Coconut Chia Pudding

I love chia seeds, and keep a large supply in the pantry to use in smoothies, baking and cooking. These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of goodness though, did you know?

They have an extremely high concentration of omega-3 acids—even more than salmon. One serving size includes 18 percent of recommended daily calcium and four grams of protein, and they are a great source of fiber and potassium—plus they’re low in cholesterol and sodium.

I recently came across a number of different recipes for a chia "pudding" and I've condensed them to a variation that I really like. This will make 2 generous servings, or 3 smaller ones and keeps well in the fridge for a few days. 

Ingredients:

1 cup light coconut milk (roughly a 270ml tin)
4 heaped tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Method:

Mix ingredients in a bowl and allow to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Enjoy with a selection of fresh fruit or berries, or as is. Yum!

Raw Apple and Strawberry Pie

Did I mention that Santa spoiled me rotten this Christmas? Well, he did! I was very, very fortunate to receive a Magimix food processor (in my favourite colour, red!) and I have been using it like crazy since lifting it out of its box.




I've been wanting to try this recipe ever since attending a raw cooking class about a year ago with Roar Food on the Gold Coast, but the apple slicing put me right off. Not anymore! I managed to slice 4 apples 2mm thick in about 3 seconds flat... happy days!

Isn't she a beauty?





Ingredients:

Crust:

1/2 cup almonds
1/4 macadamias (I used Brazil nuts)
1/4 walnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup dates

Raw syrup:

1/2 an orange
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 dates

Filling:

2 1/2 cups (about 3-4 apples) of peeled and thinly sliced apples
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

Mix the nuts and salt together, put into food processor and pulse until chunky. Set aside in a bowl.

Blend the dates separately. Spread the date paste on the bottom of the food processor bowl and place the ground nuts on top. Pulse until combined. Press the mixture into a pie tin using a spoon (I use my wet hands too, works quite well) and then place into the freezer to set.

To make the syrup, peel the orange and then blend this first. Add the to food processor the lemon juice and the dates and blend till smooth. Add more lemon if you prefer.

To make the filling, thinly slice the peeled apples and strawberries, then place in a bowl. Add the raw syrup, and the cinnamon, Use your hands to mix it all well, and ensure the apples and strawberries are evenly coated. Smooth over the pie base and put into the fridge for an hour or 2 - the lemon and orange help the apple to soften. Enjoy!

Spirulina - Nature's Superfood

Happy New Year! I hope that 2013 will be everything you dream it will be, and that you experience an abundance of happiness, zest for life, and love.

I have been wanting to mention spirulina for ages, and finally found the time. We've been using it for the past year or so, and the health benefits are remarkable. I like to add it to our green juice in the mornings, which turns it a deep, mossy green colour... beautiful!

 Spirulina contains an astounding array of nutrients, including chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, major minerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids, nucleic acids (RNS and DNA), polysaccharides, and a vast spectrum of antioxidants. 

It is an algae superfood that consists of 65 - 71 percent protein (the highest concentration of protein found in any food), and is a complete protein source. it contains all 8 essential amino acids, and 18 amino acids in total.

(Superfoods, by David Wolfe)


Wow! That's quite a rap for the humble, slightly fishy-smelling powder. Where it is harvested matters, so please try and source the best that your budget allows.

So do something amazing for your health and your body today, and invest in a good quality brand.