocolate biscuits.

Enjoy the fun and please send me a photo of your creation!

 

 

Pumpkin Hummus

The addition of mashed pumpkin upgrades ordinary hummus to another level of nourishment and deliciousness.

Serve it with seedy crackers or fresh vegetables such as carrot or zucchini sticks, cauliflower florets or snow peas.

Pear Blueberry Quinoa Crumble

Adapted from a recipe by Louise Keats

This pear and blueberry quinoa crumble recipe is a gluten free adaption of a recipe kindly contributed by Louise Keats.

Once you try it, I’m sure you will agree that the pears and blueberries are a fresh and delicious alternative to the traditional apple crumble.

Broccoli and Fennel Soup

The nutrients in broccoli are great for the brain and the fennel in this broccoli soup gives the soup a subtle enticing flavour. This recipe couldn’t be much easier!

If it suits your diet, chicken stock can be substituted for the vegetable stock.

Corn Fritters with Avocado Creme Fraiche

by Chef Alastair McLeod

These savoury breakfast or brunch Corn Fritters by Chef Alastair McLeod have the added goodness of fresh off the cob corn kernels. The easily-made Avocado Creme Fraiche takes them to an even higher level of deliciousness.

Raw Dark Chocolate

by Leanne Foreman

This chocolate recipe is so easy that I don’t bother buying the expensive version in the stores anymore.

Cocoa butter can be found in most whole foods stores, but keep your eye out, as I found mine in a Spanish and Italian Food grocery store.

If you like it sweeter you can increase the honey or maple syrup up to 1/2 cup.

For my last batch, I replaced the vanilla with a few drops of food grade pure peppermint essential oil. I would suggest you add a drop at a time until it suits your taste. Next time I am going to try sweet orange essential oil.

Gayle’s Green Breakfast Smoothie

by Gayle Lawrence

This smoothie recipe is courtesy of my friend and mentor, Gayle Lawrence. It is packed with all the nutrients needed for a good start to the day.

The Slippery Elm powder can be optional, however it is very healing for the gut so perhaps add a little at first then work your way up.

Fresh Pea Soup

by Leanne Foreman

This is a quicker, fresher version of the usual split pea soup. Once all the ingredients and utensils are gathered, it can be on the table in 20 minutes.

If you follow a Dairy-free, Vegan, or Paleo diet, use coconut yoghurt instead of dairy cream or yoghurt, or leave it out altogether.

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